Legal Considerations for Business Startups
September 17, 2023

Starting a new business venture is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with a multitude of legal considerations. At Deppman Law, we understand that navigating this legal landscape can be daunting. To help, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that outlines critical legal steps and considerations for launching your new commercial venture in Vermont.

 

Top 10 Legal Steps and Considerations for New Businesses

 

Choose the Right Business Structure

 

Selecting the appropriate legal structure for your business is an important first step. Vermont offers several options, including sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation. Each structure has its own implications for liability, taxation, and regulatory requirements. Consulting with a commercial lawyer can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

 

Register Your Business

 

Once you've chosen a business structure, you'll need to register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State's office. This involves filing the necessary paperwork, paying applicable fees, and obtaining the required licenses and permits. Compliance with state and local regulations is essential to avoid legal complications down the road.

 

Draft Solid Contracts

 

Contracts are the backbone of any business. Whether you're entering into agreements with vendors, employees, or customers, well-drafted contracts are crucial. Seek legal counsel to ensure that your contracts are clear, comprehensive, and protective of your interests.

 

Intellectual Property Protection

 

If your business involves unique products, services, or branding, consider trademarking your intellectual property. Protecting your trademarks and copyrights not only safeguards your brand but also provides legal recourse against infringement.

 

Employment Law Compliance

 

Hiring employees involves compliance with various employment laws. Understanding wage and hour regulations, non-discrimination laws, and workplace safety requirements is essential. Additionally, creating an employee handbook that outlines company policies can help mitigate potential disputes.

 

Tax Obligations

 

Vermont has its own tax requirements and obligations for businesses. Understanding state and federal tax laws, sales tax, payroll taxes, and income tax is crucial for compliance and financial planning. Consulting with an experienced tax attorney can help you navigate this complex landscape.

 

Financing and Funding

 

Whether you're seeking funding from investors, loans, or grants, it's essential to understand the legal aspects of financing. This includes the terms of investment agreements, loan contracts, and compliance with securities laws if you're issuing shares or ownership interests.

 

Regulatory Compliance

 

Different industries may be subject to specific state and federal regulations. Depending on your business type, you may need licenses, permits, or approvals from regulatory agencies. Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations is essential to avoid legal issues.

 

Protecting Personal Assets

 

In some business structures, personal assets can be at risk if the business faces financial difficulties or legal challenges. Consider the level of personal liability protection offered by your chosen business structure and consult with an attorney if necessary.

 

Exit Strategy

 

Planning for the future includes considering your exit strategy. Whether you plan to sell your business, pass it on to a family member, or dissolve it, having a clear strategy in place ensures a smoother transition.

 

Contact a Vermont Commercial Lawyer Today

 

Starting a business in Vermont is an exciting journey. Having a legal partner like Deppman Law by your side can make it a smoother and more secure process. Benj and Lesley are here to guide you through every legal consideration, ensuring that your business venture is built on a solid legal foundation. If you're ready to take the next step, contact Deppman Law today for legal guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Protecting Your Small Business from Legal Disputes Before They Start

December 16, 2025
Running a small business involves balancing opportunity and risk. While disputes can’t always be avoided, many legal problems can be prevented with proactive planning and clear communication. Here are several ways small business owners can reduce legal risk before issues arise. Choose the Right Business Structure The legal structure of your business affects liability, taxes, and operations. Forming the right entity can help protect personal assets and clarify ownership responsibilities from the outset. Use Clear, Written Agreements Handshake deals and informal arrangements often lead to misunderstandings. Well-drafted contracts with customers, vendors, and partners help set expectations and reduce disputes over payment, performance, deliverables, or scope of work. Review Commercial Leases Carefully Commercial leases often contain long-term obligations and hidden costs. Understanding lease terms before signing can prevent costly surprises and future conflicts with landlords. Address Employment Issues Early Clear policies, proper classification of workers, and consistent practices can help prevent disputes with employees or contractors. Early legal guidance can help ensure compliance and reduce exposure. Plan for Disagreements Even healthy businesses encounter conflict. Including dispute resolution provisions in contracts and addressing issues promptly can help resolve problems before they escalate into litigation. Proactive legal planning isn’t about expecting failure—it’s about building a strong foundation that allows your business to operate with confidence and flexibility. Call Deppman Law PLC If you own or are starting a small business and want to reduce legal risk before problems arise, Deppman Law PLC can help. We work with Vermont business owners to put practical safeguards in place and address issues early. Contact Deppman Law PLC to schedule a consultation and protect your business’s future.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer? Common Situations Where Early Advice Matters

November 17, 2025
People frequently wait to contact a lawyer until a problem feels urgent or unavoidable. By that point, costs may be higher and stress levels are often elevated. In many situations, speaking with a lawyer early can help prevent small issues from becoming much larger ones. Here are some common scenarios where early legal advice can make a meaningful difference. Before Signing a Contract Whether it’s a lease, business agreement, vendor contract, or settlement document, contracts carry long-term consequences. A quick review before signing can help identify unclear terms, unexpected obligations, or risks you may not have noticed. During Major Life Changes Events like marriage, divorce, having children, or buying property often trigger legal considerations. Early guidance can help ensure important steps—such as updating estate plans or addressing property rights—aren’t overlooked. When Starting or Growing a Business Choosing the right business structure, drafting agreements, and understanding liability risks are much easier at the beginning than after problems arise. Early legal planning can protect both personal and business assets. If a Dispute Is Developing If tensions are rising with a tenant, business partner, neighbor, or family member, early advice can help you understand your rights and avoid actions that could escalate the situation or weaken your position. After an Injury or Property Incident Whether you were injured or someone was hurt on your property, early legal input can help preserve important information and guide next steps before statements are made or deadlines are missed. Talking to a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re headed for court. In many cases, it’s about understanding your options, clarifying risks, and making informed decisions before a situation becomes more complicated. Call Deppman Law PLC If you’re facing a legal question or simply wondering whether you should speak with an attorney, Deppman Law PLC is here to help. We offer practical guidance designed to address issues early and thoughtfully. Contact Deppman Law PLC to schedule a consultation and get clear answers before problems grow.