Business Law Services in Hazlet Township, NJ: Protecting Your Life’s Work
You’ve built something. Maybe it started as a late-night idea at a kitchen table, or maybe you finally took the leap and opened that storefront near the Hazlet train station. But then the paperwork started piling up. The “standard” contracts that look like they were written in a different century. The partner who suddenly has a different vision for the bank account. The landlord who thinks a “triple net lease” means they can bill you for the sunrise.
It’s a lot. Honestly, it’s enough to make you wonder why you started a business in the first place. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to carry the legal weight alone. Whether you’re navigating a breach of contract dispute or just trying to get your LLC paperwork off the ground, having a partner who actually knows the Monmouth County landscape changes everything.
What We Do And Why It Matters
I’ve seen too many good people in Hazlet Township get burned because they thought a Google search was as good as a law degree. It isn’t. Business law isn’t just about filing papers; it’s about building a fortress around your assets so you can actually sleep through the night.
Here is a look at the core services we provide:
Entity Formation: Choosing between an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp isn’t just a tax question; it’s a liability shield.
Contract Crafting: We move past boilerplate to create client service agreements that actually protect your specific workflow.
Lease Negotiations: Before you sign for that space on Route 35, let’s make sure the terms don’t favor the landlord 100-to-1.
Partnership Agreements: Because we’re friends, we don’t need it in writing is the most expensive sentence in the English language.
Dispute Resolution: Sometimes you have to fight. When that happens, we handle the litigation or mediation so you can keep the doors open.
Choosing Your Legal Support Path
Not every business needs the same level of legal intensity, so we tailor our support to where you actually are. For new startups, our Launchpad service focuses on LLC or corporation formation, operating agreements, and getting the initial filings done right. For established small and mid-sized businesses, The Shield is about protecting what you have built through contract drafting and review, HR policy checks, and lease renewals. And when things turn adversarial, The Sword is designed for the dispute phase, handling breach of contract claims, partnership conflicts, and debt collection with a clear, strategic approach.
Why The Law Offices of Paul H. Appel?
Look, there are plenty of big firms in North Jersey with marble lobbies and 500-page brochures. That’s not us. When you call, you talk to me. I’ve spent years helping businesses in Hazlet Township, NJ navigate the specific quirks of our local courts and regulations.
I believe business law should be accessible. It shouldn’t be a mystery. My goal is to be the person you call when you have a “gut feeling” something isn’t right, or when you’re ready to take your company to the next level. We focus on specific, concrete results. Like landing that big municipal contract or finally getting a non-paying client to settle their bill.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Think about it this way: your business is probably your biggest asset. It’s your retirement plan, your kid’s college fund, and your daily passion. Don’t leave it vulnerable to a poorly worded email or a “boilerplate” contract that doesn’t actually say what you think it says.
I’m here to help you get the legal clarity you need so you can get back to what you’re good at. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to sell your company and move on to the next adventure, let’s make sure the legal side is locked down.
Honestly, the best time to fix a legal problem was yesterday. The second best time is right now. Reach out, and let’s see how we can put a shield around your hard work.
Contact us today to request a quote or schedule a conversation.
Email: paul@paulappellaw.com
Office: 11 Crestwood Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 269-649-0520 (I’m happy to chat and see if we’re a fit.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Providing clear answers and strategic legal guidance for business owners in Hazlet, NJ and throughout Monmouth County.
Technically, no. You can go online and click a few boxes. But a website won't tell you if your operating agreement actually protects you from a "member-managed" disaster or how to handle New Jersey’s specific tax requirements. We make sure it’s done right the first time.
Don’t panic, but don’t wait. We can often find "out" clauses or negotiate amendments. The sooner we look at it, the more leverage we usually have.
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. My first move is always to see if we can settle or use mediation to get a result. Burning money on legal fees just to "win a point" isn't good business.
It depends on the project. For formation and specific document reviews, we often do flat fees. For litigation or ongoing advice, we use traditional retainers. We’ll talk about the costs upfront—no surprise bills.
Absolutely. If your business is based here in Hazlet, we ensure your contracts stipulate that any legal disputes happen on your home turf, under NJ law. That alone can save you a fortune.
