We are as comfortable with a fast e-mail to answer a client’s question on a trade regulation practice as we are in an all-hands meeting over the launch of a new division. Our services have included the following:

New business ventures

Counseling in the planning and formation of business ventures of almost all kinds. These have included medical, financial, design service, information, internet and consulting organizations and manufacturing enterprises. Our skills cut across limited liability, partnership and corporate forms of business organization. In our work we have been closely involved in identifying and bringing together the contract, tax, and legal underpinnings of successful organization for these enterprises.

Start-ups, venture capital and private placement

Planning and implementing capital formation, from friends-and-family fundraising through angel investments to syndications and highly structured venture capital deals. We bring our strong securities law skills, experience with finance and sensitivity to the nuance of deal terms to this work for both companies and investors.

Contract negotiation

Negotiating contracts of almost all kinds, including employment agreements, joint ventures, distribution and supply agreements, license agreements, e-commerce agreements, customer and supplier form contracts and procurement contracts, to name just a few. We pride ourselves in using language exceptionally well—strategically in our drafts, tactically in our negotiations and always precisely, as our clients’ needs require. We make it a point to know the laws behind our drafting—and the messages that each client wants conveyed in the negotiation process.

Intellectual property

Securing and protecting intellectual property. We routinely clear and file trademark applications, and design IP protection programs. Where necessary, we monitor our clients’ trademarks and use industry and government forums to stop infringements. We deal extensively with corporate and academic licensing.

Mergers and acquisitions

Making M&A deals work. We are working on the sale before the deal is a gleam in our client’s eye, paying attention to the things that make businesses saleable as part of our everyday work. At the LOI stage we work with clients and other M&A team members to cover the right points in the right way. Throughout the deal we are our client’s representative and guide. Whether we’re on the buy side or the sell side, we stay on top of the deal, deploying our knowledge to simplify, our experience to anticipate, our drafting skills to clarify and our negotiating strength to execute.

Commercial real estate

Buying and selling commercial real estate. Real estate deals are about more than land titles. Our deal and contract skills are just as valuable in buying and selling real estate as in buying and selling businesses.

Lending transactions

Assisting clients in all aspects of lending transactions, including pre-transaction diligence and structuring; documentation, closing and transaction administration; and the pre-closing steps that can protect our clients’ interests throughout the lifecycle of the loan.

Succession planning

Helping families and business owner groups navigate the general corporate, tax, estate planning, and employee benefits planning maze in setting the stage for transitions, now and in the future.

Executive compensation

Serving clients’ needs related to executive compensation including innovative incentive compensation arrangements for top executives. We advise on stock option plans, variable compensation plans, and other forms of incentive compensation.

Legal issues for nonprofit organizations

Assisting nonprofits on the special issues that confront tax exempt organizations. We are proud of our relationships with nonprofit organizations in our community and happy to serve our community’s needs through our service to them.