News & Information Center
Our attorneys understand that our business clients require up to date information as a means to strategic decision making for complex transactions. Legal news frequently impacts our business and commercial clients. From real estate law, to tax matters to estate planning for executives and business owners, legal news in Texas and the U.S. can be news that business leaders need to know.
Our lawyers offer the following information and resources for your use:
Start-Up Planning and Associated Tax Advice
A primary area of practice for our attorneys involves selection of business entities for operating businesses and associated tax planning. Recently two of our clients have started new industrial fabrication businesses in the natural gas industry. Our firm guided the clients in deciding upon the structure for the new businesses and we were able to accomplish the client’s business goals while maximizing tax planning strategies. Our services ranged from assistance with trade name selection and protection, to negotiating and documenting loan agreements. We also negotiated agreements among the owners of these new businesses and prepared employment contracts for key employees. As the businesses are growing, we are working closely with management to prepare forms for their routine business use, and are helping to implement legal compliance strategies.
Corporate Reorganization
A client recently came to us wanting to separate from a long time business partner and to split their successful business into two operating divisions. The client is in the business of cleaning utility and storm sewers and other similar projects in Texas. We advised the client as to the best way to limit ongoing liability from the former company, documented the spin-off of a division, and structured the new company to take advantage of the goodwill our client had developed over the years. We helped the client plan for the most efficient transfer of licenses and permits to the new company and assisted with many issues associated with the transition of contracts, employees, and operations from the one company to the other. As counsel to the new business, we have also provided advice regarding women-owned business strategies.
Environmental Issues
Matters of environmental concern face our clients nearly every day. Frequently we are engaged to assist with these issues. Our recent involvement has included representation in connection with an investigation by the Houston Police Department's Major Offender's Unit - Environmental Division that was resolved in our client's favor. We are also experienced in the acquisition and sale of properties that have environmental concerns.
International Arbitration Provisions
We are working now on negotiating and documenting a business relationship between a domestic client and an Arab business partner that will be governed by the law of the United Kingdom with mandatory arbitration for any disputes. Mandatory arbitration provisions are becoming more and more prevalent and in many cases are advisable. However, clients must take care to review arbitration provisions. Many do not realize that it is standard for arbitration tribunals to charge a fee for their services, which in the case of an international tribunal might be quite large -- and international arbitration may be conducted in a language other than English. Another point many clients may not be aware of is that many tribunals, such as the American Arbitration Association, which is used by many, provide for expedited procedures. These can be quite useful, especially when the dollar amounts involved are not large.
If you need a Houston business transaction attorney or have a business and commercial law need, please call or contact us.
Stephenson Snokhous & Fournier
4544 Post Oak Place, Suite 378
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 629-9494
Fax: (713) 629-9606
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