Maryland Business Lawyer

Business Lawyer Serving Maryland

If you are in need of a professional business lawyer Maryland companies trust, contact the law firm of Brown Kiely LLP. Our legal team has over two decades of business law experience and can provide you with quality legal representation in all aspects of civil litigation. Whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, S-corporation, or larger entity, our law firm can offer you the skilled representation you need.

Business Services We Offer

• Business Formation
• Business Torts
• Breach of Contract
• Employee Issues
• Intellectual Property
• Managing Contracts
• Partnerships & Shareholder Disputes
• Trade Secrets & Restrictive Covenants
• & More

Business Torts

When a person has a specific medical need, they typically go to a physician who specializes in that area of medicine. For example, if a person has fractured a bone, they may go to an orthopedist who specializes in injuries to the skeletal system. For this type of injury they would not go to a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions.

The same holds true in the practice of law. If you have a business law issue, then it is most likely in your best interest to consult with our experienced Maryland business lawyer and not a lawyer who specializes in other areas of law. Business law can be very complex. Federal, state, and regional laws often change. In order to protect your company, you want to make sure the business lawyer in Maryland you consult with is one who consistently stays up-to-date and on top of all these changes.

Common Types of Business Laws for Business Owners to Abide By

When running a successful business, a business lawyer Maryland companies trust will tell you how it is imperative to understand the array of legal implications that need to be followed. Business law requires that regulations be put in place so that your company can function successfully. This includes regulation regarding bankruptcy, sales, operations and taxes. It’s important that, as a business owner, you abide by every business law that may apply to you. Contacting a Maryland business lawyer from Brown Kiely LLP can help you to better understand the laws, and ultimately avoid encountering legal ramifications in the future.

When you speak with a business lawyer Maryland knows for skilled representation, you’ll find that are a lot of laws in place that could apply to your business. For example:

• Finance law is there in the event that a business has to file for bankruptcy. It will protect the investors, business owners, and even customers.
• Privacy law is in place to protect the confidentiality of customers. It does so by securing any private information that a business collects.
• Marketing and advertising law is put in place so that any claims by companies must actually be true and honest.
• Employment and labor laws are put into place to protect employees. Your business lawyer Maryland seeks out to understand these laws will tell you that they require business owners to provide a fair minimum wage, not enlist child labor, enforce overtime rules and wages, and manage personal records.
• Online business law states that business transactions must be regulated, and enforces this. Oftentimes, businesses have online sales and transactions are filed. Understanding the effect online revenue may have on your company can be very beneficial to a business owner.
  Intellectual property law helps protect any trademark, copyright, patents or designs that your company has in place or is currently developing.
• Property law allows business owners to file patents so that they can prevent their competitors from using their ideas. The right business lawyer Maryland companies rely upon can be helpful to ensure that you complete all of your necessary paperwork in order to protect your business.
• Workplace safety and health law is put in place to safeguard your employees from unsafe and hazardous conditions and environments. It is crucial that business provide a safe workplace to employees.

The inner workings of business law may be difficult to grasp, as there are many intricacies that are vital to the functioning of the company. As confusing as it may be, not abiding by these laws, regardless of whether or not it was accidental, could ultimately lead to jail time. You should consult with Brown Kiely LLP to begin working with a business lawyer Maryland knows can guide companies through this process, and who will be able to ensure that your business follows all regulations that are in place.

Common Business Services We Offer

1. Contract Disputes: One frequent legal issue that companies often deal with are contract disputes. Some of the most common types of contract disputes our law firm handles include service contracts, real estate, sales contracts, commercial loans, and corporate governance issues. As a Maryland business lawyer, we can resolve even the most complex situations involving contract disputes.
2. Partnership and Shareholder Disputes: Business partnerships are similar to marriages. Just like in a marriage, disagreements and disputes can occur between business partners that need to be addressed, either through negotiations to work out the issue, or dissolution to end the partnership. Whatever the situation, you can be assured that our business lawyers are skilled negotiators who will work to get you the best outcome possible.
3. Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants: We understand how critical it is for a company’s success when it comes to safeguarding trade secrets, proprietary data, and other confidential information. One of the best ways to avoid complicated and distracting litigation in the future is to make sure that all non-compete contracts and restrictive covenants you present to employees are legally solid. Our lawyers will also ensure that all of these documents will comply with any applicable state and federal employment laws.

