Business Disputes and Transactions
Skilled Manhattan Beach Business Disputes Attorney
When it comes to working with outside legal counsel, too often small to mid-sized businesses are either underserved with the legal services they receive or overcharged by legal fees – and often both at the same time. Thus, for many businesses in Southern California they have to choose between inconsistent or insufficient legal work and break-the-bank legal fees.
The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC offers a third way for businesses that need consistently top-notch legal services at reasonable rates that maximize both efficiency and long-term results for the business’ bottom law line. We are dedicated to helping businesses in handling business transactions and disputes, from business formation and contract drafting to all types of dispute resolution. Our firm stands by our clients as long-term partners committed to their profitability and success.
A Long-Term Partner
At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, businesses and business owners often come to us with a single legal matter or series of matters to be resolved, such as drafting an employment agreement or responding to a threatened contractual dispute. But then, based on our work product, will elect to work with our firm as an external General Counsel on all ongoing legal matters for the business.
Regardless of whether you or your business is seeking advice on a single legal matter, or looking for long-term, ongoing representation, The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC is here for you. We will be committed to understanding the framework and needs of your business. We will enthusiastically assist you in achieving both immediate, and longer-term big picture results. We will help you to protect the assets, intellectual property rights, and business interests of your operation for years to come while opening up new avenues for growth.
We work with businesses through all stages of life – from formation to ongoing financing, and through dissolution and sale. Our process is designed to provide structure to your company’s operations, safeguard your company’s assets, and meet your tax planning goals. We will also assess unseen risks and safeguard against dangers such as loss of trade secrets.
In addition to helping businesses with formation, growth, and transactions, we also have extensive experience defending and prosecuting sales and leasing issues covered by the California Civil Code, Business and Professions Code, and Commercial Code. We will aggressively pursue your business’ interests in negotiations and in court. In addition to traditional UCC sales, UCC leasing, and common law contract actions, the members of the firm have defended and prosecuted matters involving:
- Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements
- Buy-Sell and Service Agreements
- Shareholder Agreements / Bylaws
- California Unfair Competition Law (Business & Professions Code Section 17200)
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- UCC / Secured Transactions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I form my business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
Can a shareholder be held liable for corporate debts?
Click here to learn more
What are some of the most important terms that should be included in a commercial lease?
- Rental fees
- Lease term
- Improvements to the property by the tenant
- Taxes
- Division of operating expenses (utility bills for a shopping mall, for example)
- Repair and maintenance
- Subletting
- Assignment
- Remedies for landlord or tenant default
- Lease termination.
Click here to learn more
How can a contract review aid my business operations?
What is the best way to avoid a contract dispute?
To what extent do corporate bylaws play a role in shareholder disputes?
What can I do to prevent my former business partner from using my company's proprietary information to establish a business that competes with mine?
- California’s unfair competition law;
- infringement of a patent, trademark or copyright;
- breach of a non-disclosure agreement; or
- breach of a non-compete clause (non-compete clauses are usually, but not always, unenforceable).
What is a non-disclosure agreement?
What are some of the alternatives to a lawsuit?
- administrative enforcement (seeking civil fines against a competitor, for example);
- arbitration (if both parties agree to arbitrate, either before or after the dispute arises);
- mediation; and
- negotiation (easily the most common form of ADR).
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
If I file for bankruptcy, can I lose my business?
Click here to learn more
- A corporation files Form S&DC. There are different versions of this form for general stock/non-profit, law, or accountancy and insurance corporations.
- An LLC files Form LLC–5.
- A Limited Partnership files Form LP–5.
- A Limited Liability Partnership files Form LLP–1.
All of these entities must also file a Certificate of Good Standing or its equivalent.
We’ve Got Your Back
We know that, for many of our clients, their business is not just their livelihood but it can also be their life’s work. We take our commitment to be long-term partners in the protection and ongoing success of our clients’ businesses very seriously.
When seeking out legal representation – who you can trust with the most intimate and critical parts of your business – we encourage you to be as thorough as possible. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, we are here to answer any question you have about how we can be of ongoing service to your business.
Get Things Rolling Today
Business law problems tend to fester the longer they go unaddressed, and this is especially true when non-obvious, unforeseen risks are involved. Call our office today at (310) 928-2585 or email us from this website to set up a free, no-obligation consultation where we can discuss your case and explore your options.