Tailored Ohio Corporate Law Solutions for Businesses

Corporate law encompasses a wide range of issues that touch on your business and your goals for it. Whether you’re establishing a new venture, running an established company or winding down your business, properly addressing such legal matters is crucial. Turn to our attorneys at Mallory Law Office, LLC, for comprehensive corporate law services. From our Columbus office, our team provides Ohio businesses with the quality representation of a big firm and the dedicated service of a small firm. We are agile, results-driven and deeply committed to your needs.

Here for All Ohio Businesses

We help Ohio businesses of all sizes, from small sole proprietorships to big corporations. Whatever your company, and whatever its unique legal needs, our team is here to pursue your goals. We generally divide our corporate work into two main types: “blocking and tackling” work and “organic” work.

What Is Blocking and Tackling Work?

Blocking and tackling work refers to assisting, advising and counseling our clients in preparing those standard business documents necessary to operate on a daily basis and to make money. Our services in this area include:

• Drafting leases: Whether you are a commercial property owner or a prospective tenant, we are here to help ensure your lease agreement properly protects your interests
• License agreements: Helping you monetize your intellectual property or license that of other businesses to better pursue your objectives
• Employment agreements: Setting the foundation for mutually beneficial employer-employee relationships
• Product sales and purchase agreements: Facilitating smooth transactions benefits your business
• Drafting employee handbooks: Establishing clear policies to guide your workforce
• Ensuring compliance: Helping you understand and follow the regulatory requirements for your business
• Tax issues: We represent corporate clients in tax matters, including income tax, sales tax and real estate taxes
• Managing key relationships and information: Helping you structure relationships with employees, independent contractors and vendors in a way that protects company secrets and controls the terms on which such information is disclosed and used

When it comes to blocking and tackling work, our corporate law attorneys aim to provide solutions that enhance your company’s operations and position you to succeed.

What Is Organic Work?

Organic work refers to our representation of companies in major moments in the business life cycle. This includes:

• Forming business entities: Establishing the legal structure for your company
• Structuring ownership agreements: Defining roles and responsibilities among partners or shareholders
• Buy-sell provisions: Preparing for potential future changes in ownership

Our experienced lawyers are here to guide you and your business through these critical stages.

Protecting Your Company in Ohio Business Litigation

Legal disputes are common in the business world. We regularly represent companies in commercial litigation. We have experience handling a wide range of cases, including:

• Breach of contract claims: Protecting your rights when a contract term has been violated
• Eviction matters: Advocating for you when you are seeking or facing eviction in relation to a commercial property
• Lease disputes: Helping you navigate commercial landlord-tenant disagreements
• Misappropriation or misuse of corporate intellectual property and corporate proprietary information: Safeguarding your valuable intellectual assets and reputation

Our results-driven approach ensures that your interests are vigorously defended.

How Does The Revised Ohio LLC Act Affect My Business?

Ohio’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act, which took effect in 2022, significantly reshaped the default rules governing LLCs. 

One of the most important changes involves fiduciary duties. Under prior law, managers and members operated under a more rigid framework. The revised act provides greater flexibility, allowing operating agreements to define and, in some cases, modify certain fiduciary obligations such as duties of loyalty and care. This flexibility can benefit sophisticated owners, but it also increases the importance of carefully drafted governing documents.

The updated law also clarifies management structures. LLCs may now adopt more customized management models, distinguishing clearly between member-managed and manager-managed entities. If your operating agreement does not address these issues directly, the statutory defaults will have control. For many Ohio businesses, reviewing and updating operating agreements is essential to align with the new legal landscape.

Another significant development is the introduction of Series LLCs in Ohio. A Series LLC allows a “master” LLC to establish separate series within a single entity structure. Each series can hold distinct assets and liabilities. This structure can be particularly attractive to real estate investors or business owners who wish to segregate properties or ventures under one umbrella while limiting cross-liability exposure.

How Can I Protect My Personal Assets From Business Lawsuits?

Even with strong contracts and compliance, disputes can arise. Business owners should consider the following safeguards:

• Forming and maintaining a properly structured LLC or corporation
• Keeping personal and business finances strictly separate
• Drafting clear operating agreements or shareholder agreements
• Maintaining adequate insurance coverage
• Following corporate formalities and recordkeeping requirements

When these steps are taken consistently, they strengthen the legal separation between the business and the individual owner.

What Is The Corporate Transparency Act And BOI Reporting?

The Corporate Transparency Act introduces new federal reporting requirements that affect most Ohio LLCs and corporations. Under this law, qualifying entities must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, commonly known as FinCEN. The report identifies individuals who own or control the company.

The requirements apply broadly, including to many small and closely held businesses. Failure to comply can trigger severe financial penalties, including substantial daily fines for ongoing violations. These obligations are separate from state filings and can create confusion for business owners already managing complex compliance demands. NAPNAME assists Ohio businesses in understanding and completing BOI reporting obligations accurately and on time. 

Let Us Help with Your Columbus Corporate Law Needs

Our experienced, dynamic Columbus corporate law team is here to provide the trusted legal support you and your business deserve. Call us at 614-362-0107 or email us to learn more about how we can help you pursue your business objectives.