Business & Corporate Law

Business Formation

Starting a new business is an exciting endeavor, but one that also comes with many challenges and difficult decisions. At the Shipley Law Firm & Title Company, an experienced attorney can help you with the process of business formation and ensure that your financial interests are protected.

One important first step in business formation is selecting the right business entity – the type of entity you choose has huge implications for your liability and tax situation. Our firm can help with the selection and formation of business entities such as:

Sole proprietorships
General partnerships
Limited partnerships (LLPs)
S- and C-corporations
Limited liability companies (LLCs)

The Shipley Law Firm & Title Company can also guide you through other aspects of business formation, such as drafting and reviewing any agreements with shareholders, managers, partners, and employees.

Business Litigation

Unfortunately, in the course of running a business, disputes often arise with competing businesses, employees, or other parties. The Shipley Law Firm & Title Company provides legal representation for all types of business litigation matters, such as:

Breach of contract
Unfair competition
Breach of fiduciary duty
Fraud
Defamation
Tortious interference with a contractual relationship
Employment issues, e.g., non-compete agreements

If another party has intentionally interfered with your contract or business relationship, you may be entitled to damages for any financial losses you have suffered. Or, if a director or officer has violated their fiduciary duty to act in the corporation’s best interest, there may be legal remedies available to you. We are willing to use mediation to resolve your business dispute, or to represent you in court if necessary.

Commercial Lease Agreements

It is important to note that there are many significant distinctions between commercial and residential leases. The Shipley Law Firm & Title Company has years of experience assisting clients with a variety of matters involving commercial leases, including:

Commercial landlord-tenant issues
Lease disputes
Zoning
Commercial development disputes
Commercial evictions

Our firm is also pleased to assist with drafting and reviewing your commercial lease to ensure that it adequately protects your interests.

Purchases & Sales of Businesses

When purchasing a business, it is crucial to investigate the business to minimize the risk and prevent future problems from arising. Therefore, it is essential to find an experienced business attorney who can help your business purchase go as smoothly as possible, saving you valuable time and money. The Shipley Law Firm & Title Company has extensive experience assisting clients throughout Florida with the purchase and sale of businesses. We perform the due diligence necessary to find out if a business has any tax or debt issues that would jeopardize your financial security, as well as answer any concerns you may have regarding purchasing or selling your business.

Purchases & Sales of Commercial Real Estate

The Shipley Law Firm & Title Company can assist you in the purchase or sale of commercial real estate, answer any questions you may have about the transaction, and help you avoid costly and time-consuming litigation in the future. We are also pleased to assist with drafting any agreements related to purchasing, selling, or leasing your commercial property. We can also inform you of any potential legal issues regarding land use, zoning, easements, title, or municipal laws that may negatively affect your transaction.

Attorney Christopher J. Shipley has extensive experience representing clients throughout Florida in a variety of business and corporate law matters. To schedule a consultation with an experienced Florida business and corporate law attorney, please call (352) 383-3397 or fill out and submit our online Contact Us page.