Onboarding Hub

Welcome to Company Counsel LLC!

You’ve made it to the right place. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to stay in growth mode, or facing a legal challenge, this is where your journey begins with support you can rely on. No matter what brings you here, you can trust that you’re not alone. You’re in good hands, and we’re ready to take the next step with you.

Let’s get started!

How to Reach Us and Navigate Onboarding

Hello, I’m Ninette, your go-to contact for any non-legal questions as we get started. If you need help with logistics, such as scheduling, invoicing, or picking up/dropping off documents, I’m here to assist you.

For legal matters, your main point of contact will be Jon, your assigned attorney.

We also use a client portal to streamline communication and securely share documents. You’ll receive an invitation to join soon. Once you’re in, the client portal is the best place to stay connected with us and keep everything securely organized.

Please watch the video for more detailed onboarding information. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ninette (Non-Legal Matters)

Client Portal

Meet the Team

Each member of our team has been a business owner or has worked closely with small businesses, which means we understand the challenges you face. We approach every client matter together, as a team, pooling our knowledge and perspectives to give you the best support possible.

You’ll have the benefit of our collective experience, with every team member contributing their expertise to help move your business forward. We’re proud to work together, and we’re here to stand beside you, no matter what you’re navigating.

Meet our team below and learn more about who we are and how we can support you.

Bernard A. Williams

Bernard A. Williams | Founder + Managing Partner

Jon Thielen

Jon Thielen | Partner

Linda Alle-Murphy

Linda Alle-Murphy | Litigation Attorney

Ricardo Unikel

Ricardo Unikel | Intellectual Property Attorney

Ninette Bennett

Ninette Bennett | Director of Client Service

Resources

We’ve gathered some relevant and valuable resources here to keep you informed, connected, and supported as we navigate your business journey together. Explore our social media channels, listen to our podcast, and explore our blog.

Social Media Links
Connect with us and stay informed on events, updates, and helpful content.

Podcast: “How Was I Supposed to Know That?”
Listen here to get the answers to questions you didn’t even know you had about running your business.

Company Counsel Blog
Read here: Get practical advice, updates on business law, and tips for keeping your business thriving.

How it Works + Services

At Company Counsel, we focus on building lasting partnerships and providing the legal clarity your business needs. We understand that whether your business is growing, restructuring, or facing challenges, you need clarity, communication, and confidence every step of the way. Below, you’ll find how we work, the services we offer, and what you can expect during our partnership.

How We Do Business

Active Communication – Our approach is rooted in proactive communication. As long as your matter is open, you’ll always hear from us, whether your case is in a busy phase or a quieter one. We believe that staying in the loop shouldn’t be an exception but a consistent part of your experience with us.

Pricing Options – We offer flexible pricing options, so you always know what to expect:

  • Flat Fee Matter: For specific projects, we provide a set price, giving you certainty right from the start.
  • Hourly Billing: For hourly matters, we use a retainer system. Depending on the type of service, the retainer is generally between $5,000 and $10,000. We’ll bill against this retainer every two weeks and request replenishments as needed to ensure there are no delays in working on your matter. Once everything is resolved, any remaining funds are returned to you, no questions asked.
  • Fractional General Counsel Program: Tailored for growing businesses, you have the option of monthly or quarterly billing, whichever best suits your needs.

 

Completing Your Service – At the end of our work together, you’ll receive an end-of-engagement letter detailing what we’ve achieved. We also welcome any feedback. Leaving a review helps us continue to improve the way we serve you.

Our Services

Our legal team offers a range of services to support and protect your business. Every client benefits from our collective knowledge and team-driven approach, ensuring you get the best guidance available.

  1. Fractional General Counsel Program
    Our ongoing, part-time legal services are tailored to fit your business’ unique needs and goals, all at a predictable quarterly rate. With regular access to sound legal advice, you can focus on what you do best – growing your business.
  2. Starting a New Business
    We’re here to help you build a solid foundation for your business. From entity formation to contract setup, employment considerations, and more, we provide specific legal insight and practical guidance to support your growth from day one.
  3. Assessing Business Risk
    Protecting your business means knowing what’s ahead. Our proactive risk assessment service includes legal analysis and action planning to help protect your assets, reduce legal risks, and ensure compliance across all levels.
  4. Protecting Intellectual Property
    Your ideas matter. We help you categorize, register, maintain, and protect your intellectual property so its value stays secure. From the initial registration to enforcement, we’re here to help you protect what makes your business unique.
  5. Buying or Selling a Business
    Whether buying or selling a business, we guide you through each step with due diligence, compliance checks, negotiations, and all required documentation. We’re here to help you navigate these major transitions confidently.
  6. Building Your Team
    The right team makes all the difference. We offer legal counsel, compliance support, and essential documentation as you recruit, hire, and retain the talent that moves your business forward.
  7. Resolving Business Disputes
    Conflicts can happen, but they don’t have to derail your progress. We provide legal representation and counsel to resolve business disputes with minimal disruption to your company’s growth and goals.

FAQs

Yes, you should use the EIN your Company Counsel attorney obtained for you to open a business bank account, not your Social Security Number. A separate business account simplifies financial management, tax filing, and enhances professionalism. It’s also key to protecting personal assets by reducing the risk of “piercing the corporate veil”—keeping personal liability separate from business debts. Plus, it helps build business credit, supporting future growth.

The licenses you need depend on factors like your business type, location, and industry regulations. For example, in Philadelphia, all businesses need a Commercial Activity License, which you can apply for through the eCLIPSE System or in person at the Permit and License Center. The required licenses can range from general business operation permits to those specific to your industry.

Yes. Insurance protects your business against risks that could lead to serious financial loss. Some insurance, like Worker’s Compensation for businesses with employees, may be legally required. Often, contracts like leases or loan agreements also require certain types of insurance. Having the right insurance helps safeguard your operations and manage unforeseen events and devastating financial impacts.

New business owners are generally responsible for income taxes, self-employment taxes, and possibly payroll, sales, and property taxes. The exact obligations depend on your business structure, location, number of employees, and the nature of your operations.

The CTA requires entities like corporations and LLCs to disclose their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is intended to prevent money laundering and fraud. Entities must report business locations, ownership, and identification documents for each owner. Filing is required within 90 days for entities formed in 2024 and annually for older entities. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. If you need assistance, contact your Company Counsel attorney.

Most corporations and LLCs must file annual reports to keep their entity in good standing. For instance, New Jersey requires an annual report to confirm up-to-date information about your registered agent and address, with a $75 fee due each year on the anniversary month of your business formation. Missing this filing could result in the loss of your business standing.

If you need more information or assistance with any of these topics:

  • Setting up your business bank account
  • Obtaining necessary licenses, securing appropriate insurance
  • Understanding your tax obligations
  • Complying with the Corporate Transparency Act
  • Filing required annual reports

 

We’re here to help. Reach out to your Company Counsel attorney to ensure your business stays compliant, protected, and ready for success.