Expert Legal Services to Grow Your Business. Flat Rates. No Surprises.
The clear choice for Maryland business owners.
Power up your enterprise with leading-edge legal services backed by decades of experience.
The high-growth companies know that early adoption of legal services is the key to ongoing success.
We have reconceived the way legal services are delivered with our Fractional General Counsel Services, offering businesses expert legal advice on everything from start-up services, business formation, and human resource management to tax compliance, mergers, and exit strategies.
Why emerging and growing businesses choose us.
Your Success Is Our Business.
Our attorneys bring decades of corporate legal experience to your new or growing venture. Best of all—you get personalized legal advice without the gatekeepers.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing. No Surprises.
Following a Master Strategy Session where I assess your business model, risks, and opportunities, we agree on a fixed cost for your legal services. You’ll never have to check the budget before calling us.
Legal Technology Designed for Busy Entrepreneurs.
We utilize secure online tools like Zoom for meetings, witnessing, and e-notarization, and client portals for electronic signatures, online file sharing, and bill payments. Wherever you are in the world, we’re here for you.
Experienced & Dedicated Attorney
Leverage decades-worth of legal knowledge and experience without having to go to law school. Talk directly to your attorney without having to go through multiple gatekeepers.
Holistic Approach to Business Law
Your business is like a living organism, with multiple systems working together to sustain the organization. Ignore one system, and the organism dies. That’s why we approach each system, from business contracts, tax issues, human resources, and more to ensure your organization’s success.
Transparent & Predictable Billing
Know exactly what your legal fees will be for the year and what you can expect from your lawyer. Be confident that you can contact your lawyer for advice without fear of incurring unexpected legal that can affect your bottom line.
Proactive Legal Services
Fear is the enemy of success. Go confidently in the direction of success knowing that your attorney has assessed your company’s risks and advised you on the best courses of action before legal problems arise.
Meet the attorney who will help grow your business.
Maryland business attorney, Steve Thienel has decades of experience working with start-ups and existing middle-market businesses with formation advice, contract review and negotiations, HR compliance, and tax planning.
As a member of the Maryland, Virginia, and DC bars, Steve can assist businesses across all of those states.
“Unbelievably knowledgeable and responsive, particularly where it concerns ... financial planning matters. I truly feel like Steve cares about me and any issues that I bring before him - in other words, I’m much more than a client.”
— Rob G.
A Holistic Approach to Business
Entity Choice.
The right business structure can reduce your tax liability, protect your personal assets, and make borrowing money easier.
Business Formation.
Let us provide you with the guidance needed to form your company quickly and correctly.
Business Contracting.
We’ll ensure the language contained in your contracts is clear, enforceable, and not likely to result in a dispute.
Human Resources.
Your employees are one of the most important pieces of your business. Ensure you are compliant with employment laws.
Tax Planning.
While specific compliance requirements vary depending on the business, we focuse on proactively helping clients to both minimize risk and minimize tax liability.
Government Compliance.
We proactively assist in the growth of your business, while anticipating and implementing defensive strategies to minimize future risk.
M&A Transactions.
Whether this is your first merger or acquisition or your fiftieth, we’ll help you develop successful strategies and business plans to sell or purchase a business.
Exit Strategies.
Developing an exit strategy is an important consideration in how a business should be structured to maximize future sale value and ensure that your business operates through organizational changes.
Start-Ups: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re just starting out on your new business venture, read the Ultimate Guide to Start-ups so you can avoid rookie mistakes and get your business going on solid footing. Inside you’ll find everything you need to know to maximize business success and minimize risk.
Business Educational Series
These short videos provide quick insights into common business and legal topics.
FAQs
My business isn’t that big—do I really need an attorney?
Yes. You need an attorney for all of your general legal needs as well as for any specific industry-related issues. Whether you have just started your company or are in charge of managing an established corporation, there are many vital legal areas to consider that will determine its success and longevity. The best way to find out what those necessities are is by consulting with a qualified professional who can help assess your situation and recommend solutions tailored to your needs. Hiring a business attorney before problems arise will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected.
