Visalia, CA Business Lawyer
Starting and running a business is a mix of excitement, frustration, and satisfaction. There are also many requirements and responsibilities that come with business ownership that are often complex. To ensure your business is protected to the best extent possible, a business lawyer near Visalia, CA can help you navigate the business landscape so your company can thrive at all stages.
At Griswold Lasalle Cobb Down & Gin LLP, we can support your business endeavors from the moment you decide to start a business to choosing to exit the business. Our comprehensive services ensure your assets are protected and you receive the support you need. Every business is different and has different needs, and we customize our approach to the specific challenges you are facing. We are committed to ensuring the security of your business.
Legal Representation Empowers Your Success in Business
Business law governs how organizations are structured, how they operate, their financial and tax obligations, employment responsibilities, and so much more. This is a broad area of the law that requires a lawyer to understand many facets of business. Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP possesses a thorough understanding of these laws and knows the specific needs and pain points of businesses in our community.
This knowledge helps us provide exceptional service to our clients along their journey. We understand that some clients need help with short-term, specific aspects of their business, while others need ongoing support. Still others need help only when matters have escalated. Our firm empowers you and your business by ensuring that you have the tools and resources you need to chart your business’ course ahead.
Regardless of your reason for pursuing legal representation, it is important to know that our firm dedicates our full attention to your business matters. We take the time to understand your circumstances and build a relationship to get you the most favorable outcome possible. Whether we are drafting a contract or going to court, we keep your best interests at heart and fight aggressively for you, your business, and your rights.
Hiring legal representation from the outset of your business is an investment in its future health, success, and growth. It can be tempting to put it off for as long as possible, but this can cause significant legal issues later on that could threaten your business. By working with our team from the beginning, you can have peace of mind that your business has the solid foundation and strength it needs to avoid or withstand legal issues.
Key Business Industries Throughout Tulare County
Visalia, CA has a unique business landscape that supports several distinct but related industries. These businesses play key roles in the Central Valley region’s economy and beyond. According to a report by the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, some of the major industries in the area include:
- Agri-business: This industry focuses on production, support, and adding value to agricultural resources. These businesses employ large numbers of workers and must work closely with numerous agricultural organizations and manufacturers across central California.
- Logistics and distribution: This industry is steadily growing and services an extensive network of businesses and industries. Thousands of workers are employed across this industry. Freight and commerce transportation, warehousing, storage, and fulfillment are some key sectors within this industry.
- Food processing: Given Tulare County’s ranking as number three in the nation for agri-business, food processing businesses are concentrated within this region of the Central Valley. This industry continues to grow as a hub for processing and manufacturing food goods and distributing them throughout the country.
- Manufacturing: One of the key industries in the area, manufacturing takes advantage of the local resources and transportation corridors located in the area to centralize operations. Industrial parks pepper Tulare County and meet growing demands.
These types of businesses require unique legal considerations to ensure compliance with regulations, employment standards, safety protocols, commercial transactions, and more. Our team of business attorneys is intimately familiar with the laws that govern these businesses and who the local employers are.
Our Lawyers Have Extensive Business Law Experience
Hiring Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP gives your business a competitive advantage and ensures that your business will stand the test of time. Our firm has experience in many areas of business, and we are equipped and ready to meet you where you are. Below are some of the areas we can assist you with.
Selecting an Entity for Your Business
Choosing your business entity is one of the single most important decisions you will make in your business. The structure of your business informs the direction of your company, your operations, and your tax status. It also impacts how well you are personally and professionally protected from liability. We can help you evaluate the concept and goals you have for your business to determine which structure is right and the obligations associated with it.
We walk you through the differences between a sole proprietorship, limited or general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership, and a corporation. There are different requirements and implications for each entity, and finding the one that is right for your business is essential for your success.
Registering Your Business in California
California requires you to register your business with the California Secretary of State once you have chosen your entity. This ensures that your business is legally recognized and has fulfilled all requirements. It also establishes your business identity and tax status on the federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, if you plan on hiring employees, you must also register as such, file for workers’ compensation, and follow regulations regarding hours, wages, and conditions.
By registering your business, you can ensure that you are legally compliant and operational in Visalia, CA. Your lawyer will ensure that you have the correct documentation and have filled out the paperwork accurately to avoid delays in your registration. We also help you respond to obstacles that may come up while your application is being processed.
Remaining Compliant with Employment and Labor Laws
The vast majority of businesses employ individuals to carry out their services. This requires businesses to ensure they are following all federal labor laws and California labor laws. These laws provide direction and oversight on hours, wages, worker safety, benefits, protections, unions, and more. Employers must also provide workers’ compensation to cover work-related injuries, illnesses, or fatalities.
We can help ensure your compliance with these laws by ensuring you have all necessary policies and systems set up for your employees. We make it easier for you to protect the safety and well-being of your workers right from the start. You will also have the representation you need in the event of lawsuits involving employees.
Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
Companies use business contracts regularly to minimize risk, clearly state each party’s obligations, and specify what enforcement measures can be taken. Contracts are essential in your business, and they can significantly protect you if you have implemented a sound document. To be enforceable, both parties must agree to the terms, each has rights and responsibilities, and be aware of what they are signing.
Before entering into a contract, business lawyers in Visalia, CA should carefully review its terms and conditions to ensure your assets and interests are protected. They can also help you draft a contract before entering into a business relationship with another party. These documents help minimize risk, so ensuring they are valid is a must.
