Author: Hoffman Forde

What is Administrative Law?

Posted on November 30, 2020 by - Law

There is no universally accepted definition of administrative law, but rationally it may be held to cover the organization, powers, duties, and functions of public authorities of all kinds engaged in administration; their relations with one another and with citizens and nongovernmental bodies; legal methods of controlling public administration; and the rights and liabilities of officials. 

 

Administrative law is to a large extent complemented by constitutional law, and the line between them is hard to draw. The organization of a national legislature, the structure of the courts, the characteristics of a cabinet, and the role of the head of state are generally regarded as matters of constitutional law, whereas the substantive and procedural provisions relating to central and local governments and judicial review of administration are reckoned matters of administrative law. But some matters cannot be exclusively assigned to either administrative or constitutional law.

 

In the United States, administrative law (or regulatory law) is a branch of public law that applies to federal as well as independent agencies. Administrative federal law defines the duties and responsibilities of executive branch agencies and independent agencies; when the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of federal government are unable to directly carry out their constitutional duties, federal- and state-level government bodies issue directives to monitor activities in complex areas.

 

In California, “[t]he Office of Administrative Law (OAL) ensures that agency regulations are clear, necessary, legally valid, and available to the public. OAL is responsible for reviewing administrative regulations proposed by over 200 state agencies for compliance with the standards set forth in California’s Administrative Procedure Act (APA), for transmitting these regulations to the Secretary of State and for publishing regulations in the California Code of Regulations.”

Administrative Procedure Act

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) enacted June 11, 1946, is the United States federal statute that governs the way in which administrative agencies of the federal government of the United States may propose and establish regulations and grants U.S. federal courts oversight over all agency actions. It is one of the most important pieces of United States administrative law, and serves as a sort of “constitution” for U.S. administrative law.

Hoffman & Forde’s Administrative Law Firm Services

Our team of attorneys are experienced defending professionals from malpractice claims, regulatory complaints and licensing board hearings in California. Our attorneys bring years of success to administrative and professional licensing law having represented every kind of licensed professional including medical personnel, real estate agents & brokers, accountants, engineers, contractors, social workers, insurance brokers, and fiduciaries. Business owners & managers are subject to the influence of government and the law in the workplace. When facing reproval, penalties, fines, probation, suspension, revocation or even a lifetime ban trust our attorneys to defend your license and your livelihood.

Your Southern California Administrative Law Attorneys

At Hoffman & Forde, our attorneys are experienced California administrative law attorneys, and we defend licensed professionals and businesses before the Medical Board, Department of Insurance, Department of Real Estate and other California licensing agencies. We have many years of administrative hearing experience before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), as well as license defense experience in other administrative law forums.

As a boutique law firm, we have experts across disciplines and relevant industries. With our creative solutions, your estate plan will be tailored to you and your goals. Invest in legal advice and set up your family for the future for peace of mind. Call us today for a consultation.

What to Look for When Hiring a Business Attorney

Posted on November 15, 2020 by - Business Consulting

Business owners may not always have hiring an attorney at the forefront of their minds. But legal counsel doesn’t just apply to litigation or when your business is already well-established. In fact, it would prove beneficial to consult with a business attorney even before starting your enterprise. This way, you can avoid legal troubles down the road and especially if you’re a first-time business owner. Here are some things for you to consider when hiring a business attorney.

Experience

Check how long your potential attorney and law firm have been practicing. But in addition to the number of years in their particular practice area, are they also experts in their field?  Look for proven success as you review their track record.

Proven Success

Here are a couple questions for business owners to consider: What kinds of businesses have they helped and in what capacity? What is their track record based on available testimonials? Your business attorney should have a firm understanding of the differences between small business needs and large corporations, and have demonstrated success in serving different types of businesses.

Legal Specialties

Choose an attorney that specializes in business law but consider the firm that the attorney’s a part of. Boutique firms (such as Hoffman & Forde) have access to legal professionals that specialize in other relevant fields that are beneficial to business owners.

Pricing

Find out if your attorney provides clients with a sensible billing structure that ensures there are no unnecessary fees or surprises.

Accessibility

Is the attorney an effective communicator and do you have access to their legal team? Choosing a business attorney that is accessible, compassionate, and communicates well makes a big difference. Accessibility demonstrates dedication to clients. 

How Our Southern California Law Firm Helps Businesses

Whether you’re considering pursuing a startup or already have a business that’s pivoting, our Southern California law firm strategically advises our clients on all stages of a business’ cycle, from formation to succession. Your business may opt to retain us to serve as if we are their in-house general counsel or as consultants during the formation phase.

