Fairfax Business Lawyer

Business Lawyer Fairfax, VA

Business lawyers Fairfax, VA business owners trust can be extremely helpful to you if you’re starting or running your own business. A lawyer can assist you with setting up your business legally and help you with contracts, negotiations, intellectual property and more. If you are looking to start a new business, it’s important to consider your legal obligations from the start and work with an experienced Fairfax business lawyer to guide you through the process of forming a corporation or LLC and choosing an appropriate structure for your business. Contact a business lawyer at Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC for help today!

Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your New Business

One of the first “new company launch” steps you’ll need to take with the assistance of a business lawyer Fairfax, VA business owners trust involves choosing a legal structure for your new venture. Every company in the U.S. is structured in one of four broad ways. There are nuances and hybrid models – like limited liability partnerships – that may best fit your needs. But, generally speaking, if you’re familiar with the pros and cons of the four major structures, you’ll have a strong foundation upon which to discuss your options with the experienced legal team at Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC.

Option One: Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are the easiest companies to form, as states usually don’t require that owners of sole proprietorships register with the state in any formal way. These businesses may even “spring into existence” as soon as someone starts working for themselves in an independent contractor gig job or by offering some service on a client-to-client basis. If you operate a sole proprietorship, you’ll record your business profits and expenses on your personal tax return each year. You’ll have maximum control and flexibility over how your business is run. Just be careful. If your business is sued or you run up business debts, your personal assets won’t be protected from seizure in the event that the company is liable for a debt, judgment, or fine.

Option Two: Partnerships

Our Fairfax business lawyer team may recommend that you form a partnership if you want the managerial flexibility and control that a sole proprietorship affords but your company will be owned by more than one person and/or entity. Like a sole proprietorship, the most basic partnership structure doesn’t afford any personal liability protection. However, a limited liability partnership does offer some protection, so you’ll want to discuss this option with our team if it interests you. Like sole proprietorships, partnerships are taxed on the personal tax returns of their owners and are not subject to rigorous reporting or government oversight.

Option Three: Limited Liability Companies

Limited liability companies are the “middle ground” option between the flexible yet risky sole proprietorship and partnership structures, and the rigid yet safer corporation structure. Like sole proprietorships and partnerships, LLCs offer flexible managerial and operational structures. Like corporations, LLCs offer limited liability protection for those who own them. LLCs can be taxed either on the personal returns of their owners (called members) or they can be taxed as separate entities like corporations.

Option Four: Corporations

Finally, if you’re interested in launching a large company that is set to expand rapidly, you may want to enlist the services provided by the Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC team to help you form a corporation. Corporations are rigidly regulated and must comply with numerous reporting requirements at the state and federal level. They are also subject to a rigid managerial structure. But, if you don’t mind sharing control over your company’s operations with a Board of Directors and you want maximum personal liability protection for yourself and other corporate shareholders, our Fairfax business lawyer team may recommend that you take advantage of the corporate structure for your new company.

CHOOSING THE BEST LEGAL STRUCTURE FOR YOUR NEW BUSINESS INFOGRAPHIC

Protect Your Company from Lawsuits

A business lawyer can help you protect your company from lawsuits by ensuring that your contracts are airtight and that you are in compliance with all relevant laws. If someone does sue your company, a business lawyer will be there to represent you in court and help you navigate the legal system. The vast majority of lawsuits never go to trial, as either one side or both sides settle. The number of cases that go to trial has been steadily declining for years now – so don’t think of it as business as usual if your company is sued!

Set up New Legal Entities

A business lawyer can help you set up the legal entity for your business. This includes filing the necessary paperwork with the state, drafting articles of incorporation or organization, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. They can also help you form other entities like limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships, create buy-sell agreements to cover contingencies such as death or disability, and draft agreements for joint ventures.

Draft Employment Contracts

A Fairfax business lawyer can help you by drafting contracts for your employees. This will help protect your business from any legal issues that may arise from misunderstandings or disputes between you and your employees. The lawyer can also help you negotiate terms with potential partners or vendors, and review any contracts that come your way. In addition, a business lawyer can advise you on the best way to structure your business to minimize your liability and protect your assets.

