Social Enterprise & Business Law

We are able to provide immediate and responsive legal counsel, with specific expertise in guiding a social enterprise throughout every phase of its operational life-cycle through our Outside General Counsel service. We can assist your organization every step of the way, whatever legal question or issue you may face.

Benefit Corporations are the most often used tool to create a business with long term mission and purpose alignment. FPLG has specific expertise in advising and structuring Benefit Corporations in order to create the most flexibility when evaluating potential sale and liquidity options, and preparing businesses to lead a mission-driven life post-IPO.

Social Purpose Corporations are an alternative corporate form, which provides a structural and statutory option to entrepreneurs who want to combine profitability with broader social and environmental objectives, but with as much flexibility as possible. FPLG understands Social Purpose Corporations, and when an entrepreneur may wish to select this entity type in lieu of a Benefit Corporation.

Limited Liability Companies are one of the most flexible business structures, and can be extremely useful when structuring subsidiaries, joint-ventures, and property holding companies. FPLG has experience evaluating the best jurisdiction to establish an LLC, as well as setting up these types of entities to meet our clients’ needs.

One of the biggest areas of risk for any business is with their workers. From the challenge of proper classification, to wage and hour claims or discrimination actions, employers have a challenging landscape to navigate. FPLG attorneys can help your enterprise draft employee manuals, draft employment or independent contractor agreements, and advise you on specific state and local regulations you need to follow.

Social entrepreneurs often find their purpose driven businesses will eventually partner with nonprofit organizations as part of their strategic impact and marketing initiatives. Because of the work we do with nonprofit organizations, FPLG has the expertise to navigate this highly regulated area of the law to ensure social entrepreneurs do not run afoul of charity regulators and attorneys general.

As any business grows, the need for various contracts grows as well. Just to start, your business will likely need service, licensing, lease, non-disclosure, confidentiality and other agreements. FPLG can assist you with any type of contract needed, as you expand and grow your enterprise.

It’s critical for any business to engage in practical tax planning, ensuring the various credits, exceptions, and benefits of owning a business are maximized. FPLG’s tax practice has the expertise to assist your enterprise successfully implement the best possible tax planning, and then ensure timely and accurate tax filing.