Pennsylvania Business Lawyers Representing Businesses Of All Sizes
For Pennsylvania entrepreneurs, starting or expanding a business can be an exciting yet stressful endeavor. At FrancePaskeySwope, our business lawyers can help you take the steps to build a foundation for success.
Our decades of experience and deep knowledge of business law mean we are prepared to address legal matters of any size or complexity. We are unafraid of litigation and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and protect your business in the courtroom if necessary.
Handling A Broad Range Of Business Litigation And Transactions
We provide individuals and businesses throughout South Central Pennsylvania, including York, Adams, Cumberland, Lancaster and Dauphin counties, with a full range of legal services, including:
- Commercial and civil litigation: We handle commercial litigation between business owners and professional corporations, such as business disputes, as well as civil litigation between companies and individuals, such as consumers who believe they were wronged by a corporate entity.
- Business formation and advice: Our experienced legal team can help with choosing a business structure, applying for the appropriate business license, setting up a franchise location, purchasing real estate and much more.
- Contract preparation and review: We help with employment contracts, partnership agreements and more. We can also help you review and adjust previous contracts, such as removing noncompete agreements after the FTC ban.
- Mergers and business combinations: A merger can be very complex for both parties. We assist with contracts, purchase offers, business restructuring, layoffs and personnel changes, and much more.
- Business purchases and sales: To start with, we can help perform a business valuation and contact potential buyers. We can also assist with sale price negotiations, reading contracts and setting up the fine print. Every business sale is unique, and it takes a knowledgeable team to consider the specifics of every case.
- Breaches of contract: When a contract is breached, it can lead to a serious dispute or damages being incurred. We can assist with drafting contracts, determining when a breach has occurred, communicating with the other party and working toward a resolution. It helps to have a team on your side that has been through this process before.
- Shareholder and buy/sell agreements: We help with drafting buy/sell agreements and shareholder agreements. We can assist companies that are looking to move forward with an initial public offering (IPO) or business owners who are interested in leaving or taking a step back.
Shareholder disputes: When companies are public, they have to consider the shareholders. We can help to resolve disputes and explore legal options when they occur. Many shareholder disputes are financial in nature and can be highly complex.
Our Business Lawyers Are Here To Help You Start And Grow Your Business
If you are starting a business, we can help you take steps to ensure its success. We can review and provide feedback on your business plans. We can also assist you in choosing the right business structure and exploring the liability and tax implications of each option.
If you are looking to expand your business, we can advise you on issues that come with growth, including:
- Corporate compliance
- Insurance coverage
- Investment strategies
- Liability management
- Profitability
Advising Employers On Compliance And Dispute Resolution
Employers often look to our Pennsylvania attorneys to advise them on state and federal regulatory compliance. The vast majority of business owners and managers make a good faith effort to comply with laws and regulations that govern their operations. Still, problems come up that require legal advice and assistance. To address existing problems or prevent potential ones from developing and escalating, consult with an attorney on who is well-versed in employment law for employers.
At FrancePaskeySwope, we are confident that we can find the answers that you seek through negotiations, arbitration or litigation as we guide you through:
- Employee management
- Senior executive selection, appointment and onboarding
- Executive severance packages
- Employment discrimination claims and other employment law matters involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Employment insurance claims and disputes over benefits
- Labor relations and labor unions
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission hearings and disputes
- Law enforcement/Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) labor representation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is business litigation?
Business litigation can take many forms. It often involves lawsuits or disputes between two businesses or corporate entities, but it can also involve disputes between shareholders, co-owners, business partners and others.
What does a business attorney do?
A business attorney can assist with all parts of the corporate process, from purchasing real estate to licensing and registering a new business. The attorney can help with drafting contracts, settling employee disputes or setting up an initial public offering (IPO) when a company gets big enough to go public. Business attorneys also work to resolve disputes and intellectual property issues.
How can attorneys help business owners?
A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can offer guidance and legal insights. Business owners may be unsure of exactly what steps to take or what legal requirements they face. They may not know the options they have when facing a dispute or how the local employment laws are written. An attorney ensures that things go smoothly and helps avoid litigation.
Do I need a business attorney to start a business?
Although having an attorney is not legally required to start a new business, it is highly advisable for many reasons. For instance, new business owners may accidentally violate local laws or zoning regulations, which means they get shut down after the company opens. This could cost tens of thousands of dollars. A business attorney could identify these issues upfront and take proper steps to avoid them, such as applying for a variance or getting the right business license.
How to hire a business attorney?
The best way to hire a business attorney is to find someone experienced in the law and with a track record of success, all while putting their clients first. Often, the best way to begin is with an initial consultation, where the attorney can learn about your business’s needs and you can determine if the attorney is a good fit.
Let Our Business Lawyers Help You Find The Right Way
We invite your inquiries regarding any legal corporate, business or employment matter. Schedule a consultation by calling 717-931-5994 or by sending us an email message through our online form.