Entity Formation & Planning

 Hoffman & Forde is engaged in all aspects of our clients’ business formation and development, from conception through liquidity. We provide business and legal guidance to clients through all stages of development, from initial incorporation, to seed and angel investments, venture capital debt and equity financing, strategic investments, and more.

Contracts

Contracts are key to any business. Our business consulting law firm has extensive experience in drafting tailored contracts to meet our clients’ needs, including terms and conditions, distribution agreements, customer contracts and non-disclosure agreements, breach of contracts, and more. If you need assistance with contracts, we can help.

Corporate Governance

Our business attorneys help clients develop and implement corporate governance policies and procedures, including employment policies, to foster best practices and to help meet clients’ obligations under applicable law. With policies changing more frequently because of coronavirus, employers need to be even more aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Consulting

We counsel employers on regulatory, legal, and human resources issues to ensure compliance with employment laws. We also help our clients establish policies, procedures, and guidelines essential to their businesses. At Hoffman & Forde, we help business owners keep up with their legal requirements and duties, and provide superior legal advice and planning. Learn more about our business consulting practice or contact our business attorneys for a complimentary consultation today.

San Diego Commercial Tenant Attorneys: What To Look For

Posted on October 28, 2020 by - Landlord/Tenant

2020 has brought with it a range of legal issues in the commercial real estate space. Commercial tenant conflicts, while common, have become more prevalent and can take many different forms. That’s why more than ever, connecting with a top-of-the-line commercial tenant attorney in San Diego has never been more important. Savvy clients can prevent conflict before it occurs, or reach mutual agreement with proper legal counsel. Here’s what to expect from a good commercial tenant attorney.

Experience With A Range of Situations

An experienced commercial tenant attorney is able to represent tenants in all kinds of important ways. Whether they’re facing unlawful evictions, rent payment problems, or claims of breach of lease agreement issues, this kind of attorney can navigate nuances with skill. They should also be able to help with drafting leases and working through safety and health issues, code compliance, rental discrimination, and more.

Knowledge of California Laws Helps Businesses

Every state has its own commercial tenant laws. That’s why California business owners need local legal counsel with the knowhow to navigate these laws. When rent increases without warning, eviction looms, or there are issues with maintaining the space, businesses could fall into some unfavorable situations if they aren’t careful. A good San Diego commercial tenant attorney can help before signing a lease and after.

Foresight and Resolve

A good commercial tenant attorney can offer legal counsel at the first sign of trouble to avoid litigation. However, they can also be aggressive when needed and won’t hesitate to go to court if necessary. These attorneys look out for their client’s best interest at all times.

Choose Our Commercial Tenant Attorneys 

At Hoffman & Forde, we know that not all cases are the same. But we’re experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to California laws for business owners. We put clients first and provide creative solutions that best fit your case. As a boutique lawyer, you get the specialized skills of our commercial tenant attorneys and legal counsel across related disciplines. Our five-star reviews also attest to our firm’s professionalism and dedication to our clients’ success. Call us today to find out more about our comprehensive legal services and how we can help.

Best Probate Attorney in San Diego

Posted on October 15, 2020 by - Estate Planning

Losing a loved one is difficult enough, much less dealing with probate issues. If you are facing probate concerns or disputes, lean on the legal experts at Hoffman & Forde. Find out why we’re some of the best probate attorneys in San Diego in this post.

What Is Probate?

In short, probate is the legal process of dispersing a person’s estate after their death. It involves taking inventory, appraisal, and distribution according to the last wishes of the deceased. But if there is no will, the probate process is still required to pay outstanding bills and distribute assets to designated beneficiaries.

Of course, probate court can be a tricky matter involving contentious disputes, relationship strains, and financial stress. But sometimes probate is necessary to settle disputes between heirs, especially since not everyone has the luxury of estate planning with an attorney beforehand. But with the risk of high costs and a prolonged process in court that could take anywhere from months to several years, it’s important to choose a probate attorney who has the experience and expertise to guide you into a favorable result.

Hoffman & Forde: Top Probate Attorneys

Hoffman & Forde is known for excellence across a range of practice areas, and probate is no exception. We work hard to make sure that issues are resolved as quickly as possible, bills and debts are settled, and the estate is distributed accordingly.

Why trust us with your probate concerns?

