Starting A Business Right By Planning For The Future
Friedlander & Friedlander P.C. is a business law firm that helps business clients open their businesses with legal guidance. Years of experience with local, state, and federal laws give the attorneys valuable insight into the long-term legal and financial strategies of business formation.
The attorneys of Friedlander & Friedlander P.C. practice business law in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia to help clients decide what type of business is right for them:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Joint ventures
- Limited liability companies
- Limited partnerships
- Nonprofit corporations
- Corporations
Friedlander & Friedlander P.C. believes in giving businesses the legal leverage they need to plan for future growth while limiting potential liabilities. The firm partners with clients to develop comprehensive formation and operation documents helping ensure a stable legal foundation as their business develops.
Settling Complex Business Disputes
Owning and operating a business can unfortunately increase the likelihood of disagreements and potential lawsuits from consumers, employees, other businesses and shareholders. Therefore, a large part of the firm’s practice is devoted to matters of business law that involve complex business disputes:
- Contractual
- Employment
- Shareholder
- Business torts
- Dissolutions
- General commercial litigation
The firm believes in settling business disputes in the most effective and efficient manner available. The attorneys work hard to manage the legal affairs that protect a business’s long-term interests and keep it running in the meantime. Friedlander & Friedlander P.C. strives to provide positive resolutions that honor the integrity of a business’s reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Business Matters
When forming a business in Virginia, entrepreneurs are required to follow a range of often confusing rules. The questions and answers below can help you understand more about Fairfax County business-related issues.
What are the primary steps to legally form a business in Fairfax County?
Forming a business in Fairfax County begins with the selection of a legal structure such as a limited liability company, corporation or partnership. After choosing an entity type, the business must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which oversees entity formation and maintains public business records. Companies using a fictitious name (Doing Business As or DBA) must also file an assumed name certificate with the Commission.
Fairfax County then requires most businesses, including home-based operations, to register with the Department of Tax Administration. This registration is necessary to obtain a Business, Professional and Occupational License within 75 days of starting business activity. These steps help ensure that the company is properly recognized before conducting operations.
How can a business proactively prevent shareholder and employment disputes?
Clear documentation and consistent governance practices are an effective way to prevent disputes proactively. Businesses benefit from adopting detailed internal agreements that outline ownership rights, voting procedures and succession plans. Limited liability companies typically use Operating Agreements, while corporations rely on Bylaws and Shareholder Agreements to define management authority and decision-making rules.
Businesses can reduce employment-related conflicts by drafting precise contracts that address job duties, compensation terms and confidentiality obligations. Additional protection comes from using non-disclosure agreements and well-structured vendor contracts that comply with Virginia law. These measures work together to reduce ambiguity and limit the likelihood of future disagreements.
What are the options for resolving a complex business tort or commercial dispute?
Commercial disputes in Virginia can be addressed through several resolution methods, depending on the nature of the conflict.
Disagreements involving breach of contract, fiduciary duties or business torts may be resolved through mediation and negotiations guided by a neutral facilitator. Arbitration offers a more structured process in which an arbitrator issues a binding decision after reviewing the evidence. If these resolution efforts fail or the issues require judicial intervention, the matter may proceed to litigation in a Virginia court.
Finding the most appropriate path often depends on the complexity of the dispute and the goals of the involved parties.
Fairfax County Business Lawyers
Friedlander & Friedlander P.C. has deep roots in the local legal and business community. As second-generation Fairfax County business lawyers and business owners, the attorneys feel a strong professional obligation to uphold the highest standards of practice and service for their clients.
The firm focuses on cultivating a strong business community in Fairfax County through the practice and implementation of lawful and strategic business planning. Contact the firm today to set up a consultation.