Frederick, MD, Business Lawyer

Helping Businesses Meet their Goals & Protect their Interests

Frederick, Maryland is a wonderful place for businesses. Local tax laws are business-friendly. Resources for new, expanding, and mature businesses are abundant. The community is active and thriving. Several Frederick businesses have made the Inc. 5000 List, which is an accomplishment for any company. Even though the economy in Frederick is vibrant, business owners and managers face challenges. From day-to-day operations, to maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Mistakes can lead to setbacks and legal woes, all of which are bad for business. Building a working relationship with a Frederick, MD, business lawyer, however, is key to maintaining compliance and successfully growing your company.

Rebekah Lusk and Steven Bright of Lusk Law, LLC are not just business lawyers in Frederick, MD. They also are small business owners themselves. They own and operate a horse boarding facility in Union Bridge, MD and own rental properties in Frederick, MD. Rebekah and Steven understand the challenges that come with business ownership. They seek to build long-lasting relationships with clients so that they can help them to grow and prosper.

Providing thorough advice on your rights and obligations as a business owner and devising strategies to meet business goals is what the attorneys at Lusk Law do best. Contact Lusk Law, LLC at (443) 535-9715 today to schedule a consultation and learn why the Lusk name is trusted in the Frederick, MD, business community.

Why Choose Us?

A Frederick, MD, Business Lawyer who is Committed, Experienced, and Trusted

The reason to choose Lusk Law, LLC is simple: we can address all your business needs and more. Once we take you on as a client, we are zealous in our representation.

Most people who need lawyers hire them to undertake one task — like a divorce or defense attorney in a shoplifting case. Some businesses only hire a lawyer for certain tasks, too, like incorporating their business. But at Lusk Law, LLC, our attorneys sees themselves as a partner who becomes committed to you, your interests, and the success of your business. From start-up to the dissolution of a business and everything in between, the Lusk Law attorneys provide honest, thorough business legal advice.

What is more:

• We provide client-focused solutions and get results, and we can do this through our knowledge of the law, business, and a wide range of industries that make their home in Maryland.
• We are skilled and experienced, bringing with us years of experience in the field of law and personal experience as small business owners ourselves.
• We support women-owned businesses, not only because we are one ourselves but because we believe in diversity and inclusion.
• We are fighters and will appeal a case if the situation demands it – our attorneys have ample trial and appellate experience and do not shy away from it.
• We align our culture, structure, and processes to achieve one goal at Lusk Law, LLC: client satisfaction.

Lusk Law, LLC is more like a business partner than anything else in the way we serve our business clients. We are dedicated to making sure your business gets off on the right foot and that all business administration and other legal matters, from routine ongoing legal issues to legal problems, are adequately and proactively addressed.

How Can a Business Lawyer Serving Frederick, MD, Help Me?

If you are a business owner, retaining the legal services of a smart, resourceful business lawyer serving the Frederick area can help you in many ways and in a wide range of areas. The Attorneys at Lusk Law offer comprehensive legal services for business owners and businesses in Frederick and throughout Maryland.

To note, aside from the legal services described briefly below, the attorneys at Lusk Law offer many other legal services and will also direct you to resources that will help you with other business-related but non-legal matters.

Business Formation

There are different business entities for a reason: businesses vary in size and serve different purposes. One business structure that works for one may not work for another. Accordingly, there are benefits and disadvantages to consider when forming a business where the right entity structure will best benefit you and another will not. A business lawyer in Frederick, MD, will make sure that when you form a business structure, you have clearly analyzed the pros and cons and have chosen the right business formation structure.

That said, there are times when you do not need to formally form a business structure. An informal business structure, like a sole proprietorship or general partnership, can have advantages for some people, but it can also leave you vulnerable to liability for your business debts. A corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other formal business entity protects you from liability, but it might involve more paperwork, fees, and regulation.

Business Governance

Businesses require guidelines on how to make important decisions, especially if it has two or more owners. You will need to know how to address disagreements between owners. Perhaps most importantly, you will need a plan for how to divide the business’s profits among the owners. Governance documents, like partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, or corporate bylaws, are a critical part of keeping a business running smoothly.

Business Contracts

A business relies on relationships with vendors, landlords, employees, customers, and others to function. Carefully drafted contracts can protect the rights and interests of both the business and relevant parties to the contract. Your Frederick, MD, area business lawyer can identify where contracts are most needed and can draft effective agreements.

