Lawyers Representing Cleveland Small Businesses

At Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC, we help small and closely held businesses formulate solutions and agreements that meet their specific needs. Through our strategies, businesses are able to create partnership agreements, shareholder agreements or other documents that provide necessary flexibility.

Working With Family Businesses

Often these types of businesses are families or partners with existing relationships. While they may not need a high degree of reporting and accountability, these businesses still require formal agreements and documentation to act as guideposts for their future.

The state of Ohio does not recognize closely held limited liability corporations, but we are able to mimic this structure and provide similar solutions to small businesses. This allows the company to abide by more flexible reporting standards, spending less time putting together reports that are not required for its actual operations.

We seek to formalize the relationship between the shareholders and the business with its owners. Our lawyers structure this in such a manner that disputes are resolved through the infrastructure we have set up. This framework also clearly dictates the duties and obligations of all parties, minimizing confusion and room for future disputes.

Helping Small Businesses Navigate Legal Hurdles

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they often face a myriad of legal challenges that can impede their growth and stability. From initial formation and compliance to employee relations and contract disputes, the legal landscape can be daunting for small- business owners. Understanding and navigating these issues is crucial for success and sustainability.

At Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC, we have over 100 years of combined experience in addressing the unique legal needs of small businesses. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping your business overcome any legal challenge.

Some of the common challenges that a small business may face include:

• Business formation and structure: Choosing the right business structure is fundamental. Whether it’s an LLC, corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship, each has its implications for liability, taxation and operational flexibility. Our attorneys guide you through selecting and forming the most advantageous structure for your business.
• Contract drafting and negotiation: Contracts are essential to business operations. We help draft, review and negotiate contracts such as lease agreements, service contracts and partnership agreements to protect your interests and minimize risks.
• Employment law: Navigating employment law is critical as your business grows and hires more staff. Our team ensures you comply with labor laws, assists in developing employment policies and provides guidance on issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination and wage disputes.
• Regulatory compliance: Small businesses must adhere to a variety of local, state and federal regulations. Our attorneys help you understand your legal obligations and stay compliant to avoid costly penalties and legal issues.
• Loans and real estate transactions: Our attorneys can help you with a variety of loan options and commercial real estate transactions.
• Dispute resolution and litigation: When disputes arise, having legal counsel is indispensable. We represent small businesses in negotiations and litigation to resolve conflicts and protect their interests.

At Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC, we are dedicated to supporting small businesses through their legal challenges with proactive and personalized legal services. Whether your business operates locally in Cleveland, throughout Ohio, nationwide or internationally, you can trust us to help you meet your goals.

Ohio Small Business Law FAQ

Questions about the legal matters surrounding setting up and running a small business? Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits of forming an LLC versus a corporation?

While the choice of business structure you choose to register as depends on your specific circumstances and is up to you, many Cleveland business owners find that operating as an LLC has several advantages compared with a standard C corporation. For one thing, an LLC has more options for how it is taxed on income compared to a C corporation. Also, it is much easier for an LLC owner to transfer shares in the business, giving you greater flexibility in taking on partners and investors.

How do you help small businesses with real estate transactions?

An attorney can help you protect your interests at every step of a commercial real estate purchase, sale or lease. We can help negotiate and draft a lease or purchase agreement. We can conduct a title search to ensure there are no third-party claims. And we can handle these and other details for you so you can focus on business.

Can you help me handle a breach of contract?

A breach of contract can cripple a small business, many of which operate on small margins and cannot afford a vendor or other party going into material breach. We can review the details of the contract to identify the exact nature of the breach and the remedies available to you, which could include seeking performance or compensation, and canceling the contract. Our advice and representation can save you considerable time, money and stress.

Contact Our Experienced Business Law Attorneys

To arrange an initial consultation to discuss you and your business goals, please contact our law firm today at 440-446-1100.