Brief synopses of recent client matters and representations of note. A view into the work that we do and how we support our clients.

Officially Certified & Ready to Scale

Our lawyers successfully achieved minority business enterprise and disadvantaged business enterprise certification for another one of our key clients.

The certification process was lengthy and our client was required to make substantial disclosures about the business, its ownership, financing and operations.  Our approach was organized and thorough. 

Securing Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications is a significant milestone for businesses looking to expand their reach and tap into new markets. Recently, our firm successfully assisted a client in navigating the complex process of obtaining both MBE and DBE certifications. We guided them through the stringent application requirements, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and helping to articulate the unique qualifications and value their business brings to the table. This achievement not only validates the diversity and capability of their enterprise but also positions them for substantial growth in both the public and private sectors.

With these certifications, our client is now eligible for a wide range of government contracting opportunities that are specifically set aside for MBE and DBE-certified businesses. This opens doors to lucrative contracts at the federal, state, and local levels, enabling them to compete on a larger stage and forge new partnerships with government agencies and prime contractors. Additionally, the certifications enhance their appeal to private sector companies seeking to meet diversity goals within their supply chains. In essence, obtaining MBE and DBE certification has unlocked significant business opportunities for our client. 

Another Venture Launched 

We provide counsel to many start-up founders, helping them to form and organize, representing them when raising capital, riding shotgun as they navigate the early stages and eventually even assisting as they exit.

We were glad to help founders to form and capitalize a new health-tech venture in the last quarter.  In this instance, our lawyers advised registering in Delaware as a C Corp and qualifying to do business in the other states where the corporation intends to operate.

We quickly mobilized to prepare the corporate documents needed and worked alongside in seamless fashion with in-house counsel for the client’s parent company. We are always proud to help great companies bring innovative solutions to the marketplace and provide confidence to founders as they seek to change the world.

A Holding Company Made Sense 

While advising one of our serial founders, we began to discuss business growth and the best way to structure his business enterprise.  We ultimately determined that based upon his objectives and interest in establishing and owning multiple businesses, a holding company was needed. 

This business structure is not right for all businesses, but in this instance, we found it to be an effective approach.  A holding company is an entity used to own (or hold) the equity interests in other companies.   Oftentimes holding companies have a controlling interest but this is not a prerequisite.  Done properly, a holding company does not engage in business operations of its own.

A holding company’s sole purpose is to unite and control a number of other companies or investment interests. A holding company does not produce or provide any goods or services of its own.

Forming a holding company along with its subsidiary companies is a very attractive option for investors in industries ranging from real estate to finance. Some entrepreneurs favor holding companies also for certain corporate and tax benefits they can be used to achieve. If you are interested in assistance in evaluating whether a holding company is appropriate for you, contact us.

Funds Recovered 

Our lawyers successfully recovered purchase funds for two real estate investor clients.

Real estate investors are oftentimes eager to close on a good sale.  Moving with speed and striking at opportunity without hesitation is generally an advantage in the real estate industry.  What is gained in speed can also be lost at closing. 

In one instance, our client purchased property from a Sheriff’s auction that ultimately did not align with expectation or conform with the listing.   Accordingly, our real estate attorneys acted swiftly to vacate the sale and recover the purchase funds for our client, allowing them to find a new transaction to apply their funds to.

In another instance, one of our real estate investor clients entered into a wholesale deal with bad paperwork.  In this instance the assignment agreement was filled with wholes, the purchase agreement lacked important terms needed to secure the transaction and the escrow agreement and instructions were never developed.  Ultimately, we were able to step in at a late hour to protect our client’s interests and preserve a deal that was falling apart.  We brought the parties back to the table and made compelling arguments to facilitate a closing on terms that all could benefit from. 

Trust the Plan 

Having an estate plan in place can offer reassurance that your assets will be managed according to your wishes, both during your lifetime and after you pass away. While many people think of wills as the centerpiece of an estate plan, wills can be contested and have to go through a potentially lengthy probate process. Many people will use a trust to transfer assets to their loved ones. There are several reasons why you might decide to establish a trust.  If you are interested in learning more about how trusts can help your business and provide value to your family, contact us. 

PROTECTING LEGACY: SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERING A TRADEMARK FOR A LEGENDARY HIP HOP ARTIST  

In the music industry, an artist’s name, image, sound and style are all part of the artist’s brand and are as valuable as their recorded work, if not more so. Recently, our firm had the privilege of assisting yet another legendary hip hop artist in successfully registering a trademark to protect his name and likeness. After recording music and building a reputation over many years, this move marks a significant step toward protecting his brand – an asset – and securing his legacy.

Trademark registration offers more than just legal protection; it solidifies an artist’s ability to control how their name, image, and other brand elements are used in various commercial contexts. By securing this trademark, we have helped our client extend the value of his brand beyond just recorded music. This legal protection covers merchandise, endorsements, appearances, and other business ventures that leverage his iconic status. It also provides a framework to take legal action against unauthorized use, preventing others from capitalizing on the artist’s hard-earned reputation without permission. At our firm, we understand the importance of legacy for artists.  We are committed to providing the legal support necessary to protect that legacy. This successful trademark registration is just one example of how we help our clients safeguard their brand and continue to shape the entertainment industry.