Business Formation, Licensing, and Registration
Many people dream of owning their own business, starting their own firm, or simply having a small business on the side.  Yet the hurdles in starting a new business are numerous.  What entity is the best to use -- an LLC, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership?  Does your new business need any particular licenses, or does it have to be registered with a federal,  state, or local regulatory agency?  Does the business need employment contracts, customer contracts, or to be franchised?  How should the business best be formed in order to avoid future liability from customers, employees, or any one other individual?  Our office has helped dozens of new businesses, from a wide variety of industries, choose a proper business structure and create the necessary legal documents to succeed.  Having experienced legal counsel assist your new business at the time it is created can save innumerable headaches down the road, prevent potential liabilities, and ensure that your business is adequately protected.

Business Law
Because every business is different, so too are its legal needs.  We represent mostly small and medium sized businesses, across a broad spectrum of industries, and counsel them accordingly.  We assist in all aspects of a businesses life, from assisting in deciding what type of legal entity to form as the business starts, to assisting in properly disposing of assets and debts as the business winds down.  We also counsel clients throughout the business cycle on how best to seize opportunities when they arise and how to avoid potential legal pitfalls that may harm the business.

Business Litigation
Unfortunately, lawsuits in the modern business world are an unavoidable cost of doing business.  We advise clients in all aspects of litigation, both threatened and commenced.  When possible, we help our clients resolve disputes before they turn into lawsuits.  If a suit cannot be avoided, we represent clients in all aspects of the litigation, from developing an initial litigation strategy to prosecuting or defending the litigation through trial and any appeal which may arise.

Class Action/Group Arbitration
Our firm has had the unique opportunity to become familiar with this emerging area of law.  Class Action or Group Arbitration brings together the perceived efficiencies of arbitration as well as the benefits of multi-party litigation.  Class Arbitration offers a means to resolve multi-party disputes in a quicker, more economical, process than traditional class litigation.  However, due to the procedural differences in Class Arbitration and Class Litigation, finding attorneys who are experienced with Class Arbitration is of utmost importance.  At Stoddard & Northam, we can provide that experience, whether it be in prosecuting or defending clients.

Contract Law
Knowing your rights and obligations is a key component to operating a successful business.  We represent clients in negotiating contracts with their landlords, vendors, customers, and business associates, maximizing their rights and protections and limiting detrimental contract provisions that undermine our client's business objectives.  We assist our clients in analyzing and drafting confidentiality, employment, services, purchase, and other agreements necessary to protect a client's business interest and limit exposure in the event of disputes.  When litigation arises, we represent our clients in whatever forum necessary to enforce our clients' legal rights.

Corporate Law
In today's world, a business must be kept appraised of changes in business regulations, legal entities, business associations, and state filing requirements.  We assist clients in forming, filing, and properly maintaining their companies.  Our firm is well versed, and can assist any new client, in deciding, and creating, their corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, or whatever other entity may be most appropriate to address a particular client's needs.

Employment Law
Once a company is formed, it often will need assistance in creating employee contracts, employee manuals, and avoiding potential employee/employer disputes.  Our firm has assisted several businesses during this process.  We also offer assistance to any business which becomes mired in an employee dispute, attempting to timely, and economically, resolve the dispute.

General Litigation
In addition to the broad range of business support and litigation services provided by this firm, we represent a variety of clients with a wide range of general, non-business related, litigation needs.  Our years of experience in arbitration and litigation, in a variety of forums, gives us the ability to take on almost any litigation challenge.  Some areas include landlord tenant disputes, construction defects/negligence, debtor/creditor issues, identity theft, and the occasional small claims or justice court suit.

Transactions
Our attorneys have substantial experience in selling businesses, assets, mergers, and acquisitions. Having an attorney on staff who is also a licensed investment advisor gives us a unique edge in advising clients in transactions which effect their lives and business.  Whether you have a simple asset sale, or need a fully developed private placement memorandum for a private offering, our office can handle your needs.

Real Estate
Other than the services described above provided we are routinely involved in our clients' real estate ventures.  We have assisted in the negotiations of buy/sell agreements, leases, formation of real estate business entities, zoning issues, construction contracts, and general real estate development.  Our firm also offers assistance whenever a client becomes mired in a real estate dispute, whether in negotiating a buy/out, resolving partnership disputes, or, if necessary, litigation.