Choose Your Business Law Package
Comprehensive legal support tailored to your business needs. Over four decades of experience protecting New Jersey businesses with practical, strategic guidance.
Startup Essentials
Perfect for new businesses establishing their legal foundation
Complete startup legal package
- Business entity formation consultation and filing
- Initial contract templates (3 standard agreements)
- Legal risk assessment review
- Operating agreement or bylaws drafting
- EIN application assistance
- 30-day email support
Virtual General Counsel
Ongoing legal support for established businesses
Comprehensive monthly retainer
- Unlimited email and phone consultations
- Contract review and drafting (up to 5/month)
- Monthly legal compliance check
- Business transaction guidance
- Dispute resolution strategy sessions
- Priority response within 24 hours
- Quarterly business legal health review
Contract Services
Professional contract drafting and review
Starting rate, complex agreements may vary
- Custom contract drafting or comprehensive review
- Negotiation strategy and support
- Risk identification and mitigation advice
- Plain-language explanation of terms
- Two rounds of revisions included
- 14-day follow-up support
M&A Advisory
Expert guidance for buying or selling businesses
Based on transaction complexity and value
- Complete due diligence legal review
- Purchase or sale agreement drafting
- Asset vs. stock purchase structure guidance
- Negotiation representation
- Regulatory compliance verification
- Post-closing legal support (90 days)
- Business valuation legal guidance
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Strategic resolution of business disputes
Retainer required based on case complexity
- Case evaluation and strategy development
- Mediation and arbitration representation
- Settlement negotiation
- Litigation management and court representation
- Breach of contract disputes
- Partnership and shareholder disputes
- Business debt collection support
Construction Law
Specialized construction industry legal services
Flat fees available for certain services
- Construction contract drafting and review
- Contractor and subcontractor agreements
- Payment dispute resolution
- Mechanics lien filing and defense
- Construction compliance review
- Bid protest representation
- Project documentation guidance
Individual Legal Services
À la carte services for specific business legal needs tailored by Paul H. Appel
🏢 Entity Formation
Form the right legal structure for your business. LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, or Nonprofit setup with complete compliance guidance.
Explore Options →⚖️ Legal Risk Analysis
Identify and protect against hidden legal traps in your business operations, contracts, and compliance obligations before they become problems.
Get Assessment →📄 Employment Contracts
Protect your business with professionally drafted employment agreements, non-competes, NDAs, and independent contractor agreements.
Draft Agreements →🤝 Partnership Agreements
Essential protection for business partnerships. Clear terms that prevent disputes and protect all parties with comprehensive legal safeguards.
Create Agreement →🏪 Commercial Leases
Expert review and negotiation of commercial lease agreements to protect your business interests and avoid costly pitfalls.
Review Lease →📊 Shareholder Agreements
Protect corporate interests with clear shareholder rights, obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms for business continuity.
Structure Agreement →🔍 Due Diligence
Comprehensive legal review for business acquisitions, investments, and major transactions to identify risks and opportunities.
Start Review →🏗️ Construction Contracts
Specialized construction industry contracts protecting contractors, subcontractors, and project owners with industry-specific expertise.
Get Protection →💼 Succession Planning
Plan for business continuity with strategic legal guidance on ownership transitions, exit strategies, and generational transfers.
Plan Ahead →🔐 Non-Disclosure Agreements
Protect your business information, trade secrets, and proprietary data with enforceable confidentiality agreements.
Protect Information →🚫 Non-Compete Agreements
Safeguard your business interests with legally sound non-compete agreements that protect against unfair competition from former employees.
Draft Non-Compete →📋 Vendor Contracts
Establish clear terms with vendors and suppliers to ensure smooth business relationships and minimize disputes over deliverables.
Review Contracts →Ready to Protect Your Business?
Schedule a consultation with Paul H. Appel to discuss your business legal needs. With over four decades of experience serving businesses across Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County, we provide the strategic guidance your business deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept checks, credit cards, bank transfers, and can arrange payment plans for larger engagements. Retainer arrangements require an initial deposit to begin services.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we offer a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your business legal needs and determine how Paul H. Appel can best assist you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Which areas of New Jersey do you serve?
We serve businesses throughout New Jersey, with particular focus on Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County. We also serve clients in Toms River, Freehold, Brick Township, and throughout the state. Virtual consultations available statewide.
Can package services be customized?
Absolutely. Every business is unique, and we're happy to customize our service packages to meet your specific needs. Whether you need entity formation, contract services, or business transaction support, contact us to discuss a tailored solution.
What makes Paul H. Appel different from other business attorneys?
Paul H. Appel brings over 40 years of business law experience with a focus on practical, common-sense solutions. We emphasize client education and proactive legal planning to avoid problems before they occur. Our motto reflects our approach: "The Only Dumb Question Is The One You Don't Ask." We encourage open communication and serve as a trusted advisor, not just a legal service provider.
How quickly can you start working on my case?
For most matters, we can begin work within 24-48 hours of initial consultation and retainer agreement. Urgent matters receive priority attention. Virtual General Counsel clients receive same-day or next-day response for time-sensitive issues.
Do you handle business litigation?
Yes, we provide comprehensive business litigation and dispute resolution services, including breach of contract disputes, partnership disputes, shareholder disputes, and mediation/arbitration services. We focus on early resolution strategies to save time and costs.
What types of contracts do you draft and review?
We handle all types of business contracts including employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, commercial leases, vendor contracts, client service agreements, and more. Each contract is tailored to your specific business needs.
Can you help with buying or selling a business?
Yes, we provide comprehensive mergers and acquisitions services, including due diligence, asset purchase agreements, stock purchase agreements, and business valuation guidance. We guide you through every step of the transaction.
What is your office location?
Our office is located at 11 Crestwood Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728. We serve clients throughout New Jersey and are available for in-person meetings, phone consultations, and video conferences based on your preference and location.
Contact Us
Complete Legal Services
Need Legal Help? Contact The Law Offices of Paul H. Appel Today.
- 11 Crestwood Drive Freehold, NJ 07728
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 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 MoreInsights & 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.
