Family Business

Many of our clients are closely held or family businesses. While these clients have the usual business law needs, such as contract review, asset purchases, bank financings, equity investments, equity compensation and the like, the family business also faces unique issues such as the issue of voting rights when the company stock is owned both by members of the family who are active in the business and others who are not. Difficult and challenging issues may arise when the time comes to transfer the business to the next generation with a resulting change in voting control. Resolving these issues requires expertise in both corporate law and estate planning. Our business attorneys work closely with our trust and estate attorneys to advise family businesses and individual family members on estate planning, tax, and business issues. We work to ensure an orderly transfer of ownership and control with the greatest opportunity for future success while minimizing intra-family conflicts and disputes.