Preparing a legal document or preparing to merge a company can be daunting and intimidating. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the different legal terms and phrases.
A corporate attorney plays a crucial role in helping corporations navigate the complex terrain of legal business. If you’re wondering what a corporate attorney does, and whether or not you need to hire one, then you’re at the right place.
What Does A Corporate Attorney Do?
Every business that is operating legally in Florida will have certain rights and responsibilities. A corporate attorney will assist businesses in a legal capacity and advise on various structures for the company to follow.
The majority of this assistance comes in the form of handling business transactions such as negotiations, drafting documents, mergers, and acquisitions. The role of the corporate attorney can also overlap with financial advice.
It’s important to note that there is a difference between a corporate attorney and a litigator. A corporate attorney is involved in many aspects of their client’s business, while litigators handle cases in Court and only deal with matters of suing or being sued.
Formation & Governance
Each state will have its own requirements for creating, organizing and dissolving a business. As a legal entity, a corporation needs to be organized in a way that best suits the owner and stockholders.
For example, a business can be registered as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, etc. Each formation has its own pros and cons, and a corporate attorney will be able to advise which is best when starting a business.
Mergers & Acquisitions
While some companies operate in the same, independent way for decades, others merge and sell as part of their strategy for growth. Both mergers and acquisitions require legal counsel to guide these transactions.
A corporate attorney will offer due diligence, not only providing the necessary paperwork but also assessing the decision’s value.
Venture Capital & Project Finance
Corporate attorneys can also be valuable in the day-to-day need for legal counsel. From private and public financing to business expansion, an attorney experienced in venture capital has the responsibility of paperwork, drafting articles and licensing.
Some businesses require financing for the development and construction of their systems. Project finance attorneys are experienced in negotiating financial terms, drafting power purchase agreements, and finalizing construction contracts.
Corporate Securities
Companies that specialize in security have unique legal procedures and protocols to follow. This is dictated by the Securities Act of 1993 and failure to follow these requirements can have a negative effect.
A corporate attorney will make sure that companies meet state and the federal requirements.
When to Hire a Corporate Attorney?
As you can see, corporate attorneys offer value in a variety of instances. From mergers and acquisitions, to venture capital and forming a corporation. The term “corporate lawyer” is often used synonymously with “business lawyer”.
This is a very different role to that of a litigator. A corporate or business litigator is hired to file or defend a lawsuit. A corporate lawyer offers a wide scope of business legal advice and is hired when creating business agreements.
What Qualifications Should A Corporate Attorney Hold?
All corporate attorneys need to be registered with the State Bar of Florida. The lawyer should not have been censured or disciplined by any legal or ethics committees.
In addition, it’s in your best interest to ask certain questions when looking to hire a lawyer. One of these is about their experience with your specific needs.
At the law offices of Gary.I. Handin, P.A., we offer lawyers that are experienced in corporate law. Whether you’re setting up a new business, issuing stock, or obtaining federal identification numbers, sales tax numbers – we have you covered. Contact us at (954) 796-9600 to find out more about our services.