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Business & Corporate Transactions

Strong businesses are built on strong legal foundations. At Giles Law, we counsel companies of all sizes on formation, operations, and transactions, ensuring they are protected today and prepared for growth tomorrow. With decades of combined experience in both litigation and business law, our attorneys provide proactive guidance that minimizes risk and maximizes opportunity.

From negotiating vendor agreements to reviewing franchise documents, we tailor our services to meet each client’s needs. We serve startups, closely held businesses, multi-location enterprises, and everything in between. Because we also bring significant litigation experience, we know how to draft and negotiate contracts that stand up under scrutiny.

Whether you’re forming a new company, expanding through a franchise model, or managing ongoing compliance, Giles Law provides the steady counsel businesses need at every stage of growth.

Our Business Transaction Services

Franchise Agreements & Counseling

Franchising offers enormous opportunity for growth, but it also involves complex legal frameworks and strict regulatory requirements. At Giles Law, we represent both franchisors and franchisees in all aspects of franchise law. Our attorneys bring the rare combination of business insight and litigation strength, allowing us to craft agreements that not only comply with the law but also anticipate real-world challenges.

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Business Formation & Governance

We advise business owners on structuring new entities, from LLCs and corporations to partnerships. Our attorneys also provide guidance on governance issues, such as shareholder agreements, fiduciary duties, and board management.

Commercial Transactions & Compliance

Our attorneys draft, review, and negotiate contracts that protect businesses in daily operations. We also counsel clients on compliance with local, state, and federal regulations to reduce risk and prevent disputes.

Real Estate Transactions & Landlord/Tenant Matters

We represent businesses, investors, and landlords in commercial real estate purchases, sales, and leases. Our attorneys ensure contracts are clear, enforceable, and aligned with our clients’ financial goals.

Business & Corporate Transactions FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to form a business in Arizona?

Arizona law does not require you to hire an attorney to form a business entity. However, legal guidance can help ensure the entity is structured in a manner that aligns with your business objectives, ownership structure, and long-term plans. Depending on the circumstances, attorneys may assist with entity selection, governance documents, ownership agreements, and organizational procedures that help reduce the risk of future disputes. Giles Law advises business owners throughout the formation process and prepares the foundational legal documents tailored to each business.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Arizona?

Both limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations generally provide liability protection for their owners when properly formed and operated. LLCs often provide greater flexibility in management and taxation, while corporations may be appropriate for businesses with different ownership structures, financing goals, or long-term growth strategies. The appropriate entity depends on factors such as tax considerations, governance preferences, ownership plans, and the nature of the business. An attorney can help evaluate which structure best supports your particular objectives.

What should be included in a shareholder agreement or operating agreement?

A carefully drafted shareholder agreement or operating agreement helps establish the rights and responsibilities of business owners and provides a framework for managing the business. Depending on the organization, these agreements may address ownership interests, capital contributions, voting rights, management authority, transfer restrictions, buy-sell provisions, dispute resolution procedures, succession planning, and dissolution or exit strategies. Well-drafted governing documents can help provide clarity and reduce the likelihood of future disputes among owners.

What legal issues should I review before signing a commercial lease?

Commercial leases often contain significant legal and financial obligations that can affect a business for many years. Important provisions may include rent and escalation clauses, permitted use restrictions, maintenance responsibilities, tenant improvements, personal guaranties, assignment and subleasing rights, renewal options, operating expenses, default provisions, and termination rights. Because every lease is different, legal review before signing can help identify important issues and clarify each party's rights and obligations.

What is a franchise agreement, and what should I review before signing one?

A franchise agreement establishes the legal relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee and defines each party's rights and obligations. Depending on the franchise system, important provisions may include the franchise term, renewal rights, territory, royalty obligations, training and operational requirements, system standards, termination provisions, dispute resolution procedures, and post-termination obligations. Although many franchise agreements are presented in standardized form, understanding their legal and practical implications before signing is important. Giles Law advises both franchisees and franchisors regarding franchise agreements and related business transactions.

Does Giles Law assist with business acquisitions and sales?

Yes. Giles Law advises clients regarding the legal aspects of buying and selling businesses, including due diligence, asset and equity purchase transactions, purchase agreements, representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, non-competition agreements, transition matters, and related business documents. Because our attorneys also represent clients in business litigation, we bring practical experience regarding how transaction documents may be interpreted and enforced if disputes later arise. That perspective helps us prepare agreements that clearly define the parties' rights and responsibilities.

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