Sound legal guidance protects your company’s assets, clarifies management responsibilities, and creates enforceable contracts that support growth. Proactive planning for succession, tax considerations, and capital transactions can prevent costly disputes and ensure continuity. Having a trusted legal advisor helps owners assess risk, preserve value, and navigate regulatory obligations efficiently.
Documented governance frameworks reduce ambiguity in decision-making and clarify duties among owners and managers. This clarity minimizes internal disputes, streamlines approvals for strategic actions, and helps maintain continuity when leadership changes occur, protecting both operations and reputation.
Hatcher Legal offers hands-on legal services designed for entrepreneurs, family businesses, and regional companies. We combine transactional knowledge with litigation readiness, advising on governance, contracts, and risk management to preserve value and support operational goals.
When conflicts arise, we pursue resolution that preserves company value and operations, starting with negotiation and mediation when appropriate. If those efforts are unsuccessful, we prepare litigation strategies focused on achieving practical outcomes while managing costs and timelines.
Choosing the right entity depends on liability protection, tax treatment, management preferences, and investor expectations. Corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships each offer different governance structures and tax outcomes. A review of your business model, revenue projections, and ownership goals will guide the selection suited to your circumstances. Consultation with legal and tax advisors helps weigh trade-offs such as pass-through taxation versus corporate tax treatment, administrative burdens, and investor preferences. Implementing the chosen entity with clear governing documents and compliance steps establishes a strong foundation for growth and risk management.
Yes. An operating or shareholder agreement documents rights, responsibilities, and procedures that prevent misunderstandings among owners. These agreements address voting, transfers, dispute resolution, and financial obligations, thereby reducing the likelihood of costly conflicts and clarifying decision-making authority. Even small businesses benefit from written agreements, particularly when more than one owner is involved. These documents are living tools that should be updated as the business evolves, especially with new capital, changing ownership, or leadership transitions.
Due diligence in a purchase examines financial records, contracts, employee obligations, compliance history, and potential liabilities. The buyer assesses what it is acquiring and identifies contingencies or negotiated protections, such as indemnities, escrow arrangements, or price adjustments based on uncovered issues. Thorough due diligence reduces post-closing surprises and supports accurate valuation. Timing and scope depend on the transaction size and industry, with targeted reviews for specific risks like environmental liabilities, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance.
A buy-sell agreement should set out valuation methods, triggering events for transfers, funding mechanisms, and restrictions on transfers to third parties. It provides clarity on how ownership interests are bought or sold when an owner leaves, becomes incapacitated, or dies, enabling orderly succession and protecting remaining owners. The agreement can specify appraisal procedures, right of first refusal, or formulas for price determination, and should align with tax and estate planning considerations. Tailoring these terms to business realities helps ensure smooth transitions and preserves company value.
Limiting personal liability often starts with selecting the appropriate business entity, such as an LLC or corporation, and maintaining corporate formalities. Adequate insurance, clear separation of personal and business finances, and properly drafted contracts further reduce exposure to personal claims arising from business activities. Asset protection planning may also include retirement planning, trusts, and ownership structures that are consistent with legal and tax requirements. Careful planning with legal and financial advisors minimizes risks while keeping arrangements transparent and defensible under applicable law.
Restructuring ownership becomes advisable during expansion, changes in investor composition, succession planning, or to improve tax outcomes. Reorganization can optimize governance, attract investment, and clarify responsibilities among stakeholders, facilitating smoother decision-making and future transactions. Before restructuring, assess tax implications, creditor considerations, and contractual obligations. A deliberate plan that includes valuation, updated governance documents, and clear communication with stakeholders reduces disruption and aligns ownership with the company’s strategic direction.
When a partner breaches a contract, begin by reviewing the agreement to identify remedies, notice requirements, and dispute resolution steps. Early communication and demand for performance or remediation can resolve many issues without formal proceedings. Documenting the breach and mitigation efforts preserves options for later action if needed. If negotiation fails, consider mediation or arbitration if the contract requires or court action where appropriate. Legal counsel can evaluate potential damages, negotiate settlements, or pursue litigation to enforce rights while weighing business impacts and cost considerations.
Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, offers cost-effective ways to resolve conflicts while preserving business relationships. Mediation facilitates negotiated settlements with a neutral mediator, while arbitration provides a binding decision that can be faster and more private than court litigation. We encourage early engagement to explore these options and prepare clients for negotiation strategy, potential outcomes, and settlement terms. When ADR is appropriate, we work to protect contractual rights while seeking practical resolutions that minimize disruption to operations.
To sell a business you typically need organized financial statements, corporate formation documents, tax records, key contracts, employee agreements, and intellectual property documentation. Preparing due diligence materials in advance expedites the sale process and builds buyer confidence by demonstrating transparent operations. Proper documentation of customer relationships, supplier contracts, and corporate governance increases the likelihood of a smooth transaction. Counsel assists with drafting purchase agreements, negotiating terms, and addressing post-closing obligations such as indemnities or transition services.
Forming a company in Virginia can be completed relatively quickly, often within days for filing formation documents, but complete setup including operating agreements, tax registrations, and banking arrangements may take several weeks. Timing depends on the complexity of the business structure and how quickly required information is provided. Allow time for drafting tailored governing documents, making tax and licensing registrations, and establishing operational accounts and contracts. Planning these steps from the outset helps the business launch smoothly and remain compliant with applicable regulations.
