Business Lawyer

Protect, Grow, and Empower Your Business With a Trusted Business Lawyer Near You

Running a business means navigating complex decisions—from structuring your startup to scaling through mergers or acquisitions. At Empire Business Law, our experienced business lawyers help entrepreneurs, founders, and growing companies like yours make confident, legally sound decisions every step of the way. Whether you’re searching for a business lawyer near me or need ongoing counsel for complex transactions, we deliver proactive legal solutions that safeguard your operations and drive your success.

Over the years, Empire Business Law has helped with the launch of many startup companies. We are sensitive to the needs of entrepreneurs. Our focus is to advise founders on typical matters such as raising capital safely, how to protect their intellectual property and to accelerate their growth sensibly.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

A business lawyer is more than a legal representative—they're your strategic partner in growth and protection. Our role at Empire Business Law includes:


  • Drafting and reviewing business contracts and agreements
  • Advising on business structure and entity formation
  • Handling mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures
  • Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws
  • Protecting intellectual property, trademarks, and brand assets
  • Mitigating risk and resolving disputes before they escalate



Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing team, our business lawyers ensure you’re protected legally and positioned for smart growth.

When Should You Hire a Business Lawyer?

Too many business owners wait until there’s a problem to call a lawyer. The truth is: the earlier you bring in legal counsel, the better your business outcomes will be. You should hire a business lawyer when:


  • You’re starting a new business and need help with legal formation
  • You’re preparing to sign or draft contracts
  • You’re acquiring, merging with, or selling another business
  • You’re hiring employees or contractors
  • You’re dealing with trademarks or IP concerns
  • You want a general counsel on retainer for legal peace of mind



Having a business lawyer near you from day one gives you the advantage of proactive legal strategy—not damage control.

Why Empire Business Law?

Choosing a business lawyer isn’t just about finding someone who understands contracts—it’s about partnering with someone who understands your business goals.


Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Free initial consultation
  • Value-based billing, not bloated hourly fees
  • Decades of combined legal experience
  • Focus on avoiding court and minimizing disputes
  • Tailored legal strategies to support your growth
  • Offices in California and New Jersey—we’re local and accessible


Our clients—from startups to multi-state businesses—consistently say the same thing: “Empire Business Law gets it.”

February 6, 2025
Selling a business is a complex process that involves multiple legal, financial, and operational considerations. Whether you’re transitioning to a new venture, retiring, or simply moving on, ensuring a legally sound sale is crucial to protecting your interests. Without proper legal guidance, business owners may face unnecessary liabilities, disputes, or delays that could jeopardize the transaction. At Empire Business Law , we specialize in helping business owners navigate the sale process efficiently. From structuring the deal to finalizing contracts, we ensure a smooth, legally compliant transition so you can focus on your next steps with confidence.
February 6, 2025
Selling a business is a major financial and legal transaction. Whether you’re moving on to a new venture, preparing for retirement, or simply looking for a change, the process of selling a business involves complex legal considerations. Without the right guidance, business owners can face costly mistakes, delays, or legal disputes. At Empire Business Law , we specialize in helping business owners navigate mergers, acquisitions, and business sales with confidence. From preparing legal documents to ensuring compliance, our attorneys are here to make the process as smooth as possible.  In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key legal steps involved in selling a business and how our team can help protect your interests at every stage.
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Legal Guidance That Grows With You

Our legal support isn’t a one-time transaction—it’s a relationship. When you hire us as your business lawyer, you get:

  • Long-term strategic insight as your business scales
  • Consistent legal risk reviews and contract audits
  • Help navigating investor agreements, leases, and negotiations
  • Trademark monitoring and enforcement strategies
  • Confidence knowing your business is always legally protected



Our clients keep us on speed dial for a reason—because when business moves fast, you need legal guidance that moves faster.

Who We Help

Empire Business Law is the legal partner of choice for:


  • Startups and early-stage companies looking to launch right
  • Established businesses needing full-service general counsel
  • Companies preparing for a sale, merger, or acquisition
  • Business owners looking to protect their brand, assets, or contracts
  • Entrepreneurs facing legal decisions they can’t afford to get wrong



Whether you’re scaling to your first $1M or preparing for exit, our business lawyers are here to make sure your legal foundation is solid.

What does a business lawyer do?

A business lawyer handles everything from contract creation to IP protection and ensures your company remains legally compliant. At Empire Business Law, we go beyond templates—we provide tailored strategies that help businesses grow smart and stay protected.

When to get a business lawyer?

You should get a business lawyer as soon as you’re planning to start a business or engage in any serious transaction (like a merger or hiring employees). Legal missteps cost more to fix than to prevent. Our team helps you make the right legal move—at the right time.

FAQs - Business Lawyer

  • 1. How much does a business lawyer cost?

