Monthly Archives: August 2019

Dissolve an LLC in Florida

If you’re a business executive, you’ve probably debated whether you need a business lawyer. You shouldn’t wait until you’re hit with a lawsuit to consult with one.

An attorney can provide guidance on many aspects of business, from drafting contracts to showing you how to dissolve an LLC in Florida.

Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Business Attorney

The size of your business is a good indicator of whether an attorney’s services will be necessary. The bigger it grows, the more legal challenges you will face. A lawyer helps you navigate them while you focus on your core business.

A law firm’s size also determines how useful it will be to you. A bigger practice can handle your interests over a larger jurisdiction, ie. several states. It will also probably charge you more in legal fees. Often times, a smaller law practice can handle most of your business needs, provide you with more individualized attention, and will charge less in legal fees.

The other factor to consider is the attorney’s field of specialization. Although a business lawyer is already practicing in a niche market, the business world is still vast. Depending on your needs, there are lawyers who specialize in advising startups, drafting and disputing contracts, and mergers & acquisitions.

A lawyer also comes in handy if you’re looking to either form or dissolve an LLC in Florida.

Why Your LLC Needs Legal Guidance

Although attorneys usually charge a one-time flat fee for forming limited liability companies, you’ll probably need them for other services. These include:

• Amending a partnership or LLC operating agreement in regards to sharing profits and losses. These special allocations require the input of a lawyer who’s well versed in tax matters.
• Contributing property to an LLC.
• Making acquisitions which require complex regulatory approvals. A good example is a requirement to conform to environmental protection laws. These are capable of stalling your operations for years, or even preventing growth altogether.
• Handling threats of lawsuits from disgruntled employees, partners, and other stakeholders. Even though these might be baseless, the resources needed to tackle them might impact your bottom line negatively.

Experienced business attorneys try their best to avoid costly lawsuits. Unlike criminal lawyers who enjoy courtroom battles, they prefer to settle things before they snowball. Your business lawyer will readily represent you in a court of law, but only after exhausting more diplomatic options.

Understanding Attorney Fees

Attorney fees depend on the particular issue being addressed. While forming a company might attract a flat fee, it might cost you more to dissolve an LLC in Florida. You might also have to regularly consult your lawyer to clarify some confusing business regulations.

To better control expenses, it makes sense to understand how attorneys charge their fees. These methods include:

• Flat fees for one-off, routine matters such as drafting contracts.
• Hourly rates. Also known as per diem, you pay an amount your attorney feels is commensurate to the value time offered. Some charge per day for longer engagements.
• Monthly retainer. This makes sense if you regularly contact your attorney for legal advice. Instead of being billed per call, you’ll pay a fixed, convenient monthly fee.
• Contingent fee. This is applicable to complex issues such as lawsuits, mergers & acquisitions or any deal in which the stakes are high. The lawyer is guaranteed a cut of the proceeds, or out-of-pocket expenses if the intended result isn’t realized.

This fee ranges from 25% to 40%. It’s preferable because you have common interests, which motivate your business attorney to win.

These billing methods are not cast in stone. You may have to come up with a payment plan which suits your needs as a company. This is detailed in an agreement known as an engagement letter.

Do You Need a Professional Business Attorney in Jacksonville?

Our practice is known for its vast experience and expertise in business-related matters. Whether you’re looking to begin a fruitful partnership or dissolve an LLC in Florida, we’re best placed to guide you. Contact us today for more information on our full range of services.

Small Business Attorney Jacksonville Florida

When operating a small business, you may be focused on growth and improving your profits. Plus, operating your own business is very challenging and time consuming. Consequently, many business owners neglect retaining an attorney. But rather than viewing a small business attorney as unnecessary, you should consider them a valuable asset to your organization.

Lawyers help you negotiate contracts and resolve disputes. They also identify legal issues before you are sued by any affected parties. In my years representing small businesses, I have been fortunate to work with bright and talented business executives who can see the bigger picture when it comes to legal matters.

My goal is to represent property owners, large and small lenders, and businesses with daily operations. By understanding the importance of allowing an attorney to address legal issues properly, small business owners can channel resources towards growth and risk mitigation.

Why do small businesses need an attorney?

We understand the challenges that small business owners face. Resources may be limited, and owners might have limited knowledge of the market and legal guidelines. A small business attorney is a valuable resource you can rely on when in need of legal advice. These lawyers help you deal with contract matter, entity legal requirements, and property issues.

As your business continues to grow and accumulate assets, you’ll need to have the right mechanisms in place to establish ownership, transfer processes, and sales. The elements of small business law can become complicated very quickly. This is why having a professional by your side is the best way of protecting your business.

Depending on the operations of your company, you may also need an industry-specific lawyer. Some attorneys specialize in copyright issues, employment law, sexual harassment, and wage disputes. As you continue to hire more staff that will help your business grow, you’ll also have to protect your company against any violations against employees. Small business attorneys can help you protect the organization from costly lawsuits by providing legal guidance ahead of time.    

I have been guiding small businesses in setting up their operations and avoiding costly lawsuits. I also recognize the focus that entrepreneurs have on their companies, and that’s why having a small business attorney such as myself on their side is a valuable service.

When to Hire a small business attorney

As important as it is to have a small business attorney by your side, when is the right time to hire these professionals for your organization? This can be a difficult decision to make, as small corporations typically undergo turbulent times during their early years. The mistake that most business owners make is to hire small business attorneys only when facing a lawsuit. Remember that lawyers can guide you in many other aspects of your daily operations.

You should consider hiring an attorney during any of the following situations:

• When preparing a business plan
• Identifying and trademarking your business name
• Setting up tax forms and identifying tax obligations
• Developing criteria for hiring employees
• Handling audits
• Preparing contracts with sellers and customers

You may be wondering why it’s necessary to seek legal counsel during these seemingly routine processes. Being proactive is the best approach to take because you’ll avoid making common mistakes that often result in fines, lawsuits, and even losses.

Every small business needs a qualified, experienced, and passionate small business attorney by their side. With many years of experience and expertise, John can help your company navigate toady’s complex legal environment and ultimately become profitable. Need legal guidance for your business? Contact us today.