what kind of attorney specializes in small business and llc

by Marjory Kirlin 4 min read

The 6 Different Types of Lawyers For Small Business Owners
  • General Business Lawyer.
  • Employment and Labor Lawyer.
  • M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) Lawyer.
  • Tax Lawyer.
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer.
  • Contract Lawyer.
May 19, 2021

What is the best law firm for small business owners?

Small business financing can take on many forms, and is largely influenced by the type of business being started. According to statistics provided in 2018 by the Office of Advocacy for the United State Small Business Administration, personal and family savings account for the most common source of financing for small businesses.

Do I need a lawyer for my Small Business?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity. A variety of business entities, or forms, exist in the United States. Other examples of business entities include partnerships, and corporations. Under the law, if someone files a lawsuit against a corporation, and the suit is successful, the corporation pays money out of the corporation ...

What does a lawyer specialize in?

Associates, LLC’s small business government contracting practice has gained the reputation of being a go-to law firm when it comes to federal small business programs and rules. Our small business lawyers represent federal contractors in all states. Our goal is to minimize the impact of adverse agency action while avoiding costly legal mistakes.

Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?

An LLC is a distinct corporate entity with the ability to use its own a tax identification number, open a bank account and do business under its own name. The LLC operates as a type of hybrid of a corporation and a partnership. Like a corporation, an LLC limits the legal liabilities of the owners, called "members."

What role does an attorney play in helping to form businesses?

The attorney can then represent the entity going forward with respect to the business issues. These can include employment law issues, wage and hour issues, contract and leasing issues and business contracts with vendors and suppliers.

What is a company lawyer called?

Litigators can also be corporate attorneys, as they are lawyers who represent corporations, either bringing a suit against an identity or defending the corporation if it is being sued. Corporate lawyers are typically found in large law firms, with seasoned experts working as an in-house counsel.Jul 12, 2018

What is the difference between commercial law and business law?

The difference between commercial law and business law is that the former specifically governs how corporations are administered and managed, while the latter comprises different practice areas associated with business; such as employment, tax, contract, and transaction law.

What is the highest position in a law firm?

The managing partner or shareholder is at the top of a law firm's hierarchy. As the senior-level lawyer of the firm, job duties include managing the day-to-day operations of the firm.

Why are small businesses so popular?

Because of their relative ease of operation, and certain tax deductions being made available , small businesses are becoming more popular. Some other examples of why small businesses are gaining popularity include, but are not limited to: Starting incentives, such as financing options.

What is a small business?

What constitutes a small business can vary greatly. In general, a small business is privately owned and operated with less than five hundred employees. They may also be defined by a relatively low volume of sales. Small business standards in the United States vary by state, as well as by industry. Because of their relative ease ...

How many employees are needed to start a small business?

For manufacturing industries, small businesses are to employ less than five hundred employees; for non-manufacturing industries, the criteria is typically less than $7 million in annual income.

What is financial independence?

Financial independence; and/or. Starting incentives, such as financing options. Small businesses typically take the form of a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Another commonly used term is “ startup .”.

What to keep in mind when starting a small business?

Some examples include but may not be limited to: Research: It is imperative to do your research before starting a small business. This could include things like researching your competition and finding the best suppliers for materials.

What is the most common form of business?

The most common form is an “ LLC ,” or limited liability company. The state in which you wish to form your business may also dictate what form that business takes, as well as tax incentives and implications associated with particular forms; and.

What is the best way to grow a business?

Teams and Marketing: You should identify those who will be able to get your business started. This is your team, and they will help you grow your business if you cannot do it alone. Related to your team is your marketing strategy. Solid marketing is what will help your business grow and expand.

How to create an LLC?

Forming an LLC requires following a series of steps. These include: 1 Determining who will be members of the LLC. 2 Creating a unique business name. 3 Filing the articles of organization. These documents are usually filed with your state’s Secretary of State. 4 Filing an operating agreement, if required by state law.

What is an LLC?

What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity. A variety of business entities, or forms, exist in the United States. Other examples of business entities include partnerships, and corporations.

Do LLCs pay taxes?

In addition, LLCs, like partnerships, are not taxed at the “entity level.”. This means that unlike corporations, they do not pay taxes as an LLC. The only taxes paid are paid by individual members who have earned profit. There are downsides to organizing as an LLC.

What is a partnership liable for?

Partners in a partnership are personally liable for debts incurred by the partnership. These debts include debts incurred by another partner. This means that if a partnership owes money to a creditor, the creditor can “come after” the individuals’ own individual real and personal property to satisfy the debt.

Is LLC income taxed?

Unlike corporations income, LLC income is only taxed once. In other words, the income “passes through” the LLC, and is only taxed at the individual member level. Partnerships, sole proprietorships, and limited partnerships, also have this tax structure. Limited liability companies differ from corporations in terms of ownership structure.

What is LLC in business?

Forming a LLC protects individual assets, limiting liability to the LLC’s own resources. By forming an LLC, a small business owner, if sued, will not have to pay out of personal assets. Individuals who are interested in forming a business with minimal paperwork and costs should also consider forming an LLC.

Can an LLC be sued for negligence?

While the LLC form protects members’ personal assets from a lawsuit, the situation is different if the lawsuit involves a claim of LLC member negligence. If a court determines an LLC member has acted negligently, the member can be individually liable for that negligence.

Government Contract Small Business Attorney Services

With over 30 years of experience, SBA attorneys and small business government contract lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC frequently help with businesses nationwide with federal DOD contracts and the legal issues that come with them. See our practice areas.

Small Business Fraud Investigations

Our government small business fraud lawyers have accomplished favorable results from clients in various industries. Recently, companies are being overwhelmed with procurement fraud investigations and criminal indictments due to alleged violations of government contract laws.

