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Small Business Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
Call (617) 544 - 7508 or book online
The Fodera Law Firm can assist small businesses in Washington, D.C. with a wide range of legal services, including employment disputes, contract drafting, mergers & acquisitions, corporate formation, transfers of ownership, and risk assessment. At FLF, we prioritize affordability and quality service to ensure every business and their unique needs are met.
What is a Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a distinctive business entity formed by submitting the appropriate documentation to the Secretary of State or a comparable regulatory office, along with other agreements that may depend on the number of owners involved. The structure of an LLC provides what its name signifies: limited liability.
Limited liability protects the personal assets of the owners, ensuring that they are not personally accountable for the debts and obligations incurred by the business. Liability, in this context, refers to any financial responsibility that a business may not be able to fulfill, such as outstanding credit card balances, loans, court judgments, and other financial commitments. Without the safeguards of an LLC or a corporation, business owners may be compelled to utilize their personal assets to cover the company's liabilities, potentially risking their financial stability. This is a crucial consideration for potential business owners looking to mitigate personal risks while pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.
Who Uses Limited Liability Companies?
There is a prevalent misconception that establishing formal business entities, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), involves excessive costs and a significant investment of time, often perceived as a process suited exclusively for larger companies rather than small business owners. Contrary to this belief, the reality is quite different.
For entrepreneurs venturing into the business world, forming an LLC should be one of the initial steps taken to safeguard their personal assets as early as possible. An LLC provides a crucial liability shield, which protects the personal finances of the owner from any debts or legal issues incurred by the business. This protection is invaluable, especially in the formative stages of a business when risks may be higher and financial stability less certain.
The Fodera Law Firm offers affordable services to streamline the process of forming an LLC and drafting other necessary agreements. Book a consultation today by calling the number below or email Contact@LLCstarter.com.
What Do You Need to Start a LLC?
Anyone looking to open an LLC will need the following:
Business Name - a unique name for your business. This is the very first step of starting a LLC as you cannot create one without it.
Registered Agent - an individual or business entity designated to receive official documents on behalf of the LLC such as service of process in the event of a lawsuit. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during normal business hours to accept these important documents. This can be the business owner if they are a resident of the state of organization.
Certificate of Organization - this document is filed with the Secretary of State of other similar office and details the name of the business, its physical address, the name and address of managers, and the registered agent’s name, address, and signature.
Prepare an Operating Agreement - this is an optional but necessary agreement detailing how the company will be run and the roles of each owner and manager. This agreement is highly advisable where the LLC has multiple owners, owners who do not work for the company, or the owner is a Trust.
Obtain an EIN - an Employment Identification Number (EIN) is needed for all LLCs, even if you have no employees. This number is important for filing documents as it is an identifying number from the federal government, specifically the IRS.
This is not an exhaustive list of what is needed to start a LLC as it will depend on your unique situation. The Fodera Law Firm offers affordable services to streamline the process of forming an LLC and drafting other necessary agreements. Book a consultation today by calling the number below or email Contact@LLCstarter.com.
Interested in Opening a Business?
Starting a business can be as straightforward as selling a product or offering a service from your home. However, to operate under a Limited Liability Company (LLC), it's essential to have the right legal documents and filings in place. Forming an LLC is crucial as it protects its owners from the company's debts, ensuring that personal assets remain secure if the business cannot meet its financial obligations.
Without establishing an LLC or another business entity, you may be classified as a Sole Proprietorship or a Partnership. This designation exposes you to personal liability for any debts or legal issues faced by the business, potentially putting your personal finances at risk. Every entrepreneur should prioritize the protection of their personal assets alongside their professional endeavors by creating an LLC or corporation.
Corporate Formation
The initial step in establishing a business is the determination of the desired business structure. This involves selecting the appropriate type of business entity beyond merely deciding between selling goods or offering services. It is essential to understand the distinctions among various entities, such as Sole Proprietorships and Corporations. The choice of entity is critical, as it can significantly influence your tax obligations and your exposure to personal liability.
The Fodera Law Firm possesses extensive expertise in business formation and is well-equipped to guide you toward the most suitable entity for your unique business needs. Once the appropriate entity is identified, our firm can aid in preparing and filing the necessary documentation to ensure that you receive the appropriate legal protections for your business. The Fodera Law Firm offers services such as drafting Operating Agreements for Limited Liability Companies, Employment Contracts, and Company Handbooks, ensuring that you can concentrate fully on growing your business.
Additionally, the Fodera Law Firm has the expertise available to assist in website creation and review to ensure that your customer’s first impression is a good one.
