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General Counsel

For a business to have sustained success, trustworthy legal direction is essential. Foster Swift serves the role of general counsel for many small and mid-size businesses and associations whose present business model doesn't support a full-time in-house lawyer.   

Clients call on us to address the complete range of legal issues facing their business. Our involvement level can vary depending upon the entity's needs and goals. As the legal advisor to the management team, we offer proactive strategies that minimize risk, counsel on matters of corporate governance as well as regulatory issues and develop creative solutions when problems arise. Recognizing the profitability goals and financial parameters of our clients, we constantly strive to be as cost-efficient as possible. Foster Swift business and tax attorneys are able to tap other legal issue experts within the firm as the situations require, which expedites our response and often reduces the cost to the client. 

The bottom line is that by providing a comprehensive team of attorneys, we are able to build long term relationships with our clients that focus on success in every phase of the business cycle. Some of the matters we routinely handle when serving as general counsel include:

  • Entity selection, formation and organization planning
  • Drafting start-up documentation
  • Complying with regulatory requirements and federal and state laws
  • Ownership structure
  • Establishing corporate records
  • Employment contracts and benefits
  • Zoning compliance
  • Real estate transactions, commercial leases and construction issues
  • Taxation
  • Intellectual property and information technology issues
  • Operating agreements
  • Shareholder agreements and dispute resolution
  • Corporate bylaws
  • Commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions including asset or stock acquisitions or sales
  • SEC reporting requirements, executive compensation issues, disclosure issues and general corporate governance matters
  • Contract preparation, compensation plan preparation and general corporate counseling
  • Succession and exit planning
  • International expansion, joint ventures, immigration and U.S. import/export controls
  • Federal and state tax planning

At Foster Swift we recognize that every business is different, and each business will have different legal needs for every stage in the business cycle. For every contract and transaction our attorneys will make sure your business gets the best terms available while minimizing liability.

Publications & Alerts

Events

News

Media

2nd Wednesday Lunch Break

How Mich. Supreme Court Decision May Affect Contract Drafting Between Suppliers and Buyers?
How Mich. Supreme Court Decision May Affect Contract Drafting Between Suppliers and Buyers?
Changed Premises Liability Laws Pose Real Threat to Business & Property Owners
Changed Premises Liability Laws Pose Real Threat to Business & Property Owners

Are You Prepared? Legal Strategies for College Students & Families

Legal Options to Combat Cyber-Bullying & Online Defamation
Legal Options to Combat Cyber-Bullying & Online Defamation
Common Legal Pitfalls for College Students
Common Legal Pitfalls for College Students
Effects and Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving
Effects and Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving
Computers, Cybersecurity & Identity Theft in a College Environment
Computers, Cybersecurity & Identity Theft in a College Environment
Facing Criminal Charges in College
Facing Criminal Charges in College
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, & When to Get Involved
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, & When to Get Involved
Understanding Durable Power of Attorney in an Emergency for Parents & College Students
Understanding Durable Power of Attorney in an Emergency for Parents & College Students

Legal Strategies for Women Leaders

Why Selecting the Right Legal Counsel is Essential to Your Business
Why Selecting the Right Legal Counsel is Essential to Your Business
Back to School Guide: How to Balance Careers, Schedules & Divorce
Back to School Guide: How to Balance Careers, Schedules & Divorce
2024 AI Legal Strategies and Predictions
2024 AI Legal Strategies and Predictions

Preventative Law

Being Proactive in Your Business' Future
Being Proactive in Your Business' Future
Preventative Law with Bryan Cermak - Why It's Important
Preventative Law with Bryan Cermak - Why It's Important