Kirkland Business Law Attorneys
At DC Legal, our business law attorneys are dedicated to providing tailored services to small businesses in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and the greater Seattle area. We are committed to both helping local businesses succeed and building lifelong relationships, and genuinely believe that each of our clients deserves the same quality of legal service that is available to big businesses.
We specialize in startups, as well as both established small and growing businesses, and offer business consulting services to help you: build your business plan; incorporate; develop tax strategy; brand your product; plan for growth; and find the services you need to sustain a profitable business. We take the time to meet with and understand your unique needs, and work directly with you to find solutions to the problems standing in the way of your business.
Our specialized Kirkland business law attorneys provide legal advice to guide you through entity selection and forming a company — and the maze of legal forms, leases and regulations specific to your industry. Each type of business structure in Washington State has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered closely. Together, we will review your goals and help you determine which of the following is most suitable for your business or organization:
Sole Proprietorship
One individual or married couple in business alone. Sole proprietorships are the most common form of business structure. This type of business is simple to form and operate, and may enjoy greater flexibility of management and fewer legal controls. However, the business owner is personally liable for all debts incurred by the business.
General Partnership
Composed of two or more persons (usually not a married couple) who agree to contribute money, labor, and/or skill to a business. Each partner shares the profits, losses, and management of the business, and each partner is personally and equally liable for debts of the partnership. Formal terms of the partnership are usually contained in a written partnership agreement.
Limited Partnership
Composed of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. The general partners manage the business and share fully in its profits and losses. Limited partners share in the profits of the business, but their losses are limited to the extent of their investment. Limited partners are usually not involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.
Limited Liability Partnership
Similar to a General Partnership except that normally a partner does not have personal liability for the negligence of another partner. This business structure is used most commonly by professionals such as accountants and lawyers.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC is formed by one or more individuals or entities through a special written agreement. The agreement details the organization of the LLC, including: provisions for management, assignability of interests, and distribution of profits or losses. Limited liability companies are permitted to engage in any lawful, for profit business or activity other than banking or insurance. Doing business as an LLC may yield tax or financial benefits.
Corporation
A legal entity which has certain rights, privileges, and liabilities beyond those of an individual. Doing business as a corporation may yield tax or financial benefits, but these can be offset by other considerations, such as decreased personal control. Corporations may be formed for profit or nonprofit purpose.
Nonprofit Corporation
A nonprofit corporation is a legal entity and is typically run to further some sort of idea or goal, rather than in the interests of profit. Many nonprofits serve the public interest, but some do engage in private sector activities. If your nonprofit organization is or plans to fundraise from the public, it may also be required to register with the Charities Program of the Washington Secretary of State.
From our convenient Kirkland location, we also negotiate, review, draft and revise the contracts and documents that Seattle small businesses need to get organized and operating smoothly. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Articles of Organization
- Asset Purchase Agreements
- Commercial Leases
- Corporate Bylaws
- Employment Contracts
- Intellectual Property Licenses and Agreements
- Non-compete Agreements
- Operating Agreements
- Partnership Agreements
- Purchases or Sales of Businesses
Business and Corporate Transactions
We draft documents and provide regulatory advice regarding the formation, organization, operation and sale of business entities including those outlined above. Our clients range from Mom & Pop restaurants and small retail establishments, to large coffee roasters and commercial real estate firms. We provide business documents and legal advice with personal attention, and welcome inquiries from potential clients in need of experienced, dedicated small business and corporate law counsel and representation.
In addition to forming business entities, we negotiate and draft organizational documents for a fixed fee. Additionally, we draft licensing, shareholder and partnership agreements, employment agreements, and related organizational documents that are personalized for your business needs.
Furthermore, we negotiate and draft letters of intent, asset purchase agreements, stock and unit purchase agreements, merger agreements, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements, and the related documentation related to buying or selling a business. We also perform due diligence investigations associated with business transactions.
Business Litigation
We work with you to find the most efficient and cost-effective means to resolve your dispute. Since the cost of litigation is prohibitive to most small Eastside- and Seattle-based business owners, we often suggest negotiation, mediation, or arbitration before the matter proceeds to litigation. We are committed to helping you find the solution that is in your best interest.
Our Kirkland business law attorneys counsel clients on a wide variety of commercial and business legal matters including the following:
- Breach of contract
- Partner and shareholder disputes
- Unfair competition and trade practices
- Non-compete and non-disclosure matters
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Collections
- Trademark disputes
- Copyright infringement
Furthermore, we are experienced in purchasing and selling businesses, including stock purchases, asset purchases, and commercial real estate.
Contact us to learn how our experienced business law attorneys can help you with your small business and corporate legal matters.