Business Formation and Transactions
Let us help you make your business dream a reality.

Business Formation Attorney in California

We establish corporations and limited liability companies best suited for our client's goals,

and then act as day to day legal counsel to support our clients with ongoing business operational matters. Establishing an entity is an exciting step in growing your business.   Whether you are launching a new career, taking your existing company to the next level or looking for liability protection for your real estate investments, it is our goal is to educate and help our clients select the right entity and comply with the extensive legal requirements involved in properly launching a corporation or limited liability company.  

Business Formation FAQ

Why should you operate as a Corporation or Limited Liability Company (“LLC”)?

While many small businesses operate as “Sole Proprietors” or “General Partnerships” and do so with acceptable limits of insurance, such persons remain liable for all debts of the business and all claims and judgments against it. Such liability puts an individual’s personal assets at risk, including his or her home, savings and investments. Operating properly as a Corporation or LLC limits liability of the business to that entity, ensuring the safety of the Owner’s personal wealth. Further, Corporations and LLCs offer tax advantages and potential payroll opportunities not available to Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships.

What is the difference between a Shareholder Corporation and a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”)?

The California Corporations Code and Business and Professions Code inform which entity is right for you. Along with payroll, revenue, and other tax considerations, we can advise you as to the appropriate entity for your business.

How does a business lawyer help you in dealing with business matters?

A business lawyer can help you with a wide range of legal issues related to running a business, such as:
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts
  • Advising on compliance with laws and regulations
  • Handling employment issues
  • Protecting your intellectual property
  • Negotiating and closing business deals

Business Formations, Flat-fee pricing

We offer flat-fee arrangements for basic organization of California corporations and limited liability companies. These flat fees include the below services and costs.  Please contact us directly for a quote for professional corporations or converting entity type, as these vary in complexity and are subject to a minimum retainer of $5,000.

Limited Liability Corporations

Single Member LLC
$4300
Multi-Member LLC
$5800
** 2-5 Shareholders

One 30 minute consultation meeting

Requesting the LLC name from the Secretary of State (“SOS”)

Drafting and expedited filing of Articles of Organization with the SOS

Drafting of the Operating Agreement

Drafting and filing of the initial Statement of Information with the SOS

Providing address verification to the Franchise Tax Board, upon direct request of the FTB

File application for FEIN from the IRS

Draft one Grant Deed to transfer title of one real property to the LLC

Draft information letter to client with respect to organization of business

Provide all documents for electronic client signature, upload documents to the electronic client portal, provide original documents and Organizational Book to client

Pay costs for the name reservation from the SOS; costs of the expedited filing fee paid to the SOS for the Articles and Statement of Information; cost of the LLC Organizational Book.

* Note that the flat fee does not include the filing fee(s) for the business license, Grant Deed, fees or costs associated with any DBA, the filing of any S-Corp Form 2553 Election with the IRS, the transfer of any permitted professional license or any other work or cost not identified above.

** Multi-Member LLCs include all of the above work as adjusted upward for additional Members, all of the above filing costs, and a Multi-Member Operating Agreement rather than a standard single-member Operating Agreement.

LLCs requiring additional work will be priced on a case by case basis.

Business Basic

Maintenance Plan
$500 Annually

We will calendar, draft and file the annual Statement of Information, serve as the Agent for Service of Process, and draft the Board of Directors and Shareholder Meeting Minutes, if applicable. Non-standard documents will be priced on a case by case basis.

Business Plus

Includes Basic PLan
$1500 Annually
Use of VRL's Physical Address

Establish a professional business address and optional dedicated physical mailbox at VRL’s Office. *

10% Discount on Beyond Office Room & Office Rentals and Notary service

Enhance your workspace experience with a 10% discount on room and office rentals in the heart of West Portal beyond your membership benefits, based on availability. Notary Service based on availability. 

Business Advanced

Includes Basic and Plus Plans
$2500 Annually
5 Hours of Support Staff Time

Additional support staff time throughout the year to assist with administrative tasks, ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Please note, these hours are good for one year and do expire after 12 months.

*Contact us about pricing for optional mailbox and mail handling services. 

**Please note these subscriptions are billed annually on a rolling 12-month basis unless you email us 30 days in advance to cancel your subscription.

