Domestic Legal Services

Business

Contractors

U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

As New Orleans rebuilds following Hurricane Katrina, building contractors have played a large role in the local economy. We defend contractors in contract issues as well as homeowners who suffered shoddy work. This is not just a matter of contract law as the Legislature has enacted legislation which mandates certain acts by contractors.

Merchants

Building supply merchants sell material to contractors on credit. When a dispute arises these merchants are caught in the middle. Merchants have specific rights even against the homeowner.

Liens

Contractors, merchants, and subcontractors may obtain a security interest in a property if they are not paid. Because this is a departure from normal methods of obtaining a security interest, these laws are strictly construed. All requirements must be timely met or the lien is void.

U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, New Orleans

Incorporation

We can establish a number of different types of business entities to meet clients’ specific needs whether the goal is personal asset protection, to attract investors, or participation. We can also register business entities in other states.

Administrative Law

Representation before federal, state and local government agencies, boards and commissions ranging from workers compensation to building permits, historic district rules, to occupation licenses.

Contracts

Negotiation, drafting, executing, and dispute resolution of legal agreements in a wide variety of areas.

Litigation

Judicial intervention in dispute resolution. The objective is speedy resolution at a reasonable cost.

Licenses

Many types of businesses must obtain a license to do business. The agency which issues the license usually has jurisdiction over the business to enforce rules and regulations. If a complaint is made against a business, the agency may invalidate the license.

Bankruptcy

Chapter 11

Business reorganization is an effective tool for saving a business temporarily injured by bad economic conditions or debts owed.

Chapter 7

Liquidation of personal or business assets in order to satisfy bankruptcy obligations.

Owner Protection

The owners of a corporation forced into bankruptcy want to protect their personal assets including future earnings. Creditors can “pierce the corporate veil” to go after the owners’ assets. It is, therefore, important for the owners’ to be aware of the legal grounds for piercing the corporate veil and guard against them.

Chapter 13 Asset/Protection

Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep assets and pay for them under a monthly payment plan. After 2005, it is the method for personal bankruptcy of consumer debts with only a few exceptions. It does allow a debtor to keep assets, but it requires monthly payments to creditors. Some courts require a debtor to pay 100% of credit card debt.

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