Bylaws and Operating Agreements

Bylaws (for a corporation) and operating agreements (for LLCs) are the documents that govern the operation of a business. While it may not seem all that important at the startup stage, these formation documents may be the most significant contracts you ever sign because they govern everything from profit distributions, voting rights, and transfer restrictions to the decision-making process, exit rights of members/owners (if any), and what restrictions are placed on management.

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Protecting Clients from Personal Liability

We work with clients on the formation of corporate entities. One of the key benefits of operating a business through a legal entity (as opposed to as an individual), is that you can protect yourself from personal liability. It is not simply a matter of forming the company but we also draft foundational documents for clients, including operating agreements and bylaws.

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Businesses flourish when there is careful consideration from the start of how a business should operate day-to-day, how major decisions get made, and how growth and setbacks will be managed. We have helped many clients through this process, so they can focus on what their businesses do best.

KNOWLEDGE

LLC FORMATION ATTORNEYS

There’s a handful of things that need to be done to form your limited liability company. They are:

  • Choose a business name that meets legal requirements in the state you are registering your company in.
  • Pick your registered agent, the person within your organization who will receive all legal and official documents related to your LLC.
  • Get your state’s document for articles of organization, which may be called a certificate of formation or something similar, depending on the state you live in. In Minnesota, the form is called articles of organization.
  • Provide the correct documentation, sign it, and file your articles of organization within your state.
  • Draft an operating agreement that outlines how your LLC will operate once formed.

What’s required varies slightly from state to state, which can make forming an LLC on your own challenging. Our LLC formation attorneys can determine what you require, and share best practices and legal counsel that satisfies your business needs.

Results

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Association Negotiation

Worked with franchisee association in renegotiating terms of franchise agreement for entire system, allowing for greater cooperation with franchisor.

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Startup Helper

Assisted new brewery client to form business entity, comply with securities laws, register trademarks, and negotiate lease.

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Selling a Cannabusiness

Litigated and helped resolve an internal shareholder dispute about ownership of a cannabis business.

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Testimonial

Elliot Ginsburg has been representing my edibles business in Minnesota since it became legal to sell low-dose hemp edibles. He’s been wonderful to work with and I would highly recommend him to other cannabis businesses. He is quick to respond and will email cannabis law updates that he finds are pertinent to my business.

-Ranelle Kirchner

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Testimonial

I had the experience of working with Elliot twice over the past ten years in difficult and contentious situations against a formidable entity. Beyond his great knowledge of franchise law, his thoroughness and attention to detail, and his professionalism, what really stood out and impressed me most was Elliot’s legal advocacy that is second to none. I always felt I was in good hands and I can’t give a higher recommendation!

-Eric Kim

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Testimonial

Throughout my time overseeing a PE firm for the past 15 years, I’ve interacted with my fair share of lawyers. While most are decent, it’s rare to encounter those who are truly outstanding. I’m pleased to report that Elliot, Kirsten, and Erin fall into the latter category. My team found ourselves in a particularly complex situation, and Elliot and his team delivered the very best possible outcome for us. They exhibited professionalism, conciseness, and exceptional ease to collaborate with. They swiftly gathered all pertinent information surrounding our issue, assumed control, steering the situation while consistently seeking our input and guidance. If you have any issue with franchise law, you should call these guys. I’m so glad I did.

-Drew James

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I cannot say enough good things about Elliot Ginsburg of Garner, Ginsburg & Johnsen, P.A. I retained Mr. Ginsburg in connection with a franchisee matter. Elliot is professional, thoughtful, intelligent, clever, fair and reasonable. His legal work is thorough and well researched and he takes extra precautions to verify factual information. He has the admirable ability of being calm and professional yet firm, even when met with less than professional behavior from opposing counsel. I spoke to many attorneys before deciding to go with Elliot and I know that I made the right decision. I would not hesitate to recommend Elliot (or the firm in general) to anyone needing the assistance of a franchisee attorney.

-Alyson Domoto

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I was represented by Erin Johnsen dealing with a successful franchise closure and a lease termination. Erin was very responsive and thorough with both issues. Erin and I reviewed courses of action before moving forward. She listened and gave advice related to risk and exposure of the options we were reviewing. I alway felt that Erin had my best interest in mind when giving me advice on how to proceed. I wouldn’t hesitate hiring Erin again if required. I would recommend Erin as a competent and capable attorney.

-Steven Pierce

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Testimonial

I had the pleasure of working with Elliot Ginsburg. He helped me renegotiate and revise a 10-year lease for my coffee shop. I was impressed with how thoroughly and promptly he addressed all of my concerns. He has amazing attention to detail and gave very thoughtful responses to my questions. He even came out to my shop multiple times to get a better understanding of my leasing situation. I would certainly work with him again or recommend him to anyone.

-Caitlin Shrestha

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Erin Conway Johnsen helped guide us through a challenging situation with a newer franchise. She was patient with us, listened to our issues and was able to provide work that leveled the playing field with the franchisor. I would HIGHLY suggest her and her team for any challenging franchise situation.

-Paul Rakovich

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We consulted with Elliot Ginsburg to help us review and interpret the franchise documents and agreements before investing. He was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in content and process as well as the legal implications of “common language.” His expertise was critical as we negotiated and maneuvered the process. I am so glad we found Elliot and the firm.

-Mark Mendel

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Elliot Ginsburg (Garner & Ginsburg, P.A.) was a beacon of hope to my business/family at a time when our options appeared limited, and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed to border on the unlikely. He fought diligently and successfully for my rights as a small business-/Franchise-owner and was unwavering in his pursuit of a fair outcome.

Not only was Elliot able to defend my business from unjust accusations, but his calm and empathetic demeanor also offered emotional succor to myself and my situation. My family and I are eternally grateful for his service, and I hereby recommend Elliot Ginsburg (Garner & Ginsburg, P.A.) without reservation.

-Brandon Gruskiewicz

Experience the Difference