Business Law Attorneys in Portland & Southwest Washington

Business Formation: Business formation is a crucial initial step for entrepreneurs, as it helps secure financing, executives, and other essential components for a company's success. We provide advice on forming corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, and guide clients on the best legal entities and steps to ensure success and minimize future conflicts.

Shareholders, Partnership, and Operating Agreements: Effectively defining the rights and duties of company owners through Shareholder Agreements for corporations or Operating Agreements for partnerships or LLCs is crucial for providing control and flexibility over company operations. These agreements are essential for preventing future business disputes or dissolutions, and we work closely with clients to create documents that address their unique circumstances and anticipate potential problems.

Buying and Selling Businesses: We represent buyers and sellers in business transactions, including the purchase of assets or shares of stock. Our services cover all phases of an acquisition, from negotiations and agreements to due diligence, working closely with CPAs to prevent future disputes and assist with business succession plans.

Business Succession: Preparing for business succession is crucial, as the distribution and conveyance of assets can have significant tax and other implications for future generations. We assist in drafting agreements and personal estate planning documents to ensure a smooth transition and minimize tax or financial burdens when ownership changes due to events like death, retirement, or disability.

Shareholder and Partnership Disputes: Business professionals and family members often enter into ventures with the goal of ensuring growth for the business, but disagreements within management or among shareholders can threaten stability. We represent clients wronged by others in business, helping them settle disputes out of court or providing superior litigation services when necessary.

Breach of Contract: In today's economy, contracts are essential for clarifying parties' obligations and expectations, and resolving disputes effectively requires an experienced business attorney. We work to resolve contract disputes and prevent costly litigation, but are prepared to litigate if necessary.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Business owners, officers, directors, majority shareholders, and others have a duty to perform certain responsibilities honestly, and failure to do so may result in liability for breach of fiduciary duty. We represent clients who have been wronged and financially damaged by such breaches, which commonly arise in shareholder disputes, partnership disputes, or fraud.

Non-Compete Agreements: We advise and represent clients in drafting and litigating non-compete agreements, ensuring they are enforceable by adhering to strict court interpretations. We also assist in challenging overbearing or unenforceable agreements, guided by relevant statutes and case law.

Employment Agreements: We assist clients with employment agreements by providing guidance on drafting and negotiating terms to ensure they are fair and legally compliant. We also represent clients to help resolve any disputes that may arise from these agreements, protecting the interests of both employers and employees.

Termination of Employment: We can assist with termination of employment issues by providing guidance on the legal requirements and best practices for ending employment relationships, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also help resolve any disputes that may arise from terminations, protecting the interests of both employers and employees.

Wage and Hour Law: McKean Smith can assist with wage and hour law by providing guidance on compliance with regulations related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and other wage-related issues. We also help resolve disputes over unpaid wages and ensure fair compensation for employees.

Equal Pay Law: We assist clients with equal pay law by providing guidance on compliance with regulations that ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or other protected characteristics. We can help resolve disputes related to pay discrimination and represent clients in legal actions to enforce their rights.

Discrimination and Harassment: We assist clients with discrimination and harassment in the workplace by advocating for employees facing such issues, ensuring they receive fair treatment and justice. We offer legal guidance and representation to address and resolve these matters effectively, protecting the rights of the affected individuals.

Family and Medical Leave Law: McKean Smith can assist clients with family and medical leave concerns by providing guidance on their rights to take job-protected leave for medical reasons without fear of retaliation. We also help resolve any disputes related to leave entitlements and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.