Startups & Business Formation

Choosing the correct legal entity can be a critical decision when starting a business. The structure you select—whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or partnership—affects your liability protection, tax obligations, and ability to raise capital. Each option has unique benefits and legal implications that must align with your business goals and operations. We provide expert guidance to help you evaluate your options and select the entity that best suits your needs. We will ensure that your business is built on a strong legal foundation, minimizing risk and positioning you for long-term success.

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most popular options for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to balance simplicity, flexibility, and liability protection. We guide you through the entire LLC formation process to ensure compliance with state laws and avoid common pitfalls that can cause issues down the road. Our LLC formation services include drafting and filing articles of organization, and creating an operating agreement to address the governance of your LLC.

Whether you’re starting a single-member LLC or a complex multi-member organization, we provide the tools and support to get your business off the ground confidently.

Forming a corporation is an excellent choice for businesses seeking to establish a formal structure, attract investors, and enjoy potential tax advantages. At High Plains Law, we provide comprehensive guidance to ensure your corporation is set up correctly and complies with state and federal regulations. Corporate formation services include drafting and filing the necessary Articles of Incorporation, preparing corporate bylaws, and assisting with the issuance of initial stock. These documents create the legal foundation of your corporation and establish its governance structure, ensuring clarity and protection for shareholders and directors.

Creating a partnership is an effective way for two or more individuals or entities to combine resources, expertise, and shared goals to build a successful business. We provide the legal acumen needed to structure your partnership in a way that protects your interests and ensures long-term success. Partnership formation services include drafting customized Partnership Agreements that clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements between partners. A well-drafted agreement is essential to prevent misunderstandings and disputes, covering key details like decision-making processes, partner contributions, and methods for resolving conflicts. We also assist in determining the right type of partnership for your needs, such as a General Partnership (GP), Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or other forms of partnership. In addition, we handle the necessary state registrations, and compliance requirements to ensure your partnership operates smoothly and legally.

In their early stages, businesses are well-advised to protect themselves and clarify relationships with appropriate contracts. At the startup/formation stage, this can include agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, independent contractor agreements, licensing agreements, website terms of use, and privacy policies. We are pleased to help draft, review, and negotiate all types of commercial contracts. Please see a more comprehensive list of our contract services here.

Depending on the type of business you operate, you may need certain permits and/or licenses with government regulatory authorities to remain in compliance with applicable laws. We help you identify the need for such licenses and permits, and help obtain them for your business.