Business and Franchise Lawyers

Helping Businesses Grow For Over 25 Years

At the Law Offices of Nancy L. Lanard, P.C., we provide effective legal services for small to mid-sized companies so our clients can focus on what they do best: serve their current customers and develop new ones.

If your company needs a skilled attorney who truly understands business, please contact one of the business lawyers or national franchise attorneys at our firm today.

For more than 25 years, we have helped small and medium-sized businesses address a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Transactional Business and Commercial Law We can assist you with every aspect of starting, running and growing a company. Call us for advice on everyday business transactions as well as strategic business decisions.
• Business Formation and Startup We will help you launch your new enterprise in a manner that minimizes risk and liability and maximizes your potential for success.
• Legal Audit Let our office assist you in determining weak legal areas in your business. Our office conducts legal audits for businesses to ensure they are in compliance with state and federal regulations, have appropriate insurance coverage, are not exposed to liability in regard to their employee handbook and materials, have properly protected their intellectual property, have a clear understanding of their obligations under the contracts they have in place, and have updated Minute Books for their corporation. Our attorneys can put your mind at ease about the legal state of your company with a legal audit.
• Contracts Whether vendor contracts, employment agreements, licensing agreements, or any other type of agreement, contracts define the relationships of business. Let us speak clearly for you by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating your business agreements.
• Non-Compete Agreements Are you concerned about protecting your intellectual property and the possibility of your employees directly competing against you? Let one of our experienced business attorneys draft non-compete agreements for your business that can assist you in protecting your valuable intellectual property and confidential business information. Let our attorneys prepare a non-compete agreement for your employees that will not be overreaching but will protect your interests. Let our attorneys instruct you on the best methods of implementing a non-compete agreement with existing and new employees.
• Employment - Corporate and Employer Focus As you grow and add employees, depend on us to assist you with every type of employment document, including offer letters and employment contracts, employee handbooks and policies and advice on hiring and firing.
• Employee Handbook and Employment Policies Did you know that your business could be at risk for an employee's actions? Let one of our skilled business lawyers review and draft employee handbooks and employment policies in order to ensure you articulate clearly defined policies regarding termination, drug use, Internet and e-mail use, vacation, sick leave, grievances, benefits, disability, sexual harassment and other important policies. Our attorneys will reduce your liability while increasing your legal protection.
• Franchisee Assistance We will review franchise documents, explain your obligations, and advise you throughout the process of purchasing a franchise. We want to be there to guide you through this important investment decision.
• Evaluation of Franchise Documents The success or failure of a franchise often comes down to the details in these documents. Do not risk your investment by signing them without an attorney's review. Let the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Nancy L. Lanard, P.C. protect you and your investment.
• Franchisor At the Law Offices of Nancy L. Lanard, P.C. our experienced and skilled franchise attorneys will guide you through the complex process of franchising your successful business concept. We will work with you in analyzing various methods of expansion and developing the legal documents for compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Review of the Lease for your Business Discovering the location for your company is one of the most exciting steps in establishing a new business. It brings your business dreams one step closer to reality. Commercial leases are highly negotiable, from the business terms to the legal nuances. You should not sign a lease agreement before having an experienced commercial leasing attorney review the lease and negotiate a lease agreement that could save you money today and for years to come.
• Purchase and Sale of a Business Our thorough, skilled and experienced attorneys will lead you through the entire process of buying or selling a business, from the letter of intent and due diligence to the closing. We are here to protect your interests and be on your team to make your business dreams a reality.
• Due Diligence in Acquiring a Business Are you about to buy a business? How do you know if there are hidden liabilities and obligations of which you may not be aware? Performing a thorough due diligence prior to acquiring a business is essential to ensuring that you know what you are buying before you invest your money. We review a business' contracts, vendor agreements, leases, intellectual property portfolio, employee records and benefits, and liabilities to ensure your company isn't saddled with unwanted obligations and debt.

Whether you need one-time assistance with a contract or would like an on-going relationship with an attorney who you can depend on for all your company's legal needs, please contact our business and franchise attorneys today.