Business Law & Transactions
For over 25 years, our business law attorneys at Cotten Schmidt have been dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and business entities across a wide range of industries. We offer our comprehensive legal services to local, domestic, and international clients. Our breadth of experience enables us to tailor our services to your unique needs and objectives, and to build sustainable and affordable solutions to the diverse issues that companies face in our ever-evolving world.
From our office in Fort Worth, Texas, our attorneys offer skilled counsel for all business law and transactional matters, including:
Mergers and acquisitions
Stock purchase agreements and asset purchase agreements
Executive employment agreements
Severance arrangements
Acquisition and licensing of business intellectual property
Forming, operating, and liquidating business entities
Employment agreements
Buy-sell agreements
Joint ventures
Franchising agreements
No matter what stage your business is in, we are ready to help protect what you have built and provide guidance that propels you forward. Reach out to us today to obtain the dependable and innovative legal support you deserve.
Build a Relationship as You Build Your Business
Business Formations
The four main types of business formations are:
Sole proprietorship
Partnership
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Corporation
You deserve to feel confident in which entity formation you choose for your business. Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable business attorney throughout the formation process. When you work with us at Cotten Schmidt, we will get to know you and your goals and strategies so that we can help you determine which formation serves as the best framework for your business.
It’s also common to adjust your formation type as your business grows. Our team of attorneys wants to see your business evolve and thrive. Through every decision, transaction, and transition, we will be here for you, providing legal advice that’s in tune with your objectives and drafting quality contracts that safeguard your business.
Business Transactions
Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing entrepreneurs and business owners in the financing, purchasing, and selling of all forms of business enterprises, including (but not limited to):
LLCs
Nonprofits
General and limited partnerships
Professional corporations
Professional associations
At Cotten Schmidt, we pride ourselves on our ability to not only stay current on modern business trends but to predict how they will shift at varying points in the future. Our firm aspires to form dynamic partnerships with all our business clients, which is why we’re committed to creative thinking and seeking consistent education on advancing technology. These values have helped us solidify a robust skillset in analyzing economic opportunities, as well as negotiating, structuring, and documenting a variety of business transactions.
Contracts & Agreements
No business can exist without having proper contracts in place. The specific agreements you need depend on the nature of your business, but common ones include:
Commercial real estate leases
Transaction agreements
Warranties
Non-compete and non-disclosure agreements
Equipment leases
Joint-venture agreements
Well-drafted, detailed contracts are essential to any business venture because they serve as physical proof of a legally enforceable agreement. Because of their ability to outline detailed terms and conditions, they can also help avoid future misunderstandings between any partners and collaborators. Avoiding disputes also means saving time, money, and stress.
Vital to every business decision and arrangement, well-constructed contracts are especially essential for transactions. For a contract to be considered legally valid, it has to exhibit an offer (promise extended by one of the parties), consideration (exchange of one good/service for another), and mutual acceptance of the outlined promises and terms. Furthermore, for any business transaction to be considered enforceable, its corresponding contract must follow the same framework and should communicate the following:
Defining terms
What will be exchanged
How payment will be made
Discussion of any additional matters, such as confidentiality, liability limits, and (if necessary) how to make any amendments to the agreement
Employment Law
Employment law refers to the area of legal practice that addresses the rights and responsibilities within the employer-employee relationship. It covers topics like workplace safety, discrimination, compensation, severance, and more.
We understand that you seek to make an impact with your business and that it’s impossible to do so if you fail to comply with state and federal labor laws. Our employment law attorneys believe in the importance of employees receiving fair treatment because, when workers are respected and rightfully compensated, they return that positivity by contributing to the success and growth of their organization.
As a business owner, you deserve to have the tools and resources you need to sustain a dedicated workforce. We can help you draw up the required documents that protect your rights and the rights of your employees.
Cotten Schmidt also provides representation for employees and businesses faced with employee lawsuits such as wrongful termination, workplace injuries, and harassment. Learn more about our employment law services when you get in touch with our office in Fort Worth, Texas.
Business Dissolutions
A business dissolution can be defined as a formal closure of a business with its respective state. There are many reasons that a business owner would want to dissolve their business, ranging from economic stressors to global influences. For instance, in March of 2022, 2.5 million people were unable to work because their employers either lost business or permanently closed due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following are some common reasons that lead to business dissolution:
Insufficient cash flow
Volatile economy
Bankruptcy
Poor management
Death or incapacitation of the owner, with no succession plan in place
If it’s time to formally dissolve your business, reach out to our team at Cotten Schmidt. Our experienced attorneys have handled countless business dissolutions and are ready to guide you through the process with empathy and undivided attention. Before getting started, it’s beneficial to get acquainted with the dissolution process.
Why Hiring a Business Attorney Is Important
Running a business of any size is a monumental task. From day-to-day operations to coordinating plans for future expansion, business owners have a lot on their plate. Cultivating a dynamic partnership with a skilled business law attorney could be fundamental to your success.
Conflicts are inevitable in the corporate world as well. Having a skilled business law litigation attorney in your corner who understands you and your business could be the difference between an effective solution and a devastating setback.
When you work with us, your mission becomes our mission. From formations to transactions, contracts, lawsuits, and dissolutions, we will be here for you throughout every chapter of your business’s story.
Business Law & Business Transaction Attorneys Serving Fort Worth, Texas
No one knows your business as you do. And no one does business law like we do. Our lawyers at Cotten Schmidt are committed to providing ongoing, personalized support for businesses and their owners. Relationships make up the core of our practice. Understanding you is our key to helping you avoid and address any issues with your unique objectives in mind. Schedule a call with our Fort Worth office today to get started.
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