Whether you are starting a small business or running an established company, it is vital to understand business laws and regulations. But that is easier said than done. My goal is to provide business-related legal services so that you can spend more time dealing with the actual business and less time with legal intricacies of operating your business. My services include:


Business formation

You have a new and innovative product or service and you are interested in forming a new business. You may have concerns about liability, taxes, investors and other considerations. As your small business lawyers, we will assist you in deciding whether your startup business should organize as a limited liability company (LLC), partnership, S corporation or C corporation. We will form the most appropriate business organization for your new business and register the business in all jurisdictions in which it will conduct business.


Mergers and acquisitions

If your business is fortunate to thrive and become a merger or acquisition target, we can represent you as the seller; or if you are on the other side and looking to acquire a business, we can assist with the due diligence in purchasing a business. We will review various approaches in purchasing a business through merger or acquisition. We will discuss with you various structures in purchasing the stock or purchasing the assets of an acquisition target. In either case, your business will need thoughtful and comprehensive representation in all aspects of a merger or acquisition.


Government contracting

Government contractors face numerous issues when contracting with the government. And with a hands-on approach and substantial experience, we will help you navigate those legal issues. We prepare teaming agreements, subcontracts and joint venture agreements and can handle a variety of other government contract matters. As government contract lawyers for your small business, we can assist you in applying for programs for HUBZones, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or women-owned businesses. If your company is facing debarment or suspension because of allegations of corruption or bribery, we can assist in your defense before the U.S. government or the World Bank.


Business transactions

Once you have an ongoing business, however organized, you will have a host of various commercial transactions. We prepare agreements with lenders, lessors, partners, customers, employees, and consultants. We provide business legal services for your company, preparing confidentiality agreements, nondisclosure agreements, licensing agreements, distribution, employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, lease agreements, and many others. We will help you understand what each part of these agreements require and make sure that these agreements provide protection to you and your business.


Corporate law

Once your startup business has been created, your company will have ongoing requirements to maintain its separate status. We will assist in guiding you on how to prepare corporate minutes or resolutions of the company to maintain the corporate form and other steps to protect the limited liability of your company. You will also have to make sure that your bylaws or operating agreement continues to reflect the needs of the business organization. We are available to assist you in addressing these issues. And once your company is ready to raise additional capital from investors, we can work with you to determine whether you are subject to securities laws or fall within one of the exemptions.


Business disputes

Few businesses are immune to business disputes. If your small business was well-advised, you have an agreement that will provide guideposts on how to resolve your business dispute. If you are unable to settle your dispute, you may have a dispute resolution mechanism such as mediation or arbitration in the agreement. An alternative dispute resolution mechanism such as arbitration or mediation generally can provide a relatively quick resolution of your business dispute. If not, then you may have to consider litigation. We handle business disputes, including pre-litigation matters, mediation, arbitration and litigation.


Anti-corruption compliance

Every company should have procedures and policies to minimize its exposure to allegations of corruption or bribery. An integrity compliance program (ICP) is essential for businesses doing work internationally for the United States government or work financed through one of the development banks. We can assist in reviewing or preparing an ICP to assure that is consistent with the anti-bribery and anti-corruption guidelines from the World Bank. If your company is facing debarment or suspension because of allegations of corruption or bribery, we can assist in your defense before the U.S. government or the World Bank.


Non-profit law

We work with organizations to obtain their tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. There have been recent changes to obtaining 501(c)(3) status and we have worked with organizations in submitting successful applications on the simplified track by filing a 1023-EZ and the more rigorous 1023 application for larger organizations. Nonprofits also face similar legal challenges to assure that they comply with business requirements and additional requirements to assure that they do not jeopardize their tax exempt status. As a law firm for nonprofits, we work with nonprofit organizations to guide them through these issues.

FAQ Small Business Attorney in DC

What is considered a small business?

Almost all our clients fall within the definition of small business/startup as determined by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Under this definition, a small business has fewer than 500 employees. Small businesses encompass about 99.9% of all business organizations in the United States.

Which industries do you serve as a small business attorney?

Most of our clients are service providers such as consulting companies, law firms, accounting and bookkeeping services, cybersecurity consultants, video production companies, and lobbyists, just to name a few. We also represent foreign and domestic manufacturers and software developers.

As a small business lawyer in DC, we represent some retail operations, such as bookstores and restaurants. We also represent numerous nonprofits with varying missions. Our government contractors clients hold various IDIQs (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite quantity Contracts) and GSA schedules.

In which areas of the law does a small business or startup need legal assistance?

