Business Law - Law Farm

Business Law Services

Practical Legal Guidance for Business Owners

Running a business requires constant decision-making. Legal structure, contracts, and ownership agreements all play a role in protecting the work you’ve built and helping your business grow with stability.

Most business owners are busy running their companies. Trying to handle legal issues on your own may seem like a way to save money in the short term, but small legal oversights can become costly problems later.

The Law Farm provides practical legal guidance so business owners can stay focused on running their business while ensuring the legal foundation is handled correctly.

Strong legal planning helps businesses protect owners and operations, clarify rights and responsibilities, reduce risk, and support long-term growth: Built to prevent problems before they arise.

Business Formation

Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions a business owner will make. Proper formation helps protect personal assets, clarify ownership, and create a strong foundation for growth. Many businesses are formed through online filing services or template documents, only to discover later that important details were overlooked. Proper legal guidance at the beginning can help prevent costly problems down the road. We assist with forming and structuring businesses, including:

Corporations

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

Partnerships

Start-up planning and guidance

Beyond initial formation, business entities can be structured as powerful tools for estate planning and generational wealth transfer.

Buy-Sell Agreements

Buy-sell agreements help define what happens when ownership changes occur within a business. These agreements can address situations such as retirement, disability, death, or an owner leaving the business. Without a clear agreement in place, ownership transitions can create serious challenges for both the business and the people involved.

Our experience spans buy-sell agreements for businesses of all sizes, from closely held companies valued in the tens of thousands to complex ownership structures exceeding $150 million.

Business Succession Planning

In addition to legal services, Merrill A. Hanson provides consulting based on professional experience in business leadership and management. Consulting may include succession planning, organizational structure, financial management, strategic planning, and operational guidance.

This guidance is especially valuable for business owners looking to preserve and perpetuate a family business, ensuring a smooth transition while protecting both the legacy and long-term success of the company.

More Business Services

Contracts and Business Transactions

Clear agreements help define expectations and protect business relationships. We assist businesses with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including operating agreements and other transactional matters.

Business Disputes

When disputes arise, legal representation can help protect your business and work toward an efficient resolution. We represent businesses in matters involving:

Breach of contract
Contract disputes
Non-compete disputes
Unfair competition
Premises liability
Employment-related disputes
Commercial real estate litigation

Experience That Combines Law and Business

Attorney Merrill A. Hanson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, an MBA in Finance, and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, in law. He has also served on the board of directors for several for-profit corporations, limited liability companies, and a non-profit organization.

This combination of legal training and business experience allows him to provide practical guidance to organizations seeking stability and long-term success.