Home Blog Corporate Bylaws Drafting: Key Terms, Tips, Lawyer Help

Corporate Bylaws Drafting: Key Terms, Tips, Lawyer Help

Jump to Section

Quick Facts — Corporate Bylaws Lawyers

What is Corporate Bylaws Drafting?

Corporate bylaws are legal rules regarding how a company is governed. They’re essentially guidelines for daily operations and must include important processes for how to conduct various business activities, such as electing directors and holding meetings.

When drafting corporate bylaws, special attention must be paid to specific activities, such as meetings, share issuance, and making changes to the rules.

Read the rest of this article to explore how to draft corporate bylaws, what key terms to include, and how a lawyer can help you with the process.

What Key Terms Should Be in Corporate Bylaws?

Corporate bylaws should include the following information for clarity and to offer comprehensive guidelines.

  • Company information. The company’s details, such as its legal name, where it’s located, and if it’s a private or public company, must be specified.
  • Meetings. This section provides information about how annual and other meetings will be held and notice requirements for meetings.
  • Amendments. If there are proposed changes to the guidelines, your bylaws document should include information about how voting processes will work to approve the new rules.
  • Purpose. Information about the company’s goal and purpose should be included, such as its founding information.
  • Board of directors. This provides information about the company directors, such as their number, roles, and term lengths.
  • Officers. This explains how officers are appointed and removed as well as their roles when running daily operations.
  • Shares. This section outlines how stock is issued and transferred.

How Should You Draft Corporate Bylaws?

When drafting corporate bylaws, there are some tips to help you navigate the process.

Check State Laws

Since laws can vary in different states regarding what information to include in corporate bylaws, you must check your state’s rules to maintain compliance.

Ensure Consistency

Your corporate bylaws should be consistent with other company documents, such as contracts or policies. This will prevent you from including any information in the bylaws that could contradict other information, resulting in disputes.

Provide Shareholder Information

For clarity, include shareholder information in your corporate bylaws. This should explain rules for scheduling meetings and voting rights. How stocks are issued and converted must also be put into the document.

Include Admin Rules

You need to ensure you follow all required admin and financial requirements. This includes storing corporate records and stating who has access to them.

Explain Director and Officer Duties

Your corporate bylaws should include information about directors and their responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings. You might also want to mention any qualifications that directors must have prior to being appointed, if this is appropriate for your business.

For officers, you’ll want to specify how they’re appointed and what they’re responsible for doing in the company. When defining officer activities, you should check that your state laws are aligned with the assigned roles.

Update Bylaws Regularly

It’s a mistake to draft corporate laws and then forget about them. You should check and update them periodically so that they’re always current and aligned with your requirements.

Prevent Conflicts of Interest

It’s common for corporate bylaws to include provisions to protect the company’s interest. This can include requiring individuals to disclose personal or financial information that could affect their judgment on a company decision. It’s also important to clearly define what “conflict of interest” means so that there’s no ambiguity.

How Can a Lawyer Help You with Corporate Bylaws Drafting?

It can feel overwhelming to draft your corporate bylaws, but a qualified lawyer can assist you with the process. Here’s what a lawyer will do:

  • Make your bylaws legally compliant. Your lawyer will draft bylaws that are compliant with all relevant state laws, regulations, and other jurisdiction-related rules.
  • Establish clarity regarding roles and duties of directors, shareholders, and officers.
  • Tailor the bylaws to your specific company purpose. This prevents vague or generic templates that don’t reflect your company’s operations.
  • Prevent disputes by writing clear clauses and rules.
  • Address important corporate procedures for clarity, such as regarding how records are maintained and how officers or directors are appointed.
  • Consider your long-term business goals. A lawyer will think about future changes to your business so that the bylaws accommodate your company’s expansion.
  • Review your corporate bylaws if you’ve already drafted them. They can also update your bylaws periodically or when required.

Where to Find a Lawyer to Draft Your Corporate Bylaws

If you’d like to hire a lawyer to draft your corporate bylaws, you might wonder where to find one who’s reputable and experienced. You should make use of an online legal platform like ContractsCounsel to save you time and money when hiring a qualified lawyer.