Shareholder Corporations

Single Shareholder
$4300
Multi-Shareholder
$5800
** 2-5 Shareholders

One 30 minute consultation meeting by telephone, video conference or in person

Requesting the corporate name from the Secretary of State (“SOS”)

Drafting and expedited filing of Articles of Incorporation with the SOS

Drafting of all corporate organizational documents, including the Share Certificates, Investment Representation Letter, Organizational Minutes, Bylaws, and Certificate of Incorporator

Drafting and filing of the initial Statement of Information with the SOS

Providing address verification to the Franchise Tax Board, upon direct request of the FTB

File application for FEIN from the IRS

Draft information letter to client with respect to organization of business

Provide all documents for electronic client signature, upload documents to the client portal, provide original documents and Minute Book to client

Pay costs for the name reservation from the SOS; costs of the expedited filing fee paid to the SOS for the Articles and Statement of Information; filing fees paid to the Dept. of Business Oversight; cost of the corporate Minute Book.

* Note that the flat fee does not include the filing fee(s) for the business license, fees or costs associated with any DBA, the filing of the S-Corp Form 2553 Election with the IRS, the transfer of any professional license or any other work or cost not identified above.

** Multi-Shareholder Corporations include all of the above work as adjusted upward for additional Shareholders, all of the above filings costs, and a standard Shareholder Buy-Out Agreement.

Corporations requiring additional work will be priced on a case by case basis.

Business Basic

Maintenance Plan
$500 Annually

We will calendar, draft and file the annual Statement of Information, serve as the Agent for Service of Process, and draft the Board of Directors and Shareholder Meeting Minutes, if applicable. Non-standard documents will be priced on a case by case basis.

Business Plus

Includes Basic PLan
$1500 Annually
Use of VRL's Physical Address

Establish a professional business address and optional dedicated physical mailbox at VRL’s Office. *

10% DISCOUNT ON BEYOND OFFICE ROOM & OFFICE RENTALS AND NOTARY SERVICE

Enhance your workspace experience with a 10% discount on room and office rentals in the heart of West Portal beyond your membership benefits, based on availability. Notary Service based on availability. 

Business Advanced

Includes Basic and Plus Plans
$2500 Annually
5 Hours of Support Staff Time

Additional support staff time throughout the year to assist with administrative tasks, ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Please note, these hours are good for one year and do expire after 12 months.

*Contact us about pricing for optional mailbox and mail handling services. 

**Please note these subscriptions are billed annually on a rolling 12-month basis unless you email us 30 days in advance to cancel your subscription.

Business Transactions

Business License Preparation

We will handle the preparation of your business license application for one city and county time and fees will be billed against a $1000 retainer. This comprehensive service covers the necessary documentation and ensures a smooth application process. 

Buying or Selling a Business

We can assist you with buying or selling a business.  Whether you are selling the ownership interest in your company (e.g., a Corporate Share Purchase Agreement or LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement) or the assets of the company (an Asset Purchase Agreement), we can assist you from the first point of discussion through the completion of the transaction.  With rates beginning at a minimum fee of $5,000.00 for the most basic transaction, we offer high caliber, efficient advice to buy or sell small to mid-size businesses. 

A la carte Transactional Advice

We also offer day-to-day transactional advice at our hourly rates, as follow:  Senior Attorney: $500; Attorney: $375; Staff: $250, and work with your goals and budget to offer expert and efficient advice

Tell us your story

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Words from our clients

As a contractor based in San Francisco, I am constantly faced with legal issues. Deidre has provided me with invaluable legal advice regarding my operations and even negotiated an extremely favorable result from a very serious owner dispute. We refer Deidre to any contractor without hesitation.

Quincy Meere,

Pearl Painting

Deidre has been instrumental in guiding our firm and personal affairs with her legal wisdom. Regardless of any complex matter, she has provided her excellent expertise to personal matters, business practicalities and complicated client contracts. She is thorough, thoughtful, and most importantly offers sound legal advice. Deidre is helpful and responsive as well.

Erin Bowes Pawek,

MSA Planning + Design

I have been consulting with Deidre Von Rock for seven years. She is always very responsive to my business needs. She gets the job done in a quick, no nonsense style, leaving me to focus on my own work. Deidre is a good listener and an even better protector of my interests. I rank her as a top notch attorney that delivers results with great style and grace.

Mary Kass, Founder/CEO,

Face The World