CORPORATE FORMATION AND REPRESENTATION

We counsel entrepreneurs and business owners at the startup phase of their businesses, form corporations and limited liability companies, and advise them throughout the life of their business. We represent large and small companies, as well as not-for-profit corporations, charitable entities and self-employed individuals. Our clients welcome our accessibility, depth of knowledge, attention to detail and understanding of their need for prompt and efficient service. Once we have helped our clients select the appropriate entity for their business, we assist them with their business’s formation. We are experienced with all aspects of incorporation, including drafting and reviewing documents involved in the organization and structuring of new business entities, which include:

• Articles of Incorporation

• By-Laws

• Operating Agreements

• Employment Agreements

• Shareholder Agreements

• Member Agreements

We additionally counsel companies and their principals with respect to the sale or acquisition of some or all of the company’s assets, stock or membership interests, as well as the sale or acquisition of some or all of those interests.  In doing so, we are well versed in and regularly draft the following documents:

• Buy-Sell agreements

• Stock Purchase Agreements

• Member Interest Agreements

• Stock Redemption Agreements

zoning and land use

We offer a full range of land use services, including the following:

• Processing and handling applications for site plan approvals, area variances, use variances, special use permits, and boundary line changes before local planning boards, zoning boards of appeals, town boards and other municipal agencies.

• Preparing, processing and handling applications to change zoning or other laws or legislative acts that impact real estate, whether commercial, residential or both.

• Representing developers and individuals who are involved in property disputes.

Representing developers and individuals applying to local regulatory bodies, such as:

• Municipal planning boards

• Zoning boards of appeals

• Town boards

• Assistance in preparing the applications and the application process

• Appearing before the regulatory bodies

• Attending hearings

• Working and coordinating with other involved professionals

• Addressing conditions or proposed changes

COMMERCIAL AND CIVIL LITIGATION

We believe that the practice of law requires a meticulous attention to detail, and that philosophy comes alive in the work we perform for our clients. We counsel our clients, including those contemplating a lawsuit, taking time to learn their objectives and assisting them in developing realistic goals. We research and analyze the issues presented, offering creative solutions and strategies. Where appropriate, we engage in frank settlement discussions in an effort to reduce the costs and risks of litigation and, when necessary, are prepared to proceed to hearing, trial or arbitration, and to prosecute and argue an appeal.

We are accomplished in all aspects of the legal process, including pleading, discovery, negotiation, arbitration, alternative-dispute resolution, jury and non-jury trials and appeals. We have experience in representing both plaintiffs and defendants before municipal, state and federal courts and administrative agencies. We represent individual and corporate clients in disputes that range from small actions to large, multi-party litigation. Based upon our expertise and location, we often serve as local counsel to prominent out-of-state law firms on behalf of major corporations.

We thoroughly explore the desires of each client and commit to keeping them fully informed of all developments throughout the litigation process.
 

landlord/tenant

Lease drafting and negotiation — Leases set clear expectations for both the landlord and the tenant throughout the course of their relationship. A properly crafted lease should clearly define the rights and responsibilities for each party. We assist landlords and tenants in creating and negotiating leases that protect their investments.

Lease disputes — The terms of the lease dictate the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. If one party violates the terms of the lease, we can assist in seeking remedies under the lease or under applicable landlord-tenant laws.

Eviction — We represent both landlords and tenants in commercial and residential disputes that have escalated to the point of eviction. This includes determining the proper procedures and taking appropriate actions to protect our clients' interests while protecting the rights of all involved.

rESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Representing real estate clients is one of the pillars of our practice. Our clients seek a knowledgeable and efficient real estate attorney, and we pride ourselves on meeting those needs. We regularly handle a large variety of real estate transactions, including the purchase and sale of single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, cooperative apartments, undeveloped land and commercial buildings, as well as the preparation and negotiation of complex commercial and residential lease agreements.  We know that the purchase or sale of a home is an important event in a client's life. We work to make the process as smooth as possible by providing individual attention and communicating with our clients, their brokers and the other parties to the transaction. We place a high value on being both forthright and meticulous, from the time of our retention through the closing and beyond.  We work with sophisticated residential and commercial real estate clients with complex transactions who demand experienced counsel that knows real estate law, including lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions. We prepare contracts and agreements that reflect our clients' objectives and guide them through the process, while alerting them to potential pitfalls.

estate, probate and administration

When you work with us, you can be confident that the assets you have worked hard to accumulate will be handled in the way you envision. We will coordinate with you to establish the best plan for your unique situation, whether that means drafting a simple Will or creating several different types of Trusts as well as a Will and estate plan. At our law firm, you will receive the attention and respect you deserve from your lawyer. We are committed to building a strong relationship with each of our clients and their families, and look forward to the opportunity to help you with this important issue. It is never too soon to get started with a probate attorney experienced in Wills and Trusts.