Securing Favorable Lease Terms
Brick-and-mortar businesses in California need physical space to operate. Most businesses do not own their buildings, so a business lease is required to rent space for your operations. Leases outline financial obligations, what is and is not allowed on the premises, your lease term, and any other applicable conditions.
Before signing a lease, your lawyer should review its terms to ensure that it is fair to you and does not hinder your business. They can also help you negotiate the terms of the lease so you can be sure that you will be protected. You will also want to be aware of any unique clauses or penalties outlined in the lease before the lease goes into effect.
Navigating Franchise Agreements
Franchise agreements outline the relationship and obligations of the franchisor and franchisee. Franchisors have the opportunity to grow their business, while franchisees have the opportunity to operate an established business. Because the business is already established, though, there are often stringent rules that must be followed, which may not leave much flexibility or room for an exit. Individuals will also want to ensure the soundness of the franchise during due diligence.
Regardless of which side of the table you are on, our team can ensure that you are not entering into an agreement that will put your business at risk or hurt your investment. We can also make sure that your assets are not on the line. If disputes arise during negotiations or once the franchise is up and running, then we can advocate for you to ensure you are treated fairly in the matter.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Our team can conduct a thorough review of your business to ensure that you are remaining compliant with all applicable federal and state regulations. We can also assess your company’s strengths and weaknesses to determine if there are gaps in your business that could put your company at risk. Violating regulations or not taking extra steps to limit liability can have serious consequences for both you and your business.
We can help you be proactive so you are not reacting to issues after the fact. We take a holistic view of your organization to make sure nothing falls by the wayside. Our team provides recommendations for how to fortify your company and respond to potential risks that need to be addressed. With the help of our skilled lawyers, you can ensure you have the right policies, procedures, and protocols in place across your organization.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Acquiring or merging with another company is a lengthy and complicated process that requires oversight by an experienced lawyer. Businesses must conduct due diligence on the company they are pursuing. This includes evaluating their financial condition and business history. Companies must also plan for how they will combine resources, responsibilities, staff, and more in a way that is fair to both parties.
Additionally, mergers and acquisitions must also be evaluated for compliance with antitrust laws. These laws ensure that healthy business competition is not threatened. Overall, these deals are incredibly intricate, and we can provide guidance throughout the process to simplify them and streamline the transaction.
Succession Planning and Exiting a Business
After being in business for some time, business owners may decide that it is time to exit the business. However, certain steps must be taken to dissolve the business before walking away. Our team can help you complete the legal requirements and necessary paperwork to dismantle your company and satisfy outstanding legal, financial, or tax obligations you have. We help you create a plan and exit strategy tailored to your circumstances.
We can also help you prepare to hand off your business if you are passing it on to a partner or family member instead. Our firm understands the significance of a transition like this, and we handle it with the care and sensitivity it deserves. Succession planning accounts for a variety of factors, and your lawyer can help you put the appropriate actions into place.
Intellectual Property Protection
From your logo and branding to your trade secrets, your intellectual property is a vital component of your business. These assets include copyrighted or trademarked materials, licenses, and trade secrets. Infringement or leaked data can damage your company and can be costly to recover.
We help you protect this data by putting safeguards in place. Non-disclosure agreements and permissioning are a couple of preventative measures to be taken. We can also help you sue those who would steal or infringe on your intellectual property as well.
Determining the Most Effective Approach to Resolve Disputes
Conflict is inevitable in business. Disputes with business partners, employers, or vendors can cause considerable disruption in your company that can have profound ramifications for your operations. Breach of contract is one of the most common and frequent causes of business conflict. Disputes like these can be quite costly due to the losses suffered and the cost of legal fees. However, there are a few alternative options to help minimize the financial impact:
- Negotiation: When disputes arise, negotiations are often an ideal way to start. It gives you and the other party the most say and control over the outcome of your conflict. A resolution is likely to be reached faster and result in a more favorable outcome. Your attorney can negotiate with the other party or their lawyer on your behalf to ensure that your interests and the company are protected.
- Mediation: Business disputes may require extra guidance at times to reach a decision. Mediators are objective third-party individuals whose sole purpose is to listen and facilitate conversation between both parties. This process is designed to help both parties see each other’s point of view and come to a decision on their own. This process is informal and private, and allows parties to retain control over the outcome.
- Arbitration: This process is a middle ground between mediation and litigation. The process is still more informal than litigation, but it is often conducted before a panel of arbitrators. The primary difference between mediation and arbitration is that arbitrators are allowed to issue a decision to resolve the dispute. Parties are bound by the decision, and they may not be able to appeal the decision without considerable difficulty.
- Litigation: This option is most often what comes to mind when thinking about business disputes. However, it is generally a last resort, as it can be lengthy and expensive. Litigation requires your case to be settled in court before a judge and jury. Both parties have the opportunity to present and argue their cases before a decision is issued. If you are unhappy with the court’s decision, you may have the option to appeal your case.
It is important to consult with your business attorney in Visalia, CA immediately when any legal issues arise in your business. Swift action can protect your business, limit potential damage, and reduce the time it takes to resolve the conflict. We can walk you through your options and assess the most effective method to settle the matter. We fight for your business and help you avoid litigation as much as possible.
Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP
Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP takes the time to answer your questions and provide sound counsel for your business. We handle legal matters so you can better focus on building and growing your business. Whether you need to take proactive steps to protect your business or are facing a legal battle, our team is here to support you on your business journey. To discuss your business concerns with our attorneys, contact us today to schedule a consultation.