ContractsCounsel is an online legal marketplace that gives you access to a network of vetted lawyers. You can hire a lawyer to draft your corporate bylaws or other documents for a flat fee. All lawyers on the platform are experienced in contract drafting and review, giving you peace of mind that your documents are clear, legally valid, and enforceable.

Here are the steps to follow when requesting that a lawyer on the platform drafts your corporate bylaws:

  1. Visit the ContractsCounsel marketplace, where you can post your request (or project) for free.
  2. Include a few details. This will help you to match with the most suitable lawyer.
  3. Wait to receive bids from lawyers on the platform who have the experience to help you with your document.
  4. Review the lawyers’ profiles. The platform provides lawyer data that will help you select the most appropriate lawyer. This includes information about the lawyers’ location, client ratings for previous projects, expertise, and credentials.
  5. Connect with a lawyer and hire them to draft your corporate bylaws for a flat fee.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Thomas D. on ContractsCounsel
View Thomas
4.9 (17)
Member Since:
September 20, 2024

Thomas D.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Milwaukee, WI
37 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
University of Wisconsin

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Upon graduation, I went to McDermott, Will & Emery in Chicago and practiced corporate, real estate and tax law. I then joined Godfrey & Kahn where I became a shareholder in the real estate group, head of real estate lending and continued to practice corporate law. At these firms, I received excellent training and represented some of the largest and most innovative clients in the US. After practicing law for 15 years, I founded a real estate development company. I built a multi-million dollar company and developed many significant projects. I sold the company and was recruited for senior positions by two other real estate companies. I continued to hone my legal skills at these companies by negotiating and drafting countless documents for my businesses. The combination of my legal and business experience helps me foster the growth of clients' businesses, solve their problems and guide them through difficult matters.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Thomas was helpful and efficient in reviewing the master services agreement for me"

Joshua B. on ContractsCounsel
View Joshua
5.0 (11)
Member Since:
September 19, 2023

Joshua B.

Founder
Free Consultation
Austin, Texas
24 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY, TX
University of Texas

Josh Bernstein has been serving real estate and corporate transactional clients since 2002. His experience is varied, and he enjoys working on and puzzling out novel and complex corporate and real estate matters. Josh’s experience includes, among other things, the following: representation of public companies in connection with SEC reporting and compliance work (proxies, 10-K’s; 10-Q’s; 8-K’s, etc.); representation of public and private company securities issuances (including private placements, and other similar offerings); assistance in structuring and drafting joint ventures, both for investors and operating partners, and including both real estate and corporate ventures; handling public and private company mergers and acquisitions; and asset sales and dispositions; assisting clients, big and small, with real estate acquisitions, sales and financings; managing large-scale and multi-state real estate portfolio acquisitions, dispositions and financings; complex condominium creation, structuring and governance work, including: commercial condominiums, use of condominiums as a land planning tool, wholesale condominium property acquisitions and dispositions, and rehabilitating failed or faulty condominium legal structures to make ready for sale; development of restrictive covenants and owners’ association documents for master-planned communities; compliance with federal statutes governing real estate sale and development (including, without limitation, the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the Housing for Older Persons Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act); representation of real estate lenders, for both improved and unimproved property, and including numerous construction financings secured by real estate; assistance with commercial leasing; from both the landlord and tenant side, and including condominium leasing; training residential home and condominium sales staff for compliance with applicable local and federal law; and workouts of all kinds. When he’s not busy lawyering, Josh may be found watching 80’s commercials, flying a single-engine plane, playing poker, or trying to be a good dad.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Josh has been extremely helpful sorting through issues with a tenant."

Michael K. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
5.0 (84)
Member Since:
June 28, 2021

Michael K.

