Business Law · Ownership
Governance, shareholder and operating agreements
When owners disagree, the written agreement decides. A good one covers who makes decisions, who can sell and what happens when an owner leaves.
When to call us
Best done while owners still agree.
We have no written agreement
State default rules apply, and they may not match what you want.
We are adding or removing an owner
We document the change and protect the business.
The owners disagree
We review what the agreement says and your options.
What we do
- Operating agreements for LLCs
- Shareholder agreements and bylaws for corporations
- Voting, management and decision-making rules
- Transfer restrictions and new owners
- Deadlock and dispute-resolution provisions
- Amendments when the business changes
How it works
Typical steps: about 2–4 weeks from first meeting to signing.
- STEP 1
Owners' goals
We learn what each owner expects.
- STEP 2
Draft
We prepare terms that address the likely problems.
- STEP 3
Agree
We help owners work through differences.
- STEP 4
Sign and keep current
We finalize and review it as the business grows.
How we charge
We work on a flat-fee basis and quote the fee in writing before work begins, so you know the cost up front.
Common questions
General information, not legal advice for your situation.
What should an operating agreement cover?
Ownership, voting, management, transfers, distributions, buyouts and how deadlock is resolved.
Can we change it later?
Yes, by the process the agreement sets, usually with owner approval.
Who do you represent, the company or one owner?
We represent the company, not any one owner, unless we agree otherwise in writing. If owners’ interests differ, we explain the conflict and may recommend that an owner hire separate counsel.
Related services
Put it in writing
Schedule a consultation and we will outline the steps and fees first.