Types of Cases Handled by Corporate Lawyers

As a corporate lawyer with over 7 years of experience advising both small startups and large multinational corporations. I have handled a wide variety of legal cases and issues. In this article, I will provide an overview of the most common types of cases that corporate lawyers deal with on a regular basis. Let’s take a deep look at “Types of Cases Handled by Corporate Lawyers.”

Formation of Business Entities

One of the first things many founders and entrepreneurs do when starting a business is seek out a corporate lawyer to help them form the appropriate business entity. As a corporate lawyer, I have assisted hundreds of clients in forming LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other entities. This involves advising on the pros and cons of each business structure, preparing and filing all necessary paperwork, and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulations.

For example, last year I helped the founders of a startup e-commerce company form an LLC to limit their personal liability as the business grew. We discussed the tax implications of an LLC versus a corporation at length to determine the best fit based on their short and long term business goals.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions allow companies to consolidate operations or expand into new markets. As an experienced M&A lawyer, I have represented both small private companies looking to be acquired and large enterprises seeking to grow through acquisitions.

Most recently, I represented a medical device manufacturer in their $15 million acquisition of a smaller medical supply company. My role included valuing the target company, conducting comprehensive due diligence, negotiating deal terms and pricing, and ultimately closing the complex transaction. The acquisition allowed my client to expand their product line and enter new regional markets.

Securities Regulation and Compliance

When companies want to raise funds through equity financing or debt offerings, they must comply with strict federal and state securities laws. As a corporate lawyer, I routinely assist private and public companies in securities regulation and compliance matters.

For example, last quarter I helped a solar energy startup file the necessary paperwork to hold a $5 million Series A funding round and issue preferred stock to angel investors. Ensuring compliance with securities rules allowed them to successfully raise growth capital while limiting regulatory risks.

Contract Drafting and Review

An important role corporate lawyers play is drafting, negotiating and reviewing business contracts. During my career, I’ve drafted and reviewed hundreds of contracts including partnership agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, executive employment agreements, stock option plans, licensing deals, and more.

Clear and comprehensive contracts are vital for defining business relationships and protecting a company’s interests. For example, the 20-page manufacturing agreement I recently drafted for a automotive parts supplier clearly outlined quality requirements, pricing terms, delivery timelines, and warranty provisions across all of their facilities to ensure alignment.

Intellectual Property Protection

Safeguarding intellectual property (IP) is crucial for many companies. As a corporate lawyer, I have helped companies protect proprietary technology, content and data by securing patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

A current client of mine is a biotech startup developing novel gene therapy technology to treat certain cancers. My legal services involve running patent searches to identify any prior IP related to their R&D, filing provisional patents to temporarily protect new IP, and preparing utility patents to formally register their IP with long-term protections. Securing watertight IP protection gives them an advantage as they work towards commercialization.

Employment Law Compliance

Corporate lawyers are often called upon to assist companies in employment law matters involving hiring, compensation, promotions, terminations, and more. I routinely review employee handbooks, advise HR departments on legally sound practices. Investigate harassment claims, and represent companies in wrongful termination lawsuits.

For instance, a client that operates a chain of retail stores recently asked me to review their company-wide compensation structure for potential inequities. By thoroughly auditing their pay scales, performance ratings, and promotion history. I identified several discrepancies in how male vs. female employees were paid and advanced. Working with HR leadership, we were able to remedy these issues and implement an equitable system.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

Understanding and keeping up with the regulatory environment is an important capability corporate lawyers bring to the table. We keep companies apprised of changes in labor laws, environmental regulations, financial reporting standards, and more that could impact their operations and reporting.

I recently conducted a full legal compliance audit for a commercial construction company that operates in 4 different states. My review encompassed federal and multi-state regulations related to safety protocols, contractor licensing, wage standards, materials sourcing, permits & inspections, and other issues vital to their business. I outlined all areas of non-compliance along with recommendations to align with all applicable rules and regulations.

Advising Board Members and Executives

Public companies, private companies and non-profit entities often retain corporate lawyers to advise board members and executive leadership teams. This can involve educating them on governance best practices, liability risks, ethical considerations. And changes in laws that impact corporate strategy and operations.

For example, as outside counsel I meet quarterly with the board of directors of a prominent local non-profit organization. We discuss topics ranging from appropriate utilization of restricted funds to new state laws around fundraising reporting and transparency disclosures donors and the public. My guidance gives the board confidence they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties as governing stewards of the non-profit.

Conclusion

Corporate lawyers handle a wide array of legal matters impacting businesses. With extensive experience across industries and legal specialties, we provide vital counsel and representation to companies of all sizes. My career has allowed me to develop deep expertise related to business entity formation, M&A transactions, securities regulation, IP protection, contract law, employment law and regulatory compliance.

If you have questions or need legal assistance on any corporate law matter. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your situation. I look forward to helping you achieve your business goals while proactively managing risk.