Your business encounters legal issues nearly every day, from the need for basic service contracts to complex buy-sell agreements, to refinancing and loan agreements, to advice regarding business structure and succession. It is impossible to run a successful business operation without dedicated legal help. Large or small, however, very few businesses have the budget for in-house counsel.
Your Essential In-House Counsel
My practice at Cohen Law Firm caters to business owners. I offer you the one-on-one local attention you cannot get at oversized law firms, combined with the cost savings you need to stay profitable. With decades of experience assisting businesses with all kinds of transactional issues, I am the “in-house” counsel your business needs, without the in-house cost.
The Risks of Do-It-Yourself Lawyering
Few business owners cut corners because they are lazy. In fact, business owners are some of the hardest working people in our nation and the backbone of our economy. But because business owners put everything they have into the companies they run, they try to minimize costs and save time whenever possible, and are often understandably reluctant to hire an attorney whose fees will result in short-term, sometimes significant expenses. However, when it comes to contract negotiation and drafting, or complex restructuring and liability protection, or agreements between shareholders, members, partners, or investors, or even legal review of contracts or leases provided by others, preparing your own documents or signing significant documents without appropriate legal assistance is inherently risky. More importantly, it can easily end up costing you far more in the long run when disputes arise, you are not properly protected from liability, or unexpected events occur that would have been prevented with less cost up front.
Not only will proper legal representation early on often avoid disputes or problems in the first place, when disputes or other issues do arise, you want the peace of mind of knowing that your documents were prepared by knowledgeable counsel with the experience to anticipate potential issues long before they arise. That kind of advance planning will often provide a simple mechanism for resolving the dispute or problem, saving far more in the long term than the short-term costs of the initial legal services.
Drafting Contracts
Business relationships are often complicated; business contracts should not be. A well-prepared contract sets forth all the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. At Cohen Law Firm, I believe in preparing comprehensive documents written in clear language and plain terms. I work with my clients to create contracts aimed toward avoiding future disputes and providing a simple mechanism for those disputes or issues that do arise. Whether your business is a small family-owned enterprise or a large corporation, I handle all types of contract negotiation and drafting, including:
- Purchase and sale agreements for stock, membership interests, equipment, or the entire business
- Real estate agreements of all kinds
- Partnership, shareholder, and operating agreements
- Finance agreements
- Security agreements
- Employment agreements
- License agreements
- Stock option agreements
- Equity participation agreements
- Management agreements
- Nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements
- Miscellaneous agreements of any kind desired by the particular client
When conflicts or other issues arise, my clients know that they are protected by clear, comprehensive documents that specify the rights and obligations of all parties and provide efficient mechanisms for resolution of the issues. If the issues cannot be resolved by those mechanisms, and the last resort of litigation becomes the only remaining avenue, I can handle that litigation through trial and a potential appeal in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible, seeking the quickest resolution available.
Contract Negotiation and Litigation When Necessary
Contracts are an integral part of every industry. The success of your business depends on how your company handles contractual relationships, whether you are working with customers, clients, vendors, merchants, suppliers, or your own investors, partners, shareholders, or members. Careful negotiation and complete discussion and agreement on all issues at the beginning of a business relationship can prevent disaster down the road.
It is my belief that the best business lawyers have substantial litigation experience. Conversely, good litigators have a comprehensive understanding of business issues and how to properly draft business documents. As a seasoned trial attorney, I know the types of disputes that consistently plague businesses and know how to draft business documents to avoid litigation. As an experienced business lawyer, I have the comprehensive understanding necessary to efficiently handle complex business litigation. This allows me to provide effective, meaningful counsel to my clients so they can avoid disputes, save money, and focus on their goals, rather than on legal matters or litigation.
Borrowing and Refinancing
It is the rare business that can run on cash alone. Most businesses need to borrow to satisfy their cash flow needs, to make significant equipment or real estate purchases, or to expand the business. I have handled secured and unsecured transactions with major lenders, including multimillion refinancing transactions secured by business equipment and real property. Such transactions can be complicated, involve voluminous documentation, and may require corporate restructuring. I have reviewed and negotiated lengthy and complex loan agreements with lenders who have a stable of attorneys throughout the country. As always, my goal is to simplify the transaction as much as possible, with efficient and cost-effective work to accomplish my clients’ goals at the lowest expense possible.
Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village Business Lawyer
At Cohen Law Firm, I am committed to providing my clients with cost-effective solutions that reduce risk, protect assets, and minimize liability. Because I have worked with business owners for nearly 40 years, I understand the importance of protecting your bottom line. With decades of experience both in and out of the courtroom, I help business owners anticipate possible red flags and avoid future pitfalls. Together, we can safeguard your business and grow what you have built.
I welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your business goals and solve whatever legal problems you may have. Please call my office today at (805) 267-7147 or send me an email to discuss your issues or to make an appointment.