The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. is proud to serve Philadelphia’s diverse and dynamic business community by connecting entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to top-tier business law professionals. While our firm specializes in personal injury, we partner with a select network of Philadelphia business law attorneys who offer expert counsel, representation, and support tailored to your unique legal needs.
If your business faces complex corporate legal challenges—whether entity formation, contracts, mergers, employment compliance, or dispute resolution—we’ll connect you to trusted local experts. We understand the importance of having the right lawyer who knows Philadelphia’s business climate and Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework.
Comprehensive Philadelphia Business Law Services (Referral Network)
At Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., we recognize the multifaceted nature of business law. Our referral network includes specialists who cover every crucial aspect of your business’s legal needs:
1. Business Formation and Entity Structure
- Guidance on selecting the optimal legal structure for your venture: LLC, corporation (C-corp, S-corp), partnership, or sole proprietorship.
- Explanation of how each entity impacts your personal liability, tax obligations, and management flexibility.
- Preparation and filing of formation documents, such as articles of incorporation or organization, with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- Drafting tailored operating agreements and bylaws to govern ownership, management, and profit distributions.
- Advising on federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) registration and Pennsylvania state tax registration.
2. Contract Drafting, Negotiation, and Review
- Drafting vendor and supplier agreements, commercial leases, purchase orders to minimize risk exposure.
- Employment contracts including non-compete clauses, severance agreements, and confidentiality provisions.
- Crafting customer contracts and licensing agreements that protect your intellectual property rights.
- Reviewing existing contracts for liability, indemnity, termination clauses, and compliance with Pennsylvania law.
- Negotiating complex deals, ensuring provisions are favorable and enforceable.
3. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Sales
- Structuring asset purchases or stock acquisitions tailored to your business goals.
- Performing due diligence: assessing financials, assets, liabilities, legal compliance, and contracts.
- Document preparation: letters of intent, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, closing documents.
- Coordinating with accountants, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies to optimize tax outcomes and compliance.
- Handling post-closing matters like escrow releases and transition services agreements.
4. Employment Law Compliance for Businesses
- Advising on proper classification of employees vs independent contractors, ensuring compliance with FLSA and Pennsylvania labor law.
- Drafting employee handbooks reflecting federal and local anti-discrimination protections (Title VII, PHRA, Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance).
- Implementing wage and hour policies including overtime, minimum wage, and breaks per Pennsylvania regulations.
- Handling disputes related to wrongful termination, discrimination claims, harassment, and workplace retaliation via referral counsel.
- Coaching businesses on reasonable accommodation procedures under ADA and handling family or medical leave compliance (FMLA).
5. Intellectual Property Protection
- Assisting clients in protecting trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets critical to competitive advantage.
- Filing applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and monitoring registrations.
- Drafting and enforcing nondisclosure agreements and licensing contracts.
- Working with IP specialists for patent filings and technology licensing.
6. Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Representing clients in breach of contract lawsuits, partnership disputes, shareholder conflicts, and other business litigation.
- Exploring alternatives like mediation and arbitration to minimize cost and preserve relationships.
- Coordinating with specialized trial attorneys for aggressive courtroom representation if necessary.
- Defending clients in business tort claims such as misappropriation, unfair competition, and trade secret theft.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
- Navigating Philadelphia’s local licensing requirements including commercial activity licenses.
- Assisting clients with environmental, health, and safety regulations affecting their industries.
- Advising cannabis businesses and startups on navigating Pennsylvania’s evolving regulatory landscape.
- Handling regulatory agency investigations and enforcement defense.
8. Business Succession, Dissolution, and Bankruptcy
- Planning business continuation strategies for ownership transitions and retirement.
- Facilitating buy-sell agreements and exit strategies.
- Counseling on voluntary business dissolution and winding-up procedures per Pennsylvania law.
- Coordinating with bankruptcy trustees and financial consultants for Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 proceedings.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Business Law Entities Referenced
To ensure compliance and local relevance, associated attorneys in our network work closely with:
- Pennsylvania Department of State – Business Registrations and Filings
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue – Business Taxes and Reporting
- Philadelphia Department of Revenue – City Business Tax and Licensing
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections – Zoning and Permitting
- S. Small Business Administration – Philadelphia District Office
- Pennsylvania Bar Association – Business Law Section
- Philadelphia Bar Association – Business Law Committee
These entities regularly influence transactional requirements and dispute resolution outcomes in the region.
FAQs — Your Business Law Questions Answered
Q: How do I decide which business entity is best for me?
A: The decision depends on your risk tolerance, tax preferences, number of owners, and funding plans. For example, LLCs protect personal assets but offer pass-through taxation, while corporations are ideal for raising investor capital.
Q: Can I form my business online without a lawyer?
A: While online filing is possible, a lawyer ensures your operating agreements are tailored, your ownership structure is optimized, and compliance with Pennsylvania statutes is met to avoid costly errors.
Q: When should I have contracts reviewed by an attorney?
A: Before signing any significant agreement. Business contracts often contain clauses with long-term implications including indemnity, automatic renewals, or jurisdictional forums that could impose heavy costs if not properly negotiated.
Q: What is “piercing the corporate veil” and should I worry about it?
A: This legal doctrine allows courts to hold business owners personally liable if statutory corporate formalities are neglected, such as commingling personal and business funds or failing to maintain required records.
Q: What licenses or permits do I need in Philadelphia?
A: Philadelphia businesses usually require a Commercial Activity License, must comply with zoning laws for their physical location, and may need special permits depending on the industry, such as health inspections or trade licenses.
Q: How do I handle disputes with my business partners?
A: You should promptly engage attorneys experienced in partnership disputes who can explore mediation, buy-sell agreements, or litigation to resolve ownership conflicts.
Q: What protections do I have if I am sued for business debts?
A: Your protection depends on the business structure. LLC and corporate structures offer liability shielding, but improper practices may expose you to personal liability.
Case Study Example (Confidential)
A Philadelphia technology startup referred to our network retained counsel to form an LLC and negotiate seed investment agreements. Later, the company smoothly completed a private acquisition through a stock purchase agreement coordinated between our referral counsel and the startup’s accountants, resulting in regulatory compliance and successful closing.
Client Resources for Philadelphia Business Law
- Pennsylvania Department of State Business Filings
- Philadelphia Department of Revenue
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
- Small Business Administration Philadelphia District
- Philadelphia Bar Association Business Law Section
Why Work with Our Business Law Referral Network?
- Specialized attorneys focused on Philadelphia’s regulatory environment and business culture.
- Customized legal counsel matching your industry and entity type.
- Trusted collaborations resulting in real-world business success.
- Seamless connection from your initial inquiry to skilled counsel representing your interests.
Our Business Law Practice
We can help you meet a variety of Business needs, including:
- Acquisitions
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Pre-Litigation and Litigation
- Strategic Planning
- Real Estate
- Business Organization
- Forming LLC
- Commercial Contracts and Transactions
- Employment Matters
- Equity and Debt
- Finance and Lending
- Joint Ventures
Call for a Free Consultation
Contact Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. to connect with Philadelphia’s top business law attorneys. Call 215-799-9990 or use our online form to begin. Your business deserves trusted, experienced legal guidance for every stage of growth and challenge.