An owner’s perspective
Steven’s background includes the sale of a Medicare field marketing organization and life insurance brokerage general agency in a multimillion-dollar transaction. Clients who own businesses work with a lawyer who has been through a sale from the owner’s side.
Outside general counsel
Many owner-run businesses do not need a full-time lawyer but do need one who knows the company. Hargrove Law can serve as outside general counsel on an ongoing basis: reviewing contracts as they come in, answering questions before they become disputes, keeping governing documents and key agreements current, and bringing in tax, employment, or other specialists when a matter calls for them. The scope and fee are set out in a written agreement.
Review before you sign
Reviewing a contract before signing gives you a chance to negotiate changes. A review identifies the terms that carry real risk, such as payment, termination, indemnity, and personal guarantees, and explains them in plain language.
What to bring to the first conversation
- A short description of the business and who owns it
- The agreement or transaction you want to discuss
- Formation documents and existing contracts
- Your timeline and the decision you need to make
Keep these for your own reference until you receive instructions about sharing documents.
Questions
Can you review a contract before I sign it?
Yes. Say when you need to sign and what concerns you. The scope and fee for the review are agreed before the work starts.
Can you help with an agreement I already signed?
Yes. Existing agreements often matter most when a relationship changes or a dispute starts. Bring the signed version and any amendments.
Further reading
General information, not advice about your situation. Official resource: California Secretary of State: business programs.