Lincoln Business Lawyer

Lincoln Business Attorney

Running a business comes with many challenges and difficulties. It can be hard to handle all legal matters on your own while balancing the other elements of operating a company. A Lincoln, CA, business lawyer can help with legal concerns, ranging from day-to-day problems to major claims that can threaten your livelihood.

Our Background

At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, we’ve spent decades assisting the people of Roseville, Sacramento, and cities throughout Northern California with their business law cases. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys has over 65 years of combined legal experience. Partner Glenn W. Peterson has been recognized for his legal accomplishments by many institutions, including being named a top lawyer in business litigation by Sacramento Magazine.

What Is California Business Law?

California ranks as the fourth-highest GDP economy in the world, making it one of the globe’s economic capitals. In 2023, there were over 1.7 million private-sector businesses with employees, and over 3 million companies with no employees in 2022. In 2024, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento & Yolo Counties had a combined 97,3344 businesses operating.

California business law encompasses a vast range of legal restrictions, procedures, and guidelines that dictate how a company must operate in the state. If you are a business owner, it’s crucial to understand the laws relevant to your industry.

Hire a Business Lawyer

In Lincoln, if you have legal questions or concerns, hire a business lawyer to help you with your company’s functions. A Lincoln business attorney can assist with every stage of your company, enforce and draft contracts, and defend against any litigation. The following are a few types of services that the team at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP can provide:

Business Founding

How you structure your business is the first important decision you make in founding a company. The general types of enterprises in California are:

• Sole Proprietorship
• General Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Limited Partnership (LP)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• C-Corporation
• S-Corporation
• Non-Profit Corporation

We can help you decide which structure matches your needs, and guide you through the necessary paperwork, such as Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, Statement of Information, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Business Contracts

After starting a business, many contracts and agreements are necessary to run your company according to state regulations and protect you against potential litigation. A few documents we can draft for you include:

• Commercial property leases
• Development agreements
• Employment contracts
• Independent contractor agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Noncompete agreements
• Intellectual property (IP) licenses and registrations
• Shareholder agreements
• Bylaws, operation, or partnership agreements

Litigation

Unfortunately, litigation can be necessary at various points when running a business. We can advocate for you when a claim becomes an issue.

The first common type of litigation is a breach of contract. These cases arise when one party fails to meet the legal obligations of an agreement, such as non-payment, failure to deliver goods or services, or breaking a non-confidentiality statement.

The next frequent claim is employment disputes. This can include accusations of discrimination, harassment, retaliatory actions, and wrongful termination. Cases filed by employees can damage your reputation and carry hefty fines.

Intellectual property challenges are also prevalent. Disputes of this nature involve IP infringement of your trademarks, copyrights, patents, or trade secret rights. It can also involve accusations from other parties that you used their IP in an unauthorized manner. IP is essential for most businesses, and any threat to it can damage your company’s image and day-to-day operations.

Business law claims are handled at the Honorable Howard G. Gibson Courthouse, located at 10820 Justice Center Dr, Roseville, CA 95678.

FAQs

What Is the Cost of a Business Lawyer in California?

The cost of your California business lawyer depends on the extent of services you require, the complexity of your case, and the work hours it requires. A simple review of contracts to ensure they are compliant with state regulations often is cheaper than hiring an attorney to defend against claims and represent you in court. Your business lawyer can provide an estimate in your consultation for how much the final bill may be for your case.

What Is the Difference Between a Business Lawyer and a Corporate Lawyer in California?

The main difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer is the level of scope for their practice. A business lawyer can assist you with all types of companies and their day-to-day operations. A corporate lawyer is primarily focused on corporations and major functions such as mergers and acquisitions. There is often an overlap in knowledge. The type of attorney you should hire is based on the structure of the company you manage.

When Should You Contact a Business Lawyer in California?

You should contact a business lawyer at various stages of founding and operating a company. Having aid at the beginning can ensure your initial articles are structured appropriately and can set you up for success. After starting your business, experienced legal counsel can draft contracts that protect you and your company against future legal issues. If you are facing a civil claim, a business attorney can be essential in defending you both in and out of court.

How Long Does a Business Law Claim Take in California?

How long a claim filed against your business in California centers around the severity of accusations, the complications involved in the case, and the Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse’s workload. A minor dispute with parties eager to settle can take a handful of months. A case involving serious accusations of misconduct, such as sexual harassment or discrimination, can take many months to a few years before appeals.

Speak With a Lincoln Business Attorney Today

Our team at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, has the necessary skill, knowledge, and experience that can make a positive impact on your case. We can assist you with all stages of founding, running, and protecting a business.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can discuss your business law concerns and begin providing legal solutions. You may also visit our Roseville office, located on Lava Ridge Court, a block east of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center and down the street from the Orvietto Drive entrance onto Miner’s Ravine Trail.