Business Law & Commercial Litigation Attorney

Strategic Legal Counsel for Alabama Businesses

Running a business involves constant decision-making. From choosing the right corporate structure to enforcing a contract or defending against a lawsuit, the legal choices you make today define your company’s future stability.

At Burress Law Firm, we act as a strategic partner for business owners in North Alabama. We move beyond simple document filing to provide the “General Counsel” perspective—advising on risk, negotiating for advantage, and zealously advocating for you when disputes arise. Whether you are launching a startup, buying a competitor, or facing a “business divorce,” we have the experience to guide you.

Business Formation & Governance

Building a strong business starts with a solid legal foundation. We help you choose the right structure to protect your personal assets and plan for the future.

• Entity Selection: We advise on choosing the correct vehicle (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or Partnership) based on your liability concerns and goals for control. We work alongside your tax professional to ensure the structure makes financial sense.
• Operating Agreements: For LLCs, the Operating Agreement is your most critical document. We draft custom agreements that clearly define voting rights, management structure (member-managed vs. manager-managed), and buyout provisions to prevent future conflicts.
• Corporate Governance: We assist corporations with the formalities that keep them legally distinct from their owners, including adopting bylaws, handling stock distributions, and maintaining corporate records.
• Professional Entities: We organize Professional Corporations (PC) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) for licensed professionals (doctors, architects, etc.) in compliance with Alabama licensing boards.
• Drafting and Reviewing Contracts: From simple service agreements to complex commercial sales contracts, we ensure your terms are legally binding and your interests are protected.

Business Disputes and Litigation

When a handshake deal falls apart or a partner breaches their duty, we are ready to litigate.

• “Business Divorce”: Disputes between business partners or shareholders can be as emotional and complex as a marital divorce. We represent parties in these breakups, handling issues of valuation, buyouts, and judicial dissolution.
• Breach of Contract: We pursue claims for damages when a vendor, customer, or partner fails to honor their agreement. We analyze potential remedies, including lost profits, specific performance, and attorney’s fees.
• Shareholder Disputes: We handle direct and derivative actions, including claims for “oppression” of minority shareholders and demands to inspect corporate books and records.
• Piercing the Corporate Veil: We represent clients in high-stakes litigation where parties seek to hold owners personally liable for corporate debts.

Why Hire William H. Burress?

Business law is not just about knowing the rules; it is about understanding the business “end game.”

• We are Evaluators: We look at your business objectively to identify risks in your contracts or governance documents before they become lawsuits.
• We are Negotiators: We seek advantageous results consistent with honest dealings, helping you close deals without giving away the farm.
• We are Advocates: When litigation is necessary, we are aggressive in the courtroom. Whether defending a Workers’ Comp claim or prosecuting a breach of contract, we understand the procedural tactics required to win in Alabama courts.

Protect your bottom line and your peace of mind. Call today or schedule an appointment.