What are some of the most common documents that need to be created for businesses?
The documents your company will need before you get started can vary, based on the entity you choose. If you create a partnership, you will need a partnership agreement. If you opt for an LLC or Corporation, you will need additional documents like Articles of Organization, Bylaws, and Organization Agreements. In addition, you will want to have non-disclosure agreements, independent contractor, or other vendor agreements to protect you from costly litigation. If you have employees, you will want policy documents to ensure your hiring practices comply with state and federal laws.
What are the best ways to protect my business from lawsuits and other legal issues in the future?
The best way to protect your business from costly lawsuits is to hire an attorney before you even get started. An experienced business attorney can help you structure your business in a way that protects your personal assets. They can create contracts and policy documents to regulate and safeguard your future business relationships. And they can analyze your business practices and tell you in advance what issues may crop up so that you can make informed decisions about the trajectory of your company. Business success means being proactive about your legal needs.
Should I incorporate my new business?
Choosing the proper business entity for your new venture is one that should not be taken lightly. Incorporation offers a number of benefits, including asset protection, tax advantages, a professional image, and greater interest to investors. Even if you plan to run your business solo, you should consider forming an LLC. While this may increase operating costs on some level, you may recoup that by becoming an employee of the LLC to avoid self-employment taxes. The best way to make the decision on whether to incorporate your business is to talk with an experienced Maryland business attorney before, or soon after you start your business.
When should I hire an outside lawyer for my company's legal matters?
You should hire a lawyer before you begin your business, or as soon after as possible to ensure you have formed your business in a way that protects your personal assets and minimizes tax liabilities. A business attorney can ensure your contracts protect you from predictable risks and advise you on your business path. This process doesn’t have to be overly expensive if you work with an attorney under our fractional legal counsel model. When you hire a business attorney before you form your business, you can rest easy knowing that your partnership agreements or operating agreements reflect your understanding between business associates to avoid misunderstandings later on.
What are the most common mistakes businesses make that can lead to legal problems?
Aside from not hiring a business attorney to advise them early in the process? There are plenty of mistakes new business owners make, including failing to create policies and procedures for employees (and failing to follow those policies), following discriminatory hiring practices, using stock contracts that don’t reflect your business realities or expectations with the other parties, not filing the appropriate tax forms, violating copyright and other intellectual property laws, having a website without a privacy policy…honestly, the list is endless. Considering almost half of startups fail within the first 4 years of operation and that the top reason for failure is legal troubles, it’s worth it to talk with a Maryland business lawyer early in your start-up process.
Have more business law questions? We’ve got answers.
Get the benefits of in-house legal counsel for a fraction of the price. Click the button to fill out a new client intake form and schedule a consult with a Maryland business lawyer with decades of experience leading businesses to succes.
What People Are Saying
“Starting a business can be a little stressful as you can only get so much from college and through performing research. Nothing beats real-life experience and Steve’s support to my business has meant a great deal to me, and has served to reduce my stress and frustration considerably.”
— Paul, Client
“Steve is very good and attentive. We have worked together on corporate, personal, litigation, and other matters. He is good at breaking things down to the essence and simplifying complex issues. He is great to work with and timely responds when needs arise. I would unconditionally recommend him.”
— Ted, Client
“He truly strives to understand what the "client" needs to accomplish with their legal request and then always provides a thorough and well-thought-out approach for a resolution. I highly recommend Thienel Law. A top-class professional organization. Thanks, Steve!”
— Sally, Client
“We have relied on Mr. Thienel for both personal and professional legal advice for over 10 years. His problem-solving skills are exceptional and his ability to communicate effectively have helped us tremendously. Absolutely, highly recommend, Mr. Thienel!”
— Mignon, Client