Small business owners and solopreneurs are usually juggling a ton of issues. Often, business legal services, protections, and needs are put on the back burner until something comes up that requires immediate attention. I understand! As a solopreneur myself, I’ve also put some things aside until they've demanded my attention.

So, don’t let this page of possibilities overwhelm you. It’s just a list of the business legal services you may want to consider at some point.

If you’re a small business owner or a solopreneur and don’t see something on this list, please feel free to contact me to find out how I can help you with your particular needs.

Business Entity Formation and Maintenance

Many solopreneurs and small business owners start out as sole proprietors. Others, usually those who have a greater initial financial investment and are more sure of their business model, go for it and establish their business as a Limited Liability Company, a Single Member LLC, or an S-Corp right away.

Unfortunately, many of those who choose the more protective structure of an LLC or a corporation fail to properly set up their business entity and/or aren’t aware that such business structures need ongoing maintenance to remain legit and maintain the liability protections their business entity gives them. The ongoing actions are fairly simple when you know what they are; you just need to be aware of them and make sure you, or someone on your team, attends to them.

Here's how I can support you:

• Evaluation of which business structure is right for you (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, SMLLC, S-Corp);
• Advice on how to set-up your sole proprietorship, if this is the entity you choose;
• Formation of a new corporation, LLC, or SMLLC;
• Creating an operating agreement for your business structure;
• Preparing annual meeting minutes;
• LLC and S-Corp maintenance to ensure you keep your limited liability protection.

These business legal services will help you get the most out of your business structure no matter which you choose.

Federal Compliance for Websites and Email Lists

These days, it’s almost like you don’t have a “real” business unless you have a website. And for most solopreneurs and small business owners, it’s one more thing on a long list of “to do’s.”

Often, a lot of time and money is spent on how the website looks, and hopefully functions, but the legal aspects of a website are totally ignored. (I even see this missing piece on many lawyers’ websites!)

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have regulations that all business websites must follow. If the regulations aren’t followed, the website owner is in danger of having his or her website shut down, and all the hard work and money put into the website is lost. Even worse is when you lose your site after you’ve used it to build your brand.

The regulations aren’t too hard to follow when you know what they are. Here’s how I can help:

• Website review to ensure that your site complies with FTC and FCC regulations;
• CAN-SPAM Act compliance for your outgoing business emails;
• Development of website policies (e.g., Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, disclaimers, etc.);
• Website copyright protections and infringement issues;
• Compliance with federal advertising regulations;
• Compliance with contest laws.

These are basic and essential business legal services that can help grow your business, your brand, and keep you on track.

Agreement/Contract Creation and Review

Written contracts are a way to protect you, your business, AND your clients or customers. They set forth expectations, establish boundaries, lay out specifics, and help prevent future costly and uncomfortable problems.

I’ve observed that many solopreneurs and small business owners shy away from written contracts. They believe that contracts make their businesses seem too cold and impersonal. This is a belief I would like to challenge.

Most disagreements are due to not having a clear “meeting of the minds.” That is, they are due to misunderstandings and different interpretations of the “facts.”

The more clear you are with your clients and customers (and vendors) before you start the relationship, the greater chance there is of having fewer disagreements. It’s just like a personal relationship, but when there is money involved (or even bartering), it’s best to have your agreement in writing.

Not only do contracts help you grow and protect your business, but they also help to preserve your relationships with your clients/customers, and with your vendors by setting forth clear expectations.

Here's how I can help:

• Creation and/or review of your contract for services to your clients;
• Creation and/or review of joint venture agreements;
• Contract creation for independent contractors;
• Review of contracts you enter into when you receive services;
• Negotiation of agreement terms.

Written contracts are one of the best and easiest ways to grow and protect your business AND strengthen and preserve relationships.

Financial, Tax, and Insurance Issues

There are so many moving parts to running a successful business! The good news is that they can all fit together nicely and help reinforce and strengthen your business. The bad news is that one missing or malfunctioning piece can bring all or part of your business to a screeching halt. For example, if your business is an LLC or an S-Corp and you don’t properly keep your financial records, then you could lose the liability protections of your business entity.

Here’s how I can help:

• Advice on how to make the most of your business to reduce your taxes;
• Consultation with your CPA or bookkeeper (or you) to set up your bookkeeping system;
• Setting up your financial records to help reduce tax liability;
• Evaluation of insurance needs;
• Evaluation of license and permit needs.

Putting these larger issues into place sets a strong foundation, keeps you protected, and saves you money.

Comprehensive Business Legal Services Audit

Not sure if your business is legally protected or if you’re doing everything you could to grow and protect your business?

A Comprehensive Business Audit will give you peace of mind knowing exactly where your business stands and what further actions, if any, are required to get your small business on a solid foundation.

In this audit, we closely evaluate your legal, financial, tax, and insurance needs to ensure that you and your business are fully protected, and we come up with a game plan for any additional actions or business legal services that that should be taken to strengthen and protect your business..

Book Your Appointment Today

To better serve you, all Business Legal Services consultations are by appointment only. Call me directly at (510) 495-0445, or use my Contact page to get in touch with me.