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Daniel K. on ContractsCounsel
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5.0 (2)
Member Since:
October 11, 2023

Daniel K.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
UC Berkeley School of Law

I graduated from Yale University magna cum laude, served as a Fulbright Scholar in Italy and attended UC Berkeley School of Law. In 2023, I was named a "Legal Visionary" by the Los Angeles Times. I have broad experience in corporate transactions and in serving as outside general counsel to clients. I started my legal career in Silicon Valley and Hong Kong working on large equity and debt financings and matters for private wealth clients. After returning home to Los Angeles, I advised startup companies with formations, acquisitions and day-to-day matters such as sales contracts and licensing. More recently, I have focused on data, IT and SaaS contracts for both providers and customers. My clients include NASDAQ-listed companies, a top ranked children’s hospital and local startups.

Casey B. on ContractsCounsel
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5.0 (1)
Member Since:
October 16, 2023

Casey B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Atlanta, Georgia
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law

I have a Juris Doctorate degree from Mercer Law School, and I am an active member of the Georgia State Bar Association. I have spent the last eight years reviewing, drafting, editing, and negotiating hundreds of contracts on a monthly basis, working in-house for a Fortune 500 company. I am a results-driven, self-motivated, experienced contracts attorney with exceptional drafting, research and communication abilities.

James D. F. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
October 12, 2023

James D. F.

innovative Counsel [iC]℠
Free Consultation
Sydney, Australia
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Queensland University of Technology

Unique Hybrid Background ➲ Deep Legal, Tech & Commercial Experience More by pure chance than design, I arrived late in life to pursue a career in law. My background spans more than 3 decades across Information Technology, entrepreneurship & the legal profession supporting my claim to being a 'Deep Generalist'. What is a 'Deep Generalist'? 'The professionals who develop into really great client advisors are deep generalists.' Quote from Warren Bennis. From 2013 I worked for established boutique property, finance & commercial law firms + an award-winning #newlaw firm of senior lawyers (formerly Nexus Law Group, now merged with Arch.law) before founding my digital law firm Blue Ocean Law Group in 2017. I also worked part-time for 2 years as a freelance online expert across all aspects of Australian Law with JustAnswer (H.Q. in San Francisco) and volunteered at the Caxton Legal Centre to give back to the community. Now I offer pro bono (free) legal assistance at my discretion. My achievements in the law are best reflected in the high number of settlements where civil litigation has been avoided, court judgements (incl. successful appeals) in my clients' favour & [90+] testimonials which can be seen on the blueocean.law [700+] page website which offers tons [585+] of both free & paid innovative legal products & resources. My personal experience as a client on the other side of legal matters affords me a unique perspective and goes some way to explaining my passion for the reinvention of the delivery of legal services. I am an early adopter of technology + gadgets, an avid reader and an animal lover. In January 2023, I joined the IAPP – International Association of Privacy Professionals and became a Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States by gaining the highly valued gold-standard ANSI-Accredited CIPP/US credential. I followed this up in August 2023, by obtaining the Certified in CyberSecurity qualification form ISC(2). Pre-Law Background From 1992 to 2002, I worked for Accenture as an IT Project Manager across APAC (including long-term project assignments in New Zealand & Singapore). I started a small business side hustle in 1997 and in 2003 I left Accenture to become a full-time entrepreneur in the transport industry. I later expanded into the mezzanine property development finance market as well as venturing into small-scale property development.Unique Hybrid Background

Kchris G. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
October 15, 2023

Kchris G.

Associate Attorney
Free Consultation
Norman, Oklahoma
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OK
Oklahoma City University School of Law

My name is Kchris Griffin. I am an licensed attorney practicing Family and Civil Law in Oklahoma. My goal is to help those in need with receiving efficient and effective legal services.

Drew M. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
October 19, 2023

Drew M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Florida
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, MA
University of Florida

Drew Melville is a Florida and Massachusetts-licensed attorney with fourteen years' experience in real estate transactions, title insurance and land use. His practice includes all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financing, joint venture formation, leasing and land use approvals. Mr. Melville is a title agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company, and Stewart Title Guaranty Company. Mr. Melville's practice is national in scope, and he brings a creative and solution-oriented approach to his clients' diverse array of real estate investment and development activities in all real estate asset classes. These often include urban infill, adaptive reuse, affordable and workforce housing, historic preservation, sustainable building, brownfield or gray-field redevelopment and opportunity zones. Prior to starting his own firm, he was an in house counsel for the real estate development subsidiary of a large, diversified land and agribusiness company. To date, Mr. Melville has closed over $1.2 billion in commercial real estate transactions.

Hao L. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
October 19, 2023

Hao L.

Partner
Free Consultation
Miami, Florida
1 Yr Experience
Licensed in FL
Golden Gate University School of Law

Florida Licensed Attorney & CFA® Charterholder Specializing in Immigration, Taxation, Aviation, Bankruptcy, Estate & Succession, and Business & Civil Litigation

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Small Business Legal Questions and Answers

Small Business

LLC

Texas

Asked on Oct 25, 2023

Why hire a lawyer for LLC formation?

