In this post, I will be discussing corporate law solicitors, their role, and whether you need one for your business.

So, what is a corporate law solicitor? To put it simply, a corporate law solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in providing advice and guidance on the various aspects of corporate law – we call it corporate law despite in the UK we have Company Law, the Companies Act rather than corporations – damn Americanisms creeping in.  Corporate law deals with the legal issues surrounding the formation, governance, and operation of companies, as well as mergers and acquisitions, securities, and other related matters.

A corporate law solicitor typically works with businesses, ensuring they remain compliant with the ever-changing landscape of corporate law, while protecting their clients’ interests and facilitating smooth transactions.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a corporate law solicitor is, let’s delve into the details of what I help clients with on a regular basis:

1. Company Formation and Governance

One aspect a corporate law solicitor gets involved in regularly is assisting clients in the formation of a company. This process involves registering the company, drafting the necessary legal documents (such as the Articles of Association), and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.

Additionally, corporate law solicitors often advise on company governance matters, such as the rights and duties of directors, shareholders, and other company officers. They help businesses create internal policies and procedures to maintain compliance with the law and protect the interests of the company and its stakeholders.

We can act as Company Secretary for your company, for a relatively low annual fee, it means that we will maintain your statutory books, update companies house and assist with all filings on your behalf.

2. Mergers and Acquisitions

Corporate law solicitors play a crucial role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions – another piece of jargon I dislike but is so common place. I prefer saying I help business owners buy or sell businesses. They assist clients in negotiating, structuring, and implementing deals, ensuring that the process is legally compliant and beneficial for all parties involved. This involves conducting thorough due diligence, drafting transaction documents, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

3. Securities and Lending

Corporate law solicitors often work with clients on issues related to giving of security and borrowing/lending funds. Some corporate lawyers get involved in things like PLCs and stock market listings, initial public offerings (IPOs) etc but I don’t do that. I do get involved with helping clients borrowing funds, where they need advice, putting in place security,

4. Corporate Restructuring

Often, I’m involved in restructuring companies shares. This could be something like the issuing of alphabet shares or growth shares, to fully on demergers, share for share transfers to holding companies, and more complex share structuring.

In times of financial distress or when a company seeks to reorganise its operations, a corporate law solicitor can help navigate the complex legal issues involved in corporate restructuring. This may involve working with creditors, negotiating new financing arrangements, or implementing a merger or acquisition to save the company.

5. Commercial Contracts

A corporate law solicitor often assists clients in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial contracts. This includes agreements related to the sale of goods and services, licensing, franchising, joint ventures, and more. They work to ensure that their clients’ interests are protected and that the contracts are legally enforceable.

6. Dispute Resolution

While a corporate law solicitor’s primary role is to prevent disputes by providing sound legal advice and drafting solid contracts, disputes can and do arise. When this happens, a corporate law solicitor can represent their clients in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, or court proceedings, working to resolve the dispute in the most favorable manner possible.

Do I need a Corporate Law Solicitor?

Now that you have a better understanding of what a corporate law solicitor does, the question remains: do you need one? The answer largely depends on the nature and complexity of your business.

I help clients in many ways. Some clients have me on a monthly subscription where they can use me for advice whenever they need. More typically, I’m used for adhoc project based work.

Whatever your corporate law / company law need, get in touch and we’ll see how we might work together.