Waiting until they get sued to call a lawyer. Think of legal services as "business insurance." You want it in place before the storm hits.
Serving New Jersey Businesses
We provide comprehensive business law services across Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your business interests with personalized legal solutions.
Ocean County
Serving businesses throughout Ocean County with expert legal guidance for business formation, contracts, transactions, and dispute resolution.
Monmouth County
Providing comprehensive business legal services throughout Monmouth County, from entity formation to complex transactions and dispute resolution.
Middlesex County
Offering expert business legal services throughout Middlesex County, focusing on commercial contracts, corporate compliance, and supply chain agreements.

Working Process
Initial Consultation
Strategic Planning
Document Preparation
Ongoing Support
Our Specialized Business & Corporate Law Services
Business Entity Formation
Business Entity Formation Services
View Main Service →LLC Formation
Establish your limited liability company with proper legal structure, operating agreements, and compliance to protect your personal assets.
Learn MoreS-Corp Setup
Form an S-Corporation to benefit from pass-through taxation while maintaining corporate protections and professional credibility.
Learn MoreC-Corp Registration
Create a C-Corporation for maximum flexibility in ownership, fundraising, and long-term growth planning for your business.
Learn MorePartnership Formation
Draft comprehensive partnership agreements that define roles, responsibilities, profit sharing, and dispute resolution procedures.
Learn MoreNonprofit Organization Setup
Navigate the complex process of establishing a tax-exempt nonprofit with proper governance, bylaws, and regulatory compliance.
Learn MoreBusiness Legal Risk Analysis
Business Legal Risk Analysis Services
View Main Service →Business Compliance Audits
Comprehensive review of your business operations to identify compliance gaps, regulatory violations, and potential legal exposure.
Learn MoreContract Compliance Review
Analyze existing contracts to ensure they meet current legal standards and protect your business from unforeseen obligations.
Learn MoreEmployee Handbook & HR Policy Review
Ensure your employee policies comply with labor laws and provide clear guidelines to minimize workplace disputes and liability.
Learn MoreRisk Assessment for Small Businesses
Identify legal vulnerabilities specific to your business size and industry to implement proactive risk management strategies.
Learn MoreCorporate Governance Review
Evaluate board practices, decision-making processes, and corporate structure to ensure proper governance and legal compliance.
Learn MoreContract Drafting, Review & Negotiation Services
Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation
View Main Service →Employment Contracts
Create clear employment agreements that define compensation, benefits, duties, and termination terms to protect both parties.
Learn MoreIndependent Contractor Agreements
Draft agreements that properly classify workers, define scope of work, and protect your business from misclassification (ABC Test) issues.
Learn MoreNon-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Safeguard your proprietary information, trade secrets, and confidential business data with enforceable NDA provisions.
Learn MoreNon-Compete Agreements
Protect your business interests with reasonable non-compete clauses that are enforceable under New Jersey law.
Learn MoreCommercial Lease Agreements
Draft and review agreements for your business locations, addressing rent, zoning, and usage rights for commercial properties.
Learn MoreVendor & Supplier Contracts
Establish reliable business relationships with clear terms on pricing, delivery, quality standards, and dispute resolution.
Learn MoreClient Service Agreements
Professional service contracts that clearly define deliverables, payment terms, and liability limitations to prevent disputes.
Learn MoreBusiness Transactions
Business Transactions Attorney
View Main Service →Commercial Lease Review & Negotiation
Strategic negotiation of lease terms to secure favorable CAM charges, renewal options, and minimize liabilities for your business.
Learn MoreAsset Purchase Agreements
Structure the acquisition of business assets with proper valuations, warranties, and transfer procedures to ensure smooth transactions.
Learn MoreShareholder Agreements
Define ownership rights, voting procedures, transfer restrictions, and exit strategies to prevent future shareholder conflicts.
Learn MoreFranchise Agreements
Navigate complex franchise documents to understand your rights, obligations, fees, and territorial protections before investing.
Learn MoreLicensing Agreements
Protect and monetize your intellectual property through carefully crafted licensing terms, royalties, and usage restrictions.
