1. Limit your liability to your investment in your company by incorporating your business or organizing it as a limited liability company.
2. Disclose everything to your attorney about your proposed business venture and past business experiences, both positive and negative.
3. Discuss with your attorney the advantages and disadvantages of the various forms of business entities.
4. Discuss with your attorney the “corporate formalities” to which you must adhere in order to preserve the limited liability afforded to you by virtue of having incorporated your business.
5. Discuss with your attorney the need for a detailed written buy-sell agreement with your business partners.
6. Discuss with your attorney the need for a written employee handbook and written employment agreements containing confidentiality and non-competition obligations if necessary.
7. Apply for a federal tax identification number for your business.
8. Meet with a tax professional and budget for taxes.
9. Invest in technology.
10. Prepare a detailed written business plan.
11. Buy insurance to protect yourself and your business.
12. Setting up a business is complicated, and a business law attorney can assist you in making and implementing the right decisions.

If you are a business owner, it is crucial that your contracts clearly identify your rights and responsibilities before you begin performance on the contract. A well drafted agreement can avoid conflicts and litigation if a problem should arise.

Our job is to protect your rights and interests by drafting clear contracts that avoid uncertainty and costly conflicts.

Some of the contracts that we regularly prepare or review are as follows:

• Independent Contractor Agreements
• Joint Venture Agreements, partnership agreements
• Buy/sell agreements
• Promissory Notes and Security Agreements
• Employment Contracts
• Sales Contracts

We are dedicated to helping our clients succeed. If you have a small to medium sized business or you would like more information about your business contracts, please contact our office.

Starting a business requires thoughtful planning, proper documentation and a drive to succeed.

Elissa S. Vessal, Esquire creates new corporations and limited liability companies, prepares and tailors shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, and limited liability agreements to the specific needs of the Client.

Registering a business in Florida may require an entity to register not only at the State level but also with the local county government. Corporate entities are usually required to register with the Division of Corporations, while many professions are required to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. County occupational licenses are usually obtained from the local county government.

For a one-time fixed fee, Elissa S. Vessal, Esquire, PA will properly and quickly form the entity, including ensuring proper filing as well as preparation of the minute book and all necessary corporate documents, and obtaining the corporate seal. We can also prepare the forms necessary to obtain the federal employer identification number and the s-election from the Internal Revenue Service.

State Attorneys General offices have been increasingly active in investigations, litigation, and prosecution against, insurance companies, mortgage companies, real property modification companies, title companies and real estate agents. Our office has regularly advised clients on dealing with State Attorney General’s office.

We are proactive and attempt to resolve investigations before they result in actual litigation. We have experience in entering into Assurance of Voluntary Compliance agreements with the Florida Attorney General’s office. When necessary, we are prepared to defend your business in litigation.