Laura C. Cunningham
James H. Feldman
Michael R. Garner
Shannon M. Jost
Douglas C. Lawrence
Thomas A. Lerner
John Moore
Leslie C. Ruiter
Morris (Morrie) Shore
Susan Thorbrogger
Dustin E. Yeager
Paralegals
Karen L. Stewart
Melanie M. French
Matthew J. W. Schumacher
business
The Stokes Lawrence business practice reaches far beyond the analysis of commercial law. Functioning as business advisors and operating as an extension of in-house counsel, the firm's lawyers offer a unique understanding of the business context and operational imperatives at issue. Our approach is responsive, innovative and practical.
Responsive
We recognize that delays translate into missed opportunities and responsiveness means more than promptly returning phone calls. It means partnering with our clients to ensure the success of their businesses. For example, we have worked closely with clients in emerging industries, such as e-commerce and telecommunications, from the beginning stages through implementation of critical projects and product launches to ensure they meet their business goals and deadlines.
Innovative
Beginning with our early representation of telecommunications and media clients, we have maintained a strong industry presence, particularly in the mobile wireless businesses. In fact, we were involved in the formation or acquisition of many of the cellular licenses, markets and other businesses that are the core of the wireless industry today.
Practical
We assist our clients in fashioning a practical, business oriented solution that balances risk with the real world issues they face in operating and developing their businesses. For instance, our work with closely-held entities involves a mix of business, succession and wealth transfer planning designed to achieve company, family and tax-minimizing goals.
Stokes Lawrence serves a diverse clientele in all aspects of their business, from creation and financing through operation and sale. The firm also assists individuals with real estate, estate planning and other personal business. The primary areas of the firm's business practice include:
Entity Formation and Financing. We assist clients in selecting and forming the appropriate entity for their particular objectives, preparing the necessary documentation and securing start-up capital.
Business Operations. We assist clients with managing day-to-day operational issues as well as maintaining legal records and negotiating and preparing agreements essential to their business success. Our experience includes developing and negotiating a variety of service agreements, including outsourcing technology, training, personnel and other services, tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Mergers and Acquisitions. We handle mergers, acquisitions and sales of all sizes, whether sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company.
Technology Ventures/Licensing/Transactions. We represent clients ranging from e-commerce and media ventures to software and wireless companies in all aspects of their operations. We represent technology users and service providers in the acquisition of telecommunications and other technology systems. We also represent clients in a wide range of software and content licensing, development, implementation and maintenance matters.
Telecommunications, Facility Collocation and Network Transactions. We represent both service providers and users in the preparation and negotiation of agreements for the acquisition, use and sharing of telecommunication services and networks, including agreements for of data centers, facility sharing and other collocation arrangements. In addition, our experience includes negotiating agreements ranging from traditional telecommunication services to internet, network management, fiber, maintenance and related service level agreements.
Tax Planning. We advise clients on the most advantageous ways to structure entities and transactions from state, local and federal tax perspectives.
Funding Growth. We handle a wide variety of investment transactions for investors and issuers, including venture capital, commercial loans, and securities offerings.
Intellectual Property. We advise clients on the protection of intellectual property rights, including trademarks and trade names, copyrights, patents, confidentiality agreements, trade secrets, computer software and domain names.
Antitrust and Consumer Law. We advise clients regarding federal, state and local antitrust, consumer and advertising law and business regulations, and assist in setting up in-house compliance programs.
Licensing and Distribution. We advise clients in establishing systems to license and distribute their goods and services to the general public, including dealership, agency and franchise matters.
Real Estate. We represent a broad range of clients in connection with real property matters, including commercial and residential purchase, sale, lease and financing transactions.
Employment Relations. We advise employers and employees with respect to employment agreements, EEO and personnel counseling, hiring and termination, employee handbooks, and labor relations.
Hospitality and Wine Industries. Our attorneys have substantial experience in the hospitality industry, having represented hotel owners, managers and franchisees, wineries, and grape growers. We help clients buy, sell, finance and refinance hotels, negotiate franchise, management and employment agreements, and advise operators and business owners on day-to-day management issues. We also assist wineries and other producers of alcoholic beverages with labeling, licensing, sales and regulatory matters.
Estate Planning and Probate. We help clients manage wealth transfer issues by developing estate plans, preparing wills and trusts, and handling the probate of estates.