Small Business & Corporate Law

Running a business means making legal decisions whether or not a lawyer is in the room. The entity you choose, the contracts you sign, the way you bring on partners and pay your team — each of these shapes what you own, what you owe, and what happens when things change. At Sila Law APC, we work alongside small businesses and self-employed founders to make those decisions with clear eyes, so your foundation holds up as you grow.

We serve entrepreneurs across California, with particular care for AAPI-owned businesses navigating the demands of building something lasting. Our aim is straightforward: help you understand your options, choose the structure that fits your goals, and keep your paperwork and compliance in order so you can focus on the work itself.

Entity Formation

The way you organize your business affects your taxes, your personal liability, and your ability to raise money or bring on partners. We help you weigh the tradeoffs and set up the structure that matches where you are and where you want to go.

• LLCs — A limited liability company can offer asset protection and flexible tax treatment. We help you form one and understand what it does and doesn't cover.
• Corporations (C-corp) — For businesses planning to scale or raise outside capital, we guide you through incorporating and establishing the governance that comes with it.
• S-corp elections — Electing S-corporation status can change how your business income is taxed. We walk you through eligibility and the election process.
• Nonprofits / 501(c)(3) — Tax-exempt status requires meeting specific IRS requirements. We help you organize and file so your mission has a compliant legal home.
• Partnerships (LLP) — When you're building with others, a limited liability partnership defines shared ownership and protection. We help you set the terms.
• Professional corporations — Licensed professionals face industry-specific rules. We help structure a professional corporation that meets them.

Contracts: Drafting, Negotiation & Review

Contracts are where your business relationships become real and enforceable. A clear agreement prevents disputes; a vague one invites them. We draft, negotiate, and review contracts across industries so your agreements say what you mean and protect what matters.

Business & Ownership Agreements

• Partner and investor agreements — Setting expectations between owners and backers before money and effort are on the line.
• Purchase and sale agreements — Clear, enforceable terms that protect your interests through a transaction.
• Buy/sell agreements — Planning ahead for how ownership changes hands if a partner leaves, retires, or passes on.

Commercial Leases

Commercial lease terms are negotiable, and the details matter over the life of your tenancy. We help you review and negotiate leases and renewals so you understand your obligations and pursue terms that work for your business.

Consulting, Employment & Compensation

• Consulting agreements — Making sure you and your consultants share the same understanding, in writing.
• Employment contracts — Drafting and reviewing agreements that reflect your business's goals and comply with California law.
• Executive and officer compensation — Structuring fair, legally sound compensation arrangements that balance the interests of everyone involved.

Corporate Guidance & Compliance

Staying compliant is ongoing work, not a one-time filing. We help you put the right governance in place and keep it current.

• Bylaws and operating agreements — Drafting the internal rules that keep your business running smoothly and your decisions defensible.
• Corporate compliance — Guidance on the records, filings, and formalities that preserve your entity's protections.

Succession Planning & Exit Strategies

Every business eventually transitions. Planning for it early gives you more control and fewer surprises.

• Business dissolution — If it's time to wind down, we help you close things out properly and manage lingering obligations.
• Business reorganization — When you need a fresh structure, we guide the process with your interests in mind.

Let's Talk

Whether you're forming your first entity or cleaning up agreements you signed years ago, a conversation is the best place to start. Reach out to Sila Law APC to schedule a consultation, and we'll help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.