Business Lawyer Knoxville - Knoxville Business Attorney
As an entrepreneur, Michael L. Smith thrives on the excitement and energy involved in helping other entrepreneurs with their new ventures and ideas. Focusing on Closely-Held Businesses, Michael provides individually tailored legal advice to both Start Ups and Established businesses. Essentially, Michael is available to assist entrepreneurs throughout the business life cycle.
Start Ups
Michael L. Smith assists entrepreneurs and new business owners in understanding and selecting the appropriate type of legal entity for their new business, including advice regarding the Limited Liability Company (LLC), Series Limited Liability Company (SLLC), Professional Limited Liablity Company (PLLC), S Corporation, C Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship.
Established Businesses
Once a business is formed and commences operations, Michael L. Smith provides ongoing legal counsel for matters of contracts, employee agreements, independent contractor agreements, non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements, non-solicitation agreements, registered agent services, and annual reporting services.
Business Succession & Buy-Sell Agreements
Comprehensive
business planning includes an evaluation of your goals and objectives not only
during the formation, but in the exit strategy as well. Michael L. Smith can
assist clients with business mergers, acquisitions, purchases, sales, asset
purchase agreements, and stock purchase agreements. For the small, closely-held
business, this process often includes Estate Planning in order to pass the
family business to the next generation. Furthermore, Michael L. Smith helps
small business owners create Buy-Sell agreements. Every
co-owned business needs a buy-sell agreement the moment the business is formed.
This contract between co-owners controls when owners can sell their interest,
who can buy an owner's interest, and what price will be paid. These agreements
protect the business and its owners in the event of death, retirement,
bankruptcy, disability, divorce, and disagreement. Michael L. Smith can work
with you to create a buy-sell agreement that is tailored to your specific
needs.
See answers to commonly asked business law questions.