Business Law

What business law covers

Business law is a broad umbrella that includes entity formation (LLC, C-corp, S-corp, PBC), operating agreements and bylaws, shareholder disputes, commercial contracts, employment agreements, non-competes (now sharply limited under Colorado law), commercial real estate, M&A, financing, licensing, intellectual property assignments, and commercial litigation.

When to hire a business attorney

Before you sign anything meaningful — investor documents, a lease, a founder agreement, a large customer contract. Denver business lawyers frequently see clients only after a dispute begins, at which point fixing an ambiguous contract costs 10× more than drafting a clear one.

What to look for in a Denver business attorney

• Transaction vs. litigation focus. These are different lawyers. Match the lawyer to the task.
• Industry familiarity. Cannabis, tech, restaurants, construction, and healthcare each have Colorado-specific rules.
• Company-stage fit. A firm that represents Fortune 500 companies may not be the right choice for your Series Seed.
• Fee predictability. Ask for flat fees on defined deliverables (formation, standard NDA, employment agreement template).
• Relationships. A well-connected Denver business lawyer can introduce you to bankers, CPAs, and investors.

Typical costs

• Single-member LLC formation with operating agreement: $500 – $1,500 flat.
• Multi-member LLC with negotiated operating agreement: $2,000 – $7,500.
• C-corp formation with founder equity docs: $2,500 – $6,000.
• Standard commercial contract review: $500 – $3,000.
• Hourly rates for Denver business partners: $325 – $650.
• Commercial litigation: hourly, with retainers commonly $10,000 – $50,000.

Many small businesses benefit from a monthly retainer arrangement — a fixed monthly fee for a defined bundle of ongoing legal work. Ask whether your prospective firm offers one.