Business Law & Contracts

Most small businesses need core agreements such as operating or partnership agreements, client or service contracts, independent-contractor and employment agreements, and IP assignment and confidentiality agreements. These foundational business contracts protect your company, ownership, and relationships. As businesses grow and become more established, additional contracts may be needed, for example, if the business takes on additional owners or partners, licenses its intellectual property or becomes a licensee, enters into a franchising arrangement, obtains brick and mortar office space requiring a written lease, and similar situations.

An independent contractor generally owns the work they create unless a written agreement includes an IP-assignment clause transferring ownership to your business. A clear contractor agreement ensures your business owns the deliverables it commissions.

Yes—a business attorney can negotiate contract terms, identify risks, and strengthen payment, liability, termination, and other provisions to protect your interests. Skilled contract negotiation often leads to clearer, more favorable business agreements.

If a client breaches a contract, review the agreement's terms, document the breach, and consult a business attorney about potential enforcement and remedies. You may decide to pursue informal attempts to resolve the issue, or alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation or arbitration), or litigation. Prompt action can improve your chances of recovery.

Buying or selling a business involves legal issues including due diligence, the purchase agreement, asset-versus-stock structure, liabilities, intellectual property transfer, and employee matters, among others. Peele Law Group guides owners through business purchase and sale transactions to protect their interests.