Your CFO Attorney
Planning. Precision. Protection.
Practice Areas
Business Law
General Business Counsel

-
Legal Advice: Providing ongoing legal advice on a wide range of business matters, including corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
-
Internal Policies: Providing advice related to the setting up of “back office” policies and procedures in accordance with best practices
-
Business Planning: Assisting with business planning, including strategic planning, succession planning, and exit strategies
-
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and government regulations
Contract Drafting and Review

-
Contract Review: Analyzing contracts to identify potential risks and liabilities, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
-
Contract Negotiation: Representing clients in negotiations to achieve favorable terms and protect their interests
-
Contract Drafting: Preparing custom contracts, such as: Employment contracts, Independent contractor agreements, Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), Non-compete agreements, Lease agreements, Sales contracts, Service agreements, Partnership agreements, Shareholder agreements
Business Formation and Structuring

-
Entity Selection: Advising on the most suitable business structure (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) based on factors like liability protection, tax implications, and operational needs
-
Formation and Filing: Preparing and filing the necessary paperwork to establish the chosen business entity with state and federal authorities
-
Bylaws and Operating Agreements: Drafting bylaws for corporations and operating agreements for LLCs to outline the company's governance, management structure, and ownership rights
Intellectual Property

-
Trademark and Copyright Protection: Assisting with trademark and copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement
-
Patent Protection: Advising on patent strategies, including filing patent applications and defending intellectual property rights
-
Trade Secret Protection: Implementing measures to protect confidential business information and trade secrets
Employment Law

-
Compliance: Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour laws, discrimination laws, and workplace safety regulations
-
Employee Contracts: Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, including severance agreements and non-compete agreements
-
Employee Handbooks: Developing comprehensive employee handbooks outlining company policies and procedures
-
Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in employment disputes, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment claims
Litigation and Dispute Resolution

-
Pre-Litigation Strategy: Developing effective strategies to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation
-
Litigation: Representing clients in court proceedings, including contract disputes, business torts, and shareholder disputes
-
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Facilitating alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration
Mergers and Acquisitions

-
Deal Structuring: Advising on the most efficient and tax-advantageous ways to structure mergers and acquisitions
-
Due Diligence: Conducting thorough investigations into target companies to assess their financial health, legal compliance, and potential liabilities
-
Negotiation: Representing clients in negotiations with buyers, sellers, and other parties involved in the transaction
-
Documentation: Preparing and reviewing all necessary legal documents, including merger agreements, purchase agreements, and shareholder agreements
Tax Law
Tax Planning, Review, and Defense

-
Individual Tax Returns: Review and defense of federal, state, and local income tax returns for individuals and families
-
Business Tax Returns: Review and defense of tax returns for corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other business entities
-
Tax Planning: Proactive strategies to minimize tax liability through legal means, including: Charitable giving, Business entity selection, Investment strategies, Retirement planning, Estate planning
-
Tax Projections: Forecasting future tax liabilities and identifying opportunities for tax savings
Tax Representation & Advocacy

-
IRS Audits: Representation before the IRS during audits, examinations, and the appeals processes
-
Tax Disputes: Negotiation and litigation of tax disputes with the IRS, state, and local tax authorities
-
Tax Debt Relief: Strategies for resolving tax debt, including: Offers in Compromise, Installment Agreements, Penalty Abatement
-
Tax Liens & Levies: Defense against IRS liens and levies
-
Criminal Tax Investigations: Representation in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions
Specialized Tax Areas

-
International Taxation: Advice on cross-border transactions, foreign tax credits, and compliance with international tax laws
-
Estate Planning: Tax-efficient strategies for transferring wealth to heirs, including trusts, wills, and gift planning
-
Real Estate Taxation: Tax implications of real estate transactions, including property taxes, capital gains taxes, and 1031 exchanges
-
Business Taxation: Tax advice for businesses of all sizes, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and tax-efficient business structures
-
Employment Taxation: Compliance with payroll taxes, employee benefits, and worker classification issues
-
Exempt Organizations: Tax-exempt status applications, annual filings, and compliance with IRS regulations for non-profit organizations
Additional Services

-
Tax Research: In-depth analysis of complex tax issues
-
Tax Education and Training: Seminars and workshops on various tax topics
-
Tax Document Preparation: Drafting and reviewing tax-related documents, such as powers of attorney, IRS forms, voluntary disclosure documents, etc
-
Tax Controversy Resolution: Negotiation and litigation of tax disputes with the IRS, state, and local tax authorities
Wine Law
Business Formation and Structuring
-
Entity Selection: Advising on the most suitable business structure (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) for wine businesses
-
Formation and Filing: Preparing and filing the necessary paperwork to establish the chosen business entity
-
Bylaws and Operating Agreements: Drafting bylaws and operating agreements to outline the company's governance, management structure, and ownership rights

Licensing and Permits

-
Federal and State Licensing: Assisting with obtaining federal (TTB) and state alcohol beverage control (ABC) licenses and permits
-
Direct Shipping Permits: Advising on and obtaining direct shipping permits to sell wine directly to consumers in various states
-
Import/Export Licenses: Assisting with obtaining import/export licenses and complying with customs regulations
Contract Negotiation and Drafting

-
Grape Purchase Agreements: Drafting and negotiating contracts for the purchase of grapes from growers
-
Custom Crush Agreements: Drafting and negotiating contracts with custom crush facilities
-
Distribution Agreements: Drafting and negotiating distribution agreements with wholesalers and distributors
-
Import/Export Agreements: Drafting and negotiating import/export agreements with international partners
-
Licensing Agreements: Drafting and negotiating licensing agreements for trademarks, copyrights, and patents
-
Real Estate Transactions: Advising on the purchase, sale, and lease of vineyards, wineries, and other real estate
Regulatory Compliance
-
Labeling and Packaging: Ensuring compliance with federal and state labeling and packaging regulations, including truth-in-labeling requirements
-
Tax Compliance: Advising on federal and state excise taxes, sales taxes, and other tax obligations
-
Health and Safety Regulations: Ensuring compliance with food safety, workplace safety, and environmental regulations
-
Advertising and Marketing: Advising on advertising and marketing regulations, including restrictions on alcohol advertising

Intellectual Property

-
Trademark and Copyright Protection: Assisting with trademark and copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement
-
Brand Protection: Advising on brand protection strategies, including trademark clearance and infringement litigation
Dispute Resolution

-
Contract Disputes: Representing clients in contract disputes, including breach of contract, specific performance, and damages
-
Regulatory Disputes: Representing clients in disputes with regulatory agencies, such as the TTB and ABC
-
Intellectual Property Disputes: Representing clients in trademark, copyright, and trade secret infringement disputes
Litigation

-
Civil Litigation: Representing clients in civil lawsuits, including contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims
-
Criminal Litigation: Representing clients in criminal cases related to alcohol violations
Additional Services

-
Business Planning and Strategy: Assisting with business planning, including market analysis, financial projections, and strategic planning
-
Succession Planning: Advising on succession planning, including estate planning and business succession
-
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating legal risks