Most times, small businesses/startups need the services of outside general counsel. As outside general counsel for small businesses, we can handle most matters as a small business attorney that small businesses generally encounter. Usually, anything with the word agreement or contract is within our practice areas. This includes operating and shareholder agreements, which are used for small businesses and startups that are formalizing their relationships with their owners. Once a business is formed, then we prepare and review a host of other agreements, such as service agreements (which may be referred to as client agreements or consulting agreements), independent contractor agreements (which may be referred to as subcontracting agreements), employment agreements, teaming agreements, purchase and sale agreements, merger agreements, option agreements, license agreements, lease agreements, and the list goes on.

What factors should a small business and startup look for in retaining the services of a lawyer for small businesses?

With our extensive experience of working as a small business attorney in DC for decades now, background and experience should come right at the top of the list when looking for a small business lawyer. We think that accessibility and communication are essential for a successful relationship between an attorney and a client. Hourly rate is important but not as important as quality of service.

What kind of experience do you have in advising small businesses as an attorney?

Keith Rosten has not only legal experience but also business and practical experience that allows him to relate to the trials and tribulations of a small business owner. Keith has BigLaw experience before working for small and medium-sized businesses, first at his own law firm focused on small businesses and then with Berliner Corcoran & Rowe LLP.

Keith has substantial business experience. He received an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. During his business studies, he worked on several group projects with small businesses, including a furniture manufacturer, a manufacturer of leak location precision equipment, real estate developer. After business school, Keith operated a successful real estate business in California and overcame numerous issues, such as asbestos abatement and underground storage tank remediation.

Keith worked as a legal adviser to a government contractor and was a legal adviser to a major initiative in Russia. Keith ran another small business, selling and marketing solar energy equipment. The business had an e-tailer component, hosted the largest solar energy forum online, and sold solar energy equipment to the government. Keith negotiated two GSA schedules for the business and obtained HUBZone certification for the business. Keith was also president of the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network – Washington, a networking organization for small businesses in the greater Washington, DC community.

Keith has also volunteered for Compass Pro Bono, working with local business professionals to conduct long-term consulting engagements for local nonprofits in fundraising, governance, and strategy.

With this breadth of legal and business experience, Keith is attuned to some of the challenges facing small businesses, which allows him to provide effective advice and guidance.

As a small business lawyer, do you take in-person meetings only?

Yes. We are located in downtown Washington DC and host many of our clients. For those clients who cannot come into our offices, we usually meet over Zoom or by telephone.

How do you charge for your services as a small business attorney?

We charge our clients based on hourly fees. We usually provide a budget of how much certain matters cost so that startups and small businesses know in advance the ballpark cost of the matter.

What if a client does not like our services?

Clients can terminate our services anytime if they don’t find it satisfactory.

Should my small business lawyer or startup lawyer be in the same state as me?

No, not always necessary and may depend on multiple factors. For example, though we are an expert small business lawyer in DC, we have also provided consultation to other cities’ clients.

