Business Formation & Corporate Governance
Build a foundation of compliance from day one.
Overview
The legal structure you choose on day one dictates your liability, tax obligations, and ability to raise capital. I guide founders and executives through entity selection, drafting the foundational bylaws and operating agreements necessary to protect your personal assets and align with your long-term goals.
As your company scales, the obligations of your leadership team become more complex. I advise boards of directors and corporate officers on their fiduciary duties, facilitate annual meetings, and meticulously document corporate resolutions to ensure your governance is airtight.
A truly resilient business is prepared for leadership transitions. I draft comprehensive shareholder agreements, buy-sell provisions, and business succession plans so that your company's future remains secure, no matter what happens.
What We Handle
- Entity Selection & Formation (LLCs, C-Corps, S-Corps)
- Drafting Bylaws & Operating Agreements
- Shareholder & Partnership Agreements
- Board of Directors Advisory & Structuring
- Fiduciary Duty Counsel
- Annual Meeting Facilitation & Minute Taking
- Corporate Resolutions & Consents
- Business Succession Planning
- Founder Equity Structuring & Vesting Agreements
- Cap Table Management Support
- DBA / Fictitious Business Name Registration
- Website Terms of Service & Privacy Policies
How It Works
- 01
Free Consultation
Schedule a 30-minute confidential consultation — by phone, video, or in person. We listen to your situation and give you an honest assessment of your options.
- 02
Engagement Agreement
If we are a good fit, we provide a plain-language engagement letter outlining scope, timeline, and all fees upfront — no billing surprises.
- 03
Dedicated Work
We get to work. You receive regular updates through our secure client portal, and Jacquelyne is personally accessible to answer your questions.
- 04
Resolution
We see your matter through to resolution and provide ongoing guidance to help you stay protected long after your matter is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends on your goals. If you plan to raise venture capital, a Delaware C-Corp is often the standard. For most small businesses and partnerships, a California LLC offers the best combination of liability protection and flexibility. We walk you through the trade-offs in a consultation.
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Yes. Without these foundational documents, your company defaults to state law — which may not reflect your intentions. Banks, investors, and partners will also require them. A well-drafted agreement protects your personal assets and prevents internal disputes.
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Board members owe the corporation a duty of care (making informed decisions) and a duty of loyalty (acting in the corporation's best interest, not their own). Violating these duties can result in personal liability. We advise boards on how to meet these obligations.
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Ideally, from day one. A shareholder agreement with buy-sell provisions protects the company if a founder leaves, becomes incapacitated, or passes away. The earlier these are in place, the less disruptive a transition will be.
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A vesting agreement ensures that founders and key employees earn their equity over time, typically four years with a one-year cliff. This protects the company if someone departs early. It's essential for any startup with multiple founders or equity-compensated team members.
Other Practice Areas
Have questions about Business Formation & Corporate Governance?
Every matter is unique. Schedule a free consultation and get answers specific to your situation.