Business Planning
All businesses encounter situations that require legal counsel, no matter their size, type, or industry. While some of these legal needs are fundamental, such as the drafting of formation documents or the review of significant contractual issues, others are unexpected, like disagreements between owners and partners and changes to rules and regulations. Crepeau Mourges provides sophisticated legal advice to entrepreneurs and businesses with significant issues across many industries. We handle matters ranging from the simple to the complex and can advise on a transactional basis or act as outside counsel through the lifecycle of a business.
Business Formation: Start on the Right Path
For entrepreneurs looking to start a new business, we explain the critical issues and legal options. The attorneys at Crepeau Mourges have advised clients in the formation of a variety of legal entities, including:
- Corporations
- S-corporations
- Non-profit corporations
- General partnerships
- Joint ventures
- Limited liability partnerships (LLP)
- Limited liability companies (LLC)
- Sole proprietorships
Each of these structures has advantages and disadvantages. Some are more appropriate for certain types of industries and professions. Further, depending on the goals of those involved, each has different implications on issues such as the operation of the business, methods for making significant decisions, effecting changes in ownership, the taxation of the business and its owners, and personal liability of owners and operators. With the experienced and dedicated legal counsel of Crepeau Mourges on your side, you will get your business up and running smoothly, quickly, and effectively.
Business Operations: Well-Drafted Agreements Bolster Success
After formation of a business, situations arise where legal counsel cannot or should not be avoided. Any time a business enters into an agreement or contract with a customer, vendor, or business partner, an important legal relationship is formed. If executed correctly, these agreements will control and become a foundation for important long-term relationships. If not, these agreements can become a source of dispute and can lead to costly litigation. It is paramount that these agreements are properly drafted to accomplish your goals and to protect you in the event of future disputes or changes in business relations. Whether your business is faced with a lawsuit relating to a contract or seeks to vindicate its contractual rights, Crepeau Mourges has the experience to get the results you expect and deserve.
- Partnership agreements
- Operating agreements
- Corporate governance documents
- Employment agreements and handbooks
- Non-compete, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements
- Stock purchase agreements
- Shareholder agreements
- Buy-sell agreements
- Promissory notes and financing documents
- Service and consulting contracts
- Franchise agreements
- Assignment agreements
- Customer/sales contracts
- Business and asset sale agreements
- Business succession documentation
- License application and agreements
While proper drafting is important, an agreement is only effective if it can be enforced. Crepeau Mourges can protect your rights under these agreements. We are experienced in resolving contract disputes and litigating complex contractual issues. Whether your business is faced with lawsuit relating to a contract or seeks to vindicate its contractual rights, Crepeau Mourges has the experience to get the results you expect and deserve.
Business Regulation and Taxes: Understand and Minimize Your Exposure
Business owners know that tax planning is a key component for success. We frequently advise on and draft provisions in business agreements designed to minimize capital gains taxes, income taxes, employment taxes, sales, and use taxes, recordation and transfer taxes, and a variety of other federal, state, and local taxes imposed on the value of the business property and business transactions. Our advice is designed to avoid tax to the greatest extent possible, within the bounds of the applicable laws. We have assisted clients in preparing complex tax returns and disclosures designed to preserve these positions and minimize exposure to costly penalties. Where necessary, Crepeau Mourges will defend these positions in federal, state, and local tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service and other enforcement agencies – from audit to an administrative appeal, and, if necessary, in litigation.
Unlike other firms offering business and tax advice, Crepeau Mourges also has significant experience in tax planning, tax controversies, and government audits and investigations. This unique background allows us to communicate critical provisions of important business and legal documents and to explain, from a practical standpoint, how they can be enforced by the federal, state, and local enforcement authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor. After all, an expensive and complicated agreement designed to save significant taxes or fees is of little value if it cannot withstand scrutiny in an enforcement action. Highly regarded by others in the legal community, Crepeau Mourges has applied this knowledge in matters where we provide outside counsel, expert witness services, and litigation support services as well.
Need Business Advice? Call Crepeau Mourges Today!
If you face a challenging business situation or are planning for the future successes of your business, your first call should be to the advisors at Crepeau Mourges. Our clients rely on us to advise during the entire lifecycle of their business – from formation to dissolution. We are here to devise sound business plans, draft necessary documents, and implement strategies. We will work to enforce and maintain the integrity of your business decisions and agreements against private litigants or government authorities.
Contact the advisors at Crepeau Mourges today for a consultation. We proudly represent business owners in planning and enforcement matters in Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and Florida. Crepeau Mourges represents clients with matters before the Internal Revenue Service across the country and around the world.
