Articles Tagged with Los Angeles Corporate Lawyer

AdobeStock_244916454-300x200A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity. When formed properly and managed correctly, this business type can offer some protection from liability. Many business owners prefer the LLC because it can protect their personal assets from being used to satisfy the debts of the business. An LLC is not, however, the only business entity type that exists. Los Angeles business owners should consult with a business formation lawyer to explore the different options. A Los Angeles business formation attorney can help you select the business entity that best meets your specific business goals. At Structure Law Group, LLP our experienced Los Angeles LLC lawyers help entrepreneurs form LLCs to protect their assets and run these businesses in ways that minimize the LLC owners’ personal liability.

What Are the Benefits of an LLC?

There are many benefits to forming an LLC. When one or more owners – also referred to as “members” – form an LLC, these members can protect their personal assets from being used to satisfy business debts. Only their initial investments are placed at risk. However, there are many legal formalities that must be observed to enjoy this protection. The LLC must be formed properly under state laws. Here in California, doing so means filing the required paperwork with the California Secretary of State’s office. The business must also observe certain formalities in the way it is run post-formation. This observation of formalities requirement means that LLC owners do not simply get automatic protection as soon as they have filed the LLC paperwork with the relevant state.

AdobeStock_101676859-300x200Corporations are subject to many fiduciary rules that govern their operations. Most business persons are familiar with the prohibition on interested transactions and placing one’s own financial interests ahead of the company’s. Yet the application of this rule varies widely from state to state. The Delaware Supreme Court has recently issued a ruling that will apply to the many businesses which fall under Delaware’s state laws of corporate governance. Learn more about the standard of review for interested transactions between a controlling shareholder and their subsidiary company:

In re MFW

The litigation started with a dispute between the shareholders of M&F Worldwide (MFW). A merger was proposed between the controlling stockholder and a subsidiary company. Minority shareholders objected to the merger and brought suit to stop it. Prior case law had subjected such transactions to the stringent standard of “entire fairness.” Yet, in this case, where there were two important procedural safeguards protecting the minority interest, the Court of Chancery held that the more lenient “business judgment” standard could be applied. The ruling was appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court. Because the Supreme Court affirmed the ruling, it has created a new legal standard under Delaware law.