At Garrity Traina, we understand the importance of providing expert legal counsel to growing businesses. Our team is dedicated to investing in our clients’ futures by offering sound advice and reliable representation. With over 30 years of experience, our founder William D. Black brings his expertise to achieve strong and effective results in handling commercial law matters for businesses in Phoenix and beyond.
Common Types of Business and Commercial Law Cases
Having spent many successful years in the legal profession in Arizona, William D. Black has gained extensive knowledge and experience in various business and commercial law matters. It’s important to recognize that legal issues are an inevitable part of doing business in the United States, even for smaller businesses. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 81 percent of businesses had faced at least one lawsuit in the past few years.
Dealing with Legal Challenges
One of the primary reasons businesses end up in legal disputes is due to breaches of contract. Any violation or disregard of a contract can lead to legal action, including cases involving business defamation and breach of contract disputes. Additionally, ownership disputes, whether related to physical products, stocks, or intellectual property, are common sources of contention. Our team at Garrity Traina can assist in negotiating disputes with business partners and mediating business divorces.
Negotiating relationships between businesses or entities can be challenging, and it’s crucial to ensure compliance with Arizona business law. We can help handle commercial collections, resolve commercial lease disputes, and navigate cases involving professional malpractice. Furthermore, we have dealt with diverse cases, ranging from restaurant and liquor law to licensing and administrative law, general business litigation, entertainment law, and disputes involving non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and anti-piracy concerns.
Do You Need a Business and Commercial Law Attorney?
Determining when to seek legal assistance can be challenging, especially when disputes arise between you and your business partners. However, certain situations clearly call for the expertise of an attorney. For instance, if you and your partners intend to make “special allocations” in profit and loss distribution that do not correspond to each owner’s percentage interests, consulting an attorney is essential to ensure a smooth process and prevent future issues.
Another common scenario is when you or your business partners plan to add appreciated property to a partnership. In such cases, the guidance of a tax attorney is crucial to handle the addition properly within a partnership or LLC. Additionally, if you encounter environmental issues when purchasing a business, a business and commercial law attorney can help navigate the complexities involved.
Mitigating Risk: Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Sexual harassment and discrimination can have severe consequences for your business. If a current or former employee threatens to file a lawsuit based on harassment or discrimination, it is essential to consult an attorney. Attempting to handle such claims without proper legal guidance can be detrimental to your business. By exploring your options with an attorney, you can protect your business from unnecessary lawsuits and potential damage to your reputation.
Supporting Startups and Small Businesses in Arizona
In Arizona alone, there are over 500,000 small businesses consisting of one to 499 employees. Regardless of the industry, all startups and small businesses will face legal challenges at some point. As entrepreneurs trying to compete with larger corporations, you’ll encounter complications that require the assistance of an attorney. The legal issues that attorneys can help you avoid far outweigh the costs involved, as lawsuits can be highly damaging to any business.
Starting a business involves complex legal documents and processes. Working with an experienced attorney can simplify the procedures and minimize the risk of costly mistakes. The early stages of a business are particularly vulnerable, but with an attorney guiding you, you can set yourself up for success and focus on other crucial aspects of starting a business. Attorneys are adept at identifying potential issues and resolving them before they escalate.
When You Don’t Require a Business Attorney
While some tasks can be accomplished without legal assistance, it’s crucial to consult an attorney regarding any potential crises or confusion. Situations such as writing a business plan, naming your business, reserving a domain name, creating a partnership agreement, and applying for permits and qualifications may not always require legal assistance. However, having an attorney who understands your business and goals can provide valuable insight and prevent future problems.
Choosing the Right Business Law Attorney
Selecting the right business law attorney is a critical decision, as they will handle many aspects of your business. Consider factors such as the size of the law firm when making your choice. Whether you opt for a large or small firm depends on your business’s size, needs, and legal risks. While larger firms may offer a range of legal skills and specialties, they can also be excessively busy, making it challenging to give personal attention to your case.
With smaller firms, you can often expect more personalized communication and a stronger connection to the local community. At Garrity Traina, we have attorneys who specialize in various fields, from contract law to business organization, commercial leases, taxes, and intellectual property. Our team understands the importance of paying attention to the details for small to medium businesses, and we can provide focused guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Questions to Ask a Potential Business Law Firm
When considering a potential law firm, it’s essential to gather information that will help you make an informed decision. Inquire about their experience, connections, communication practices, areas of expertise, and current caseload. A law firm with excellent reviews may still struggle to provide personalized attention if they are overwhelmed with cases. Open and timely communication is crucial for a successful attorney-client relationship.
Specialized Knowledge: COVID-Related Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unique legal challenges for businesses in all industries. At Garrity Traina, we have dealt extensively with various cases and situations related to the pandemic. While we all hope that COVID-19 will soon be behind us, the legal ramifications will persist for years to come. We are here to help you navigate these complex issues and find the best solutions for your business.
Finding Your Business and Commercial Law Attorney
With so many factors to consider, finding the right business and commercial law attorney in Phoenix, Scottsdale, the East Valley, and throughout Arizona requires thorough research. Before finalizing any contracts or agreements, consult with a commercial business attorney who has your business’s best interests in mind. At Garrity Traina, we specialize in different aspects of business and commercial law and offer reliable guidance based on extensive experience and knowledge. We are dedicated to ensuring your business’s success and protecting its future.
Contact Garrity Traina for a Free Consultation
At Garrity Traina, our attorney William D. Black has over 30 years of experience assisting Arizona businesses in various legal matters. From entity selection and formation to resolving disputes, business dissolution, and planning for succession, we cover a wide range of business, transactional, and litigation matters. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at our conveniently located offices in Phoenix and north Scottsdale. We are committed to providing first-rate legal representation and helping you achieve your personal, financial, and business goals.
