The Business attorneys at Rhoades McKee have helped numerous entrepreneurs, small and large businesses build a sound foundation for long-term success. We recognize that the goals of a closely-held business differs greatly from that of a publicly-held corporation. Our attorneys are dedicated to the success of our client’s enterprise. The need for precise and clear agreements with partners or family members is essential for avoiding future disputes. The plan for succession has personal, family, tax and financial implications which must not be overlooked. The business owner expects immediate access to our attorneys for consultation, and we respect the need to respond promptly to information requests. We know, too, the value of delivering our services cost effectively to our business clients.

In addition to the extensive business and technical background required to guide both profit-making and not-for-profit corporations, the Business attorneys at Rhoades McKee have substantial expertise in the areas of corporate tax law, tax and financial issues for closely-held businesses, commercial lending, real estate leasing and development, employment law and, when necessary, litigation of business and tax disputes.

Formation and Governance

Rhoades McKee attorneys have a long, successful record of assisting clients in the formation, restructuring, and, if necessary, the orderly dissolution of corporations and other business entities such as limited liability companies and partnerships. This experience includes preparation of the necessary legal documents for the formation of the business entity, bylaws, operating agreements and other governing instruments, and in the negotiating and drafting of buy-sell agreements between the owners of the business providing for the purchase of an owner’s interest in the business in the event of death, disability or other events requiring the purchase of an owner’s interest in the enterprise. When such agreements are funded by insurance, we work closely with the insurance provider to make sure that our clients are adequately insured in an economical manner.

Commercial Lending

Our attorneys have counseled both borrowers and lenders in hundreds of commercial lending transactions. They have in-depth experience with virtually every form of financing and type of collateral, including real property, equipment, accounts, securities and intangible assets. They have also worked extensively with financing secured by letters of credit and equipment leasing transactions. Services range from negotiation and preparation of loan documents to assisting management in developing financing strategies and structuring collateral to maximize the benefit of a commercial loan transaction.

Non-Profits

Rhoades McKee serves a wide range of non-profit associations, charities and foundations with advice and counsel on everything related to qualification and maintenance of tax-exempt status, including planning corporate and business transactions and analyzing charitable giving to preserve tax-exempt status.

The services we provide to non-profit organizations include qualification of the organization as tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, advising the client as to the provisions regarding unrelated business taxable income, and obtaining exemptions for various state and local property, sales and unemployment taxes.

Corporate Tax Matters

There is virtually no area of corporate management, whether for-profit or tax-exempt, that does not have a tax implications. Our skilled tax attorneys serve the tax-planning and representation needs of a client with an integrated team of attorney specialists in taxation, employee benefits and personal tax planning. Our tax attorneys and tax paralegals are an integral part of our business practice at Rhoades McKee. For information on our specialized tax services, please visit our Tax Law Group.

Corporate Dissolution and Bankruptcy

The Business Law Group at Rhoades McKee has a proven record in providing counsel to corporations and other business entities who are forced to seek formal or informal dissolution of the enterprise. This often complex process must be done correctly so that ongoing problems with governmental authorities and corporate creditors will be minimized. In those cases where the business enterprise needs to seek protection from the federal bankruptcy courts, or is a creditor of a bankrupt company, the attorneys at Rhoades McKee have a number of highly trained attorneys with significant expertise in dealing with the complexity of the bankruptcy and reorganization process. Our bankruptcy specialists work hand in hand with our tax specialists and corporate law specialists in seeking to attain the best possible result for our client.