Before doing anything else for your business, you must form the business entity. Determining whether your business will operate as an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship is an important step that can impact your strategy and interests. We can help you to understand your options and file all necessary paperwork.

Learn More

During business succession planning, a business attorney can help you create a plan for transferring your business ownership and exiting out of a management role or the business itself. This is often one of the most difficult parts of business planning. It is important to have reliable legal counsel, as you must protect your personal financial security and other interests.

Learn More

Business acquisitions typically involve one business or individual buying another business and receiving the assets that were in the company’s name.  During a merger, on the other hand, two business entities join to form one entity. Operations continue under one entity’s name while the other ceases to exist. Acquisitions and mergers have benefits for all parties involved, but they are extremely complex and South Carolina law has specific requirements. We can help you navigate this complex process.

Learn More

Joint ventures involve two businesses working together while remaining separate entities. Joint ventures have become incredibly popular today, as they allow businesses to combine their experience, expertise, and financial resources to benefit both parties. However, management and operational issues sometimes arise, so it is important to have a business structure in place to limit disputes. Beth Santilli Law can help draft agreements to determine the roles and responsibilities that each business will assume within the joint venture.

Learn More

If you are considering buying or selling a business, it is important you do not take the decision lightly. There is risk associated with both the purchase and sale of a business, so it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help ensure your interests are protected.

For example, are you planning on an asset purchase or equity purchase? Do you have a well-crafted nondisclosure agreement for the protection of your trade secrets? Are you using a letter of intent that is binding or nonbinding? Who is going to draft your purchase agreement so that your interests are protected? It is important to answer these questions for both liability planning and tax planning. Beth Santilli Law has closed hundreds of deals and is ready to assist you.

Learn More

Operating agreements govern limited liability companies (LLCs). An operating agreement has many benefits, as it can dictate how numerous issues should be dealt with should they arise, such as internal affairs of the business and the relationship among the members. If you do not have an operating agreement, the default rules from the South Carolina Uniform Limited Liability Company Act apply, which may not be your or your members’ desire for running the company.

A standard agreement will include business organizational issues, succession planning, profit and loss allocation, tax treatment issues, and more. A business attorney from Beth Santilli Law can help ensure that your operating agreement is in line with your and your members’ interests without relying solely on the laws of South Carolina to dictate how you run your business.

Learn More

When there are partnerships and shareholders involved in your business, a dispute could arise at any time. These disputes must be resolved in a manner that is conducive to the long-term goals of the business. Partnerships and shareholder agreements can outline how these disputes are handled so they are resolved quickly.

A standard agreement will include business organizational issues, succession planning, profit and loss allocation, tax treatment issues, and more. If you do not have a partnership or shareholder agreement, the default rules from the South Carolina Uniform Partnership Act or the South Carolina Business Corporation Act and Statutory Close Corporation Supplement apply, which may not be your or your partners’ or shareholders’ desire for running the partnership or corporation. A business attorney from Beth Santilli Law can help ensure that your partnership or shareholder agreement is in line with your and your partners’ or shareholders’ interests without relying solely on the laws of South Carolina to dictate how you run your business.

Learn More

Confidentiality agreements and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) are important for many businesses. These legally binding agreements protect the interests of the business when sensitive information has to be shared. Important provisions include how information must be kept confidential, the period of time for the nondisclosure, types of permissible disclosures, and the process for handling breaches of confidentiality. Our lawyers draft and review NDAs regularly.  Call us if you need assistance.

Learn More

Sometimes in business, an owner requires contracts with other individuals and businesses to sell and distribute their product. Licensing, distribution, and sales agreements define the terms of the arrangement between the parties. Our lawyers can assist with these agreements to ensure that your product smoothly and efficiently enters the marketplace.

Learn More

Entering into a franchise can be appealing, as they often have certain operating procedures in place. Sometimes the terms of franchise agreements are non-negotiable, while other times, there is room for some negotiation. Either way, no one should embark on a franchise venture without a legally binding franchise agreement that will protect their interests. If you are considering entering into a franchise or are attempting to franchise your own business, Beth Santilli Law stands ready to help you review, negotiate, or draft these agreements.

Learn More

Commercial lease agreements are among the most costly and influential business decision a business owner can make. A commercial landlord or tenant is typically entering into a long-term agreement that can be costly if either party defaults. It is essential to work with an attorney who can review any lease agreement and help ensure it will not hurt the business now or in the future regardless of whether you are a landlord or tenant. Our lawyers are highly skilled at negotiating, drafting, and reviewing commercial leases and can help you step-by-step with this process.

Learn More

Few businesses run entirely on their own. Vendors and suppliers are often needed to supply a business with essential goods and services. Vendor and supplier agreements are critical for these arrangements, as they outline the responsibilities of each party and help to limit disputes. Take the time to let our lawyers review your vendor and supplier agreements to minimize the risk of future litigation.

Learn More