Effective business and corporate legal services protect owners, strengthen operations, and enable strategic growth. Well-drafted agreements and governance documents reduce internal conflict and litigation risk, compliant formation secures limited liability protections, and thoughtful transaction support preserves value during sales, acquisitions, or reorganizations while keeping regulatory obligations in view.
Consistent attention to governance strengthens internal controls, clarifies decision-making authority, and reduces potential conflicts among owners. This proactive posture lowers the chance of costly disputes and supports compliance with corporate formalities required to maintain liability protections.
Hatcher Legal provides hands-on commercial counsel that aligns legal work with business objectives. We prioritize clear communication, prompt responsiveness, and collaborative planning with accountants and advisors to craft agreements and strategies that support sustainable operations and value preservation.
When disputes arise we pursue resolution through negotiation and mediation where appropriate, and provide litigation representation when necessary. Our goal is to protect company assets and reputation while seeking efficient resolutions that preserve business continuity.
Consider forming an LLC or corporation when your business exposes you to third-party liability, when you seek outside investment, or when tax planning and ownership structuring are priorities. Entity formation can help separate personal assets from business risks and provides a formal structure for decision making and investor relations. Choose an entity based on tax implications, management needs, and regulatory requirements. An attorney can explain differences in liability protection, reporting obligations, and governance documents to help you select the structure that aligns with your operational goals and future plans.
Operating and shareholder agreements should define ownership percentages, capital contributions, management roles, voting rights, and procedures for major decisions. Include transfer restrictions, buy-sell provisions, dispute resolution methods, and mechanisms for valuation and buyouts to reduce uncertainty when transitions occur. Also address deadlock resolution, compensation policies, confidentiality, and non-competition considerations where appropriate. Tailored agreements reduce ambiguity among owners and provide predictable frameworks for handling conflicts, new investments, or changes in control.
Preparing a business for sale begins with organized financial records, clear contracts, and remediation of outstanding legal or regulatory issues. Conduct internal due diligence to identify liabilities, update governance documents, and resolve disputes that could impede a sale or reduce value. Engage counsel early to structure the transaction, prepare sale documentation, and coordinate tax planning. Proper preparation improves buyer confidence, shortens due diligence timelines, and positions the seller to negotiate stronger terms and closing protections.
Shareholder disputes often arise from unclear governance, unequal contributions, or disagreements over management and strategic direction. Typical resolutions include negotiation, mediation, buyouts under preexisting agreements, or pursuing remedies through litigation when necessary. Preventive measures, such as clear shareholder agreements and regular governance reviews, reduce the likelihood of disputes. When conflicts occur, structured negotiation and mediation can preserve business relationships while achieving practical settlements without protracted court battles.
Protecting personal assets begins with forming and maintaining an appropriate business entity, observing corporate formalities, and keeping personal and business finances separate. Adequate insurance and properly documented transactions further reduce exposure to personal liability for business obligations. Additionally, avoid personal guarantees when possible and address indemnification provisions in contracts. Counsel can recommend entity structure adjustments, insurance levels, and operational controls to reinforce liability protection consistent with your business model.
Due diligence in a transaction involves reviewing financial statements, contracts, leases, employment matters, intellectual property, compliance history, and litigation exposure. The goal is to identify risks, quantify liabilities, and confirm representations so the parties can negotiate appropriate protections and pricing adjustments. A thorough due diligence process allows buyers and sellers to allocate risk through warranties, indemnities, escrows, or purchase price adjustments. Counsel coordinates the review and recommends contractual protections tailored to identified issues and transaction objectives.
Mediation is often preferable when parties want to preserve business relationships, control outcomes, and avoid the expense and unpredictability of court. It is effective for disputes where monetary recovery or negotiated restructuring can resolve underlying issues and both sides are willing to engage in facilitated settlement. Litigation becomes necessary when mediation fails or when immediate court orders are required to protect assets or enforce rights. Counsel can assess the dispute to recommend the most efficient pathway for resolution based on risk tolerance and business impact.
A buy-sell agreement sets predetermined terms for transferring ownership interests when triggering events occur, such as death, disability, or voluntary sale. It typically addresses valuation methods, funding sources, and timing to provide a clear roadmap for ownership transitions and prevent disputes during emotionally charged events. Buy-sell provisions ensure continuity by providing liquidity mechanisms and defining who may purchase interests. Well-crafted agreements reduce uncertainty, protect remaining owners, and preserve business value through predictable transfer processes.
Maintaining limited liability protection requires observing corporate formalities, such as holding meetings, keeping accurate records, and clearly documenting major transactions. Avoid commingling personal and business funds, and ensure contracts and loans are properly authorized by the entity rather than by individuals. Regular governance reviews and timely filings help uphold liability shields. When ownership or operations change, update organizational documents and consult counsel to confirm compliance with statutory requirements that protect owners from personal exposure.
Family-owned businesses should begin succession planning by identifying likely successors and defining leadership and ownership transition mechanisms. Create agreements addressing valuation, buyout funding, and role expectations to reduce conflict and ensure operations continue smoothly during leadership changes. Integrate succession planning with estate and tax planning to address wealth transfer and liquidity needs. Early legal and financial planning helps families implement orderly transitions that preserve business continuity and family relationships.
