{"id":357975,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/business-organization.html"},"modified":"2024-04-06T22:50:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T03:50:59","slug":"business-organization","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/business-organization.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Business Organization Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Is Business Organization Law?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 06, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Business organization law governs how a business is legally formed and the tax, liability, and management rules that come with each structure. A business organization attorney helps owners understand these differences and select the structure that best supports their goals and long\u2011term plans.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Business organization law refers to how owners may legally form a business under state laws. Each business organization brings a specific set of tax, management, and liability issues. Choosing the right type of organization for your business is essential. Attorneys with expertise in business organization law can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/top-10-reasons-to-contact-an-attorney-before-choosing-a-business.html\">help clients choose the best form<\/a>\u00a0that gives clients the desired benefits.<\/p>\n<p>A business attorney can provide small business owners with the details they need on business formation and state and local regulations before they start. This article reviews what businesses and startups should know about <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hiring a business lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Business Structures<\/h2>\n<p>There are many reasons a business needs legal services. Startup companies need legal help deciding on a business structure. The nature of your business may have some impact, but the direction you want to go is also a factor.<\/p>\n<h3>Partnership<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnerships.html\">A\u00a0partnership<\/a>\u00a0consists of two or more individuals as co-owners. Without a partnership agreement, courts assume partnerships are\u00a0general partnerships\u00a0where all partners share equally. Legal problems arise when the partners have not contributed equally to the business.<\/p>\n<p>A business attorney can explain other partnership types, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/the-small-business-partnership-general-and-limited-partnerships.html\">Limited partnerships<\/a>, in which one partner provides capital and has no daily management ability. This partner is sometimes called a silent partner.<\/li>\n<li>Limited liability partnerships, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/llcs-vs-llps.html\">LLPs<\/a>, protect the partners&#8217; personal assets if anyone sues the company. There are legal requirements for filing an LLP to get this protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Limited Liability Companies (LLC)<\/h3>\n<p>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs.html\">limited liability company<\/a>\u00a0or LLC combines elements of a partnership or sole proprietorship and a corporation. It protects your personal assets and liability in case of a lawsuit but has fewer legal needs than a corporation. LLCs offer tax benefits for small businesses that might otherwise not qualify. They are helpful for small professional groups.<\/p>\n<h3>Corporations<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporations.html\">Corporations<\/a>\u00a0offer owners the greatest protection in their business dealings. They also have the most paperwork and filing requirements. Incorporation has some tax benefits and allows the company to raise money by selling stock in the company. Once a successful business reaches a certain size, incorporation should be part of its business plan.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do I Choose the Right Business Structure?<\/h2>\n<p>When you are ready to plan your new business, these are the legal questions to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/hiring-a-business-lawyer.html\">ask your business attorney<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/business-form-and-taxation-pros-and-cons.html\">tax benefits<\/a> of each business structure?<\/li>\n<li>Which one offers the most flexibility for my business type?<\/li>\n<li>Which one gives me the most liability protection?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">You should also discuss how each option impacts your vision for long\u2011term growth. If you have plans to scale your business in the future, you&#8217;ll want to be sure your business structure supports that goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">A lawyer can also explain the risks of operating as a sole proprietor, when an LLC or corporation offers better protection, and how formal agreements can prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnership-rules-and-faqs.html\">disputes between business partners<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>When To Consult a Business Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>As you start, run, and grow your business, there are several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-legal-faqs.html\">legal issues<\/a> you may encounter. Most\u2014if not all\u2014of these matters benefit from professional legal help.<\/p>\n<p>When you look for a business lawyer, consider what your business needs from an attorney. Business formation involves more than filing your business name with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/state-guide-corporations-offices.html\">secretary of state&#8217;s office<\/a>. The right lawyer can help you with most business issues or give you a referral to someone who can help.