As outside general counsel on everything business law related, from start up planning and tax advice to incorporation and corporate agreements, we’re here to help set your company on a path to long-term success.
At Buxton & Collie, your success is our success. Our goal is to help your business succeed and grow in any venture or undertaking. Having a team of experienced business attorneys on your side when starting or growing your business can help you secure licensing and permits, raise capital, and more. At Buxton & Collie, we are committed to helping our clients start or grow their businesses. From tax advice to corporate agreements, our attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide you with the support necessary to make your business everything it can be and more.
Our firm acts as “outside” general counsel to many small and middle market clients. We pride ourselves in doing a lot more than simply guiding companies in business planning and risk allocation. The team at Buxton & Collie takes steps to become a trusted partner from the formation of your business to its sale or generational succession.
From creation through growth and exit, Buxton & Collie counsels entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and established business owners in many aspects of corporate law, including:
If you are forming a business or are looking to grow your existing business, Buxton & Collie can help. We can assist in starting or maintaining your business by offering guidance with business formation, contract drafting, and adhering to local laws and regulations. Reach out to our experienced business law attorneys to get started. Schedule a consultation online or call us at (843) 606-2397.
What does a corporate governance attorney do for a South Carolina business?
A corporate governance attorney helps business owners create and maintain the rules, documents, and decision-making processes that guide the company. This may include operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder agreements, meeting records, ownership rights, voting procedures, and internal policies. For South Carolina businesses, strong governance can help prevent confusion, reduce conflict, and make the company easier to manage as it grows.
When should I talk to a business planning attorney?
It’s helpful to speak with a business planning attorney before making major decisions, such as starting a company, adding an owner, raising capital, signing a large contract, buying another business, or preparing for succession. Early legal guidance can help you avoid costly changes later. Buxton & Collie works with entrepreneurs and established companies throughout the Lowcountry, the state, and beyond.
Why does corporate structure matter for business owners?
Your corporate structure affects how your business is taxed, managed, owned, and protected. It can also affect how decisions are made, how profits are shared, and what happens if an owner leaves or passes away. Choosing the right structure from the beginning can support smoother operations, clearer responsibilities, and better long-term planning for your company.
What documents should a new business have in place?
Most businesses benefit from written formation documents, ownership agreements, tax planning guidance, internal governance rules, and clear contracts with customers, vendors, employees, or partners. The exact documents depend on your business type, ownership structure, and goals. A business law attorney can help identify what your company needs now and what may become important as it grows.
How can a business attorney help prevent partner or shareholder disputes?
Many disputes start because the owners never clearly agreed on decision-making, profit distributions, buyouts, responsibilities, or exit plans. A business attorney can help create agreements that address these issues before tension arises. If a disagreement already exists, legal counsel can also help review the documents, explain available options, and work toward a practical resolution.
Do small businesses need outside general counsel?
Many small and middle market businesses need legal guidance but don’t need a full-time in-house attorney. Outside general counsel gives business owners a steady legal resource for contracts, governance questions, risk management, business planning, and major transactions. This can be especially useful for growing companies that need practical legal support as new issues come up.
How does business succession planning work?
Business succession planning helps answer what happens when an owner retires, sells, passes the company to family, or exits unexpectedly. This may involve buy-sell agreements, ownership transfer plans, tax planning, governance updates, and coordination with estate planning. For family businesses, succession planning can also help preserve relationships by setting expectations before the transition begins.
What should I consider before raising capital for my business?
Before raising capital, business owners should understand how the funding will affect ownership, control, investor rights, tax obligations, and future decision-making. The documents should clearly explain what investors receive and what the company expects in return. A corporate attorney can help review the structure and prepare agreements that support the company’s goals.
Can a Charleston business attorney help with contracts after my company is already operating?
Yes. Many companies seek legal guidance after they are already active, especially when contracts become more complex. A business attorney can review vendor agreements, customer contracts, employment-related agreements, purchase agreements, ownership documents, and third-party contracts. This can help identify risk, clarify obligations, and support better decisions before documents are signed.
How do I choose a corporate governance and business planning lawyer in Charleston?
Look for a law firm that understands business formation, growth, contracts, ownership issues, financing, and exit planning. It also helps to work with attorneys who take time to understand your company’s operations and long-term goals. Buxton & Collie, LLC provides business law guidance from its Mt. Pleasant office for companies in Charleston, throughout South Carolina, and beyond.
Protect your business from start-up planning, financing and incorporation, to business sales.