  • We’re knowledgeable of the complexities of probate disputes and estate administration
  • We have years of experience under our belt with utmost client satisfaction
  • We prioritize listening to your goals and offering practical solutions
  • We pride ourselves on dedication and honest communication with clients
  • We keep fees cost-effective while still providing undivided attention and top service

Secure One Of The Best Probate Lawyers In San Diego

Don’t leave anything to chance. When you need a top probate attorney in San Diego, Los Angeles, or throughout Southern California, Hoffman & Forde is here to provide quality representation.

Contact our probate law firm today and give yourself peace of mind in difficult times.

Can a Real Estate Attorney Represent Both Buyer and Seller?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by - Residential Real Estate

What happens when both the buyer and the seller of a real estate transaction approach the same lawyer? Can a real estate attorney represent both parties? The answer is a little more nuanced than a “yes” or a “no.”

Attorneys have responsibilities to their clients both present and former. In handling a legal matter, they have to identify any conflicts of interest so they can best advocate for their clients. These conflicts include identifying the attorney’s potential personal interests and any conflicts among the clients involved. When it comes to real estate transactions, attorneys have to keep information about the case confidential and representing both buyer and seller in a transaction can divide the attorney’s loyalty, and inhibit their ability to serve their clients well.

Considering the relationship between clients and lawyers ensures that lawyers follow rules and ethics standards set forth by the American Bar Association and the State Bar.

In the event that an attorney is retained by multiple parties in a related case, such as a real estate transaction, a conflict waiver may apply.

Conflict Waivers

Rule 3-310 of the California Rules of Professional Responsibility addresses joint representation in transactions. The San Diego County Bar Association is helpful in this matter (emphases added):

“[An attorney] shall not, without the informed written consent of each client:  (1) Accept representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients potentially conflict; or (2) Accept or continue representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients actually conflict; or (3) Represent a client in a matter and at the same time in a separate matter accept as a client a person or entity whose interest in the first matter is adverse to the client in the first matter.”

There are some obvious cases in which the attorney cannot represent both parties, such as the defendant and prosecutor. In real estate transactions, if an attorney is retained by both buyer and seller, the ABA gives this specific example:

“Directly adverse conflicts can also arise in transactional matters. For example, if a lawyer is asked to represent the seller of a business in negotiations with a buyer represented by the lawyer, not in the same transaction but in another, unrelated matter, the lawyer could not undertake the representation without the informed consent of each client.”

This “informed consent of each client” is the conflict waiver. Before obtaining a waiver, the attorney must identify all possible conflicts in a case and if the case cannot be waived, a waiver should not be pursued. Instead, the attorney should decline representation given the conflicts. With real estate transactions, an attorney would ideally represent only the buyer or seller unless it’s under certain (but exceptional) circumstances such as clients being in the same family.

Helping You With Your Real Estate Needs

Our real estate attorneys at Hoffman & Forde are here to determine the best options for your real estate transaction. Whether you’re the seller or buyer, we work with 0ur clients to ensure their rights are protected and that their transactions go smoothly. Our boutique law firm gives you access to a wide array of legal specialties, so that all aspects of your case or transaction are covered. If you need legal counsel for residential or commercial real estate matters, schedule a consultation with Hoffman & Forde today.

USCIS Increases Fees in 2020

Posted on September 20, 2020 by - Law

The USCIS is fee funded unlike other government agencies. After their biennial fee review, the agency is adjusting their fees “to help meet operational needs.” People seeking naturalization as US citizens, or those who wish to travel and work here can expect an increase in their fees. The Department of Homeland security announced that this increase will be effective starting October 2. This final rule increases fees by a weighted average of 20% and it affects a few things:

  • Removal of certain fee exemptions
  • Changes in fee waiver requirements
  • Premium processing time limits
  • New fees for certain immigration benefit requests
  • Establishing multiple fees for nonimmigrant worker petitions
  • Limiting the number of beneficiaries for certain forms 

(Source)

Additionally, the USCIS notes that “[a]ny application, petition, or request postmarked on or after this date must include payment of the new, correct fees established by this final rule.” The final rule also increases fees for employment-based nonimmigrant visa applications; however, fees for employment-based visas will decrease from $700 to $555. Most fee waivers are also eliminated for low-income immigrants who qualify.

