Corporate

For general contractors and subcontractors looking to succeed in California, the legal team at Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP offers a one-stop corporate law solution for construction businesses.  Our attorneys provide business advice and legal counsel surrounding all aspects of corporate structure, CSLB licensing, teaming and joint venture agreements, trademark and intellectual property registration, and litigation.  The firm also offers unrivaled expertise and counsel regarding U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) certifications including WOSB (Woman Owned Small Business), WOSDB (Woman Owned Small Disadvantaged Business), VOSB (Veteran Owned Small Business), HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business), and 8(a) – for small and disadvantaged businesses.

LIABILITY AND TAX ISSUES DRIVE BUSINESS ENTITY DECISIONS.

General contractors and subcontractors face a number of considerations when choosing their entity structure.  Among them, liability and tax concerns are most important, since protection of personal assets and tax minimization will drive the conversation.  Our attorneys are knowledgeable about all business entities and will take the time necessary to explain the pros and cons of each in simple-to-understand language.  They also have the expertise necessary to draft and negotiate the many business formation, operations, personnel, and other agreements you will need.

YOUR CONTRACTORS LICENSING EXPERTS.

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues licenses to contract in each specialized trade or field of the construction profession.  Each separate trade is recognized as a classification, and licensed contractors may add any classification for which they are qualified upon application or examination.  Over the years, our legal team has developed respectful working relationships with the highest levels of the CSLB.  From expediting license issuance to defending company-threatening enforcement actions, we can assist with all kinds of CSLB issues.  This also benefits firm clients in the form of more efficient, cost-effective solutions to the licensing process.  So you can focus on building your business.

WORKING WELL TOGETHER WITH EFFECTIVE TEAMING AND JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENTS.

Effective collaboration with multiple business partners is vital to the health of most construction firms.  With collaboration, however, comes the need to achieve mutually beneficial incentives and rewards, and well-conceived working agreements.  Partnering, teaming, and joint venture agreements serve an important role in shaping effective strategic alliances, detailing roles and responsibilities, and attempting to identify unforeseen and even unknowable risks.  It is an area of construction contract law with which Finch, Thornton & Baird is especially experienced.

PROTECTING YOUR TRADEMARKS.

From corporate, service, and product trademark registration to protection of your proprietary construction processes and methodologies, our intellectual property lawyers can handle your needs. We have successfully registered, licensed, and enforced numerous trademarks and service marks. When necessary, we are here to enforce and defend your interests through negotiation or aggressive litigation, too.