Startups & New Businesses

Legal and Strategic Advisory

We’ve been the trusted advisors for many startups and emerging companies. We see ourselves as not just you legal advisors but also your strategic advisors.

Startup Incorporation & Structure

The formational phase of a startup can greatly influence its growth trajectory. Startups come to us for precise guidance on incorporation and structuring. Our focus is not merely on current market dynamics but on positioning your startup for future scalability and adaptability. We dive deep into your vision, business model, and the competitive landscape to suggest the ideal structure, be it an LLC, a corporation, or another business entity.

Crafting Startup Governance

We emphasize the importance of establishing clear roles and responsibilities for founders from the beginning. This not only ensures smooth operations but also attracts potential investors who value organizational clarity. Furthermore, we assist clients with early founding documents such as founder’s agreements, bylaws, and partnership agreements.

Startup Transitions & Pivots

The startup journey isn’t always linear. Whether you’re considering a business model pivot, a strategic partnership, or even a potential acquisition offer, our team is here to assist.

Navigating Employment Matters

We assist startups in understanding and navigating the maze of California employment laws, ensuring that they can attract, retain, and manage their team effectively. From drafting the initial employment contracts, setting up benefits and stock option plans, to advising on labor laws and regulations, we’re here to help.

Insights

Can Non-U.S. Citizens and Start and Operate a Business?

In the United States, ownership of a business, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations, is not restricted to U.S. citizens. Individuals who are non-U.S. citizens are eligible to own these types of businesses. However, with this broad permission, there are specific considerations that needs to be taken into account concerning the type of corporation and the owner’s visa status when it comes to employment.

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Bypassing Proposition 19 and Property Tax Reassessments

Proposition 19 has significantly altered the landscape of property tax regulations in California, particularly affecting the longstanding parent-child exclusion for property tax reassessment. This legislative change has directly impacted how real estate properties are transferred from parents to children, necessitating creative approaches for families and real estate investors eager to pass down real estate assets to their heirs in a tax efficient manner. To achieve this goal, real estate limited-liability companies (LLC) need to be established and used as a vehicle for property transfers.

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Navigating the Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide for U.S. Businesses

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted in response to increasing worries about the use of anonymous shell companies for illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing. The CTA marks a major shift from the current corporate reporting norms in the United States. Under this law, specific entities are required to disclose their beneficial ownership details to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The CTA reporting requirements went into effect on January 01, 2024.

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