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Business Attorney in Rochester, NY for Small and Growing Businesses
Whether you are starting a business, buying or selling a company, negotiating an agreement, planning for future growth, or facing an important business decision, having experienced legal guidance can help protect both your business and your investment.
Ronald J. Axelrod & Associates provides business law services for entrepreneurs, business owners, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, and other privately held businesses throughout the Rochester, NY area. With more than four decades of legal and business experience, Ronald J. Axelrod offers practical legal counsel based not only on years of representing businesses, but also on his own experience as a business owner.
A business attorney helps business owners understand their legal responsibilities, reduce risk, establish properly structured businesses, prepare and review agreements, complete business transactions, and address legal issues that arise as a company grows or changes. At Ronald J. Axelrod & Associates, our Rochester business law services include:
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Business formation and entity selection
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LLC and corporation formation
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Partnership and ownership agreements
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Business contracts and agreements
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General business legal advice
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Buying and selling businesses
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Business succession planning
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Financing guidance
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Business planning and growth strategies
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Small business counseling
Our goal is to help clients make informed business decisions while identifying legal problems before they become costly disputes.
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Legal Services for Rochester, NY's Small Businesses
Every business faces different legal needs depending upon its size, ownership structure, industry, employees, financing, and long-term goals.
Our small business law firm can advise clients on matters such as:
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Choosing the appropriate business entity
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Preparing organizational and ownership documents
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Reviewing and negotiating contracts
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Establishing agreements between business owners
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Evaluating legal risks
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Planning for business growth
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Preparing for ownership transitions
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Developing business succession strategies
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Addressing financing and lending issues
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Coordinating with accountants, financial advisors, lenders, and other professionals
We take the time to understand how your business operates and what you are trying to accomplish before recommending a legal strategy.
Starting a Business in Rochester, NY
Starting a business involves more than choosing a name and filing paperwork. The decisions made at the beginning can affect personal liability, taxes, ownership rights, financing, management responsibilities, and what happens if an owner eventually leaves or sells the company.
A business formation lawyer can help you determine which structure is appropriate for your circumstances and prepare the documents needed to properly establish the business. Depending on the company, important questions to consider may include:
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What type of business will you operate?
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Who will own the business?
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Will there be partners, investors, or multiple members?
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How will profits and losses be divided?
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Who will have authority to make decisions?
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Will the company have employees?
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Will the business collect New York sales tax?
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Does the business require professional or industry licensing?
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Will outside financing be needed?
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Are you purchasing a franchise or an existing company?
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What happens if an owner retires, becomes disabled, dies, or wants to leave the business?
Addressing these issues early can help prevent disagreements and expensive legal problems later.
What are Common Types of Business Entities?
We can assist clients in forming and structuring businesses including:
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Sole proprietorships and DBAs
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General partnerships
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Limited liability companies (LLCs)
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Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
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Limited partnerships
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Corporations
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Professional corporations
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Not-for-profit corporations
The appropriate business structure depends upon the owners, the nature of the business, liability concerns, tax considerations, and long-term goals.
Business Contracts and Agreements
Well-written agreements are one of the most important tools a business owner can use to reduce uncertainty and prevent disputes.
Business contracts should clearly explain each party's rights, obligations, financial responsibilities, and expectations. Agreements between owners should also address what happens when circumstances change.
Our Rochester business attorneys can assist with the preparation, review, and negotiation of business agreements and other legal documents designed around the specific needs of the company.
Having an attorney review an agreement before it is signed can often be far less expensive than resolving a dispute after problems arise.
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Buying a Business
When representing a buyer, we help determine exactly what is being purchased and identify legal issues that should be addressed before closing. This can include reviewing business assets, contractual obligations, financing arrangements, liens, and other matters that could affect the transaction.
Selling a Business
When representing a seller, we can help structure and negotiate the transaction, prepare or review the purchase agreement, address outstanding obligations, and work toward a closing that protects the seller's interests and helps ensure payment of the agreed purchase price.
Our firm also has experience working with local lenders and understanding financing considerations that may arise in connection with Small Business Administration (SBA) and other business financing programs. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Buying or Selling a Business in Rochester, NY
Buying or selling a business is a major financial transaction that requires careful legal review.
Business Succession Planning
A successful business owner should also consider what will eventually happen to the company.
Business succession planning can address questions such as:
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Who will own or operate the company in the future?
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Will the business be transferred to family members, employees, or another owner?
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Will an ownership interest be sold?
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What happens if an owner dies or becomes disabled?
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How will the value of the business be determined?
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How can ownership disputes be minimized?
Developing a succession plan before it is needed can help protect the business, its owners, employees, and family members. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Why Work with Ronald J. Axelrod & Associates?
Business owners often prefer working with a smaller law firm because they want personal attention and direct access to the attorney advising them. Ronald J. Axelrod & Associates combines the personalized service of a small Rochester law firm with more than four decades of business-law experience.
Rather than offering the same solution to every client, we take time to understand the business, identify the client's goals, explain available options, and recommend practical legal strategies.
Whether you are forming your first company, growing an established business, buying or selling a business, or preparing for the next generation of ownership, we can help you understand your legal options and move forward with greater confidence.
Speak with a Business Attorney in Rochester, NY
If you are looking for an experienced business attorney or small business lawyer in Rochester, NY, contact Ronald J. Axelrod & Associates to discuss your business and the legal issues you are facing.
Call 585-203-1020 or contact our office to schedule a consultation.