Practice · Akron, Cleveland & All of Ohio

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Business Law.

Business ownership comes with legal questions at every stage. We work directly with small and midsize businesses to provide clear advice, sound documents, and practical solutions. Based in Fairlawn, we work with businesses in Akron, Cleveland, and every part of Ohio.

What we handle

The work, in plain terms.

Business Formation.

Choose and establish the right legal structure (LLC, corporation, partnership) to protect your business and set it up for growth.

Contracts & Agreements.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts that protect your interests and reduce the risk of disputes.

Operating Agreements & Governance.

Clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision-making with tailored agreements that keep your business running smoothly.

General Counsel Services.

Ongoing legal support for companies that need advice on demand — without the cost of in-house counsel.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Growth.

Guidance through buying, selling, or merging a business, from due diligence to negotiation and closing.

Representative matters

A sample of the work.

Entity Formation & Structuring for a Growing Company

Advised a service company on entity selection and formation, including drafting operating agreements, ownership structures, and internal governance provisions to position the business for growth and potential future investment.

Contract Negotiation & Risk Allocation

Represented a small business in negotiating and revising key vendor and customer agreements, focusing on liability limitation, indemnification provisions, and payment protections to reduce risk exposure while preserving favorable business relationships.

Business Sale Planning

Assisted a business owner with preparing for a sale and succession transition, including due diligence review, drafting of purchase agreements, and structuring the transaction to balance tax efficiency with long-term financial security.

Common questions

Before you call.

What's the best way to structure my business?
For most small business owners, an LLC offers a strong balance of liability protection and flexibility. That said, the right structure depends on your goals, how many owners are involved, and your long-term plans. Starting with the right foundation now can prevent costly restructuring later.
Do I really need an operating agreement if I'm the only owner?
Yes. Even single-owner businesses benefit from clear documentation. An operating agreement helps reinforce liability protection, defines how the business operates, and avoids uncertainty if circumstances change. Plus, most institutions require a written operating agreement to open a business bank account.
When should I have a lawyer review a contract?
Before you sign — not after. Contracts often determine who bears risk, how disputes are resolved, and what happens if things go wrong. A review upfront can prevent expensive problems down the road.
How do I protect myself from personal liability?
Maintaining proper separation between you and your business is key — separate accounts, proper documentation, and sound contracts. Just forming an LLC is not enough if those formalities aren't followed.
What legal issues should I be thinking about as my business grows?
Growth brings new risks — larger contracts, hiring employees, bringing on partners, or expanding locations. Having ongoing legal counsel helps you stay ahead of those issues rather than reacting to problems later.
Do you only work with businesses near Akron or Cleveland?
No. Our office is in Fairlawn, and many of our clients are in the Akron and Cleveland areas, but we represent businesses in every part of Ohio. Most business matters can be handled by phone, video, and e-signature, so where you're located in the state rarely matters.

Start here

Have a business question? Let's talk.

Tell us the situation, and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.

Schedule a consultation Call (216) 633-0404

Other practices

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Estate Planning

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Real Estate

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Civil Litigation

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