Business and contracts
Practical contract and business counsel for owners of small and mid-sized businesses in Richmond, West Contra Costa County, and the East Bay.
Contracts that fit how the business works
Most business disputes trace back to a contract that was unclear, incomplete, or never written down. The Law Office of Daniel Butt drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements with the goal of preventing that, and enforces or defends them when a dispute does arise. Daniel R. Butt has practiced in California since 2012 and serves as President of the Point Richmond Business Association, with board service on the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Working Waterfront Coalition, so he works with local businesses from both the legal and the practical side.
Common work
- Service, supply, vendor, and customer agreements
- Commercial leases for the business’s space (see real estate)
- Operating agreements, partnership agreements, and buy-sell terms among owners
- Forming an entity and documenting ownership
- Independent-contractor and consulting agreements
- Buying or selling a business or its assets (see purchases and acquisitions)
- Demand letters, collection of amounts owed, and responding to claims
Disputes between owners
Disagreements among partners or LLC members can threaten a business that is otherwise healthy. The office helps owners read what their governing documents actually say, evaluate buyout or dissolution options, and negotiate a resolution. When necessary, the office litigates these disputes in state or federal court.
Enforcing and defending contracts
When a counterparty does not perform, the first steps are usually to confirm the terms, document the breach, and give whatever notice the contract requires. Many disputes resolve at that stage. If not, the office handles litigation and arbitration, including trial (see litigation and trials). Contract claims are subject to statutes of limitation that vary by type of contract, so it is better not to wait.
A local perspective
Businesses in Richmond deal with the City on business licenses, permits, and land-use approvals as well as with private parties. Daniel follows the City’s commissions and Council closely and writes weekly notes on local developments, which helps when a contract depends on a permit, a lease depends on zoning, or a deal depends on a City approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can you review a contract before I sign it?
Yes. A pre-signing review is one of the most cost-effective things a business can do. Send the draft and a short note about what matters most to you, and the office will tell you whether it can help.
Do you set up LLCs and corporations?
Yes, along with the operating agreement or bylaws and ownership documents that make the entity useful.
Someone owes my business money. What can I do?
Often a clear demand letter is the first step. If that fails, options include small claims (where the business represents itself), a civil lawsuit, or arbitration if the contract requires it.
Do you work with businesses outside Richmond?
Yes, across the East Bay and elsewhere in California, on matters governed by California law.
Talk with the office
Call (510) 255-1094, email daniel@buttlaw.com, or use the contact form. The office at 111 Park Place, Suite 204, in Point Richmond is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please do not send confidential details until the firm has confirmed in writing that it represents you.