What Do Corporate Law Attorneys Do?

Corporate law attorneys focus on the legal methods of obtaining an official charter or articles of incorporation from the state for an organization, which may be a profit-making business, a professional business such as a law office or medical office or a non-profit entity which operates for charitable, social, religious, civic or other public service purposes and the legal ramifications of such an organization—business formation law. Corporations are governed by state corporation laws. Other laws that govern business operations include consumer protection law, contract laws, labor and employment law, anti-trust and trade regulation laws, securities, and others that deal with the day-to-day operations of a corporation. Corporate law attorneys can help you in all these matters.

How are corporations different from other business entities?

Unlike other business entities, corporations are treated separate from their stockholders because legally speaking, the corporation is a separate legal entity from its stockholders. This is why corporations can sue and be sued without any personal liability on the stockholders' part. Corporations are also taxed separately from their stockholders, creating a double-taxation situation—the corporation paying taxes, and the individual stockholders also paying taxes. But corporations are typically taxed at a lower rate than their stockholders. Transferring stocks and shares of stock is fairly easy in a corporation and if a shareholder dies, the corporation doesn't.

Do you tend to ignore your corporate record keeping responsibilities and just hope for the best? Does keeping your corporate minute book complete and up-to-date seem relatively unimportant and all too easy to overlook? If so, you may be at risk for litigation and not even know it. Visit ManageMyMinutes to find out how you can reduce the risk of litigation for your corporation. Visit our Business Resources section for answers to questions asked by businesses and other valuable business resources.

Should I hire a Corporate Law Attorney?

If you are facing litigation, you need to retain a qualified corporate attorney right away. Even if you aren't faced with litigation, an experienced corporate law attorney can provide valuable advice and assistance you in drafting business plans, fundamental business formation (including joint ventures, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations) and structuring financing provisions.

The most successful companies not only start out with quality financial guidance, but also with proper legal counsel from a qualified corporate law attorney. Use the search tool on this page to find a qualified Lead Counsel corporate law lawyer in your area to best suit your needs and provide skilled legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an S Corporation?
  There are several different types of corporations from which business owners can choose when they initially set up their business. One type of corporation is an S corporation. The … more
• What is a C Corporation?
  A C corporation is the most common type of corporation. The “C” refers to the subchapter of the Internal Revenue Code which explains the rules of taxation for this type of business … more
• What steps are required to form a corporation?
  A corporation is a legal entity with a corporate charter from a state. To form a corporation, the following simple steps are required: 1.  Select a name for your business.  State laws … more
• What is a shareholder derivative action?
  Shareholders have a limited right to participate in the governance of a corporation. Even if a shareholder believes that corporate management has abused its power or received illegal profits, the … more