Learn MoreMergers & Acquisitions
Buying & Selling Businesses / M&A
View Main Service →Due Diligence Legal Services
Thorough examination of business operations, finances, contracts, and liabilities to uncover risks before acquisition.
Learn MoreStock Purchase Agreements
Structure the purchase or sale of company stock with proper representations, warranties, and indemnification clauses.
Learn MoreAsset Transfer Agreements
Facilitate the legal transfer of business assets including equipment, inventory, and IP during restructuring or sales.
Learn MoreBusiness Valuation Guidance
Legal support in understanding valuation methodologies and ensuring fair pricing in business transactions.
Learn MoreSuccession Planning
Develop a strategic plan for business continuity, leadership transition, and wealth transfer to the next generation.
Learn MoreDispute Resolution
Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution
View Main Service →Breach of Contract Disputes
Aggressive representation when contract terms are violated, seeking enforcement, damages, or equitable remedies.
Learn MorePartnership Disputes
Resolve conflicts between business partners through negotiation, mediation, or litigation to protect your ownership interests.
Learn MoreShareholder Disputes
Address conflicts over corporate governance, dividend distribution, management decisions, and shareholder oppression.
Learn MoreBusiness Debt Collection
Efficient legal strategies to collect unpaid B2B invoices and outstanding debts while maintaining professional relationships.
Learn MoreMediation & Arbitration
Alternative dispute resolution methods that save time and money while achieving favorable outcomes outside of court.
Learn MoreVirtual General Counsel
Virtual General Counsel & Ongoing Consultation
View Main Service →Monthly Legal Advisory Retainer
Ongoing legal counsel with predictable costs, priority access, and proactive guidance for all your business decisions.
Learn MoreStartup Legal Support Packages
Comprehensive legal foundation for new businesses including entity formation, contracts, and compliance setup.
Learn MoreDay-to-Day Business Legal Questions
Quick answers to routine legal questions that arise in daily operations, helping you make informed decisions.
Learn MoreReview of Ongoing Contracts & Policies
Regular assessment of existing agreements and policies to ensure they remain current, enforceable, and protective.
Learn MoreGeneral Business Law Advice
Strategic counsel on business strategy, growth planning, and legal considerations for expanding operations.
Learn MoreConstruction Law
Construction Law Matters
View Main Service →Construction Contracts
Draft and review construction agreements that clearly define scope, timelines, payment schedules, and change order procedures.
Learn MoreContractor & Subcontractor Agreements
Establish clear working relationships with proper indemnification, insurance requirements, and performance standards.
Learn MorePayment Dispute Resolution
Resolve non-payment issues, retainage disputes, and change order disagreements in construction projects.
Learn MoreLien Law Attorney Services
File mechanic's liens to secure payment or defend against improper lien claims on your construction projects.
Learn MoreConstruction Compliance Review
Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, licensing requirements, and prevailing wage laws.
Learn More
About Paul H. Appel, Esq.
There are many general practitioners, but there are very few dedicated business lawyers with the depth of experience of Paul Appel.
Paul graduated with a JD from Columbia Law School in 1967 and has been a mainstay of the New Jersey legal community ever since. Throughout the years, Paul has focused on establishing a Trusted Advisor Relationship with his clients. He prioritizes open dialogue to proactively address corporate challenges before they become costly liabilities.
Paul is passionate about assisting business owners with day-to-day operational advice, **commercial transactions**, and specialized contract drafting. He serves as a **comprehensive resource for corporate legal needs**, helping companies navigate mergers, acquisitions, and **commercial dispute resolution** through skilled negotiation or litigation. He encourages his clients to actively participate in the legal process by asking questions.
"The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask."
Columbia Law School
Corporate & Commercial Law
58+ Years
Insights & Guidance from The Law Offices of Paul H. Appel
Stay informed with practical articles, legal tips, and in-depth resources designed to help business owners make confident decisions. From understanding corporate contracts and commercial dispute resolution to navigating complex business mergers and acquisitions, our blog provides valuable knowledge backed by decades of legal experience. Whether you are starting a new venture or managing a growing company, explore our latest posts to learn how smart legal planning can protect your business and position it for long-term success.