    We know that the right type of entity can make or break a startup. You need to know the right balance between liability, taxes, and other factors in order for everything to work out well - which is why our team has years' worth of expertise on this subject! Let us help you decide what would be best suited based off some common questions surrounding each option. The first step when launching any business venture into outer space? Selecting an appropriate legal form such as Corp., Ltd., Partnerships etc.… There’s no single “correct" answer here; different entities offer advantages depending upon how much money/risky investments people are looking to take on.

  • 2. What’s the difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer?

    One of the main reasons that people invest in early-stage startups is because they offer a great opportunity for returns. This means that those who put money into these businesses stand to make some serious profit if their investment pays off later down the road; especially when you take into account all types of legal protection offered by C-Corps which has been established over time based on what was appropriate at various points during our history as well laws surrounding them today--this predictability helps encourage investors with ideas or plans about starting up shop but not knowing where to start!


    C-Corps can be a cumbersome navigation when the law is complicated and there are relatively few shareholders. In addition, C-corp dividends are "double taxed" - meaning that as an entity they must pay taxes on any earnings which go towards paying out profits in dividends or salaries; but those same funds would also suffer another layer of taxation if investors receive them directly instead through compensation packages made up mostly from stock options exercised at market price during periods where shares rise dramatically (and often times beyond what was original cost).


    The Articles of Incorporation function as the business’s charter, outlining its basic information and governance structure. This includes an initial stock authorization for shares to be issued by defaulting creditors with no action taken on their behalf within one year after formation - this is known formally in corporate law circles as “writer-up procedure." The certificate also identifies which laws will apply if there are any disputes between parties operating under different legal systems like state vs federal etc.


    The Bylaws, in combination with the Articles of Incorporation, set out the mechanisms by with the business runs; when annual meetings are, how shareholder voting works, and how business decisions are made, among other things. The Director’s Initial Resolutions and Shareholder’s Initial Resolutions ratify the procedures that went into incorporation, list the initial corporate officers, and allocate the stock authorized by the Articles.


    Two more documents do not need to be filed with the Articles, Bylaws, and Initial Resolutions, but are just as pivotal for a startup to have. The Shareholders’ Agreement lists the rights and obligations for the company’s shareholders; it describes how shares are priced and transferred (or restricted from transfer), and is a method for ensuring civility among a startup’s initial shareholders through listing clear procedure and providing methods of dispute resolution. Finally, small and privately owned C-Corps might use a Subscription Agreement to facilitate a sale of stock with a specific private investor, and the accompanying terms governing price, quantity, confidentiality, and return on investment.

  • 3. Can a business lawyer help with trademarks and intellectual property?

    S-Corporations operate in most ways indistinguishably from a C-Corp. The defining feature of an S-Corp is that its shareholders have filed a federal election with the IRS to alter how they are taxed. Rather than face double-taxation, S-corps elect to have their profits “flow-through” the corporate entity directly to the shareholders. In this manner, earnings of an S-Corp are only taxed once they reach the shareholders as profit. Startups considering filing as an S-Corp should note that, to properly file as an S-Corp, they may need to file an S-Corporation election with the Department of State of their respective State in addition to the same filing with the IRS.

  • 4. Do I need a business lawyer if I already have an accountant?

    Yes—accountants handle financial compliance, while lawyers handle legal risk, contracts, and business structure. Together, they form a strong advisory team. We often collaborate with CPAs to ensure full-spectrum protection for your business.

  • 5. How do I get started with Empire Business Law?

    Simple. Schedule a free consultation through our online form or call us at (855) 781-7705. Whether you're searching for a business lawyer near me or need immediate support, our team is ready to help you move forward with confidence.

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Why Choose Us

Free Initial Consultation

Personalized and Results-oriented Practice

Value Based Billing

Successfully counseled hundreds of businesses

Experienced in working with a diverse group of businesses.

A sought after team of lawyers that are on your side.

Testimonials

If you are looking for a very professional and reliable lawyer do not look any furthermore. Daniel López helped us by answering all of our questions. He made us feel comfortable with the process. I will highly recommend him to my family and friends. Thank you so much, Daniel. You were the best!

Ines S

Empire Business Law Client

Daniel is amazing! he's helped us get our business restructured right. He's so knowledgeable and extremely responsive. I would highly recommend Daniel and the attorneys at Empire Law for anything you need done with your business.

Rudy G.

Empire Business Law Client

We needed some trademark work done. There was another business using our logo. We called Empire and they literally held our hand through the whole process.

Patrick M.

Empire Business Law Client

I recommend Daniel Lopez, Esq. due to his knowledge, integrity, and ability to choose what is right for his clients. No upselling or trying to overcharge.

Tim J.

Empire Business Law Client

Great first experience with this Law firm. I had a meeting with Daniel. He was friendly, informative, and straight to the point which I appreciate as a business professional.

Tom A.

Empire Business Law Client

Danny was very helpful and answered all my questions regarding the creating of my LLC. He was very helpful. I would work with his firm again.

Stevee A.

Empire Business Law Client

Always a great experience speaking with Danny. Knowledgeable and professional.

David P.

Empire Business Law Client

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