How does it work?
It is basically a four-step process. The first step in PROTECT & PLAN PROGRAM is a two-hour free consultation where we meet and get to know you and your business. We will send you a Preliminary Questionnaire to fill out. It will be a comprehensive questionnaire for you to review and complete prior to your free consultation with us. At that initial free consultation, we will discuss the present state of your business, your concerns, your plans, and your long-term goals. It will typically consist of you, the Client, talking and us, the Lawyers, listening.
The second step is we go back to our office and our team meets and determines the scope of work to bring your business into compliance. We outline the project and quote a FLAT FEE for the project. You then either hire us for the entire project or we modify the scope and handle the project in steps.
The third step is we work with you or your staff to gather the documents and information we need to complete the work.
The fourth step is completing the project. Often, we will make additional recommendations regarding areas of risk exposure or the necessity for changes to your procedures or processes. The recommendations will include an implementation plan that goes over the urgency and timing for the work associated with each of the recommendations. Some issues may be long-term and others short-term. It depends on the circumstances. We will also inform you which ones we highly recommend versus which recommendations we think are “best practices.” If you decided to implement our additional recommendations, we will assist you.
How much does it cost?
There are different plan options:
The Elite Plan: includes all eleven categories.
Cost: $6,900 – $7,900.
The Pro Plan: includes the first five categories and four additional categories.
Cost $4,900 – $5,900
The Basic Plan: includes only the first five categories.
Cost: $3,900 – $4,900
The Build Your Own: this is a tailored plan specific to you. You choose the categories most important to you and we will work on the price after.
The fee is also tax-deductible under IRS Pub. 535 (2019) Business Expenses.
How long does it take?
The project normally takes 4 weeks from start to finish.
What are the terms of payment?
The flat fee payment can be made with cash or check. One-half is due at the start of the project. The second half is due after the job is done and you are happy with the result. You do not pay the second half until you are 100% satisfied.
Is there a program to keep me up to date and in compliance in the future?
Yes, if you would like we can continue to represent you on retainer keeping your documents up to date. We typically charge $250 a month for unlimited access to our team to keep your documents in compliance and answer quick legal questions you may have (one hour or less of legal research). If you have a specific matter that needs special attention such as an employee termination, new hire, new vendor contact, etc. we quote you a flat fee and you have a credit against your prepaid retainer to offset the cost. Basically, you now have an attorney on staff that knows your business and can protect and defend you at a moment’s notice.
Can you help us if we buy or open a new business?
Yes. This is part of the business services we offer. We can help from the start to ensure the purchase is properly set up and structured. We can be your navigator for the road ahead. We also know that legal help can be expensive. This is why we have reasonable fees to help you protect what you have worked hard to create.
Can you help us with the sale of our business?
Yes. This is part of the business services we offer. We can help from the start to ensure the sale is properly set up and structured. We also work with you to minimize the tax consequences of the sale with deferred sales agreements, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and other tax strategies.
Do you handle mediation, litigation, and/or lawsuits?
Not at this time. Our goal is to keep you out of court. Having said that, we do have a group of litigation attorneys that we can recommend to represent you if a dispute gets out of hand and results in a mediation or court action.
