Frequently Asked Questions
Transparent, straightforward answers & guidance for complex legal matters.
Why do you need an M&A Attorney?
Business owners may participate in a handful of M&A transactions in their careers.
The fact is every M&A transaction is fraught with dangers to the seller and buyer.
Improperly constructed transactions leave unseen vulnerabilities just waiting to cause unnecessary pain either during or even after the transaction has been completed.
Common areas of oversight include:
- Tax mitigation
- Limits on the liability of the seller post-sale
- Leadership compensation structures
- Proper valuation of your company
How much will an M&A Attorney cost?
While no lawyer can guarantee costs or outcomes, we strive to be transparent about the range of expenses you can expect for your transaction.
We will provide a clear estimate of the fees we anticipate at the beginning of the process.
As the complexity of a deal increases, so do the costs. For instance, if you have eight employees in a relatively unregulated field, your Mergers and Acquisitions transaction will be much simpler compared to that of a company with over 80 employees operating in a highly regulated environment.
Additionally, certain buyers may introduce greater financing complexity. This can result in increased risks and costs for you as the seller. We will review all these factors with you and provide an estimate of what we believe your expenses will be.
Larger firms often factor in their own operating costs, which is something we, as a smaller firm, do not have to do. This allows us to offer a high level of service at a more competitive price compared to larger law firms.
What aspects of M&A transactions do attorneys handle?
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are intricate processes that involve specialized and time-sensitive tasks. Some transactions can be completed within months, while others may require years of planning and preparation to ensure that the deal is executed correctly.
M&A lawyers serve as advisors first and foremost. They assist both the seller and the acquiring company with a range of matters, including legal, regulatory, and financial issues, while also alerting them to potential red flags and concerns that may arise during the transaction.
As your M&A attorneys, the Petersen Landis team will facilitate effective communication with accountants, bankers, real estate brokers, private equity firms, and venture capital funds, among others. We will negotiate the details of the deal, including terms, timelines, and goals.
A significant amount of paperwork is involved in a merger or acquisition, much of which will be handled by a dedicated team of drafters. This paperwork includes term sheets, contracts, legal opinions, letters, registrations, government applications, and other essential documents.
We will guide the process from the initial term sheet to the final deal documents, always prioritizing our client’s goals throughout.
What transactions require a securities lawyer?
Securities lawyers help business owners comply with SEC regulations laid out in the Securities Act of 1933.
These rules are often complex, and fines and penalties for lack of adherence are damagingly high.
Additionally, securities law includes recovering damages incurred when securities fraud has been committed.
When do businesses need a corporate transactional attorney?
Running a business is already complex, and the last thing you want to deal with is having to retroactively restructure agreements, protect intellectual property, or renegotiate contracts. A corporate transactional attorney can ensure that your legal transactions are handled correctly from the start.
Many business owners find that they may need a corporate transactional attorney for a specific set of documents or transactions and then not require their services for months. Therefore, building a relationship with one attorney who understands your business structure and can identify areas of vulnerability is a smart strategy for most business owners.
How much does a corporate transactional attorney cost?
Law firms bill in different ways including hourly, contracts, flat fee structures, and retainers.
Factors that influence the cost of an attorney’s services typically include experience and complexity. The more specialized the area of expertise and the more experience a lawyer has, the more hiring them will cost.
A more experienced lawyer will often find solutions a newer attorney doesn’t see and can resolve matters faster, actually costing less in the long run.
Similarly, the complexity of your business, transaction, and desired outcome also impacts cost.
Balancing the costs of a good attorney with the dangers of a poorly executed legal agreement is the equation every business owner looks at when hiring an attorney.
At Petersen Landis, we are as transparent with estimating costs for our clients as we can be. While complexities do arise, our depth of experience in M&A, securities law, and corporate transactional law allows us to accurately estimate the length of time and complexity of most of our clients’ legal needs.
When should I hire a real estate attorney for my property transaction?
Real estate transactions carry considerable financial and legal risks. Hiring a real estate attorney can help ensure that all documents are accurately drafted, potential liabilities are identified, and compliance with local regulations is upheld.
Whether you are purchasing a commercial property, obtaining financing, or negotiating a lease, having legal counsel involved early in the process is essential to protect your interests.
How much does hiring a real estate attorney cost?
The cost of hiring a real estate attorney can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction, the attorney’s experience, and the range of services offered. Fees may be structured as hourly rates, flat fees, or retainer agreements.
Although there is an upfront cost, investing in an experienced attorney can ultimately save you money by preventing costly mistakes or disputes down the line.
When should I hire a real estate attorney for my manufacturing & distribution transaction?
Manufacturing presents a variety of complex legal and operational challenges, including securing supply chain agreements and navigating regulatory compliance. An experienced attorney can help you avoid costly disputes, ensure compliance, and safeguard your business interests.
Whether you are entering a new market, restructuring your operations, or negotiating contracts, it is advantageous to involve legal counsel early in the process.
How much does hiring a manufacturing and distribution-focused attorney cost?
The cost of hiring a manufacturing attorney varies based on the complexity of the legal issues, the scope of the project, and the attorney’s level of experience.
Whether you require assistance with regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, or a large-scale transaction, investing in legal expertise can help reduce risks and prevent costly mistakes. We are dedicated to offering clear and competitive pricing for our services.
What types of transactions require a lawyer with experience in the tech industry?
Technology companies face unique challenges in transactions involving intellectual property, compliance, and innovation. An experienced tech attorney can assist with:
- Licensing agreements for software or technology
- Mergers and acquisitions involving proprietary technology or patents
- Compliance with global privacy and cybersecurity regulations
- Structuring funding agreements for start-ups and growth-stage companies
Specialized legal counsel ensures these transactions are managed efficiently while protecting your business’s most valuable assets.
What types of transactions require a lawyer with experience in the tech industry?
Without experienced legal representation, technology companies may encounter significant risks, including:
- Unprotected intellectual property, leading to loss of competitive advantage
- Non-compliance with privacy laws, resulting in fines or reputational damage
- Poorly structured agreements, exposing the company to disputes or financial losses
- Missed opportunities for growth or investment due to inadequate preparation
Partnering with a knowledgeable technology attorney safeguards your business and ensures your transactions support long-term success.
What types of transactions require a lawyer with experience in the financial services industry?
Financial services transactions often involve unique regulatory and market considerations.
A specialized attorney can provide critical support for:
- Mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions
- Structuring private equity or venture capital deals
- Navigating compliance with SEC and FINRA regulations
- Drafting agreements for financial products, such as derivatives or lending arrangements
Having a legal partner with industry-specific knowledge ensures your transactions comply with applicable laws and align with your strategic goals.
What could go wrong without an attorney representing my financial services business in consequential transactions?
Without experienced legal representation, financial services firms may face significant risks, including:
- Non-compliance with complex regulations, leading to fines or penalties
- Ambiguous contract terms, exposing the business to disputes or litigation
- Missed opportunities to mitigate risks in major deals or agreements
- Delays in transactions due to overlooked legal requirements
Collaborating with an experienced financial services attorney helps protect your business from costly mistakes and ensures that transactions are executed efficiently and securely.