Private Business

Stinson attorneys are keenly aware of the varying challenges associated with all stages of privately-held and family businesses—from the cost concerns of start-ups to the complex legal needs of mature companies. We are driven to develop and implement creative business solutions which balance a company's objectives, goals and concerns. Our attorneys pride themselves on being business people who happen to have law degrees and who take a businesslike approach to each client’s objectives and challenges.

We take pride in the long-term working relationships that our attorneys have formed with emerging businesses across the country as well as some of the largest privately-held companies in the U.S. Our attorneys often function as outside general counsel to their clients’ businesses, having become trusted advisors to companies and their executives throughout the life cycle of the company.

Capabilities

Formation, financing, growth & Tax Planning

• Determining the most advantageous ways to set up your company and your relationships with other owners.
• Organization of business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, family-limited partnerships and joint ventures.
• Identifying the best methods to obtain financing for your business, including private placements, IPOs and leveraged recapitalizations.
• Raising capital through issuance of equity and/or loan transactions.
• Helping you grow your company and achieve business goals through new distribution arrangements, licensing, development, joint ventures, franchises, strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions.
• Advice on all relevant federal, state and local tax consequences.

Business Succession & Estate Planning

• Determining the best ways to preserve or transition your business to future generations.
• Assisting clients to assess and diminish the impact of estate and gift taxes.

Business Ownership Disputes

• Start with an assessment of business strategy and then evaluate opportunities for dispute resolution.
• Use an array of negotiation styles, including lawyer-to-lawyer, mediation and family counseling to define root of business conflict and to craft optimum solutions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Handling mergers, stock purchases, asset purchases, exchange offers, tender offers, restructurings, project financings, cross-border transactions, hostile bids, bankruptcy transactions, going private transactions, private equity transactions, and divestitures and spin-offs.
• Assisting with the sale of family- and management-owned businesses when their owners desire to retire or move on. We help our clients prepare for the sale, engage investment bankers and document the transaction. Where a sale is not the optimal solution, we also help our clients implement other succession plans.

Compliance

• Helping you comply with myriad legal and regulatory issues, including employee issues and product regulation.

Labor and Employment

• Establishing methods to help you attract and retain key employees through stock options, executive compensation, compensation and retirement plans, and benefits.
• Assisting with labor disputes, as well as issues involving ADA, COBRA, ERISA and Family and Medical Leave Act.

Intellectual Property

• Protecting your intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, patents and other company assets—through non-compete, trade secret and proprietary rights agreements.

Real Estate Transaction

• Sale, leasing, development, tax incentives programs, liabilities, environmental issues and contractual obligations.

Services

Stinson offers a variety of individualized services tailored to specific business needs. The firm's various alternative fee arrangements serve clients of all sizes, with two individualized plans especially for our private business clients. Our First Counsel® program is designed to help new enterprises position themselves for success and business growth in the earliest stages of development. Our Core Counsel® initiative provides more mature businesses with access to a broad range of legal services, customized client assistance and unlimited telephone consultation at a predetermined fee.

Industries

Auto & Truck Dealership

Stinson's Auto & Truck Dealership practice is well versed in the unique needs and challenges of the auto and truck industry and its member dealerships. We represent numerous auto and truck dealerships throughout the country, and regularly engage with auto and truck manufacturers and the financing companies that serve the industry on behalf of our dealership clients. Learn More.

Franchise & Distribution

The Franchise and Distribution practice brings together attorneys with significant experience in franchising, distribution law, intellectual property, general corporate law and litigation. We understand the complex array of regulatory and rights-related issues facing franchisors, franchisees, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. Learn More.

Entertainment & Media

We help our clients develop, grow, protect and monetize their creative works. We represent actors, recording artists, music producers, authors, songwriters, producers, fashion designers, digital and print content creators, illustrators and graphic designers, managers, athletes, influencers, and celebrities in all matters related to their creative and professional needs including endorsement and sponsorship deals, contract negotiations, estate planning, entity creation (profit, non-profit or public benefit), intellectual property protection, and rights of publicity and privacy. Learn More.

Sports & Recreation

Stinson attorneys combine the legal skills to serve the business needs of sports and recreation clients with a deep knowledge and appreciation of all facets of the industry. We assist our clients in an array of matters pertaining to business operations, business structure, employment, finance, acquisitions and sales, real estate, development of stadiums and arenas, intellectual property and litigation. Our clients include franchises and leagues, executives and athletes, real estate groups, business owners, franchisees and recreation companies. Learn More.