Business Law

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Brann & Isaacson's reputation for providing the highest quality representation to businesses is based upon its expertise in a wide range of areas, from corporate organization to intellectual property issues to employment law.  Brann & Isaacson has represented clients in multi-million dollar purchase and sale transactions.  We have also represented lenders and borrowers in structuring complex financing, early stage companies in equity offerings, and have handled the full range of personnel issues faced by businesses.  In addition, Brann & Isaacson has negotiated complex real estate arrangements on behalf of its clients.  Our work has not been limited to domestic transactions.  We have negotiated and drafted partnerships, joint ventures, and brokerage and distributorship arrangements throughout the world.

We assist clients in matters relating to the selection and organization of business entities, matters of corporate governance and ethics, and the maintenance of corporate records.  We provide comprehensive advice in the purchase and sale of business, mergers and joint venture agreements, and antitrust compliance.  We assist corporate clients in connection with the negotiation of a wide array of commercial agreements and undertakings involving vendor relationships (including contracts and confidentiality agreements), banking and institutional financing, customer relations, insurance agreements and claims, and customs compliance.

THE SCOPE OF OUR PRACTICE

We provide our clients with legal counsel in the following areas:

Corporate Organization

We help our clients select the form of business entity most appropriate for their specific business and their strategic objectives, taking into account matters ranging from protection of personal assets to management of federal, state, and local taxation. Once a choice of entity is made -- whether it be a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company -- Brann & Isaacson helps organize that entity and ensure that appropriate corporate formalities are met.  We also assist clients in the formation, organization, and reorganization of businesses with multiple corporations or other business entities. After organization or reorganization, we advise clients on protective measures for asset and shareholder protection, matters of business governance, and appropriate record-keeping.

Employment Matters and Labor

Brann & Isaacson helps businesses with a wide variety of matters related to employment and labor law.  For example, we develop, review, and improve employment policies and handbooks, work with both public and private sector employers in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, provide training programs in employment law for managers and supervisors, and advise on wage and hour and OSHA matters. 

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Mergers and Acquisition

Brann & Isaacson has substantial experience in representing clients in the purchase and sale of businesses, in merger and joint venture agreements, and in antitrust compliance.

Transactions

The firm works with clients on a range of business transactions, which include the purchase, sale and leasing of real estate (including shopping center leases for two national retailers)  technology licensing agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, bank and institutional financing, marketing and distribution agreements, insurance agreements, franchise arrangements, and confidentiality agreements.

International Trade

We also advise clients on international brokerage and distribution arrangements, joint venture agreements, and management of customs obligations.  We maintain referral relationships with counsel in EU countries, Japan, Hong Kong and Costa Rica.

Estate Planning and Foundations

Estate planning is an essential element of our business practice.  Brann & Isaacson provides a full array of estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration services to business owners and employees, advising them on all aspects of wealth transfer planning, including gift planning during a person's lifetime, estate planning to take effect after life, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, and wealth preservation. Brann & Isaacson also provides administrative services to one of Maine's largest private foundations, the JTG Foundation, as well as a number of smaller family foundations. Based on our experience in this area, we are uniquely qualified to assist and advise clients wishing to establish private family foundations, public charities, donor-advised funds, and various charitable trusts to help them accomplish their charitable giving goals in a tax efficient manner.

Click here to learn more about our estate planning practice.