It's advisable that you seek the counsel of an experienced business law attorney to help you through the process of launching your business start-up. Even if you don't feel the need for an attorney, you probably do need help with compliance, tax issues, or any of the myriad legal issues that come into play when launching a business. And simply not knowing about a particular law -- be it federal law, state statute, county regulation, or local ordinance -- can end a business before it has a chance to succeed.
In order to do the best possible job on your behalf, your attorney needs information about the business venture, the entrepreneur(s), and other parties involved at the highest levels. At your first meeting with your attorney, you should be prepared to provide, as applicable, the following business start-up information:
INFORMATION ABOUT YOU Name __________________________________ Date of Birth____________________________ Home Address ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ Business Address ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ Home Phone Number ____________________________ Work Phone Number ____________________________ Other Phone Number ____________________________ Facsimile Number____________________________ E-mail Address____________________________ Web Site Address ____________________________ Have you ever declared bankruptcy, been accused, convicted or found liable for any violation of a federal or state securities law or regulation, or entered into a consent decree with, or had an injunction granted against you by, any federal or state enforcement agency or commerce department? __________(If yes, provide details) INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT Present Employer____________________________ Employment Position ____________________________ How long have your worked there?__________ Do you intend to remain employed there? __________ If yes, for how long?__________ Did your current employer or any past employer require you to sign a noncompetition or confidentiality agreement? __________ (If yes, provide a copy of the agreement to your attorney) Did you develop your business concept on company time or premises?__________ Did you use any company resources in developing your business concept?__________ If yes, what resources?______________________ Have you approached your employer with your business venture?__________ If yes, what was your employer's response?______________________ INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER(S) (Your business partners, if any, should provide the same information you have provided above) INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE Have you taken any steps to incorporate your business? __________(If yes, provide details) Who is expected to initially own the business, in what percentages, and for what contributions? |
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Which of the owners are expected to be employed by the business? __________________ In what capacities? ________________________________________________________ For what compensation? ___________________________________________________ Are there any written contracts between the owners?__________ (If yes, provide your attorney with a copy) Do you have a written Business Plan?__________ (If yes, provide your attorney with a copy of it) Have you offered to sell or sold any interests in your business to any investors?_________ (If yes, provide details) Have you obtained or sought to obtain any loans for your business?__________ (If yes, provide details) Have you retained any consultants, accountants, or tax professionals?__________ (If yes, provide details) Have you promised an interest in the company to any consultants?__________(If yes, provide details) What assets does the business own?__________ Do you, any of your partners, or the business own any inventions the business intends to exploit?__________ (If yes, provide details) Is the business a party or potential party to any joint venture, license, or similar agreement?__________ (If yes, provide your attorney with a copy) Does the business have any trademarks or logos you wish to protect?__________ (If yes, provide details or renderings) Does the business own or lease any real estate?__________ (If yes, provide details) Does the business have any written financial statements?__________ (If yes, provide your attorney with a copy) OTHER QUESTIONS (Make a list of other pertinent questions to ask your attorney) |
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Find the Right Lawyer for Your Business Needs
There are many different disciplines within the larger context of business law. Some lawyers focus on business tax issues, while others specialize in employment law or financial matters. Still, others provide general services for small businesses and may be able to refer you to other legal professionals should the need arise. See FindLaw's Business Lawyers and Resources section for more information, and (after gathering the necessary business start-up information) check out the directory of business and commercial lawyers to find a professional near you.
More tips and resources can be found in FindLaw's First Steps to Start a Business section.
