Practice Areas
Mergers & Acquisitions
Buying and selling a business is generally one of the biggest decisions a person will make in their life. We help owners and businesses on both the buy and sell side during times of transition. Sometimes this means a sale to or purchase from a third party. Sometimes it involves generational planning and sales with family members. In either case, having involvement from attorneys and other professionals early on in the process is recommended. We help navigate through the legal elements and considerations of mergers and acquisitions. But we recognize and help our clients with other associated challenges and decisions, such as financing, transition periods, and consulting arrangements.
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On the buy side, we assist with evaluating whether the opportunity aligns with your goals. If so, the first step is generally agreeing on a letter of intent. At that point, we then help conduct due diligence, identify potential liabilities, negotiate terms, and structure the deal. Our goal is to ensure our clients are protected both during and after the transaction to the maximum extent possible. Buyers often underestimate the importance of thorough due diligence. Or they may assume that a seller’s representations can be taken at face value. We help uncover issues early, ask the right questions, and ensure you are stepping into the business with eyes wide open.
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On the sell side, we help business owners prepare for transition so the company is presented cleanly and professionally. Because of this, early engagement is ideal. Our role can then take many varied forms. We can review financial and operational records, address outstanding compliance issues, negotiate deal terms, review buyer demands, and ensure you are not taking on unnecessary post‑closing obligations. Selling a business is often emotional. We recognize that, and work with sellers to ensure the process remains grounded, fair, and aligned with their goals.
Other clients require deeper and more consistent involvement, often similar to what a traditional in‑house general counsel would provide. For these businesses, we assist with a myriad of issues. These can include: contract management, internal policies, employment matters, risk assessment, business strategy, compliance planning, negotiation support, and daily operational legal needs. We become part of the leadership team—attending meetings, developing internal processes, and helping guide the company’s legal strategy—while still functioning as an external, flexible resource.
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Every M&A transaction—whether large or small—involves key elements that need careful attention. These include things like letters of intent, purchase agreements, seller financing arrangements, non‑compete and transition agreements, employment or consulting terms, tax treatment, and closing conditions. We walk you through each step and explain what matters most. The goal of this being to help you avoid the pitfalls that can delay a deal or expose you to unnecessary risk.
Transition periods are another area where practical guidance matters. Whether the seller is staying on temporarily to help the buyer adjust, or the buyer is integrating new employees and systems, a well‑structured transition plan can prevent misunderstandings and protect value. We help craft transition agreements that to ensure both sides begin the new chapter on solid footing.
business law
Running a business offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with legal challenges that can slow progress if they aren’t handled correctly. As a business lawyer team, serving clients in the Boise and Salt Lake Metropolitan areas, we help business owners navigate these challenges with confidence so they can focus on operating, managing, and growing their companies. Whether you are forming a new business, negotiating a contract, or addressing a dispute, your company deserves responsive, reliable counsel that provides clarity—not confusion or unnecessary complexity.
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Many growing businesses have complex legal needs but are not yet of a size or scale that having a full-time General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer makes sense. But paying a large law firm hourly rates to service all the businesses needs also presents a challenge. This can leave growing businesses with making a tough choice on whether to forgo needed legal support or stretch their budgets beyond what they desire. Our goal is to help bridge that gap by providing fractional GC/CLO services to these businesses. Businesses engage us on an ongoing, monthly engagement in a way that provides valuable legal support while maintaining flexibility for the client.
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Starting a new business can be both exhilarating and terrifying. And unfortunately, it is easy to make missteps that can cause issues down the road. We help new business owners set up their businesses from a legal standpoint, but also help them navigate the myriad of other related issues – such as banking, taxes, real estate, and employment issues. And for those who have started the journey on their own, only to later realize they may be in over their head, we are here to help.
TAX law
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These organizations are vital contributors to our nation and communities. Because of the public good they provide, qualifying organizations are granted favored status as being exempt from taxation. Yet from a legal standpoint, these organizations provide some unique challenges. And it is an area where not just any attorney can step in. There are unique rules and regulations – a complex mix of state and Federal law – applicable to these entities. We have experience advising exempt organization clients on all elements of a nonprofit lifecycle, including formation, obtaining tax exemption, fundraising, state compliance issues, and maintaining tax exemption at a Federal level.
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As business owners start to be successful and make more money, a question naturally follows: how do I minimize my tax bill? There are individuals all over the internet and social media trying to provide answers, often lacking the credentials or experience to offer valuable advice. We help individuals and businesses understand Federal and state tax law requirements, where legitimate opportunities lie, and help them plan accordingly. We work with clients to strategize ways to mitigate tax exposure while ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws.
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Getting a letter in the mail from the IRS is scary. This is especially true when it is unexpected. Often people panic and are unsure of what to do. Turning to someone with experience in such situations can help reduce the stress and uncertainty of the situation dramatically. Whether you are facing a tax audit, appeal, or possible litigation, we can help. We work to expeditiously resolve matters while also being honest with clients about options and potential outcomes. We work with a multitude of other professionals, as needed, to ensure matters are addressed from every applicable angle.
Running a business offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with legal challenges that can slow progress if they aren’t handled correctly. As a business lawyer team, serving clients in the Boise and Salt Lake Metropolitan areas, we help business owners navigate these challenges with confidence so they can focus on operating, managing, and growing their companies. Whether you are forming a new business, negotiating a contract, or addressing a dispute, your company deserves responsive, reliable counsel that provides clarity—not confusion or unnecessary complexity.
ESTATE Planning
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and disposal of a person’s estate during their lifetime and after their death. It involves making crucial decisions about their assets, healthcare, and the care of loved ones, striving to ensure their wishes are honored and providing peace of mind for them and their family. Candidly – these are not always easy conversations. But they are important. By proactively engaging in estate planning, we help clients minimize tax burdens, avoid probate, ensure proper arrangements are made for minor children, and strive to preserve a client’s legacy according to their intentions, making it an essential step for anyone looking to secure their future and protect their family’s well-being.