Business Law Attorneys in Boulder, Colorado

Running a business can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Whether you're starting a new business, managing daily operations, or preparing for significant growth, there are multiple legal considerations that you will need to take into account. That's where an experienced business law attorney can help. 

At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., we understand the importance of having a solid legal foundation for your business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in operation for years, our experienced attorneys offer comprehensive legal services to support your business needs.  

Located in Boulder, Colorado, we serve clients throughout Nederland, Longmont, Broomfield, North Glen, and the Denver metro area. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. 

An Overview of Business Law in Colorado 

Starting a business is an exciting process. However, it's important to set up your business correctly to help ensure future success. One of the most important decisions you will need to make is selecting the right business entity. Whether you are considering a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, each structure carries distinct legal and financial implications under Colorado law: 

• Sole proprietorship: The simplest and most common business structure, ideal for single-owner businesses where the owner has full control over business operations and decisions. All profits and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return; however, the owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business.  

• Partnership: A business owned by two or more individuals who share profits, losses, and responsibilities. All partners are personally liable for business debts unless structured as a limited liability partnership (LLP), and all business income is passed through to the partners and taxed on their individual tax returns.  

• Limited liability company (LLC): This combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and flexibility of a partnership. They are relatively simple to set up, and the owners are generally not personally liable for business debts or obligations. 

• Corporation: A distinct legal entity that is separate from its owners and shareholders and provides the strongest liability protection. Corporations can be structured as C corporations (taxed separately from their owners) or S corporations (where income passes through to shareholders). It is an ideal option for businesses seeking to raise capital through the sale of stock and for larger, more complex enterprises.  

At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., our team can help you evaluate your business goals, industry requirements, and liability considerations to determine the most suitable entity for your venture. Once you select a business entity, we can help you file all the required documentation, such as articles of incorporation or organization. 

Our Business Services 

In addition to assisting with business entity selection and formation, our firm offers a wide range of services to support your business needs. Some of the primary services we provide include the following. Contact one of our attorneys to learn more.  

Corporate Counseling 

Our attorneys provide counseling services to individuals who plan to establish a business in Colorado. We offer entity packages for everything your corporation, S Corporation, or LLC/Partnership will need to get started, including:  

• Drafting the Articles of Incorporation or Organization 

• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number for the entity 

• Preparing necessary entity documentation 

We will guide you in choosing the best entity structure for your business, and our attorneys often serve as a registered agent for many of the entities we create. 

Business Contracts and Agreements  

Well-drafted contracts are the backbone of a successful business, and we strive to craft agreements that are tailored to your needs. Whether you're negotiating a lease for your office space, drafting employment agreements, or securing vendor contracts, we can draft and negotiate contracts on your behalf as well as review existing agreements to minimize risks and address any potential disputes. 

Colorado contract law requires agreements to be clear, enforceable, and compliant with state and federal regulations. Should a breach of contract occur, we are here to represent you in resolving the issue efficiently and effectively.  

Mergers and Acquisitions 

We represent both target companies and acquirers in mergers and acquisitions. Our experienced attorneys strive to provide sophisticated advice and counsel at every stage, from term sheets to closing. Our team has experience with various acquisition structures and works with skilled appraisers to help value your business.  

We also offer services for split-off and carve-out transactions, which can help shareholders separate from a business without unnecessary tax issues. We understand that M&A deals can be complicated and stressful, so we prioritize being accessible to answer any questions you may have and to alleviate your concerns. 

Corporate Finance 

We counsel businesses of all sizes about and risks associated with corporate and entity financing. Our approach is tailored to each client’s unique business needs and goals. Whether your business requires debt financing, equity financing, or a combination of both, we can assist in building the right capital structure. We also have extensive experience with Angel and Venture Capital Financing and provide experienced guidance in these areas. 

Intellectual Property 

Your ideas, products, and branding are invaluable to your business, and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial in today’s competitive market. As part of our full range of corporate and business advice and counsel, we handle complicated licensing issues, source code escrow agreements, and other transactions to protect your business's valuable assets. 

Non-Profit Corporations 

We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that non-profit organizations face, and provide knowledgeable counsel to make sure your non-profit corporation operates smoothly and successfully. Our attorneys can help you from start to finish with the creation of a Colorado Non-Profit Corporation. We also assist with the application to the Internal Revenue Service for tax-exempt status. 

International Business Transactions 

In today's global market, many businesses have expanded beyond their own borders and engage in international transactions. Our attorneys are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide our clients through complex legal issues that may arise in international business dealings.  

From outsourcing, manufacturing, distribution, technology transfers, e-commerce, joint ventures, and more, we can help protect your business and provide you with the knowledge and tools to help it operate smoothly overseas. 

How Our Firm Can Help  

At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., we combine our extensive legal knowledge with personalized attention to help Colorado businesses thrive. Our firm understands the nuances of Colorado laws and is committed to providing clear, practical advice tailored to your unique situation.  

When you work with us, you gain a dedicated partner who is invested in your success. We take the time to learn about your business’s goals, challenges, and opportunities to craft a strategy that meets your specific needs. Whether you are launching a small startup or managing a large corporation, our mission is to deliver exceptional legal support at every step. 

Business Law Attorneys in Boulder, Colorado  

From the initial stages of formation to daily operations, businesses face a myriad of legal issues that require skilled navigation. At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., we have extensive experience in all aspects of business law, and we strive to serve as a valuable resource for you and your business.

If you or someone you know is seeking assistance with a business in Colorado, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. Located in Boulder, Colorado, we serve clients throughout Nederland, Longmont, Broomfield, North Glen, and the Denver metro area.