While the changes eliminate most fee waivers, it adds a new asylum application fee, and requires separate fees for adjustment applications. The rise in fees is on par with the agency’s last adjustment, but the 20% bump is still significant.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Assist Clients

No matter your status or goals for immigration, our immigration attorneys at Hoffman & Forde can assist you with a variety of legal services. Hoffman & Forde represents individuals, businesses, and even corporations for various immigration cases. Our attorneys can assist clients with the following:

  • Permanent residency
  • Employment-based visas
  • National citizenship
  • Deportation defense
  • Citizenship applications
  • Employment-based visas
  • Investor-based visas
  • Family green card petitions
  • Green cards through marriage 
  • Waivers
  • Consular processing

The immigration process can be complex. There are many moving parts but our experienced attorneys ensure that you have quality representation throughout the process. We work closely with our clients to provide thorough case assessments and present the best proposals for your legal status.

Your Southern California Immigration Attorneys

Hoffman & Forde is here to help you achieve the American Dream. If you are undocumented in this country, remember that you still have rights and we’re here to defend them. We help clients in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties to stay on track of crucial information and deadlines, as well as assist with completing and submitting all the necessary paperwork. As our client, you can with first-class legal service, high-level attention, and a sophisticated approach to problem-solving that utilizes time-sensitive, practical legal advice.

If you need legal assistance with your immigration process, please contact us today for a consultation.

What You Need to Know About Estate Planning

Posted on August 31, 2020 by - Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Everyone

Thinking about your last will and testament may seem morbid. But as the pandemic has shown us, families have reconsidered the importance of preparing for the worst. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was a surge of people rushing to draft their last will. As we have previously written, these people include “parents of young kids, medical professionals in the frontlines, and the most vulnerable among us.” Estate planning is something everyone should consider even for those who do not have a lot of assets. 

Prepare for All Outcomes

Estate planning is not just getting your affairs in order in the event you die. In case you get incapacitated, having a plan in place will help your loved ones with decision making. Even the most careful drivers get into accidents and even the healthiest of people still fall ill. Here are options you need to know to account for all outcomes.

Last Wills

These take effect after your death and provide a road map for how you wish to dispose of your property and assets. Wills can be subject to probate, which is a publicly-recorded process to verify the validity and authenticity of a will. 

Trusts

These are also known living trusts. These are not subject to the public probate and can be revocable or irrevocable. One big difference between the two is that with irrevocable trusts, you waive the rights to control your assets and assign a third party as the legal owner of your estate. Both types have their pros and cons as you consider tax implications and other factors.

Healthcare Proxies

With this option, you name someone to make medical decisions for you on your behalf, including the type of medical treatment you receive or refuse. This is also otherwise known as the medical power of attorney.  

FPOA

The financial power of attorney or FPOA is similar to healthcare proxies but it applies to financial decisions including purchase of property, paying bills and taxes, managing financial accounts, and others.

Business Succession Planning

This helps family-owned businesses protect their assets in case of death or incapacitation. With many logistical and financial decisions to consider, make sure your business is prepared and included in your estate plan.

Your Southern California Estate Planning Attorneys

Don’t let the courts decide the fate of your children in the event of your death or incapacitation. Distribute your assets the way you would want by specifying it in your last will. Don’t wait until you are ill or incapacitated to prepare your loved ones for the future. Factor in all outcomes and consider legal counsel as you plan for your estate. Our experienced Southern California estate planning attorneys at Hoffman & Forde are here to help.

As a boutique law firm, we have experts across disciplines and relevant industries. With our creative solutions, your estate plan will be tailored to you and your goals. Invest in legal advice and set up your family for the future for peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation.

Commercial Real Estate Outlook 2020 

Posted on August 25, 2020 by - Commercial Real Estate

Image of downtown San Diego

With a pandemic-induced recession still looming large in the United States, reports such as the Allen Matkins and UCLA Anderson Forecast provide valuable insight into the current state of commercial real estate. Here are some takeaways:

Office Space Markets

The survey looked into trends surrounding working from home and how this impacts office space demand. Will an increase in work from home setups decrease demand for office spaces? It appears that the answer is not as straightforward. Factors such as what industries are currently hiring (tech and finance) and which ones will ramp up hiring in the future (health care) need to be considered. The survey also notes that:

“Although half of the Bay Area and Southern California panelists said their plans for the coming 12 months were unaffected by the pandemic, one-third are ramping back development by more than 15 percent from their previous plans. Overall, 75 percent of panelists expressed some stress with current tenant leases. For the one-third that will engage in some new development, the panelists in each market believed that land, building materials, and labor costs would be more favorable.”

Developments are projected to be on the rise beginning in late 2021.

Retail Space Markets

One of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic has been retail. Workers could not come in, there was loss of income so consumers have little to spend, and consumers in general have increasingly been turning to online shopping thus affecting brick-and-mortar stores. Here’s what the survey says regarding retail space markets:

“In the Bay Area and Southern California, two-thirds of panelists will not develop any new properties in the coming 12 months. Approximately the same percentage expect difficulty with current leases and expect plummeting property values.”

