Trusted And Experienced Legal Advisor For Your Business
We understand small business, family values, and the law. When you seek legal advice for your business, make sure you are represented by someone who understands you and your business goals, too. We’ve run businesses, and we know business law and strive to help people achieve their dreams.
At rb LEGAL, LLC, our business law team combines a unique skill set of experienced small-business management with legal experience to guide you through individual and organizational challenges. We work directly with many small business owners across the state, serving as their trusted legal advisor, both in day-to-day matters as well as when planning for future growth.
Guiding You Through The Legal Complexities Of Running A Business
Our team understands what it takes to run a business, because we, too, have kept the balance sheet, production, customer relationships, and growth going and continue to do so daily. We know family-owned businesses from personal experience: the family relationship, the operations, the challenges, and the joys. Because of this personal experience, our attorneys understand you, your successes and struggles, and what you are working to achieve. If you’re a small business owner, we would love to work with you on all aspects of your business, including:
- Business entity selection and formation
- Corporate documentation, maintenance, and retention
- State and federal filings
- Employee relations: Employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, letters of acceptance, noncompete agreements, employee handbooks, exit negotiations; the development and retention of strong, positive employees working within clear and focused strategic goals and standards
- Drafting and reviewing contracts and purchase agreements
- Franchises: Selection, negotiation, relations, and exiting
- Buy-sell agreements within a business, business continuity and succession planning
- Building strong working relationships with various levels of investors, groups, city officials, franchise corporations, and contractors to successfully create a business from inception to opening
- Building a board of directors and/or advisory board
- Building relationships with vendors and other professional service providers
- Purchase and sale of an existing business
- General business consulting
- Document organization and emergency preparedness
Simply put, rb LEGAL, LLC helps you fully understand the legal implications of certain actions so that you make good business decisions. Regardless of what stage your business is in, we will help you shield your operations, and we are prepared help you face the challenges of running a business in Minnesota.
Legal Counsel For Family Businesses
A family-owned business might feel like another member of the family. You put your passion, skills, and livelihood on the line every day to reach your goals and help your family. Our lawyers understand this. In fact, our founder, Rebecca Bell, has an extensive background in multigenerational, family-owned businesses. The leadership skills and business acumen these experiences have provided to our team translate into a unique ability to keep businesses focused on success while maintaining the family relationships for future generations. It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit to work every day or overalls. Our team’s unique skill set can help your business grow and thrive.
Our skills combine the areas of family and business to create a one-of-a-kind practice niche that serves family-owned businesses. Our knowledge of the law is vital to creating a sustainable business. We believe that relationships are at the heart of business success, as well as familial harmony. Our attorneys become an invaluable strategic partner by providing guidance on legal issues that can have an enormous influence on family business decisions.
Some Common Questions About Small Businesses
As a business owner, you have questions. Your decisions will shape your future and success. This is why every entrepreneur should talk to a knowledgeable legal advisor. Here are common questions – and answers – that may provide a helpful reference or starting point.
Do I really need a business attorney to set up my business?
Although using a lawyer is optional, additional counseling or guidance may help prevent some issues. For example, an attorney can assist you in determining the right business structure that helps reduce your personal liability. In addition, an experienced lawyer can help you draft employment or vendor contracts that remain compliant with the relevant government and tax regulations. Call today for a free consultation.
Can I start my business at home?
Yes, you can start your business in your own home. However, depending on the zoning laws of the Minnesota county you live in, you may not be able to have nonresident employees working at your home.
When do I need to apply for a tax ID number?
As a business, you may need a tax ID if you are a partnership or corporation, have employees, or receive payments from a state agency. Moreover, you may need a sales tax registration, also called a seller’s permit, if you sell certain services or products. We can get your tax ID number and form your business legally and professionally whether one owner or more.
Can I hire members of my family to work in my small business?
Yes, there are no laws against hiring family members. However, your family members are also subject to the same employment laws and regulations. Taxes regarding a family member’s employment may vary, which is why it is vital to have skilled legal advice to avoid noncompliance issues.
What is business succession planning, and why is it important for a company’s future?
When savvy business owners are contemplating retirement or leaving their entity for another opportunity, they rely on a business succession plan to streamline this transition. A sound succession plan often identifies how leadership roles will be transferred to minimize interruptions when owners and other leaders exit the enterprise in daily operations.
What type of business entity do I need?
Our attorneys will work with you to determine whether a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or other entity type is the right structure for your business, and then work closely with you to draft and file all documents required for organization and registration with the State of Minnesota.
What do the terms of my real estate lease agreement mean?
rb LEGAL attorneys represent both landlords and tenants in drafting, reviewing and negotiating real estate leases. Our goal is to provide clear expectations in the parties’ agreements to reduce the potential for conflict, and increase the likelihood of a successful landlord/tenant relationship.
Is my real estate zoned for commercial use?
Our attorneys will review government records and determine whether your proposed use requires special permission from government authorities. When that is the case, rb LEGAL attorneys are here to assist you with the application process.
Call Now To Address Your Questions
We know that your journey to start your business or ensure compliance with relevant regulations could be confusing. As business lawyers and entrepreneurs, we are ready to provide you with guidance and advice to protect your interests, assets, and business health.
Contact our Golden Valley office at 763-400-8833 to schedule an appointment and discuss your legal needs with our attorneys. Tell us more about your legal needs by filling out our secure online intake form. We look forward to working with you.