Business formation, contacts, acquisitions and sales and disputes are just a few instances where our Winston-Salem business and corporate attorneys can provide you with sound legal counsel.
Annually, nearly 40,000 businesses are incorporated in North Carolina, helping fuel local economies.
Online tools make it easy to download generic contracts or form a business, but without an attorney, you may overlook:
- Issues in contract templates
- Liability and tax concerns
- Tax planning strategies
- Other legal risks you face
Working with an attorney gives business owners assurance that they’re making smart business decisions and reducing legal risks, so they can focus on what’s most important: growing their company.
We work closely with you as an extension of your team to offer sound legal counsel on all aspects of business.
Schedule a consultation to better understand how we can help your business avoid legal risks and concerns.
Case Illustration
Alex and Jordan own an accounting firm in downtown Winston-Salem, which has been running well for years. However, this year’s initial growth was slower than normal, and tensions started to rise.
Disagreements started occurring, and Alex proposed that they add a new partner and expand their firm.
Jordan argues that the partnership agreement doesn’t allow for a new partner. He even threatens to leave the firm. Upon review, Alex realizes that the agreement did lack any mention of:
- Adding partners
- What happens if a partner leaves the firm
- How liabilities or profits are handled upon Jordan leaving
Working with Winston-Salem business and corporate attorneys will allow both partners to understand their legal rights, negotiate a new agreement, and structure a plan to add a new partner.
Types of Business We Serve
At NC Planning, we work with a wide range of businesses, especially those operating as professional corporations. A few of the types of companies we work with are:
- Architects
- Attorneys-at-Law
- Public Accountants
- Medical Doctors
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Osteopaths
- Chiropractors
- Registered Nurses
- Veterinarians
- Podiatrists
- Psychologists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Audiologists
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Professional businesses must adhere to North Carolina’s Professional Corporation Act, which aims to provide requirements for all professional businesses. The Act has requirements that are easy to overlook, such as:
- At least one person who is incorporating the business must hold a state license. For example, a public accounting firm must have one person who is starting the firm and is licensed in the state.
- Articles of Organization must be filed with the Secretary of State.
- All professional businesses are required to have a certification from the state stating that the business meets licensing requirements.
Of course, a professional limited liability company (PLLC) has perks that protect business owners, such as shielding them from malpractice issues.
We help businesses and corporations navigate the complexities of the law and remain compliant with all requirements.
NC Planning’s Business Law Services
Your business’s needs are unique. We offer legal services that aim to protect your company, such as services for:
- Entity Formation: We explain the pros and cons of certain entity types and can help you form your business.
- Professional Practice Planning: Professional practices have concerns and challenges that are that are not found in other business types. We address these issues by assisting with business setup, mergers and acquisitions, agreements, contracts, and more.
- General Counsel Services: Businesses occasionally have ongoing legal needs. We provide general legal counsel to address your questions and act as an extension of your team.
- Contracts: A solid contract builds the foundation for a successful working relationship. We can assist with drafting and negotiating contracts to ensure your interests are protected.
- Sales and Acquisitions: Buying or selling a business is a complex process requiring experienced legal counsel and guidance. NC Planning is here to help you navigate each step.
- Compliance: To build a successful business and maintain your company’s liability shield, you must be in compliance with state, federal and local laws. The experienced team at NC Planning can help ensure your operations, filings and other aspects of your business are compliant.
- Tax Planning: The right tax minimization strategies can lower your tax burden now and in the future. We can help you find strategies that make sense for your business and walk you through the implementation process. From delaying expenditures to maximizing write-offs, we have numerous options.
- Succession Planning: Every business owner should have an exit strategy. At NC Planning, we can help you understand your options for succession planning and the value of your company, so you can make an informed decision. From equity restructuring to the sale of your business, we’ll explore every option together and guide you through the planning process.
- Dissolution of Businesses: Closing a business is just as complex as forming one. Every loose end must be tied up to ensure that your business is fully and legally dissolved. Our attorneys can guide you through this process to ensure the transition is as stress-free as possible.
- Ownership Disagreements: Shareholder disputes are more common than you think. While stressful and challenging, there is always a resolution – and often, one that doesn’t involve litigation. Our attorneys can help you explore options for settling your dispute and implement a solution that works for everyone.
Our Winston-Salem business and corporate attorneys are here to guide you through complex business law matters and offer sound, quality legal guidance to help steer your business toward success.
How To Choose The Best Business Attorney For Your Practice
A business attorney can serve as your trusted confidant, offering sound legal advice and guidance to steer you toward success. As your business grows and expands, they can help you navigate challenging processes and advise you on the best course of action to take.
Finding the right attorney is crucial. Ideally, you want to hire someone who will continue to work alongside you until you step down, sell, or dissolve the business.
When choosing an attorney, there are several important things to consider.
- How can they advise and support your business? If you need help with a specific issue, do they have experience handling this matter? Whether you need general counsel or a specific service, it is crucial to ensure that your attorney will meet all of your needs.
- Do they take a client-centric approach to their services? Are they focused on building strong relationships with their clients? Will they get to know your business to provide tailored guidance and advice?
At NC Planning, our experienced attorneys can assist with most business law matters. Our commitment to client care ensures that we deliver quality, personalized legal services that meet your individual needs.
How NC Planning Will Help You Plan for the Road Ahead
Running a business comes with unique challenges. Nearly every decision and plan you make will have financial and legal consequences that must be considered.
Having sound legal counsel will be crucial to your success.
As trusted Winston-Salem business and corporate attorneys, we know that every business is unique and requires individual guidance and advice. We focus on building strong client relationships to deliver tailored legal services.
Whether you need ongoing counsel, assistance with contract negotiation, or help exploring resolutions for a shareholder dispute, our attorneys are here to help.Contact us or call us today to schedule a consultation. We offer four convenient locations in Cary, Raleigh, Wilmington and Greensboro to serve clients