<\/p>\n<p>If your business is moving from online to brick-and-mortar, look for someone with experience in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/commercial-leases-and-zoning.html\">leases and real estate<\/a>. Ask if they have negotiated commercial leases and know what to look for in building contracts.<\/p>\n<p>If your business is expanding or taking on new vendors, ask about their knowledge in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/drafting-contracts.html\">contract drafting<\/a>. Some attorneys specialize in the UCC contract model and commercial law.<\/p>\n<p>Get legal advice when it&#8217;s time to sell your business, close it down, or buy out a partner. Corporate law has strict rules about how business owners may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnership-change-plan-ahead-with-a-buy-sell-agreement.html\">sell or divest other owners<\/a>. Even small businesses can be liable for costs and legal fees if they shut down without informing the state.<\/p>\n<p>You can register your business\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-resources-starting-a-business.html\">outside your home state<\/a>. Many LLCs and corporations register in other states for tax purposes since some states, notably Delaware, are friendlier to corporations than others. Registering outside your home state has many legal pitfalls. Talk to a corporate lawyer to discuss the pros and cons of registering outside your state.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of where you are in your business planning process, getting the right legal guidance is key. This is true whether you&#8217;re planning your startup, operating day-to-day, or scaling your business into new markets. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business organization lawyer<\/a> is a reliable way to ensure your business is legally sound and built to last.<\/p>\n<h2>How To Find a Business Organizations Lawyer Near You<\/h2>\n<p>Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state where your business operates. FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business organizations attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal advisors in your area. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information.<\/p>\n<h2>Business Organization Terms To Know<\/h2>\n<p>The following terms are often used when discussing starting or operating a business.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>C Corporation: <\/b>A traditional corporation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-a-c-corporation.html\">C-corps<\/a> pay corporate income taxes, and shareholders pay taxes on dividends. Double taxation is one reason small businesses avoid incorporating.<\/li>\n<li><b>Close Corporation:<\/b> A corporation owned by very few individuals. Close corporations do not have public stock.<\/li>\n<li><b>Dissolution: <\/b>Terminating a business. The owners can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">dissolve a business<\/a> voluntarily, or a court may order dissolution for legal reasons.<\/li>\n<li><b>Limited Liability Company (LLC): <\/b>A business entity made up of one or more owners. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/forming-an-llc.html\">LLC structure<\/a> protects the owners from personal liability for the company&#8217;s actions.<\/li>\n<li><b>Partnership:<\/b> An association of two or more persons or entities that conduct business as co-owners. In limited partnerships, one partner provides capital but has no say in business operations.<\/li>\n<li><b>Public Corporation: <\/b>A business whose stocks are publicly traded. Public corporations have legal requirements, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances\/chronology-the-process-of-going-public.html\">initial stock offerings<\/a> and how often shareholders may sell them.<\/li>\n<li><b>S Corporation:<\/b> A type of corporation with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-an-s-corporation.html\">limited number of shareholders<\/a> (fewer than 100). The shareholders pay the business tax, a method known as pass-through taxation.<\/li>\n<li><b>Sole Proprietorship: <\/b>A business owned and operated by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-set-up-a-sole-proprietorship.html\">single person<\/a> who is solely liable for the business&#8217;s obligations and liabilities<\/li>\n<li><b>Piercing the Corporate Veil:<\/b> A judicial act of imposing personal liability on the owners, shareholders, or officers of a corporation for the corporation&#8217;s wrongful acts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more legal definitions, see FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-glossary.html\">Glossary: Starting a Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Related Practice Areas<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness.html\">Business Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax.html\">Taxation Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/franchising.html\">Franchising<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/banking-and-finance-law.html\">Banking and Finance Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/employment-law-employer.html\">Employment Law<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" 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<\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n      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                    <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help entrepreneurs choose the best business formation for their company\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can simplify the process for business contracts, estate planning, and real estate issues\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Filing for a basic business license or permit doesn\u2019t always require legal help\n<div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n<div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n<div 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