New retail development projects are still happening but there is a significant decline.

Industrial Space Markets

While panelists from the survey are generally pessimistic about the retail markets, they believe that the demand for warehouse spaces will still see steady growth. 

“Sixty percent of the panelists in Southern California and 43 percent in Northern California are planning at least one new development in the next 12 months, and 39 percent and 29 percent are planning multiple projects respectively.”

However, “[i]f If the demand for warehouse space and the stock of warehouses are increasing at about the same rate as projected, then 2023 will see a mild erosion of rental rates when adjusted for inflation, and there remains the possibility of some erosion in occupancy.” The outlook for industrial spaces leans towards a more balanced one. 

Multi-Family Housing Markets

In a previous UCLA Anderson study, there was a contrast between Southern California and Bay Area development growth rates. Panelists predict that with economic recovery and growth, multi-family housing demands in both Southern California and the Bay Area will increase with it. 

“Though the UCLA Anderson Forecast is looking at a 30-month recovery in the state, and there remains a great deal of uncertainty with regard to the current public health crisis, the market for multi-family housing remaining robust seems likely. Indeed, in spite of the turn-around in sentiment from each of the six panels, almost three-fourths of the Southern California panelists and two-thirds of the Bay Area panelists stated that the pandemic had either not changed their plans for future activity or increased it.”

The survey concludes with a hopeful take. Jerry Nickelsburg, UCLA Anderson Forecast Director & Senior Economist, notes that “this survey is not what is going on now, but what is going to go on three years from now in 2023. Across these spaces, with the exception of retail, there is certainly some optimism about opportunities that may exist.”

Your Southern California Real Estate Attorneys

If you or your business need legal counsel regarding your commercial space, our real estate law firm can help. Hoffman & Forde’s real estate attorneys have years of experience handling commercial real estate cases and advising business owners about their rights and responsibilities. Schedule a complimentary consultation today and tell us how we can help.

Types of Bankruptcy Our Attorneys Can Help With

Posted on July 30, 2020 by - Bankruptcy

Attorney with scales, piggy bank, gavel, and house model

The novel coronavirus has shut down businesses of all sizes, many of which have also filed for bankruptcy. Even large companies such as Hertz, Neiman Marcus, J. Crew were no exceptions. One of the latest casualties is pizza chain California Pizza Kitchen, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to this New York Times article,

“More than 6,800 companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year, and this year will almost certainly have more. The flood of petitions from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression could swamp the system, making it harder to save the companies that can be rescued, bankruptcy experts said.

Most good-size companies that go into bankruptcy try to restructure themselves, working out payment agreements for their debts so they can stay open. But if a plan can’t be worked out — or isn’t successful — they can be liquidated instead. Equipment and property are sold off to pay debts, and the company disappears.”

Interestingly, while the pandemic hit California hard, Chapter 11 filings are in flux. Bloomberg Law notes that

“confirmed coronavirus cases and Chapter 11 numbers rise and fall in their own rhythms. In fact, Chapter 11 cases steadily dropped in California from March (43) to April (30) to May (27) as confirmed cases increased from 8,221 to 41,897 to 61,821. The two only increased contemporaneously in June 2020.”

While big companies make the news when it comes to bankruptcy, the impact these filings have on the workers are not as reported. You may be an employee whose company is immediately facing bankruptcy. Perhaps you or someone you know is about to file for individual bankruptcy after debt consolidation is no longer a viable option.

If 2020 has taught us something, it’s that events like a pandemic can trigger such great economic uncertainty that puts even the most prepared at risk. Often, even major expenses such as health care bills, job loss and other financial loss can result in bankruptcy. But regardless of the reason, there are ways to recover from financial stress. Our bankruptcy attorneys can help find a solution that fits your needs so you can start over with your finances.

Types of Bankruptcy

Get the legal assistance you need and get your financial fresh start. Find out which type of bankruptcy you qualify for and how our bankruptcy lawyers can assist.

Chapter 7

This type is also called the straight or liquidation bankruptcy. A court will appoint a trustee who will then own your assets to sell and distribute the funds to your creditors. Under current bankruptcy laws, you must pass a means test before filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your current monthly income is below the Southern California adjusted median income, then you automatically qualify. Our lawyers have helped many people file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy after other attorneys told them that they did not qualify. 

