The right entity depends on your specific goals, the number of owners, your liability concerns, and your tax situation. A limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most common choices for small to mid-sized Michigan businesses because it provides personal liability protection with flexible management and tax treatment. Corporations offer additional structure and are often preferred for businesses seeking outside investment. Partnerships and sole proprietorships are simpler but provide less liability protection. We evaluate your situation and recommend the structure that best serves your long-term goals.

Contracts define your rights and obligations in every business relationship — and poorly drafted agreements are one of the most common sources of costly business disputes. Template contracts found online are rarely adequate for the specific needs of your business and may contain terms that expose you to significant liability. An attorney reviews agreements for unfavorable terms, missing protections, enforceability issues, and alignment with Michigan law before you sign, not after a dispute has already arisen.

Licensing and permit requirements in Michigan vary significantly by industry, business type, and municipality. Most businesses must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and may need additional state, county, or local permits depending on their activities. Certain industries — healthcare, food service, construction, financial services, and others — carry specific licensing obligations and ongoing compliance requirements. We identify the requirements that apply to your business and help you meet them fully.

Intellectual property protection starts with identifying what you have — your brand name and logo (trademarks), original creative works (copyrights), inventions (patents), and confidential business information (trade secrets). Each type of IP requires a different strategy. Trademarks and copyrights should be formally registered to establish your legal rights and ability to enforce them. Trade secrets must be protected through internal policies and non-disclosure agreements with employees and partners. We develop a protection strategy matched to your specific IP assets and business model.

Contact an attorney before taking any action — including responding to the other party, making payments, or signing anything. How a business dispute is handled in its earliest stages often determines the outcome. We assess the situation, advise on your legal position, and pursue the most efficient path to resolution — whether that is direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in Michigan courts. Acting early preserves your options and typically produces better results at lower cost.

Yes. We work with clients at every stage — from entrepreneurs forming their first LLC and drafting their first operating agreement, to established Michigan businesses managing complex compliance obligations, partner disputes, or intellectual property matters. We tailor our approach and our services to the scale and specific needs of each client. Contact us for a consultation regardless of where your business is in its lifecycle.