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BUSINESS LAW

Starting a business in Texas

Typically, the first step in starting a business in Texas is the formation of the company. Texas has several legal forms of business models available and our attorneys can assist you with your choice of entity. There are many different types of business entities, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Your selection of entity should be made with the advice of a professional to ensure that your objectives are met. Additionally, once a charter is issued, there is more paperwork to do, such as initial organizational meetings, drafting of operational documents (bylaws, operating agreements, regulations, etc.) and business succession matters.

Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Tax Forms

Once you have your business formed, you will need to obtain various federal and state forms as a new business. Many types of businesses require special licenses and permits in order to operate in Texas. At Murray Walker & Associates, we will assist you in obtaining and filing the necessary forms for compliance with federal, state and local government.

Purchasing or Selling a Business

There are a variety of ways to buy and sell business in Texas. Common ways include sales of all assets, stock or unit transfers and mergers. Business brokers may or may not be involved. We can assist you with the various aspects of this type of commercial transaction. Some items to consider are applicable code compliance, employee retention, UCC liens, commercial leases, goodwill and the value of the furniture, fixtures and equipment that you are buying.

Business Transactions, Operations and Maintenance

Companies in Texas may need certain documents drafted for them. We regularly assist with state compliance issues, such as change of registered agent, reinstatement of a forfeited entity or franchise, termination of a business, and changing the name of a business ("doing business as" registrations for individuals and corporations is also known as a fictitious name application), We also assist with the preparation of corporate resolutions, buy sell agreements, and documentation of corporate meetings (minutes).

Contracts

We regularly assist with the drafting, negotiation and review of business contracts. We handle contracts including buying and selling businesses, joint venture agreements, sales agreements, employment agreements, (including non-compete contracts, employment agreements and non-disclosure agreements), commercial leases and the like.

Commercial Litigation

Business disputes and collections. In today’s litigious society business disputes are inevitable. At Murray Walker & Associates, we have successfully represented many business owners in the disputes they find themselves in or successfully resolved many disputes without the necessity of litigation. Many times a business will offer goods and services on a revolving account basis to another. When those invoices remain unpaid, litigation may be necessary. The typical first step is to assemble all written documents exchanged between the parties. Next, a demand letter stating that the other party is in breach of the arrangement would be sent, detailing what the other side needs to do in order to rectify the situation. Should the sides fail to reach a settlement, then the side owed money can file a suit in which a representative the company that issued the invoices swears to the truthfulness of the invoices. This is called a "sworn account suit" This forces the other side to have to file a sworn answer stating that they do not owe the invoices.

Real Estate

The Firm provides the full spectrum of real estate and commercial law services to a diverse clientele including partnerships, developers, corporations, and other entities. Services include counseling clients through acquisitions, financing and zoning.