Vale Counsel
Business agreements, commercial premises and ownership transitions, explained before you call.
Business law for owner-run companiesEstablished 2004Folio 1
You run a business, and something about it needs a lawyer’s attention.
You would rather understand where you stand before you pick up the telephone.
This document is written so that you can, in the order a first conversation usually takes.
It is therefore set out as follows:
Each area describes the kind of business matter it covers. Choose the one closest to yours; if none fits, “I am not sure yet” is a good answer.1
If two definitions seem to fit, choose the one that describes what needs to happen first. The rest can follow in the same conversation.
For an agreement your business is about to sign, one it already relies on, or one that is due for renewal. A general description is enough to begin, such as the kind of agreement and when it matters.
For a commercial lease under discussion, a move to new premises, or a change to space your business already occupies. It often matters most before anything is signed, while terms can still change.
For owners thinking about what comes next: bringing in a partner, passing the business on, or making sure it can carry on if circumstances change. These conversations usually start well before any decision is made.
See also Schedule 1, Practice areas and inquiry process.
Three short parts produce a note you can keep beside you when you first speak to a firm.2
Every part can be changed before you review it, and again afterwards.
Form A · EnquiryUnsent · remains on this page
The inquiry planner needs JavaScript. You can still read the practice areas and notes on this page.
Most first conversations begin with the outline: what kind of matter it is, roughly when it started and what you would like to happen next. Names and paperwork can wait.
Before going further, a firm confirms that the matter is within its practice and that it is free to act for you. If it is not the right fit, it should say so plainly and early.3
A firm asking about other people involved, before it hears any detail, is normal. It is how it makes sure it is free to act for you.
If you go ahead, you are told who will work on the matter, how fees are arranged and how to share documents securely. The decision to continue is yours.
A small firm by design. Your first conversation is with one of the two people who would handle the matter, and the same person stays with it.
Signed by
Founding partner · Practising since 2004
Business agreements and commercial premises.
Works with owner-managed companies on the agreements and leases they rely on every day, and reads every clause as if she will have to explain it later.
Signed by
Partner · Practising since 2011
Ownership transitions and continuity.
Helps founders and families plan how a business passes to its next owner, and what should happen if those plans have to change.
Vale editorial notes ·
Choose a general subject and how you would like to speak. Keep the details of your matter for the conversation itself.
Start with a general subject and how you would like to speak. A partner will tell you on the first call whether the firm is the right fit.
Bring any documents you already have to that conversation, not to a web form. We will tell you what to send and how to send it securely.
Notice
There is nothing to fill in about your matter before a first call. Choose a subject and a way to talk.
A first conversation is about whether we can help. Advice comes after we have agreed to work together.
