Small Business Legal Services
Business Formation and Legal Counsel for Ohio Entrepreneurs
Comprehensive Legal Services for Small Businesses
If you run or are planning to start a small business in Akron and Summit County, good legal planning can save you money, protect your assets, and help ensure long-term success. Attorney R. Bryan Nace provides practical, cost-effective legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Below are listed certain services our office provides to business clients, but this is not an exhaustive list. Please feel free to call us to discuss your particular business needs—we will be happy to assist you.
Business Services We Provide
Business Formation
Formation of Closely Held Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships
Contract Drafting & Review
Preparation and review of business agreements, vendor contracts, and commercial leases
Buy/Sell Agreements
Drafting agreements for the sale or purchase of small businesses and business interests
Succession Planning
Planning for family business transitions and ownership transfers
Business Dissolution
Dissolution of closely held corporations and winding down business operations
Choosing the Right Business Entity
If you are thinking of starting a small business or incorporating an existing one, we can help guide you to the type of business entity that best suits your goals and objectives. Each entity type offers different advantages regarding taxation, liability protection, management structure, and regulatory requirements.
Corporations
C-Corporation or S-Corporation
- Strongest liability protection for owners
- More complex structure and formalities
- May offer tax advantages depending on circumstances
- Easier to raise capital and transfer ownership
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Flexible management and ownership structure
- Limited personal liability protection
- Pass-through taxation (avoiding double taxation)
- Less formal than corporations
- Popular choice for small businesses
Partnerships
General or Limited Partnerships
- Shared ownership and management
- Pass-through taxation
- General partners have unlimited liability
- Limited partners have liability protection
Sole Proprietorships
- Simplest business structure
- Complete control by owner
- No liability protection
- All income taxed as personal income
- May not be suitable as business grows
Why Legal Counsel Matters for Small Businesses
Many small business legal issues are preventable with proper planning:
- Asset Protection: Structure your business to protect personal assets from business liabilities
- Tax Planning: Choose the entity type and structure that minimizes tax burdens
- Contract Protection: Ensure agreements protect your interests and are legally enforceable
- Compliance: Meet Ohio and federal regulatory requirements to avoid penalties
- Dispute Prevention: Clear operating agreements and contracts prevent costly disputes
- Succession Planning: Plan for business continuity and smooth transitions
Partner with an Experienced Business Attorney
Attorney R. Bryan Nace provides practical, results-oriented legal counsel for small business owners in Akron, Summit County, and throughout Ohio. Whether you're starting a new venture, growing an existing business, or facing a legal dispute, we can help.
Contact us today to discuss your business legal needs.