the start up georgia lawyer
DESCRIPTION
Learn what you should be thinking about if you are looking to start your own law firm in the State of Georgia, from incorporation to other documents.TRANSCRIPT
The Start-Up GA Lawyer
Presented by DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a SocialProf
(404) 919-0660
About Dar’shun Kendrick
• Born and raised in Georgia
• 2 B.A. from Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) in 2004
• J.D. from University of Georgia (Athens, GA) in 2007
• Master in Business Administration from Kennesaw State (Kennesaw, GA) in 2011
• Admitted to Bar in 2007; Solo since 2010
• Legislator. Professor. Online video blogger. Lifelong Learner. Consultant.
Items to Consider
• Entity Type
• Trademark
• Tradename
• State Bar Resources
• Ancillary Documents
Which entity is best?
• Main determinations: Taxation and Liability *Taxation- Consult an accountant.
• NOTE: Future goals. LLC not best for investors and S Corp. doesn’t allow foreign investors.
• I prefer the LLC form which is the best of both worlds and you can CONVERT later.
• http://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/legal_entity.pdf (last accessed 10/15/14)
Business License (Not optional!)
• This is how the county governments TAX and get revenue from you.
• Most of the time, the process must be done IN PERSON just FYI.
• Requirement to be displayed
• Special provisions for home offices
• Professionals usually get to pay a flat fee ($400 in DeKalb)
Trademark/Servicemark
Trademark/Servicemark• On SOS website
(http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/corporations/trademarks__service_marks2)
• REMINDER: Federal AND state
Tradename (d/b/a)
• Filed in the County of your principal place of business
• Relatively cheap ($157.00 + other fees in DeKalb)
• Ex. DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a DarshunSpeaks (www.youtube.com/user/DarshunSpeaks) AND DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a SocialProf
• Penalties: Fines and suchness
State Bar Resources
• Law Office Management (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/index.cfm)
• Law Office Start Up Resources (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/Start-Up-Resources.cfm)
• Solo and Small Firm Resources *Must log in. (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/soloportal.cfm?id=C9473650-9C8E-9913-79DB48C2A0A29A41)
• Additionally: Use of rooms for meetings, library of books, mentors, programs for stress, etc.
Ancillary Documents
• Buy-Sell Agreement (insurance on your business). If you have a partner, GET IT ASAP.
• Partnership Agreements/Operating Agreements. If you have a partner or other member, GET ONE ASAP.
• Insurance. Key-man, liability, premises liability, etc.
• Strategic financial plan. You MUST think about retirement WHILE you are doing this.
THANK YOU! Let us know how we can help.
Dar’shun Kendrick, Esq./M.B.A.
(404) 919-0660 (office)
(404) 697-8006 (cell)