SBA Compliance Lawyers

Whether your company is part of an SDVOSB investigation, SBA 8a investigation, HUBZone fraud or some other case involving government contracts and procurement, our government contract small business attorneys can help.

Small Business Lawyers for Government Contract Claims & Appeals

When contractors face problems with government contract claims, we also provide legal services from the claims submission stage all the way to appealing the contracting officer’s final decision to the ASBCA, CBCA or U.S Court of Federal Claims in Washington DC.

Small Business Size Protests & SBA Attorneys

Our government contract attorneys in DC and Denver, CO often represent government contractors when there are size standards protest disputes under the Ostensible Subcontractor Rule or the SBA has issued an adverse size determination decision.

Call Our Government Contracts Small Business Lawyers

If you are looking to advance in the federal marketplace and need an SBA small business contract attorney and procurement lawyer specializing in government contracts law, call Watson & Associates, LLC for a free initial consultation.

What are the advantages of LLC?

The following are the three most important to most small business owners: No Double Taxation. Since profits are not taxed at the company level, profits disbursed to members are not taxed twice. Less Paperwork.

Is LLC a good option for a small business?

Forming your business as an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, allows you to do this quickly and flexibly, while minimizing your tax burden. When you are ready to formally separate your business and personal assets, but don’t intend to go public or take on outside investment, an LLC can be a great option. Weighing the pros and cons of an any business structure is critical, which is why discussing your options with an experienced corporate lawyer in the Priori network can help you make the optimal, best-informed decision.

What is LLC in business?

An LLC is a distinct corporate entity with the ability to use its own a tax identification number, open a bank account and do business under its own name. The LLC operates as a type of hybrid of a corporation and a partnership. Like a corporation, an LLC limits the legal liabilities of the owners, called "members.".

Is LLC a pass through entity?

Like a partnership, the LLC is a pass-though entity for tax purposes, which means that individual members are taxed only once on any profits to the LLC, as a form of personal income (unless they elect otherwise in the Operating Agreement).

What is an operating agreement for LLC?

An LLC is governed by an operating agreement that details member responsibilities, operating procedures, governance, and any other business and legal frameworks needed. LLCs are offered a lot of flexibility in terms of structure, which means that the operating agreement is vitally important. In an operating agreement, you can select tax structure, member rights, and really just about any facet of your business to fit the needs of your business. Unlike bylaws for a corporation, in most states, an operating agreement is optional (though adviseable) for an LLC. Many single-member LLCs operate without an operating agreement.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

Do doctors make mistakes?

Doctors do occasionally make mistakes, and if you’re facing the consequences of a medical mistake such as a medical misdiagnosis or inaccurate treatment, a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice issues can be particular helpful.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What is general practice law?

Unlike lawyers who specialize in a particular area of law, a general practice lawyer has a practice that handles a wide range of legal issues. Different general practice attorneys will have different areas of law with which they are most comfortable, so if you consult with a general practice lawyer, it’s always prudent to discuss his or her experience in handling the type of legal issue you’re facing.

How to be a tax professional?

Who Can Be a Tax Professional? 1 A tax attorney: Look for an attorney who specializes in business taxes, not just personal taxes. A general attorney is probably not going to have the current knowledge of business taxes to be able to give you good advice. 2 A certified public accountant (CPA): Find a CPA who is licensed to practice accounting in your state and who has expertise in business taxes. An "accountant" is not a CPA, by the way. 3 An enrolled agent: This is a tax professional who has qualified to prepare taxes and represent taxpayers before the IRS. An enrolled agent cannot represent taxpayers before a tax court.

What is tax advisor?

A tax advisor is a financial expert with training in tax laws. A tax professional should be up to date on current tax regulations, which change every year. Tax advisors are regulated by the IRS, which also determines the types of professionals who may practice before the IRS.

Who is Jean Murray?

Jean Murray, MBA, Ph.D., is an experienced business writer and teacher. She has written for The Balance on U.S. business law and taxes since 2008. Business tax season is a year-round responsibility for business owners. Now is a good time to find a tax professional and start planning your business taxes for the upcoming tax season.

What is a loss on Schedule C?

For example, a loss on your small business taxes (through Schedule C) can be applied to your personal tax bill to lower your overall taxes. And lower business income means lower self-employment taxes, which you must pay personally along with income taxes.

What is an enrolled agent?

An enrolled agent: This is a tax professional who has qualified to prepare taxes and represent taxpayers before the IRS. An enrolled agent cannot represent taxpayers before a tax court. Before you hire a tax professional, read about the mistakes to avoid when hiring a business tax preparer.

How to find a tax professional?

Get several names of tax pros. Some good ways to find tax professionals include: 1 Personal referrals. Ask friends, family, your attorney or banker, or business associates for recommendations. 2 Advertising. Look in trade journals, directories, phone books, and newspapers. 3 Professional associations and referral panels. Check local bar associations and CPA societies. Or find a CPA online at www.cpadirectory.com. The National Association of Enrolled Agents ( www.naea.org) can assist you in locating an EA. Don't construe a referral from one of these agencies or associations as a recommendation or certification of competence.

What is an EA tax preparer?

Make sure your tax preparer is one of the following: Enrolled agent (EA). An EA is licensed by the IRS. The EA has either passed a difficult test or has at least five years of experience working for the IRS. Enrolled agents are the least expensive of the tax pros and often offer bookkeeping and accounting assistance.

What is an enrolled agent?

Enrolled agents are the least expensive of the tax pros and often offer bookkeeping and accounting assistance. Certified public accountant (CPA) and other accountants. CPAs are licensed and regulated by each state. They perform sophisticated accounting and business-related tax work and prepare tax returns.