Draft Non-Disclosure Agreements

When you are sharing confidential information with another person or business, you want to make sure that this information is protected. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that establishes confidentiality between two parties. This agreement defines what information can and cannot be shared and sets consequences if the NDA is breached. NDAs are often used when businesses are considering working together or entering into negotiations. If you are located in Fairfax, VA and need help drafting an NDA, a business lawyer can assist you.

Protect Trademarks

A business lawyer can help you protect your business’s trademarks. Trademarks are words, phrases, symbols, or designs that identify and distinguish your goods or services from those of other businesses. A trademark can be a brand name, logo, tagline, or even a scent. Your business lawyer can help you choose a strong trademark and clear it for use, file for federal registration of your mark, and police your mark to prevent others from using it without your permission.

Business Lawyer Infographic

Safeguard Your Company’s Name

You’ll want to be especially proactive when connecting with our Fairfax, VA business lawyer team about safeguarding your company’s name(s). Your company’s name is one of its most valuable intellectual property assets, as customers almost certainly identify your brand by your company’s name, first and foremost.

At Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC, we don’t want you to risk the integrity of your company’s legal name and/or trade name by leaving these assets unprotected. By conducting a thorough trademark search and registering these marks, we’ll help to ensure that you don’t infringe on the rights of others and can’t reasonably be accused of doing so.

Help to Set Business Goals

It isn’t always easy to know which business goals are attainable, which are smart moves, and which could potentially sink all that you’ve worked so hard to build. Thankfully, our legal team has helped to launch so many businesses successfully that we have a unique professional perspective when it comes to setting business goals. If your company is in need of some guidance – and of some assistance assessing the relative legal and financial risks of different options – we can help.

Minimize Tax Liability

One of the common myths that just never seems to leave the water supply is that only accountants are capable of crafting corporate tax strategies. In reality, skilled Fairfax business lawyers are often called upon to advise companies on how to minimize their tax liability and on how to respond to tax challenges that arise. There is an entire area of the U.S. Code governed by the rules of “tax law.” It shouldn’t surprise many people to learn that lawyers with extensive experience representing the interests of companies often advise in re: tax strategy but it often does!

Manage Real Estate Matters

Our legal team regularly handles legal matters concerning real estate on behalf of individuals and companies alike. Whether your new company is looking to develop commercial property, residential property, acquire mixed-use developments, or otherwise obtain premesis, we can help. From land use challenges to construction contracts, financing to zoning to indemnity, we can handle it all in ways that serve your company’s unique needs.

Advise in re: Financial Services

The knowledgeable legal team at Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC has extensive experience assisting businesses with successful management of their financial services and related resources. We do a great deal of work representing the interests of plaintiffs in litigation matters concerning misrepresentation and misconduct on the part of financial advisors, accountants, insurance agents, and other financial professionals. As a result, our Fairfax business lawyer team can both assist your company in the event that it has been taken advantage of and we can provide guidance as to how to avoid such challenges whenever possible.

If you are hoping to launch a new company or you need legal assistance to better protect the interests of a newly-formed enterprise, connect with a skilled Fairfax business lawyer at Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC today.

Fairfax Business Law Statistics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 4.4 million new businesses that are started each year in the United States. This number has been increasing in recent years, with a 53% increase from 2019 to 2021. The majority of new businesses are small businesses, with fewer than 100 employees.

How Our Firm Can Help

A Fairfax business lawyer from Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC has a lot to offer. Our lawyers at our firm have years of experience in helping clients with their business needs. Whether it’s setting up a business, operating a business, or even ceasing operations at the business we have you covered for all of your legal business needs. Businesses can run into trouble when they are unaware of the local and federal laws that they need to follow. If a business is in violation of these laws then it may face fines or other penalties. This is why it’s important to have our firm assist when things get difficult with the process. We understand the different things that transpire with businesses and can offer our assistance to settle these difficulties. Contact us today for assistance with your business needs. 

