Restructuring a company is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. Although there are countless legal actions to consider, you must have the right guidance to guarantee your company’s success. 

A business lawyer comes to play here, as they provide valuable advice and representation in various areas. From formation and structuring to protecting your intellectual property and negotiating contracts, a business attorney has got you covered.

Regardless, are you still unsure of why to counsel a business attorney during the process of your company’s restructuring? Then you are reading the right piece. In this article, we will explore the top 10 reasons to counsel a business attorney when reconstructing your company. So, let’s get started!

But first, who is a business lawyer?

A business lawyer or attorney specializes in providing legal services to businesses and organizations. They usually have experience and knowledge in various areas such as the following:

• Corporate law
• Contracts
• Employment law
• Intellectual property

Some common tasks that a business attorney might handle include:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts. This may include employment agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and vendor contracts
• Advising on compliance with laws and regulations. Examples are labor laws, data privacy laws, and environmental regulations
• Assisting with the formation and dissolution of firms, partnerships, and other business entities
• Handling disputes and litigation related to business operations
• Advising on intellectual property matters, like trademark and patent registration and infringement

Business lawyers or attorneys can work for law firms, in-house for a specific company, or as solo practitioners. Also, they may work with a wide range of clients, from small startups to large corporations. 

This said we must discuss the concept of business laws to better understand why you must counsel a business lawyer.

What is business law?

Business law refers to the rules that govern the formation, operation, and dissolution of businesses or companies. These laws include:

• Contract law
• Corporate law
• Intellectual property law 
• Labor and employment law, among others

Contract law governs the formation and enforcement of agreements between businesses and individuals. Corporate law regulates the organization, management, and dissolution of corporations. 

Intellectual property law protects the rights of businesses in their names and other forms of proprietary information. Labor and employment law regulates the relationship between businesses and their employees. This may include issues such as wages, overtime pay, and workplace safety.

It is noteworthy that business law also covers areas such as the following:

• Taxes 
• Real estate and environmental regulations
• Securities and financial regulations 
• Competition and trade laws

To avoid legal disputes and penalties, business owners must understand the legal rules that apply to their businesses. Also, they can seek suggestions from business lawyers or other legal professionals. Doing this helps to navigate the legal landscape and ensure adherence to all relevant laws.

Having understood both concepts, let’s discuss why to consult them in the next.

Reasons to consult a business attorney 

As stated earlier, you cannot overemphasize the importance of a business attorney. Below are some of the reasons to consult one during your company restructuring:

1. Formation and structuring 

The first step in starting a business is specifying the best legal structure for your company. A business attorney can help you choose the right structure, such as the following:

• A sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• LLC
• A Corporation based on your specific needs and goals

Likewise, they can assist in the formation process, including drafting and filing the necessary documents.

2. Protecting intellectual property 

Your company’s intellectual property, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents, is crucial to its success. A business lawyer can suggest how to protect your intellectual property. This includes: 

• Registering trademarks and copyrights
• Drafting and reviewing contracts for the purpose of  protecting your rights

3. Negotiating contracts

Contracts are a crucial part of any business. With the help of a business lawyer, you can negotiate and draft contracts that are in your best interests. Additionally, business lawyers can also review contracts presented to you by others. This is to ensure that they are fairly binding

4. Compliance and regulations 

Every business must comply with a wide range of laws and regulations. These laws may range from employment laws to tax laws. A business lawyer can instruct you on compliance and regulatory issues. This may include labor and employment laws, environmental laws, tax laws, and many more.

5. Mergers and acquisitions

Are you considering merging or acquiring another company? Then, a business attorney can counsel you on the legal and financial aspects of the transaction. Furthermore, they can also assist in the negotiation and drafting of contracts, or suggest any potential regulatory or compliance issues.

6. Dispute resolutions

As you may know, conflicts are an unfortunate reality of doing business. Luckily, you can resolve these disputes with the help of a business attorney. Also, business lawyers can recommend the best course of action. This could be via mediation, litigation, or negotiation.

7. Exit strategies

The future is unpredictable. Hence, you must have a plan in place for the possibility of exiting your business. A business lawyer can recommend various exit strategies, such as the following:

• Selling your business
• Merging with another company
• Handing over to a family member

8. Business litigation 

Business lawyers can represent you in court when a legal dispute arises. Likewise, they can suggest to you your legal rights and obligations. Additionally, they can help you navigate the legal process.

9. Employee Law

Business attorneys can advise on employee legal matters like employee contracts, termination, discrimination, harassment, and more.

10. Financing and investment 

A business lawyer can suggest the legal and financial aspects of raising capital. This may include the following: 

• Negotiating and drafting investment agreements 
• Advising on securities laws and regulations, and many more

Conclusion 

With this article, you can tell that the help of a business attorney cannot be ignored. They provide valuable guidance and representation in a wide range of legal issues related to a company’s reconstruction.

By exploring the reasons listed in this article, it is high time you consult a  business attorney to ensure your company’s success. Nonetheless, while doing this, you must have a trusted legal advisor who can provide the guidance you need. This makes it easy to navigate the complex legal landscape of business ownership.