Businesses are essential to commerce and the economy. They often require owners to oversee many aspects of the company simultaneously. However, in order to prevent issues or to navigate through them when they arise, it is essential to have a Houston business lawyer on your side to safeguard against threats to your organization. With the aid of Feldman & Feldman, you can receive the trusted counsel and representation you need to give you peace of mind and confidence in all your business transactions.
What Is Covered Within the Scope of Business Law
Running a business is multifaceted. It requires a strong foundation and legal protections to avoid risks that may damage its reputation and ability to function. Compliance is also essential to business operations in many areas, and this is where business law comes into play.
Business law includes many areas that pertain to running and operating a business. It can cover where and how business is conducted, the documents that are needed to maintain business relationships and operations, and legal resolution methods for business disputes. Because there are many complex considerations and structures involved, you should always consult a Houston business lawyer before signing a contract or making a decision that impacts your business.
Below is a more in-depth look at some of the common practice areas with which the team at Feldman & Feldman can guide your business.
Contract Drafting and Review
Contracts are essential to business. They outline the responsibilities of various parties and ensure that each one upholds their contractual obligations. Having legally sound contracts in effect can minimize the risks to your business and protect you. These documents must be agreed upon by all parties, and there must be an exchange of value.
Business contracts, agreements, and waivers can be used in a variety of settings and can serve a wide array of purposes. Because of their repercussions, it is essential that they are drafted properly and reviewed before you ever put pen to paper. A business lawyer can provide valuable counsel in this area of the law.
Commercial Litigation
Disputes and other legal complications can occur in business that may require commercial litigation to resolve. A lawyer can represent you in these matters and advocate for your interests. They understand the legal nuances that apply to such cases and can negotiate a more favorable outcome for your business.
A business lawyer can also prevent disputes from escalating. Common reasons for litigation may include breach of contract, dissolution, employment issues, and more.
Franchises
Franchises can be a great opportunity to own a business with the guarantee of a solid, existing business concept. However, purchasing and operating a franchise has many requirements and legal ramifications. There may be limited opportunities to negotiate, and requirements may be strict.
It is essential to have a lawyer review all relevant documents and agreements associated with a franchise before entering into one to ensure that you and your assets are protected. A lawyer can also assist you if you are choosing to create a new franchise for your business. They can help you take care of all the necessary paperwork and legal requirements as you grow your business.
Real Estate
Whether buying or selling, real estate transactions are very nuanced, and there are many legal factors to consider. A lawyer can ensure you are following the correct processes and meeting all of the necessary requirements to complete the transaction. They can also advise on what actions to take when issues come up. Developers, buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, and tenants are just a few of the groups that a Houston business lawyer can assist in matters of real estate.
Partnership Disputes
Partnerships can affect the health of a business for better or worse. A business partnership relies on all parties involved to uphold their responsibilities and contribute to the company. Contract disputes, business disagreements, and bad-faith actions can be among the many reasons for conflict among partners.
A business lawyer can help resolve these issues and even dissolve partnerships if no solution can be found. For these reasons, it is essential to have a partnership agreement in place to outline the course of action and penalties when partnership issues come up. This allows your company to respond to business disputes immediately and effectively.
Methods a Houston Business Lawyer May Use to Resolve Your Case
When disputes arise, there are several ways a Houston business lawyer may approach its resolution, which depends largely on the nature of your situation. Known as alternative dispute resolution, these approaches are designed to accommodate various types of cases or escalating conditions. Conflict is inevitable in business, and your lawyer is prepared to fight for you in a number of ways to get you the results you need.
Negotiation
Negotiation is often the initial course of action when business disputes arise. This method seeks to strike a compromise between both parties that each is satisfied with. It allows each party their say about what they are willing to accept or concede, providing the opportunity to have some control over the results. Equipped with well-honed negotiation skills, your lawyer will protect your interests and fight to get you the best possible outcome.
Mediation
Mediation can be helpful when negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. During this process, an objective third party is brought in to hear both sides and help them come to a compromise. This additional facilitation can prevent issues from escalating and result in a swifter resolution.
Arbitration
Arbitration is one step below litigation. While it is still a way to settle a dispute out of court, it is more structured and requires evidence and arguments to be made by each side. An arbitrator hears each party’s side and issues a decision at the end. The arbitrator’s final decision is binding, similar to a judge’s decision.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 171, Title 7, the Texas Arbitration Act outlines specific legal requirements and procedures for this approach.
Litigation
The most expensive and time-consuming option to settle a business dispute is litigation, which is used when all other methods fail, or the parties need a traditional resolution method. Litigated business disputes must go to trial and require a discovery and argument process before a judge and jury. A decision is issued at the end of the case and a court’s judgment or order is entered telling each party how t to proceed.
Houston Business Lawyers Provide Exceptional Service and Trusted Counsel
Business lawyers are there to shield you from negative impacts on your business and help you navigate the many legal requirements and obligations you have as an owner. Whether you need assistance putting preventative measures in place or need representation during a dispute, a Houston business lawyer ensures you have what you need to minimize risks.
Working with a business lawyer in Houston also frees you up to better focus on running your business and keeping it operational. Your lawyer can handle all the legal aspects on your behalf and provide trusted counsel that will keep you out of hot water.
Feldman & Feldman Is a Force to Be Reckoned With
Feldman & Feldman is a formidable force when fighting for you. We know you may have a lot at stake when disputes arise, and our business lawyers protect your interests and assets through extensive legal knowledge, effective strategies, and targeted negotiations. Contact us today to ensure your business is in good hands and protected from risks.
Contact Feldman & Feldman to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Houston business lawyers. We look forward to helping you with the legal aspects of your business.