Associate Counsel
Free Consultation
Miami, FL
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
St. Thomas University School of Law

A business-oriented, proactive, and problem-solving corporate lawyer with in-house counsel experience, ensuring the legality of commercial transactions and contracts. Michael is adept in reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and generally overseeing policies, procedures, handbooks, corporate documents, and more importantly, contracts. He has a proven track record of helping lead domestic and international companies by ensuring they are functioning in complete compliance with local and international rules and regulations.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I've worked with Michael quite a few times now and must say, his professionalism, knowledge and approach make it such a pleasant experience. He's helped me with multiple business ventures and now consider him as a permanent part of our legal team. He is highly recommended."

Michael M. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
4.9 (333)
Member Since:
September 10, 2022

Michael M.

Principal
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
39 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
NYU

www.linkedin/in/michaelbmiller I am an experienced contracts professional having practiced nearly 3 decades in the areas of corporate, mergers and acquisitions, technology, start-up, intellectual property, real estate, employment law as well as informal dispute resolution. I enjoy providing a cost effective, high quality, timely solution with patience and empathy regarding client needs. I graduated from NYU Law School and attended Rutgers College and the London School of Economics as an undergraduate. I have worked at top Wall Street firms, top regional firms and have long term experience in my own practice. I would welcome the opportunity to be of service to you as a trusted fiduciary. In 2022 and 2023, I was the top ranked attorney on the Contract Counsel site based upon number of clients, quality of work and number of 5 Star reviews.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Michael's expertise and judgment impressed me. I brought him in for contract advisory work, and he quickly asked the questions I hadn't considered, identified the risks that mattered, and set aside the ones I had wrongly prioritized. He changed how I understood the contract. He is an excellent advisor - highly recommended."

Kenneth G. on ContractsCounsel
View Kenneth
4.9 (12)
Member Since:
November 25, 2023

Kenneth G.

Partner
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, PA
Georgetown University

Kenneth E. Gray, Jr. is a business and tax attorney who advises entrepreneurs, investors, and closely held companies on transactions, tax planning, disputes, and long-term wealth structuring. He focuses on helping clients make legally sound decisions that also make business sense. Ken’s practice includes business formation and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, private investments and fundraising transactions, contract drafting and negotiation, and cross-border matters. He also maintains a significant tax practice, advising on federal and state structuring, specialty filings (including partnership, corporate, and non-resident matters), and representing clients in disputes before the U.S. Tax Court and other federal and state tribunals. In addition to his transactional work, Ken handles commercial and business litigation, including tax controversies, financial disputes, and partnership matters. His litigation experience informs how he structures deals and governance documents, with an eye toward preventing disputes before they arise. Ken also advises individuals and families on estate planning, trust formation, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and probate administration, including planning involving closely held businesses and foreign assets. Before practicing law, Ken worked in banking and private equity, including managing a $5 billion emerging markets fund-of-funds portfolio at the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and serving in equity research at ABN AMRO. That financial background allows him to understand transactions from both the legal and capital perspective. He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and an MBA from Yale University. He practices before the U.S. Tax Court, various state courts, and other federal courts.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Kenneth was great to work with, and gave insightful legal advice. He respond quickly and working with him made me feel like I was in good hands."

Alexis L. on ContractsCounsel
View Alexis
Member Since:
December 12, 2023

Alexis L.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
24 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA, MI
Suffolk University Law School

I am an attorney in Michigan. I attended Boston College for my undergraduate degree and Suffolk University Law School for my law degree. I have been practicing law for over 20 years.

James S. on ContractsCounsel
View James
Member Since:
December 13, 2023

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

See Real Corporate Bylaws Projects

Arizona Review Bylaws pertaining to election terms of board of directors. Review
  • Arizona
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $485 - $995
View Details
New York Create Bylaws and Resolutions for Small Business Drafting
  • New York
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $499 - $3,000
View Details
New Jersey Adjust Template Corporate Bylaws for a subsidiary Drafting
  • New Jersey
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $500 - $995
View Details

See all Corporate Bylaws projects

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Corporate Bylaws?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Corporate Lawyers
CORPORATE BYLAWS DRAFTING LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Corporate Bylaws Drafting Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city