Sound corporate legal services provide critical protections through well-drafted governance documents, shareholder and operating agreements, and compliance systems that limit personal liability and clarify decision making. Effective counsel supports strategic deals, minimizes regulatory risk, and helps preserve enterprise value during ownership transitions and commercial challenges.
Comprehensive legal planning enhances risk management by aligning contracts, governance documents, and compliance programs to anticipated business needs. This predictability safeguards operations, clarifies authority, and reduces surprises during financing, sale, or succession, helping leadership make informed decisions.
Hatcher Legal provides coordinated counsel across corporate, estate, and commercial matters to address both business and personal planning needs. Our approach emphasizes tailored agreements, pragmatic advice, and responsiveness to client goals, helping business owners manage risk and execute transactions confidently.
We provide periodic reviews of governance documents, assist with annual filings, and help implement compliance policies. Regular oversight reduces legal exposure and keeps the business prepared for financing, sale, or succession without last minute surprises.
Choosing the right entity depends on ownership structure, tax considerations, liability exposure, and long term goals. We evaluate whether an LLC, S corporation, or C corporation best aligns with your plans and advise on formation and required filings to protect owners and support financing strategies. Factors such as investor expectations, desired management flexibility, and potential exit strategies influence the recommendation. Coordinating entity choice with tax advisors ensures the structure supports both operational needs and personal tax planning.
Separating personal and business assets, maintaining proper corporate formalities, and choosing the appropriate entity are key steps to limit personal liability. Adequate insurance, clear contracts, and documented governance further protect owners. Additionally, appropriate capitalization and fair dealing between owners reduce risks of piercing the corporate veil. For asset preservation, integrating business succession planning with personal estate planning and trusts can create additional protections and liquidity mechanisms to address obligations and transfer ownership smoothly.
A shareholder agreement typically covers transfer restrictions, voting arrangements, buy-sell mechanisms, dispute resolution processes, and roles for management and board decision making. Including valuation methods for transfers and procedures for handling deadlock reduces uncertainty. Tailoring provisions to the company’s unique needs helps protect minority and majority interests and clarifies expectations for contributions, distributions, and exit events. Regularly reviewing the agreement ensures it remains aligned with evolving ownership, capital structure, and business objectives.
A buy-sell agreement should be in place before ownership transitions are imminent, ideally at formation or when new investors come on board. It provides procedures for triggering transfers, valuation methods, and funding mechanisms to facilitate smooth transitions on death, disability, or voluntary exit. Having these provisions early prevents disputes and ensures continuity by establishing predictable paths for ownership changes. Coordination with estate documents and liquidity planning supports effective implementation when a transfer event occurs.
Due diligence in M&A involves review of financial records, material contracts, intellectual property, employment arrangements, pending litigation, and regulatory compliance. The process identifies liabilities and informs negotiation of representations, warranties, and indemnities. Sellers prepare disclosure schedules and remediate issues when possible to improve deal terms. Buyers use findings to structure price adjustments, escrow terms, or post-closing covenants that balance risk allocation and protect their investment after closing.
Yes, we assist in resolving partner disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary. Early intervention often preserves relationships and business value, while clear documentation and governance provisions provide bases for resolution. If litigation becomes necessary, careful case preparation and strategic negotiation can lead to favorable settlements that protect operations and financial interests without prolonged disruption.
When outside investors join, governance documents should address voting rights, board composition, information rights, protective provisions, and exit expectations. Clear investor agreements and capitalization tables prevent confusion and align incentives for growth. We help structure investor protections while preserving operational flexibility for management and founding owners, ensuring governance supports both fundraising goals and day to day decision making.
Selling a business involves valuation, preparatory due diligence, negotiation of sale terms, drafting purchase agreements, and coordinating closing logistics. Preparing financials, contracts, and corporate records ahead of marketing the business enhances buyer confidence and expedites transactions. Post-closing issues such as transition services, escrow releases, and tax reporting also require attention to ensure a successful transfer and minimize post-sale disputes.
Succession planning coordinates ownership transfer mechanisms with estate documents to ensure business continuity and address tax and liquidity concerns. Using buy-sell agreements, trusts, and wills together helps manage how interests pass on death or incapacity. Aligning these plans ahead of time provides predictability, reduces probate friction, and creates funding strategies that support heirs and maintain ongoing operations.
Maintain up to date formation documents, ownership ledgers, bylaws or operating agreements, material contracts, tax filings, employee agreements, and financial records. Organized records streamline due diligence, support compliance, and establish credibility with investors or buyers. Implementing retention policies, document management systems, and regular reviews ensures records remain accurate and accessible for audits or transaction processes.
