Business Formation and Litigation

Everything you need to get your business moving in the right direction

When it comes to selecting the best legal entity to protect your business from liability, reviewing contracts to strike the best possible deal, and litigating claims to recover losses, our lawyers remain at your side. We are with you as you create, build, and grow your business.

We provide the following legal services:

• Business formation
• Business litigation
• Breach of contract
• Collections
• Contract review and preparation
• Hiring and firing decisions
• Non-compete agreements

Our attorneys are skilled in contract negotiations, as well as mediation and litigation of claims—providing you with a wealth of practical and efficient options for issues which arise in the day to day operation of your business and resolving any legal concerns that arise. We look out for your best interests in your interactions with suppliers, vendors, employees, and clients. Call now: (865) 453-2866.

Practical advice. Proven results.

Our lawyers are results-driven. We staff each project efficiently to achieve the desired result quickly and cost-effectively. We provide clients with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their business matters and then pursue the goals and objectives established by the client—not our own.

Key points of contact with business professionals

We have become a valued component of our client's business support team. We work with our clients' accountants and external support staff to produce custom legal solutions tailored to our clients' unique circumstances.

We also refer our clients to industry experts when we believe that the knowledge and experience of an expert will prove invaluable to our clients' cases. We staff our cases appropriately, to obtain the best possible results in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Call now: (865) 453-2866

We represent clients with business interests throughout Tennessee, including Sevierville, Dandridge, Gatlinburg, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Knoxville, Kodak, Morristown, Newport, Pigeon Forge, Rogersville, Rutledge, Seymour, and White Pine.

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Business formation

Our attorneys understand the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. We offer you practical advice and efficient service throughout the process of forming or restructuring your business. To assist you with business entity selection, we take the time to learn about your business goals and review the risks associated with your business venture. We also work with your accountants and tax professionals to determine the particular business entity that will best support your business. We take into account the type of business, size of the business, and other relevant factors.

Using your needs and best interests as a guide, we can help you select the type of entity that is most appropriate for your business. Our attorneys can advise you regarding the benefits and potential drawbacks of each of the following business structures:

• Limited liability companies (LLCs)
• Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
• General partnerships
• Sole proprietorships
• Corporations
• S-corporations

We then help you implement the policies and procedures needed to protect your business from potential lawsuits. By preparing comprehensive employment contracts and general business liability policies, you can further protect your business and personal assets. Speak to our attorneys to learn more about these legal options: (865) 453-2866.

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Business litigation

If your business is being sued or needs to sue to recover losses, call our offices to speak to an experienced trial lawyer. Our attorneys can assist you in realistically assessing your case, to enable you to promptly take legal action where necessary and to consider other options when litigation does not appear advisable. We can also help you:

• Make an insurance claim
• Investigate the allegations of a case filed against you
• Assess your potential liability exposure
• Formulate a plan of action
• Strive for a settlement based on sound business judgment
• Take steps to attempt to collect money owed to you prior to filing a lawsuit

Allow our lawyers to guide you through this time of crisis. We provide comprehensive legal advice and cost-effective client service. Call our offices to speak to an attorney about your case: (865) 453-2866.

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Breach of contract

Contracts are legally binding. So, what can you do if your business suffers losses as a result of someone else's failure to perform their contractual obligations? Conversely, what can you do if you are unable to meet your contractual obligations due to unforeseen circumstances? Our attorneys help you address these concerns.

We are dedicated to helping you find the quickest, most cost-effective solution to your legal crisis. When possible, we encourage clients to find a compromise that benefits both parties through mediation or direct negotiation. However, if a compromise seems impossible, our attorneys represent you in court and effectively present the facts from your perspective to the judge. Throughout this process, we work to protect you from liability and help you fully realize your business goals.

For advice about your unique circumstances, call (865) 453-2866. Our attorneys look forward to assisting you with your legal problem.

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Collections

Collections litigation is generally about the numbers. Is it more cost effective to settle at a loss or should you take your case to trial? Our attorneys help you realistically review your collections matters to make the best possible decision regarding how to proceed. Where appropriate, we will work with your accountant as a team to create innovative solutions for your collections matters. Our attorneys also understand that some collection matters involve issues beyond monetary compensation, and are a matter of principal. It is always the client’s ultimate decision as to what legal option is right for their business.

While our attorneys always go the extra mile to try to keep you out of the courtroom, when other options fail, our attorneys take action. We are tough litigators who provide practical advice with proven results.

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Contract review and preparation

In business, the first rule is to get it in writing. An effective written contract clearly outlines the rights and obligations of all the parties. It will anticipate and make provisions for a wide range of potential issues. On the other hand, a poorly drafted contract can cause disagreements that ruin a business relationship, be a source of lost revenue, or give rise to litigation.

By getting the details right, our attorneys can help you protect your business from costly litigation. We can help you develop detailed contracts that are clear and easy-to-understand.

We can also help you review, interpret, and renegotiate contracts. As examples, we can prepare:

• Employment contracts
• Lease agreements
• Purchase and sale agreements

Speak to our attorneys to make smarter, more informed legal decisions. Call (865) 453-2866.

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Hiring and firing decisions

As your lawyers and human resource counsel, we review employment contracts to make sure your best interests are fairly represented in the terms of employment.

Once the contract is signed and employment begins, the rules change. Hiring an employee is simply a matter of filing a few forms and cutting paychecks periodically. Firing an employee is considerably more complex. With the onslaught of legal rules and regulations governing employment, you must make sure that you are not firing an employee for a prohibited cause. You are generally subject to the following state and federal regulations:

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibiting harassment or discrimination
• Workers’ compensation
• Whistleblower protections

Our attorneys advise you on how to shield yourself from potential future litigation. We guide you through industry best practices as they relate to hiring and firing decisions.

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Non-compete agreements

Non-compete agreements are designed to prohibit ex-employees from sharing trade secrets with competitors or starting their own businesses based on the knowledge they have gained while in your employment. These agreements may also stipulate how long an employee must wait to work for another company in the same field. Many companies require employees to sign non-compete agreements.

Our attorneys can help you draft a legally binding non-compete agreement or sue a former employee for violations of a non-compete agreement. We consider the employee's position, the trade-secrets he or she is privy to, and other related factors to develop detailed non-compete contracts and litigation strategies.

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