Corporate Governance
Providing straightforward, actionable guidance to help businesses succeed.
Leveraging experience and expertise to work for you
Strong corporate governance helps businesses operate effectively, make informed decisions, effectively manage succession, balance needs of controlling and minority owners, and meet their legal obligations. We advise business owners, boards of directors, managers, and shareholders on governance matters that limit liability and promote accountability, transparency, and long-term success. Our practical, business-focused approach helps clients establish sound governance practices while adapting to the evolving needs of their organizations.
Establishing Effective Governance
Effective governance begins with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority. We help businesses implement governance structures and policies that foster accountability, support strategic decision-making, and reduce the potential for internal disputes. By creating a strong governance framework, organizations are better positioned to operate efficiently and respond to future challenges. We incorporate corporate governance procedures into articles of incorporation, bylaws, shareholder agreements and LLC operating agreements. We also advise on governance and structure of subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures.
Providing Ongoing Strategic Counsel
Corporate governance is an ongoing process that evolves as a business grows. We work with clients to address board and shareholder matters, organizational changes, governance policies, and compliance obligations. Our goal is to establish structures that allow some flexibility to evolve as the organization changes and grows meanwhile, achieving the client’s needs and goals. Clear rights and obligations help businesses make informed decisions while protecting the interests of the organization and its stakeholders.
our approach
Promoting clear leadership roles and responsible decision-making throughout the organization.
Encouraging governance practices that foster trust among owners, directors, managers, and stakeholders.
Helping businesses develop governance structures that support sound planning, appropriate input from various owners and stakeholders and sustainable growth.
Ensuring governance practices align with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational requirements.
Establishing well designed plans for succession of management and ownership as owners and managers retire or leave the business.
Providing ongoing legal counsel as governance needs evolve alongside the business.
FAQs about our Corporate Governance Practice
What is corporate governance, and why does it matter?
Corporate governance establishes the rules and processes for how a business is managed and how important decisions are made. Effective governance helps reduce disputes, define the rights of stakeholders to influence business decisions and transactions, improve accountability and trust, and support long-term success.
Does my privately held company need formal governance policies?
Yes. Even closely held and family-owned businesses benefit from clearly defined governance procedures that establish well defined roles and expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and provide a framework for future growth. Following specific and well-structured governance procedures may also reduce liability risk.
How often should governing documents be reviewed?
Governance documents should be reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur, such as ownership transitions, leadership changes, business expansion, or changes in applicable law. Before an exit transaction, owners should review and update governance documents to ensure current legal compliance and streamline the sales process.
What should we do if shareholders or directors disagree on a major business decision?
Well-drafted governance documents and established decision-making procedures can help resolve disagreements efficiently. We assist clients in creating governance structures that clearly and appropriately define rights, responsibilities and obligations among stakeholders which ultimately minimize conflict and provide guidance when disputes arise.
How can an attorney help with corporate governance after my business is established?
We provide ongoing counsel on board and shareholder matters, governance policies, organizational changes, compliance requirements, and other issues that arise as your business grows and evolves. We can help design a management and ownership succession plan to successfully address any anticipated or unanticipated leadership changes.
