50
50 Years of Legal Experience
CPA since 1970
Lawyer Since 1973
30+ Years of Entrepreneurial Experience
Direct Attorney Access
Build Your Business on a Stronger Legal Foundation
Forming a company involves more than filing a document with the state.
Legal strategy should reflect the transaction, the commercial relationship and the owner's long-term goals.
Start with Business, Not the Form
An LLC or corporation is a legal tool. The right choice depends on the owners, the type of business, the expected income, the need for outside capital, the level of risk, and the long-term plan.
Arthur begins by learning how the company will operate. He then helps the owners compare the available structures and understand the legal consequences of each option.
Business Formation Services
Arthur can assist with the legal work required to establish a new entity or organize an existing business more effectively.
- Choice of entity analysis
- Single-member and multi-member limited liability companies
- C corporations, S corporations, and professional entities
- Articles of organization or incorporation
- Operating agreements and corporate bylaws
- Initial resolutions, consents, and corporate records
- Ownership percentages, voting rights, and management authority
- Transfer restrictions and buy-sell provisions
- Coordination with accountants regarding tax elections and reporting
A Four-Step Formation Process
1
Clarify the business model, owners, risks, and goals.
2
Compare entity options and identify legal and tax questions.
3
Form the entity and prepare the governance documents.
4
Put contracts, records, and compliance practices in place for ongoing operations.
Formation Documents Should Match the Owners’ Agreement
Standard forms often leave important questions unanswered. Who controls daily operations? Which decisions require unanimous approval? What happens if an owner wants to leave, becomes disabled, dies, or stops contributing to the business?
An operating agreement, shareholders agreement, or set of bylaws should reflect the owners’ actual expectations. Clear rules can reduce uncertainty and make future disagreements easier to address.
Plan for Future Growth and Change
A company may later add investors, hire key employees, open in another state, acquire assets, or prepare for a sale. Formation documents should provide enough structure for the present without creating unnecessary barriers to future growth.
Arthur’s experience as a lawyer, CPA, and entrepreneur helps him evaluate the formation decision in the context of the company’s broader business plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
A state filing service can create the entity, but it does not provide legal advice about ownership, management, liability, governance, or tax consequences. Legal guidance is useful when the owners want the structure and documents to reflect their actual agreement.
Can I change my business entity later?
Many businesses can convert, merge, or reorganize later. The legal and tax consequences depend on the existing entity, its assets, liabilities, owners, and history. It is usually better to evaluate the likely future needs before the initial formation.
What documents does a new business need?
The required documents vary. Common items include formation filings, an operating agreement or bylaws, initial resolutions, ownership records, tax registrations, and contracts used with customers, vendors, employees, or contractors.
Should my accountant decide whether I form an LLC or corporation?
Your accountant can explain tax treatment. Your lawyer should evaluate liability, ownership, governance, and transaction issues. The strongest planning often includes both legal and accounting input.
Form Your Company with Clear Ownership and Operating Rules
The cost of correcting a weak structure can exceed the cost of thoughtful planning at the beginning.
Speak with Arthur about your business model, the proposed owners, and the legal foundation your company needs.
