Our Business Planning Legal Services Will Get Your Company Off to the Right Start

When your business is not big enough to warrant your own legal department or staff attorney, it’s smart to consult with a business planning attorney on an as-needed basis. At Quest Law PLLC, we can offer advice about the business structure that makes the most sense for you, and we can assist you with the following:

• State Corporation Commission (SCC) filings. In order to operate a business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you will need to file documents with the SCC. This is the central filing office for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and more. We will help you with this filing to make sure everything is done correctly.
• Articles of organization. The simplest way to structure a business to protect your personal assets is to form a limited liability company (LLC). To register an LLC in Virginia, you will need to file articles of organization with the SCC, listing the name and address of your business and appointing a registered agent.
• Operating agreement. While an operating agreement is not required for an LLC in Virginia, it is highly recommended that you have one. This document will help you protect your limited liability status and define your financial and management structures to prevent misunderstandings with partners and managers.
• Articles of incorporation. If you have decided to form a stock corporation, you will need to file articles of incorporation with the SCC. Approval of this document means you can apply for tax IDs, obtain a business license, sign contracts, and otherwise conduct business.
• Vendor contracts. Whether you will be working with a lot of different vendors or suppliers—office supply stores, phone service providers, consulting firms, marketing companies, etc.—or just a few, having a solid vendor contract in place can eliminate headaches down the road.
• Employment contracts. There is an implied contract between an employer and an employee, regardless of whether each party has signed a written document. As a business owner, you want to make sure the terms of your workers’ employment are clear and to your benefit. The best way to do that is by drafting legally binding employment contracts with an attorney.
• Non-compete clauses. A non-compete clause prohibits former employees from joining or starting a company that competes directly with your company. In certain fields, particularly highly technical ones, these are an essential part of an employment contract.
• More. Whatever your business legal needs are, we have the skills and experience to help you find solutions.

We realize that templates for these documents are available online—either for purchase or free to download. However, to ensure that your documents are enforceable and meet the needs of your specific business, we urge you to work with a business planning attorney to draft your articles and contracts.