Small Business Attorney in Central Florida

Providing Excellent Legal Services for Current or Prospective Small Business Owners

Small business owners often face struggles that owners of larger companies don’t have to deal with. For many, funds are tight, and even the slightest variation in their ability to provide goods and services can negatively impact their reputation. Losing just one client or customer can be devastating for a small business, sometimes causing companies to shut their doors permanently.

The good news is that when you have adequate legal counsel, you can prevent many problems before they arise. For example, valid business contracts can protect your interests and give other parties confidence when working with you. This is especially true for real estate companies that rely on solid lease agreements when leasing to tenants.

When a good Daytona Beach small business attorney is part of your team, you’ll have an attorney who already knows you and your business whenever legal needs or issues emerge. In central Florida, your dependable partner is Daytona Beach small business attorney Melody Lankford and the Lankford Law Firm. Get the legal advice and services your small business needs; call us today by dialing 850-888-8992.

What Legal Needs Do Small Business Owners Have?

A small business owner needs excellent legal representation in many areas to proceed confidently and focus on providing services and products to their clients and customers. Without legal protection from a small business lawyer, the company could suffer and may never get off the ground. To give your company the best chances of success, reach out to a small business attorney early in planning your business venture.

Some unique needs small business owners often share are:

Minimize legal liability
Select a business structure that matches their goals and abilities
Construct business contracts to protect their assets and interests
Assistance through the business formation process
Help writing a business plan to organize business planning
Compliance with state and federal laws
Intellectual property protection
Guidance when navigating business transactions
Help negotiating contracts with employees and other businesses
Help resolving business disputes

At Lankford Law Firm, we represent business clients in all of the above and more. Our in-depth knowledge of corporate law makes us your ideal allies as you plan, create, and expand your small business. We’ll advise you on the many business legal matters that could arise and will seek your best interests in case of disputes. Call right away for sound legal advice based on years of experience in your initial consultation.

How Should I Structure My New Business to Best Protect My Personal Assets?

Choosing a business entity is one of the most critical aspects of starting a new business. You’ll want to separate personal property from business assets, and to do this, you need to decide how to structure your new company. Depending on your goals, you could choose from various structures that offer different benefits and challenges.

For example, some options when structuring your new business are:

Sole proprietorship – This entity is the simplest form of business structure, making it ideal for someone who wants to start a business quickly and without unnecessary steps. However, selecting a sole proprietorship can mean mingling your personal and business assets, which puts you at risk
Corporation – With the help of skilled business lawyers, you could start a corporation for excellent liability protection in your new business. However, corporation creation can be complex and comes with certain tax consequences. Please speak with a small business lawyer like Melody Lankford before attempting to start a corporation in Central Florida
Limited liability company (LLC) – The LLC combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the protection of a corporation, making it one of the most popular business entities. However, you should still consult with your small business attorneys to ensure you complete the process of starting your LLC in a legally valid manner

What Are the Steps for Forming a Florida LLC?

The LLC, or limited liability company, is a valuable business entity that appeals to many small business owners. This structure is relatively simple, especially compared with the shareholders, stocks, and board of directors required in a corporation. The LLC also simultaneously protects the owner’s personal assets and privacy.

Some steps of forming an LLC in Florida include the following:

Selecting a name that is not being currently used by another entity in the State of Florida
Filing a “doing business as” document (or DBA) to legally operate under a name that is not your given name
Naming a registered agent to receive mail on your behalf, keeping in mind that the agent’s address goes on the public record
Filing articles of organization to submit basic information about your new company to the government, including your LLC’s name, address, registered agent, and date of creation
Paying necessary fees to select a registered agent and file articles of organization

Orlando business lawyers like those at Lankford Law Firm can help guide you through these steps. Many of the small businesses we help form are limited liability companies. We have extensive experience offering legal representation in business law matters. We’ll answer your questions and help you get everything filed promptly to avoid denials and delays. Contact our law firm for help with business planning and other legal services as you start your LLC.

Can Your Business Law Attorney Protect My Intellectual Property?

Yes, our experienced business law attorneys can absolutely help protect your intellectual property rights in many ways. We have detailed knowledge of state and federal laws regarding trademarks, registered brands, non-compete agreements, and other ways to ensure your intellectual property is safe.

At Lankford Law Firm, we understand how stressful it can be to start a company and worry about the legal nuances of this process. We’ll address your intellectual property protection needs so you can focus on growing your company and accomplishing the thrilling work of keeping clients and customers happy. We can ensure that local and foreign companies don’t infringe on your intellectual property, including brand names, products, and logos. We’ll also develop employment contracts that protect you in case an employee leaves your company.

With the hard work you’ve put into developing your brand, products, and services, you should take the small steps to protect that intellectual property. Reach out to our business law team immediately to learn how we will watch out for your business interests. Avoid serious legal issues by taking a few preventative measures today. Call Lankford Law Firm at 850-888-8992.

Why Do I Need Contracts When Forming a Small Business?

With business operations being relatively simple in a small business, it can be easy to see why some owners overlook the importance of contract law. However, failing to have legally valid contracts is asking for trouble, no matter the size of your business. In fact, small businesses have more to lose than larger companies, so it is even more vital to have a business law firm look over your contracts or help you draft documents that meet your unique needs.