T 202-741-9190 Einfo@rostenlaw.com
Menu

Terms of Use and Disclaimer

Terms of Use and Disclaimer

By using or accessing RostenLaw.com (this Website), you agree to abide by these Terms of Use and Disclaimer (Terms of Use). Rosten Law PLLC (we, us or Rosten Law) maintains this Website for Keith Rosten, a partner in the law firm of Berliner Corcoran & Rowe LLP (BCR). Rosten Law owns the rights to the intellectual property and material contained on this Website, and all such rights are reserved. If at any time you find these Terms of Use unacceptable, you must immediately leave this Website. We may, in our sole discretion, amend or revise these Terms of Use at any time, and by continuing to use this Website, you agree to be bound by any and all amendments or revisions.
  • This Website is Advertising This Website may be considered advertising in some jurisdictions under applicable law or rules of legal ethics. No representation is made on this Website that the quality of legal services to be performed is better than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Keith Rosten is a partner at BCR and is admitted to practice in the jurisdictions listed on his individual biography on the Rosten Law attorney page. The ability of any attorney to engage in any activities on behalf of a client outside the jurisdiction in which that attorney is licensed to practice law is subject to state statutes and professional codes and court rules. Keith Rosten does not seek, and this Website is not intended to solicit, legal employment outside the states or District of Columbia in which he is licensed that would constitute the unauthorized practice of law. By appearing on this Website, Keith Rosten does not solicit, target, or advertise for legal employment in any jurisdiction other than where he is admitted to practice law. The listing of any practice area on this Website does not indicate any certification or expertise in that practice area.
  • Informational Purposes Only and Not Legal Advice The materials provided on this Website are only for informational purposes. They do not constitute legal or other professional advice and you may not rely on the contents of this Website as legal or professional advice. This Website includes information about legal issues and legal developments and we do not warrant or guarantee accuracy, currency or completeness of the materials on this Website. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems or issues. If you require legal advice, you should retain an attorney to advise you. If you are interested in retaining the services of Keith Rosten at BCR, please contact him at BCR, and he will be pleased to discuss whether he can assist you.
  • No Guarantee of Results Any information on this Website is not intended as a guarantee that the same or similar results can be obtained in every matter undertaken by Keith Rosten at BCR. The outcome of a particular matter can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific factual and legal circumstances, the ability of opposing counsel, and, often, unexpected developments beyond the control of any client or attorney.
  • No Attorney Client Relationship by Use of this Website The information on this Website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Neither your receipt of information from this Website, nor your use of this Website to contact Keith Rosten of BCR creates an attorney-client relationship between you and Keith Rosten or between you and BCR. An attorney-client relationship will arise between you and Keith Rosten or between you and BCR only if BCR specifically agrees to act as your attorney through an engagement letter. Whether you are a new or existing client of BCR, Keith Rosten at BCR cannot represent you on a new matter until BCR determines that there is no conflict of interest and that it is willing and otherwise able to accept the new engagement. Until you receive and sign an engagement letter and paid the applicable retainer, you have not hired BCR and have not become a client. Unless and until BCR has informed you it is willing and able to accept your new matter, do not send BCR any information or documents that you consider private or confidential. That information will not be treated as private, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure until BCR has communicated to you it is willing and able to accept your new matter.
  • Confidentiality of Communications Keith Rosten and BCR do not guarantee the confidentiality of any communications sent by e-mail or through this Website, or left in voicemail messages on his telephones. Unsolicited information and material may not be treated as confidential and will not be protected by any attorney-client privilege. Accessing or using this Website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Although the use of this Website may facilitate access to or communications with Keith Rosten at BCR by e-mail or voicemail, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by Keith Rosten or BCR does not create an attorney-client relationship, unless BCR agrees to represent you.
  • Copyright and Trademarks The copyright in this Website and all materials contained in it is owned, or licensed by Rosten Law, PLLC. All contents of this Website are: Copyright © Rosten Law, PLLC. All rights reserved. For more information, including any questions about reusing materials found on this Website, please contact us at info@rostenlaw.com. This Website, as a whole, or in part, may not be reproduced without the express prior written consent of Rosten Law, PLLC. The Rosten Law name and logo are trademarks of Rosten Law, PLLC, and you may not copy, use or display them in any manner other than as they are displayed on this Website without Rosten Law, PLLC’s prior written consent, which Rosten Law, PLLC may withhold in its sole discretion.
  • Links to Third Party Sites As a convenience, this Website may provide links to third-party websites, including the Website of BCR. These Terms of Use relate only to this Website and not to any other website, including that of BCR. . We do not review, control or examine, control or examine any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. We make no guarantees about the accuracy, currency, content, or quality of the information provided by such sites, and we assume no responsibility for unintended, objectionable, inaccurate, misleading, or unlawful content that may reside on those sites. The inclusion of any link does not mean or imply that Rosten Law endorses or recommends the information contained in linked websites. In addition, please be aware that your use of any linked site is subject to the terms and conditions applicable to that site. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those other websites, and it is your responsibility to review the privacy policies of those websites to confirm that you understand and agree with their policies. Please direct any questions regarding linked sites to the webmaster of that site.
  • IRS Circular 230 Notice In accordance with IRS requirements, this is to inform you that any information on this Website that could be construed as U.S. tax advice is not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed on this Website.
  • Attorneys Responsible and Contact Information The attorney responsible for the content of this Website is Keith A. Rosten, 1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 1101, Washington, D.C. 20036, which is the principal office of BCR. If you have any questions concerning us, this Website, these Terms of Use, or anything related to any of the foregoing, we can be reached at the following email address: info@rostenlaw.com
