BUSINESS FORMATION

Corporate Structure

Determining what corporate structure your new business should have is an incredibly important decision which has serious tax, legal and personal repercussions. EPL can help you determine which structure fits your specific business and goals for business development then set you up with all of the governing documents to guide your business as it grows.

Corporate Compliance

Once your new business is set-up, there are numerous regulations and laws to navigate. EPL can assist you in compliance with California and local laws. A business should keep complete corporate records, minutes, treasury data, hold annual meetings, establish parameters for appointing and removing corporate officers. EPL can help you develop a clear internal governing structure and accurate corporate records for your business.

Corporate Advisory

Managing a business can be a complex and arduous journey, having an attorney oversee your corporate formation, continue to assist you with corporate compliance and balance your new business interests with tax and estate planning advice to protect your financial goals is a smart and holistic approach getting your business from an entry level to thriving status.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYment Contracts

Employee / employer relations are a vital component to running a successful business. Part of developing growth-oriented relationships between employees and their employers is to clearly lay out expectations at the start of employment. EPL advises employers on how to draft and execute employment agreements to properly reflect the scope of work for each employee, their benefits and compensation as well as cause for termination. In this way, the employer is protected in case the employee breaches their employment agreement and the employee is fully aware of all expectations prior to hiring.

Confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements

In the event that your company has trade secrets and other confidential information it seeks to protect from disclosure to competitors or even third parties, EPL will draft confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements (“NDA”) to protect company practices and work product from unlawful disclosure. California has strict nondisclosure agreement rules that tend to favor employees, so it is in the benefit of both the employers and employer to hire an experienced attorney to review or draft an NDA prior to signing.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENTS

Subsequent to the 2019 legislative tide shift of Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), contracting for the “gig” economy has changed dramatically. EPL can assist in drafting independent contractor agreements and can work with clients to legally utilize independent contractors.

Business DISSOLUTIONS

Sometimes your business idea morphs into an entirely different project, or its existing structure is no longer suitable for the function of the business, EPL can advise and prepare all necessary documents in connection with the dissolution of corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. EPL will work with your staff and advisors to ensure your business has been dissolved appropriately so you can seamlessly move onto your next venture.

OSHA Appeals

Accidents happen, especially in the horse industry—compliance with California Occupational Safety & Health regulations when they occur is vital. Cal/OSHA protects and improves the health and safety of California workers through multiple programs including the mandatory serious injury/illness or fatality report. Failure to comply with OSHA reporting requirements will result in considerable fines. EPL is experienced in providing assistance to both workers and their employers to comply with report requirements and avoiding penalties. In the event that you have been issued a citation from OSHA, EPL will assist you in coming into compliance with reporting requirements and if necessary, will help you negotiate a settlement with the OSHA Appeals Board.