Some examples of helpful business documents include:

Business plan – While a business plan is not technically a contract, it is a crucial document that provides guidance and structure for your company. You can also increase your chances of getting investors to buy into your business with a skillfully written business plan
Employment contracts – Hiring and firing employees might be one of the most stressful aspects of running a business. With solid contracts in place, you can describe each employee’s duties and dictate the performance you expect. You’ll also have legal recourse for taking action if the individual fails to perform their duties
Business-to-business (B2B) contracts – When operating your small business, you’ll likely interact and build relationships with other business owners. You may find that cooperation improves matters for both companies, resulting in transactions between the two businesses. Having B2B contracts protects you from unnecessary legal action and allows you to proceed with confidence

Whether you are starting fresh and need help drafting all new contracts or want a business lawyer to review your current contracts, you deserve quality legal representation. Your attorney can also help resolve disputes should they arise. Our law firm seeks to resolve matters through alternative dispute resolution methods whenever possible. However, we are ready and willing to fight for you should contract litigation become necessary.

How Can Small Business Attorneys Help Me Secure Funding for My New or Growing Business?

Another concern many small businesses have is securing funding to get the company started. You can get the money you need to start your business in many ways, such as getting a loan from the bank, borrowing money from a friend or relative, or taking out a loan against your personal assets. You could also fundraise using your business plan to attract investors. Some individuals find that the best way to raise funds is by starting a corporation and selling stock in the company.

We will be there to help with whatever method you select for seeking investors. Our business attorney knows how vital it is to have money when starting a business venture. We take this matter seriously and go to bat for you when you need help. We’ll identify potential investors and help develop a plan to present your company in the best light possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

What Should I Do if I’m Facing a Breach of Contract Lawsuit?

It can be incredibly stressful to face a breach of contract case. Whether you are dealing with another party who has neglected their contractual duty or if you’re being accused of breach of contract, you need a talented business law attorney to help you navigate this complex situation. An Orlando business attorney like Melody Lankford will investigate thoroughly to discover what happened and represent you skillfully should legal action become necessary.

At our law firm, we recognize that litigation is not desirable since it takes its toll on your time and money. We strive to use every possible recourse without taking matters to court. For example, we can negotiate on your behalf with the other party or seek alternative methods like mediation. However, should litigation become necessary, we will offer aggressive representation.

Our Orlando small business attorneys will not rest until we’ve gotten the best results possible on your behalf. The faster you resolve this matter, the better for you and your business. Call Lankford Law Firm as soon as possible when dealing with breach of contract issues.

What Employment Issues Does Your Law Firm Handle?

Small business owners face potential legal trouble whenever they hire – or decline to hire – employees. Even a minor violation or an honest mistake can cost you in lost hours, legal expenses, and never-ending paperwork and red tape. Before hiring even one employee, a savvy small business owner will want to bring an experienced Daytona Beach business attorney on board. It’s the best investment you can make to avoid unforeseen legal troubles.

Our law firm can help with many different employment issues, including:

Developing strong employment agreements to prevent potential disputes
Counseling you on how to get strong performance from your employees
Preventing serious legal issues when reprimanding or firing protected-class employees
Creating employee contracts such as non-solicit and non-competition agreements
Navigating employee complaints, including conducting an investigation in a discreet and thorough manner

If you are considering hiring employees, please contact our Orlando small business lawyers right away. You can count on our legal expertise and in-house counsel in employment and other legal matters.

What Makes Your Legal Team Unique Compared to Other Orlando Business Lawyers?

When you are starting or growing a company in Central Florida, you need legal services from a professional team you can count on. At Lankford Law Firm, we provide legal counsel and legal representation based on years of serving clients in various circumstances, including owners of small businesses. You can rely on our Orlando business attorneys for detailed knowledge of the law and aggressive representation.

Aside from our depth of knowledge and experience, our law firm stands apart from the rest because of our proven track record. We have countless positive reviews from satisfied clients, and we’ve helped with many different business law issues. Moreover, we treat each client with the care and dedication they deserve. We listen closely to each person’s concerns and questions to match our legal services with their needs and goals.

Don’t wait a moment longer to discover what makes Lankford Law Firm your ideal ally when you need legal counsel and representation in business law issues. Call our law office for your initial meeting with Attorney Melody Lankford and see for yourself why you should hire us when starting or expanding your business operations.

Should You Hire Our Small Business Attorney in Central Florida?

Don’t wait until you need an attorney; often, that’s too late. You need a reliable partner right at your side who is constantly working on your behalf. The Lankford Law Firm serves and represents small businesses throughout Volusia, Brevard, Flagler, Orange, and Seminole counties.

Daytona Beach small business attorney Melody Lankford provides a friendly, comfortable setting for current and potential clients to discuss their legal and business needs by setting appointments around each client’s schedule and making it even more convenient by going to their place of business.

Call the Lankford Law Firm for a consultation at 850-888-8992 or email us at mlankford@lankfordlawfirm.com. Se habla Español.