Trusted Salt Lake City Attorneys Providing Practical Legal Counsel For Businesses

Every transaction and every contract can affect your business. At the Terry Jessop & Bitner business law firm, we negotiate, write and review contracts with one primary purpose – protecting the interests of our clients. We provide counsel on various legal documents, from business contracts to leasing agreements. 

We also provide legal services to Utah businesses in the areas of asset protection planning and business organizations. We help companies select and form the right business entity such as a professional corporation, limited liability company or partnership.

Guiding Your Business Through A Variety Of Legal Issues

Our legal services encompass the full range of business litigation and transactions related to:

• Starting a business: We can advise on entity selection, business formation and goal setting.
• Buying a company or assets: Our lawyers can help you negotiate, examine all documents and avoid misunderstandings.
• Building: If you are building residential or commercial property, we can ensure that contracts and agreements are in order and that titles are clear.
• Buying real property: In addition to helping with negotiations, our attorneys will examine the title and purchase agreements.
• Mergers and acquisitions: When businesses merge, reorganize or restructure, many details must be identified and resolved. We can guide you through the process.
• Business agreements: Operating agreements, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, employment agreements, noncompete agreements, contracts and other business agreements should be carefully examined by a business lawyer.
• Uniform Commercial Code: Our business lawyers will advise you regarding transactions that are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code.

Our business lawyers work with businesses throughout Utah, including real estate developers, manufacturers, service businesses, retailers, banks, leasing companies, credit unions and others. 

Answering Commonly Asked Questions About Utah’s Business Laws

Like many states, Utah has a complex set of regulations that businesses must comply with. This can include zoning laws, environmental regulations and employment laws. Understanding how these rules apply to your business can be challenging. Here are answers to some questions we often hear from our clients:

What are the legal requirements for starting a new business?

Starting a new business involves several legal requirements and steps. This includes:

• Choosing a business structure and name: You must first select a legal structure, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship. You must also register your business name with the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code to avoid trademark issues.
• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you need to apply for an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This will determine your tax status.
• Register and obtain the necessary licenses/permits for your industry: Businesses must register with the state and secure any necessary local licenses or permits. This depends on your business type and location.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and zoning: All businesses must comply with employment laws, such as workers’ compensation. Adhering to local zoning regulations is also crucial in preventing legal disputes.
• Preparing for taxes: If your business sells goods, you must register for a sales tax permit. You must also know your state and federal tax obligations.

Professional legal advice can be invaluable. Our business law attorneys can guide you through these steps and ensure compliance.

How can business law attorneys help with contract negotiations?

Working with an experienced business law attorney can greatly enhance the effectiveness and security of your contract negotiations. This includes:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts: Our attorneys can draft clear and legally sound contracts that protect your interests. They can also review existing contracts to identify potential risks or unfavorable terms.
• Negotiating terms: We can help negotiate terms that are favorable to your business. This means making sure that your rights are protected and obligations are clearly defined.
• Legal compliance: We ensure that the contract complies with all relevant state and federal laws. This minimizes the risk of future legal disputes.
• Risk management: Our attorneys can identify potential legal risks in your contracts. We can help structure agreements to mitigate these risks and reduce liability.

If disputes arise during or after contract negotiations, our attorneys can represent your interests. We will help you work toward a favorable resolution, whether it’s through mediation, arbitration or litigation.

What should I know about compliance with local, state and federal business regulations?

If you own a business in Utah, it’s important to avoid disputes and maintain a trustworthy reputation with your customers and partners. To do this, legal compliance at the local, state and federal levels is crucial. This can involve:

• Ensuring your business is in an area zoned for your type of operation to avoid fines: You may also need specific permits, like health or signage permits, depending on your business type. 
• Selecting an appropriate business structure such as an LLC or corporation: You must also be aware of your state tax obligations, including sales and income taxes. If you have employees, you must adhere to Utah’s employment laws.
• Ensuring compliance with federal employment laws: This includes the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for workplace safety. You must also know your federal tax responsibilities, including income and employment taxes.

Some industries, like health care or food services, have specific standards and regulations. Our attorneys can help you comply with these health, safety, and environmental standards. We can also assist in regular reviews of your business practices to make sure they remain up to date with new or changing regulations. 

Call Us Today To Get Started

Terry Jessop & Bitner offers small-firm affordability with results you would expect from a large law firm. For a free consultation to discuss how we can help your business, contact a business attorney at our Salt Lake City law firm today. Call 385-715-4116.