Support and Guidance when Things Get Tough

Having support and guidance from a Fairfax business lawyer can turn a difficult situation into a manageable one. Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC understand the different issues that can arise with the legal system that businesses need to adhere to. When documents are needed to be submitted and statutes of limitations are needed to be followed we can offer our experience with those items. If a battle in court ensues or negotiations with other businesses or legal teams are needed then we can help out with those things as well. Our experience has seen us help a variety of different businesses with their legal needs to help make sure that they are in compliance with the law or to help them if they get caught up with legal issues. Contact our firm today to get assistance with a business you are forming, operating, or have any other additional questions related to business. 

Business Items to Consider

When someone is beginning a business it’s important to consider all of the different things needed to start and run that business. A Fairfax business lawyer from our firm will go over these things with you in person in even more detail. For starters though, it’s important to ensure that startup costs are considered and that loans are secured legally and in compliance with the law. If employees are needed to be hired then it’s important to consider the legality of that too and that people with the proper credentials or licenses are hired for the job. Employment issues are something that may arise too with hiring and having to let employees go and also establishing what wages will be and whether or not to give raises are also things to keep in mind. Operating costs are another major item to consider to ensure that the business can pay its employees and for supply chain items if and when needed. Getting behind in payments can hurt a business’s image and also get it into trouble if it’s unable to pay for wages and materials. If you are in need of assistance with legal items for a business then reach out to our firm today for help. We have years of experience in helping businesses get through a variety of different issues and believe that we are the right firm to help you too. 

If you need help from a Fairfax business lawyer, contact Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC today!

Understanding Business Formation Laws In Virginia

As a trusted Fairfax, VA business lawyer knows, Virginia, with its rich history and strategic location, is an attractive place for entrepreneurs and businesses to plant their roots. Yet, as enticing as the state’s business-friendly environment may be, navigating the legal intricacies of business formation in Virginia requires a depth of understanding that only seasoned professionals possess. This is where it is useful to speak with someone from Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC.

Choosing The Right Business Entity

A Fairfax business lawyer knows that Virginia offers a variety of choices for entrepreneurs considering the type of business entity to establish. From sole proprietorships and partnerships to corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs), each entity type comes with specific legal obligations and benefits.

For instance, those looking to form an LLC in Virginia must file Articles of Organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The requirements for this document, from naming stipulations to operational details, are outlined by the Virginia Stock Corporation Act and related state statutes.

Compliance And Continuous Requirements

Virginia’s legal framework mandates businesses to fulfill several continuous obligations. Annual reports and periodic renewals become part and parcel of a business’s life cycle. Additionally, maintaining a registered agent within the state is not just a best practice but a legal necessity. This agent acts as a point of contact between the state and the business, ensuring timely communication of legal and regulatory matters.

Furthermore, for businesses that operate across city borders within Virginia, understanding local licensing and zoning regulations is essential. Each municipality may have its own set of rules, adding another layer of complexity to the business formation process.

Our Dedication To Virginia’s Entrepreneurs

In the midst of legal complexities and regulatory requirements, we have consistently stood by Virginia’s entrepreneurs. Armed with extensive knowledge of Virginia’s business laws, we help ensure that every business venture adheres to the state’s legal guidelines while also positioning it for long-term success.

Leveraging Legal Expertise For Business Success In Virginia

Business formation is more than just filling out paperwork. It’s about laying a strong foundation for future endeavors, ensuring legal compliance, and safeguarding the venture from potential pitfalls. Virginia’s laws, while designed to facilitate business activities, require careful navigation.

If you’re poised to start a business in Virginia, it’s crucial to partner with experts who are intimately familiar with the state’s legal landscape. We are not just a law firm; we are partners in your business journey. With an unparalleled understanding of business formation laws, we’re here to ensure your business starts on the right legal footing. Don’t leave your business’s future to chance. Contact us today, and let’s embark on this entrepreneurial journey together. Reach out to Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC to speak with our trusted Fairfax business lawyer now.

Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young, PLLC, Fairfax Business Lawyer

11350 Random Hills Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030

Client Review
“Mr. Mahdavi is the man who you want to see when you have a business problem. An industry expert, he’s helped me navigate through complex legal issues. Cannot thank my mentor enough for recommending Mahdavi Bacon Halfhill & Young.”
Mike A