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may help you get out of debt by completing a repayment plan over a 3- to 5-year period. Chapter 13 is often the best option for those who cannot pass the Chapter 7 means test or those seeking to protect assets that would be placed at risk by Chapter 7. We explain your options for loan modifications versus bankruptcy and the prospects of reaffirming secured debts. 

Chapter 11

This type is a reorganization bankruptcy and is available to individuals and businesses. In contrast to Chapter 7, the debtor remains in control of business operations under chapter 11 and doesn’t sell off all of its assets. The process involved with Chapter 11 personal or business bankruptcy is far more complicated than either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 personal bankruptcy. In fact, you or your business will have to be involved in the process for several years in most cases. We can help you through all of these steps and explain each option available to you.

Chapter 15

The main goal of Chapter 15 is to provide cooperation between a foreign debtor, foreign courts and the U.S. Bankruptcy courts. A foreign debtor who had assets in a number of countries would file Chapter 15. Our attorneys have experience assisting foreign debtors with their complicated debt problems. 

Our Bankruptcy Attorneys Can Help

Our boutique law firm offers comprehensive legal services and years of proven experience to help you recover from debt. We also recognize that each case is unique. This is why we deliver creative solutions and fee structures tailored to each client’s needs. Financial relief is possible and we’ll help you navigate the legal process from start to finish. Contact us for a consultation today.

 

Is Now a Good Time to Start a Business?

Posted on July 24, 2020 by - Business Consulting

With many businesses struggling or outright closing permanently, it may seem counterintuitive to start a new business in the middle of a pandemic or a recession. But did you know that some of the biggest companies today were started during an economic downturn? Today we take a look at why starting a new business in the midst of a pandemic is still a good idea.

Business Insider listed companies that got their start in the middle of a recession. The list includes giants such as Microsoft, General Motors, Hyatt, and Hewlett-Packard. Previous downturns also paved the way for mobile companies such as Square and Slack. NerdWallet was born during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and CEO Tim Chen lists these factors why a recession is the perfect time to start a business:

  • Better talent at cheaper costs
  • Inexpensive marketing
  • Less competition
  • Nimbleness of new businesses

Rashmi Menon, entrepreneur in residence at the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, echoes some of Tim Chen’s sentiments in a New York Times article. She notes that “there is less competition for resources” during these times and “whatever changes we face, positive or negative, bring up new customer needs. And customer needs are at the core of any business.”

Most economic signs seem to say it’s crazy to invest in a business or to start one during challenging times. However, there are still many out there whose entrepreneurial spirits are undefeated. There are still people applying for small business loans and requesting EINs, albeit at a slower rate than previous years.

“There have been more than 500,000 applications for an employer identification number since mid-March, according to the Census Bureau, although that is down nearly 20 percent from a year ago. Between mid-March and mid-April, the Small Business Administration issued nearly 300 start-up loans worth about $153 million, a 36 percent drop from a year earlier. Stripe, the credit card processing firm, said it had handled more than $1 billion in sales for businesses that started on the platform during that time.”

Source

To do business well, consider legal counsel to make sure all aspects of your endeavor are in accordance with and protected by the law. 

How Our Law Firm Helps Businesses

Whether you’re considering pursuing a startup or already have a business that’s changing directions, our Southern California law firm strategically advises our clients on all phases of a business’ cycle, from formation to succession. Our clients may choose to retain us to serve as if we are their in-house general counsel or serve as consultants during the formation phase.

Entity Formation & Planning 

Hoffman & Forde is engaged in all aspects of our clients’ business formation and development, from conception through liquidity. We provide business and legal guidance to clients through all stages of development, from initial incorporation, to seed and angel investments, venture capital debt and equity financing, strategic investments, and more.

Contracts

Contracts are key to any business. Our business consulting law firm has extensive experience in drafting tailored contracts to meet our clients’ needs, including terms and conditions, distribution agreements, customer contracts and non-disclosure agreements, breach of contracts, and more. 

Corporate Governance

Our business attorneys help clients develop and implement corporate governance policies and procedures, including employment policies, to foster best practices and to help meet clients’ obligations under applicable law. With policies changing more frequently because of coronavirus, employers need to be even more aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Consulting

We counsel employers on regulatory, legal, and human resources issues to ensure compliance with employment laws. We also help our clients establish policies, procedures, and guidelines essential to their businesses. At Hoffman & Forde, we help business owners keep up with their legal requirements and duties, and provide superior legal advice and planning. Learn more about our business consulting practice or get in touch with our business attorneys for a consultation today.