Business Law

The choice, structure, and operation of a business entity has a significant impact on the overall success of that venture. Businesses are constantly engaged in transactions with other businesses, employees, customers, and vendors. And while each transaction can be an opportunity for growth, it is also a potential liability. 

How a VT Business Law Attorney Can Help

As you develop and grow your business, it is critical to manage and protect it from serious risks. At Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick, our Vermont business law team represents and advises clients on all issues impacting corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint ventures. Some of the most common business law matters we handle include: 

• Choosing a business entity and structure
• Creation of chosen business structure 
• Asset protection and limitation of liability exposure
• Entity governance
• Drafting and reviewing management documents
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, and entity transactions
• Trademarks and copyright
• Reorganizations and restructuring
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Succession planning
• Dissolution and termination of a business entity
• Commercial and business litigation

We also assist represent business clients in leases, financings, intellectual property, and civil litigation. Contact a VT business attorney today for a confidential consultation and to learn more. 

Choosing a Business Structure

When you’re starting a new business, it is critical to pick the right legal structure for your company. Our Vermont business lawyers will advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of each structure as it pertains to your unique business. The various business structures are as follows: 

• Sole proprietorship
• C-corporation
• S-corporation
• Limited liability company (LLC)
• Partnership
• Joint venture
• Nonprofit corporation

Choosing the best structure will depend on the type of company, where it is located, whether you have partners, how you wish to raise capital, and how the entity will be taxed. Determining your chosen structure must be done even prior to registering your business, but don’t rush into it. Making a wise choice is critical to a positive outcome. The wrong business structure could have tax consequences and other unintended complications, now and in the future. 

Business Contracts

Contracts are the foundation of a sound business. A well-drafted contract can protect you from liability, establish your relationships with employees and vendors, and define the rights and obligations of shareholders. Common types of business contracts include: 

• Employment contracts
• Shareholder agreements
• Partnership agreements
• Buy-sell agreements
• Service contracts 
• Non-compete agreements

Our VT contracts attorneys will draft, review and negotiate contracts with your best interests in mind, every step of the way. When a contract is breached, we will work to resolve the matter, up to and including litigation. 

Contact Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick Today

At Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick, our VT business law attorneys strive to help you through every stage of the business lifecycle. Edward D. Fitzpatrick and Daniel P. O’Rourke lead our business law team, and they take pride in helping clients navigate all aspects of running a business, from initial setup and structuring, to operation, growth, acquisition, and succession. Contact Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick today to experience the experience of a large law firm and the individualized attention of a small boutique law firm.