Business Licenses

Your business might need certain licenses, like:

• Federal business licenses (applicable particularly for businesses in the agriculture, transportation, or broadcasting industries)
• State business licenses (relevant for businesses related to anything from construction to pet care services)
• Local business licenses (e.g., operating, building, zoning, land use, health, and signage licenses and permits)
• Sales tax licenses (if your business sells goods)
• Professional licenses (relevant for people who are, for example, accountants, doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, hair stylists, insurance agents, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, security guards, and real estate agents)
• Home-based business licenses (some home-based businesses require occupation permits).

The Lusk Law Attorneys, as your business attorney serving the Frederick area, will advise you on what you need.

Labor and Employment

You will most likely be an employee of your own business, at least when you are getting started. As you build your team, you will need employment agreements and policy manuals for your employees. The Lusk Law Attorneys, as our Frederick, MD, business attorney, will help you prepare for obligations and claims under laws like:

• Family and Medical Leave Act
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Equal Pay Act
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act.

These federal laws and other federal, state, and local laws govern how businesses operate and treat their employees. Failure to properly comply can be extremely costly.

Risk Management and Safety Compliance

The Lusk Law Attorneys, as your business attorney in the Frederick area, will identify the risks your business may face and advise you on how to mitigate and manage those risks. They will also advise you on how to maintain a safe and accessible workplace under laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Business Financing

You might need to obtain financing for your business, either to fund operations as a startup or for a particular project or venture. You will need legal guidance on how bringing new investors into your business will affect issues like ownership and governance.

Mergers, Acquisitions, Reorganizations, and Sales

As your business grows, you might find that it would be advantageous to acquire another company or merge your business with another organization. You might find yourself and your business in a situation where reorganization would be beneficial, such as by converting a partnership into a corporation. You could find yourself with an offer to buy your business that is too good to pass up. In all these circumstances, we will walk you through the process and provide clear, thoughtful advice and advocacy.

Business Taxes

Businesses often pay different taxes than individuals and families. Depending on how your business operates, you could owe multiple types of taxes to the IRS and the Comptroller of Maryland. The Lusk Law Attorneys, as your Frederick, MD, business lawyer, will assist you with what to expect in terms of tax liabilities.

Succession Planning

Owning your own business means that you are responsible for every aspect of its operations. Over time, you will build relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and others. Many of these people may come to rely on your business in diverse ways. You can ease everyone’s mind by letting them know that, should something happen to you, the business will continue to operate. A succession plan determines who will be in charge if you are unable to run the show.

Civil Litigation

Lawsuits can be brought against a business for many distinct reasons. An employee could sue for an alleged violation of laws dealing with wages, overtime, or employment discrimination. A vendor could sue for an alleged breach of contract. A customer could sue based on a claim that a product your business makes is unsafe.

A skilled business lawyer the attorneys at Lusk Law, who represent businesses in Frederick, MD, will uphold your rights and respond strategically, timely, and appropriately to any allegation or lawsuit. We will work to negotiate a favorable settlement, and if that does not work out, we will continue to fight for you and your business in court. Further, we can help you avoid many lawsuits before they ever arise by drafting solid contracts and other documents and monitoring your compliance with the law.

When Do I Need a Frederick, MD, Business Lawyer?

One could argue that it is never too early to speak to a business lawyer representing Frederick, even if your business is still only in the “idea” stage. An attorney can help you plan your business and prepare in advance for potential pitfalls. Obtaining legal advice early in the process will help you avoid problems further down the road.

As soon as you think of starting a business — that is when you need a Frederick, MD, business lawyer. If you already have a business in operation, you still need a business attorney to ensure you are proactive to avoid legal problems and in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to your industry. It is almost never too late to seek a Frederick, MD, business lawyer’s services.

Contact a Business Lawyer Representing the Frederick, MD, Area Today

Advocates For Life’s Obstacles and Opportunities

Attorney’s Rebekah Lusk and Steven Bright of Lusk Law, are experienced business attorneys in Frederick Maryland, and advocates for life’s obstacles and opportunities. The team at Lusk Law, LLC is dedicated to helping businesses and business owners face a wide range of challenges.

Regardless of whether you are thinking about starting a business or are already a business owner, we can help you with all your business needs. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at (443) 535-9715 to schedule a consultation and discuss what opportunities lie ahead for you and your business.