Contract Drafting and Review
Each and every contract your business signs opens it to potential liability. Most contract disputes relate to misunderstandings of certain words or the work to be done. Consulting with an attorney on a draft or even executed agreement can be the difference between years of costly litigation. The Fodera Law Firm possesses extensive experience in contract drafting and review, allowing you to operate stress free with the knowledge that all of your obligations and responsibilities are met.
Crisis Management
When a business encounters challenges, it is imperative to respond decisively. The Fodera Law Firm is adept at addressing a wide range of public and private matters, including conducting internal investigations, preparing for litigation, and managing government inquiries. Our expertise ensures that your organization receives the comprehensive support necessary to navigate these complex situations effectively.
Employee - Employer Disputes
The relationship between an employer and its employees is a legal one with rights on both sides that need to be carefully navigated. Strikingly, almost 40% of all small business owners encountered an employment-related lawsuit in 2024. Even though most employment is classified as “at-will” there are still many unlawful reasons to terminate an employee which every employer should understand to avoid unnecessary severance and settlement costs.
Understanding the rights of your employees, the liability created by supervisors and managers, and utilizing strict company policies can be the difference in avoiding years of costly legal fees and disgruntled employees.
Risk Management
At The Fodera Law Firm, we take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to assisting small businesses in effectively safeguarding their interests and ensuring their long-term success. Understanding the nuances of what each contract truly means, the potential ramifications of necessary layoffs, and the thorough oversight of annual filings may appear to be minor details; however, they can lead to significant consequences if not handled correctly and with care.
The Fodera Law Firm possesses extensive experience in quickly getting up to speed on your unique business needs and insulate it from potential liability, whether that liability arises from customers, subcontractors, or employees. In most cases, the creation of and unwavering adherence to a set of corporate policies can be the difference in avoiding costly legal disputes. The Fodera Law Firm is fully equipped to help you identify potential risks early on and implement the necessary measures to protect your livelihood, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
Mergers and Acquisitions for Small Businesses
Whether your small business is thriving and attracting merger or acquisition offers or you’re seeking to expand by acquiring another company, The Fodera Law Firm provides expert legal representation. As a seller, we guide you through the complexities of divestiture; as a buyer, we conduct thorough due diligence to ensure a sound investment.
We tailor our approach to your goals, exploring strategies such as stock purchases or asset acquisitions. Each structure has unique implications, and we’ll discuss the best fit for your transaction. From negotiation to closing, our comprehensive representation ensures your interests are protected throughout the merger or acquisition process.
Contact The Fodera Law Firm to navigate your business’s next step with confidence.
At The Fodera Law Firm, we are deeply committed to delivering accessible and dependable legal services that empower our clients to focus primarily on their core business operations rather than becoming overwhelmed by legal concerns. Recognizing the inherent stress and uncertainty faced by business owners and entrepreneurs alike, our goal is to provide each client with the invaluable peace of mind that comes from having professional legal support readily available. Businesses should not wait for legal problems to arise before engaging with a qualified attorney. Schedule a consultation today to explore how we can effectively support your unique business needs and aspirations.
Don’t Wait to React, Protect your Business Today
How Can the Fodera Law Firm Help?
The Fodera Law Firm has the expertise needed to assist clients with issues such as:
Business Formation
Development of Company Policies
Operating Agreements
Anti-Discrimination Training
Anti-Sexual Harassment Training
Contract Negotiations and Disputes
Drafting Non-Compete Agreements
Wage Disputes
Navigating Reasonable & Religious Accommodation Requests
EEOC and NLRB Defense
Contact an Attorney Today
The Fodera Law Firm is ready to use it's experience, knowledge, and resources to effectively handle your matter.
Contact us today to book a consultation. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at the number below.
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Meet Ross J. Fodera, Esq.
Ross J. Fodera, Esq. is the esteemed founder and sole practitioner of the Fodera Law Firm, where he diligently specializes in a broad spectrum of legal practices, including but not limited to employment law, estate planning, contract negotiations, and real estate transactions. Since his admission to the bar, Mr. Fodera has expertly navigated numerous complex legal challenges, participating in significant six-figure settlement negotiations that underscore his adeptness in securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
His experience extends to handling diverse matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and conducting investigations by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Mr. Fodera demonstrates a steadfast commitment to delivering affordable legal services without compromising quality and effectiveness. He prides himself on exceptional client communication, ensuring that individuals are well-informed and comprehensively understand every facet of their legal representation throughout the process.
Mr. Fodera is duly licensed to practice law in both the District of Columbia and Massachusetts, allowing him to serve a wide array of clients with varying legal needs in these jurisdictions. His professional journey reflects not only his dedication to the law but also his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of his clients in a transparent and accessible manner.