Business Law in the East Bay and Northern California
The Law Offices of James G. Schwartz in Pleasanton is first and foremost a business law firm. We provide astute planning and advice for starting, operating and growing a commercial enterprise in California, and effective protection of our clients' interests in dispute resolution and litigation.
Attorney Jim Schwartz has practiced since 1976, and frequently lectures to colleagues and business owners on business and commercial law. His clients are small to mid-sized businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California in every sector.
Comprehensive Counsel for Business
- Business formation and incorporation: The choice of business entity (LLC, S Corp, LLP) will be influenced by many factors, most importantly tax efficiency. Our lawyers work closely with each client to establish an entity that most closely meets their business goals.
- Purchase, sale or transfer of a business: Negotiation and review of contracts, purchase terms, and buy-sell agreements, and assistance with financing.
- Business formalities and maintenance: Ongoing counsel regarding stock issuance, corporate minutes, regulatory compliance, annual filings, tax planning and other aspects of business operation.
- Business transactions: Contracts, commercial agreements, distribution agreements, franchise agreements, and equipment purchase or lease.
- International trade: Shipping terms, export control, letters of credit and other issues of doing business abroad.
- Commercial real estate: Purchase or sale of commercial property or undeveloped land, commercial leases, and construction and development matters.
- Exit Strategies: Planning for dissolution, succession or transfer of ownership stake.
Meeting the Challenges of Business
- Business litigation: Plaintiff or defense representation for breach of contract, fraud, interference, intellectual property infringement, franchise disputes and internal disputes.
- Financial trouble: Helping clients avoid bankruptcy through workouts, negotiations with creditors or the IRS, and other strategies.
- Creditors' rights in bankruptcy: Preference actions or relief from stay injunction when a supplier, customer or business partner has sought bankruptcy protection.
- Collections: Efficient recovery of funds or assets without throwing good money after bad.
- Employment Issues: Creation of employment policies, handbooks and employee agreements, or defending wage and hour, intellectual property and discrimination lawsuits brought by employees.
Personal Legal Services for Business Owners
Beyond business law, our lawyers represent business owners in civil litigation, estate planning and probate, or individual tax controversies.
We have developed longstanding relationships with clients in Alameda County, Contra Costa County and across Northern California. Arrange a consultation today.