  • Privacy Policy and Information Collection Practices. You may choose to provide personal information (such as your name, address, telephone number and email address) on this Website. We respect your privacy and permit you to control the treatment of your personal information.
    • Contact Link. If you communicate with us through the “Contact” link, you may provide certain information such as your name, email address and telephone number so we can respond to your inquiry or comments. We also may use the information you provide to communicate with you about topics that we believe may be of interest to you.
    • Collection of Information for Other Purposes. We may collect information for other purposes, including administration of the Website, market research, data analytics and compliance with our legal obligations, policies and procedures. We may collect certain information by automated means when you visit this Website, such as how many users visited the Website and the pages accessed.
      • Automatic collection. Our servers automatically recognize visitors’ domain names and IP addresses. No personal information about you is revealed in this process. This Website may also gather anonymous “traffic data” that does not personally identify you, but that may be helpful for marketing purposes or for improving the services we offer.
      • Cookies. From time to time, we may use the standard “cookies” feature of major browser applications that allows us to store a small piece of data on your computer about your visit to this Website. We do not set any personally identifiable information in cookies, nor do we employ any data capture mechanisms on this Website other than cookies. You can choose whether to accept cookies by changing the settings on your browser. However, if you choose to disable this function, your experience at this Website may be diminished and some features may not work as they were intended.
      • Delaware Nevada and California Privacy. For the purposes of Delaware, Nevada and California privacy laws, please note that we save, from most webpages, only this type of information: Your IP address, access time, resource requested, success or failure in delivering a resource. Other information offered by your browser is deleted before the above is stored in a logfile. For many of our webpages, the server stores more technical transaction information, including the referring website that your browser reveals to it. The logfile is subject to rotation and frequent deletion but its data may be inspected and shared with experts and authorities to identify and prosecute illegal acts. The only information of relevance to our provision of the Website is information to decide whether to send a regular size page or a small page for a mobile device. We collect through this Website your name, email, phone number and messages you provide on the Contact page of this Website.
    • Sharing of information. We do not sell, rent, trade or otherwise disclose personal information visitors submit through this Website, except as described in these Terms of Use. We also may share the information with service providers we have retained to perform services on our behalf. These service providers are not authorized by us to use or disclose the information except as necessary to perform services on our behalf or to comply with legal requirements. In addition to disclosures described above, we may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to
      • Conform to the requirements of applicable law or comply with legal process served on us,
      • In response to a request from law enforcement authorities or other government officials, or
      • When we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to prevent physical harm or financial loss or in connection with an investigation of suspected or actual illegal activity.
    • Sale of Information. We reserve the right to transfer any information we have about you in the event we sell or transfer all or a portion of our assets. If Rosten Law or substantially all of its assets are acquired, information collected on this Website will be one of the assets transferred to the acquirer.
    • How We Protect Personal Information: We maintain administrative, technical and physical safeguards for this Website designed to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or destruction of the personal information we collect through this Website.
    • Updating your Information: If you would like to update your contact information or preferences, or have your information removed from our mailing lists, please contact us by emailing us at info@rostenlaw.com or writing to us at: Rosten Law, PLLC 1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20036
  • Disclaimer of Liability Rosten Law makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation or content of this Website. Rosten Law expressly disclaims all other guarantees, warranties, conditions and representations of any kind, either express or implied, whether arising under any statute, law, commercial use or otherwise, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement. In no event shall Rosten Law or any of its partners, officers, employees, agents or affiliates be liable, directly or indirectly, under any theory of law (contract, tort, negligence or otherwise), to you or anyone else, for any claims, losses or damages, direct, indirect special, incidental, punitive or consequential, resulting from or occasioned by the creation, use of or reliance on this Website (including information and other content) or any third party websites or the information, resources or material accessed through any such websites. Rosten Law assumes no liability for any damage arising from the use or misuse of any information provided on this Website. Rosten Law does not guarantee or warrant that the Website will be available without interruption, error or omission; that defects will be corrected; or that the Website and the server or servers that make it available are free from viruses or harmful components. The Website and the materials provided on this Website are provided “as is” and “as available” without representations, warranties or conditions of any kind, either expressed or implied. We may terminate access to this Website or alter or delete this Website or its content or features at any time, in any way, and for any reason or no reason, all in our sole discretion.
  • Severability; Waiver. If, for whatever reason, a court of competent jurisdiction finds any term or condition in these Terms of Use to be unenforceable, all other terms and conditions will remain unaffected and in full force and effect. No waiver of any breach of any provision of these Terms of Use will constitute a waiver of any prior, concurrent, or subsequent breach of the same or any other provisions hereof, and no waiver will be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party.
  • Governing Law. These Terms of Use will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the United States and the District of Columbia, without reference to rules regarding conflicts of law. You hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the District of Columbia courts or federal courts in Washington, DC in all disputes arising out of or related to the use of this Website or any actions or transactions related to these Terms of Use.
  • No License. Except as expressly and unambiguously provided in these Terms of Use, Rosten Law does not grant you any express or implied rights to the information or content provided on this Website under any copyrights, trademarks, trade secret, or other intellectual or industrial property rights.
  • Acknowledgement. By accessing or viewing this Website, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms of Use and agree to be bound by them.
TOP