I am a small business owner looking to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). I am aware of the various steps involved in forming an LLC, such as filing paperwork with the state, but I am unsure of the legal ramifications and potential risks associated with this type of business structure. I am seeking advice from a lawyer to understand the legal implications of forming an LLC and to ensure that I am taking the necessary steps to protect my business and my personal assets.

Michael C.

Answered Oct 31, 2023

Here are some of the key reasons why it can be beneficial to hire a lawyer when forming an LLC: - Expertise navigating legal requirements - Forming an LLC involves meeting specific legal and regulatory requirements under state law. A business lawyer can help ensure you take all the necessary steps to properly create and register your LLC so that it obtains legal recognition and protections. - Assistance with operating agreement - Lawyers can draft a customized operating agreement that outlines the ownership structure, member responsibilities, profit/loss distributions, voting rights, and other rules governing your LLC. This agreement is important for establishing how your LLC will operate. - Advice on tax implications - LLCs can choose different tax treatments (like being taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corp or C-corp). A lawyer can help you understand the tax implications of these options. - Ongoing legal advice - After forming the LLC, you may need guidance on legal issues like liability protection, employing workers, licensing, contracts, intellectual property, etc. A lawyer can provide trusted counsel. - Compliance with regulations - Lawyers stay up-to-date on all current LLC regulations and can help ensure your LLC remains compliant as laws evolve. Non-compliance can result in penalties or loss of LLC status. The bottom line is that an experienced business lawyer can help you avoid potential mistakes when forming an LLC and provide ongoing guidance to maintain the legal protections an LLC provides. Their expertise makes the lawyer fees worthwhile for many small business owners.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Small Business

Shareholders Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jun 15, 2023

Shareholders agreement and dividend policies?

I am a shareholder in a small business and am looking to understand the implications of a shareholders agreement and dividend policies on my ownership rights. I am considering entering into a shareholders agreement but want to ensure that I understand how dividends will be paid out and what rights I will have to receive my share of profits.

Daniel D.

Answered Jul 18, 2023

The shareholder agreement should specify your ownership rights and the policy on dividends. Or, the LLC Operating Agreement or Corporate By Laws could state when, to who and how frequent dividends are given out. Without seeing the shareholder agreement it is difficult to say what your rights will be and how the dividends will be paid out as each small business is unique.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Small Business

C Corp

North Carolina

Asked on Jul 16, 2023

C corp vs. S corp: Which is better?

I am currently starting a new business and am trying to decide which corporate structure is best for my particular situation. I have heard that C corps and S corps have different advantages and disadvantages, so I am looking to get legal advice as to which would be more beneficial for me. I understand that there are many factors to consider, such as taxation, liability, and potential for growth, so I am hoping to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each structure and which would be the most suitable for my needs.

Nicholas M.

Answered Aug 1, 2023

It would be impossible to give you a primer on all of the advantages and disadvantages, but here is a headnote version: C-Corp Pros: Ultimate flexibility with regards to ownership, control, power, etc through the issuance of one or more classes of shares. Cons: Double taxed. You will be taxes as a corporation and as an individual taking a salary from the corporation. S-Corp (this is just a C-Corp electing to be taxed under subchapter S of the IRS code): Pros: Tax advantage for owners (up to 100 people) from not double taxing. Cons: Less flexibility than C-Corp but more granular control than LLC. Depending on the situation, most companies starting out are better off starting an LLC, which has less formalities, and then converting to a S-Corp or C-Corp once they scale and can take advantage. C-Corp, S-Corp, and LLC all have the same level of liability protection if you follow the formalities for formation and maintenance. C-Corps have the most rigor and LLCs have the least. You can also consider LLP and other business structures based on co-owners or other factors that a lawyer can help you evaluate.

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Small Business

Waiver And Release Agreement

Texas

Asked on Feb 11, 2022

I am a tennis coach as a side hustle in Austin, TX. Considering getting basic general liability coverage with an insurance company. If I do I would need to have my students sign a waiver. Is this something you can help with and is it absolutely necessary to have the document notarized or not?

I am a tennis coach as a side hustle in Austin, TX. Considering getting basic general liability coverage with an insurance company. If I do I would need to have my students sign a waiver. Is this something you can help with and is it absolutely necessary to have the document notarized or not?

Kelvin R.

Answered Mar 18, 2022

A waiver and release of liability is a good idea. We can draft a provision for you to include in your existing agreement or as a stand alone waiver agreement. It is not necessary that waiver be notarized.

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Small Business

Business Entity

Illinois

Asked on Mar 17, 2022

I have an LLC for rental investment. Can i use the LLC to do independent corp to corp work.

Currently employed, with investment property under LLC. Would like to do independent contract work.

T. Phillip B.

Answered Mar 25, 2022

The question isn't whether you can do it, but is whether you SHOULD do it. You definitely would be able to do other work within the LLC. However, in doing so, now you active work and passive income are getting combined which would likely subject your passive income to the 15.3% self employment tax. Let me know if you have any questions on how to structure the businesses.

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