For over 30 years, Bulman Dunie has been advising business clients in all aspects of the ownership and operation of small to medium size businesses. Additionally, Bulman Dunie attorneys have hands on experience as owners of various small businesses. Whether you are starting or buying a new business, operating or expanding an existing business, or looking to sell your business, our staff has the knowledge and experience to assist in solving problems and achieving your goals.

If you have a business-related problem, chances are our staff has handled a similar problem for another client. While it is not possible to list all of the services we provide, here is a brief list of areas in which our staff can assist you:

• Formation of new business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships
• Creation of agreements between owners of a business regarding such matters as transfers of stock by one or more owners, buyouts at death or disability
• Ownership, licensing, protection, and/or transfer of intellectual property rights
• Negotiation and drafting of real estate leases and equipment leases
• Purchase and sale of commercial real estate
• Introductions to lenders and negotiation of commercial loans
• Preparation of employment contracts and employee manuals; resolution of employee claims
• Negotiation and preparation of contracts with vendors, distributors and suppliers
• Acquisitions, sales and mergers of businesses
• Reviewing and negotiating Franchise Agreements (See Franchise Law for more details)

Forming a new business is a time for optimism and commitment to pursuing a business plan. If the business will be owned by more than one individual, it should also be a time to reach an understanding and agreement between the owners. Will decisions be made by unanimous consent, by majority vote or some other method? Will each of the owners have responsibility for all aspects of the business or will there be designated responsibilities? What if one owner wants to sell to a person outside the business? What happens if an owner dies or becomes disabled? What if an owner quits and wants to work for another company? What if that company is a competitor? Over the years, Bulman Dunie has worked with it's clients to answer these and other questions and to create a mutually acceptable agreement between the owners.

Bulman Dunie works with clients to determine in what form the business will be run. While many businesses are formed as corporations, a large number of businesses are now being operated as limited liability companies. Bulman Dunie provides clients with the pro and cons of corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities.

A business owner spends a great deal time establishing a reputation. This reputation is often keyed to the business name or tradename. Franchisee tradenames are protected by the franchisor, but other businesses need to be sure the name they use will be protected, particularly if the business may be operated in multiple jurisdictions. Bulman Dunie works with trademark counsel to ensure the business name is protected. Intellectual property rights in software or other aspects of a business can be obtained and protected in a variety of ways including licensing agreements and agreements with employees and independent contractors.

Most new business owners start by leasing their first location. Bulman Dunie has reviewed and advised clients on leases for everything from small storefronts to stand alone buildings to large offices. As a business grows, consideration is often given to purchasing property rather than leasing it. Bulman Dunie has worked with many clients to assist with the purchase and sale of a wide variety of commercial properties including townhouses, combination office/warehouse space, and stand alone retail and office buildings. This ongoing experience allows Bulman Dunie to be fully aware of commercial leasing and sales, issues and trends.

Financing is often an issue for both new businesses and companies seeking to expand. As counsel for a local lender and by virtue of having represented many clients in their efforts to obtain funding, Bulman Dunie knows what is required to find a good lender and obtain business loans. This often involves working with the accountant for the business. Bulman Dunie works with many accountants and can provide recommendations.

Every business has employees. Despite an employer's best efforts, some employee problems are certain to arise. Bulman Dunie has a wealth of experience in seeking to avoid employee problems before they occur using carefully crafted employment agreements and employee handbooks. If a problem does occur, Bulman Dunie and the members of the Bulman Dunie litigation team have assisted many clients with severance agreements, defense of employment discrimination and other employment claims.

No business operates in a vacuum. Agreements must be reached with vendors, suppliers, distributors and the like. The business may enter into agreements to provide services or products to others. On the same token, each business has information that is confidential and proprietary to that business. Bulman Dunie has worked with its clients to resolve questions like: If I have a long term agreement to perform services, can I stop doing work if I'm not paid or do I have to keep doing the work and sue the other company for the money I'm owed? How can I be sure the company my business is doing work for doesn't steal my idea?

Once a business is formed and operating, the goal is to keep the business in continuous growth mode. Sometimes the best way for a business to grow is to acquire or combine with a competitor. A purchaser needs to be protected against potential liabilities of the competitor and, just as importantly, needs to be comfortable that the competitor has disclosed all the pertinent information regarding its income and assets. A purchaser may want key personnel of the Seller to become consultants for a period of time.

At some point every business owner considers the sale of the business. It may be because the owners want to "cash out" and move on to other things, or simply because the price is right A seller looks at the sale differently than a purchaser. Simply put, a seller would like to complete the sale and move on without wondering whether the purchaser may raise a claim after the sale is completed. Bulman Dunie has represented both purchasers and sellers and is well aware of the issues and concerns confronting purchasers and sellers. Some of the categories of clients Bulman Dunie has represented in the purchase or sale of a business are: insurance agencies, golf courses, medical practices, restaurant/food services, home and business security companies, software resellers, publishing/marketing companies, car rental agencies, and a wide variety of franchises.

You will find that retaining an attorney from Bulman, Dunie brings access to an entire firm with an established reputation for assisting people for over 65 years. Bulman Dunie's reputation of dedication and hard work permits us to work effectively with your other advisors in order to reach your desired goal. The firm also offers legal services in the areas of litigation, estate planning, and tax planning advice through one of many attorneys in other practice areas. All your related needs or any future matters may be professionally and thoroughly handled by the attorneys and staff at Bulman Dunie. Please consult the other Bulman Dunie practice areas for more information on our vast array of services.

MARK W. SHUPE is a principal of the firm and has been advising business clients for almost 20 years. LAWRENCE Z. BULMAN is a principal of the firm and has been representing business clients for over thirty years. His legal expertise is supplemented by almost twenty-five years of ownership of a number of small businesses. MARK W. SHUPE, LAWRENCE Z. BULMAN, ALAN S. FELD and BARRY M. NUDELMAN are the attorney members of the Business Law Practice Group at Bulman Dunie. They are supported by a staff of associates and legal assistants.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Copyright © 2003 by Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld, CHTD. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.