Contact a Business Lawyer Maryland Clients Count On

Regardless of the nature of your commercial litigation issues, if you are looking for a business lawyer in Maryland, contact Brown Kiely LLP today. We are available to meet and discuss what your business needs are and how our lawyers can help.

Call a professional business lawyer Maryland companies recommend to set up an appointment to discuss your case or if you would like to just learn more about our law firm.

How Your Company Can Negotiate Better Distribution Contracts

Through the crafting of an effective distribution agreement, distributors and suppliers can form a very valuable symbiotic relationship. Both parties will be able to obtain mutual benefits through their contract in the form of increased sales volume, higher profit margins and a greater market share. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, a properly-drafted distribution contract can help to ensure that legal disputes are avoided. The simple fact is that litigation related to a contract dispute can be time-consuming and expensive.

No business wants to deal with unnecessary litigation. Fortunately, the risk of a dispute can be dramatically reduced by working with an experienced Maryland business lawyer from Brown Kiely LLP. Each of our business attorneys have extensive experience working with businesses in the geo area and are available to assist your company in all legal needs.

Three Steps to Better Distribution Contracts

Do Your Due Diligence: One of leading causes of failed business relationships is simply a lack of due diligence. Far too many distributor/supplier relationships run into problems because of the fact that insufficient care was taken to draft and review the agreement. Before getting involved with a partner business, your company needs to know that the other firm is reliable. It cannot be emphasized enough: All distributors and suppliers should engage in an extensive investigative review process before signing on the dotted line. A business lawyer in Maryland can help with this process

Look to Achieve a Balance: Of course, the most important thing in negotiating a contract is to protect the rights and interests of your company. However, what some negotiators fail to realize is that your company can often get more value by looking to achieve a balance. This does not mean that your company’s interests should take a back seat, but instead that you should look for mutual benefits during negotiations. This is especially important when it comes to distribution contracts as any friction within the relationship between the business could eventually adversely affect both companies.

Know the Importance of Proper Contract Construction: Finally, perhaps the most important step of contract negotiation is construction of the contract itself. Without proper execution, all the good will created between the businesses during the negotiation does actually mean that much. Value is obtained through execution. This is why distributors and suppliers should always be represented by an experienced business lawyer. Much of the time, contract litigation arises because of sloppy contract construction. By comprehensively addressing all issues during the drafting process, two partner companies will be able to dramatically reduce the chances that they will end up in an undesirable contract dispute.

Do You Need Legal Advice?

An experienced business lawyer Maryland clients trust from Brown Kiely LLP is ready to help. If your company is currently negotiating a distribution contract, or if your firm is involved with any type of contract dispute, please do not hesitate to contact our office today for a free review of your case.

Maryland Business Infographic

Maryland Business Statistics

Business law encompasses a broad range of legal issues affecting companies, from contract disputes to regulatory compliance. Understanding the prevalence and types of business-related legal cases is crucial for businesses to navigate potential risks effectively.

• Prevalence of Lawsuits: Over 100 million lawsuits are filed annually in U.S. state trial courts, with more than 400,000 cases at the federal level. 
• Contract Disputes: Approximately 33% of civil trials involve contract disputes, highlighting their significance in business litigation. 
• Small Business Exposure: Small businesses bear nearly 50% of the $347 billion in commercial liability costs, amounting to $160 billion annually. 
• Arbitration Cases: In 2025, 804 new arbitration cases were filed, with 63% involving customers and 37% intra-industry disputes.
• Commercial Litigation: In 2023, 10,253 contract cases and 6,654 commercial cases were filed in federal district courts.

Business law statistics provide insights into the legal landscape that affects companies and entrepreneurs. Business-related legal issues span a wide array of areas, including corporate governance, intellectual property rights, contracts, and disputes. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nearly 50% of small businesses face legal issues related to contracts, either with clients, suppliers, or employees. One of the most common challenges is ensuring that contracts are clear and enforceable to avoid disputes that could potentially lead to expensive litigation.

Corporate governance is another area where legal challenges frequently arise. Research indicates that a significant number of businesses face lawsuits over employment practices, including discrimination, wage and hour violations, and wrongful termination. These lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming, and many small businesses lack the legal resources to navigate them effectively.

Intellectual property (IP) also presents a growing concern for businesses, with trademark and patent infringement cases on the rise. A study by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggests that the number of trademark applications has been steadily increasing, signaling the importance of IP protection for businesses in the modern economy. Furthermore, approximately 1 in 10 businesses report dealing with IP-related litigation annually.

For businesses facing complex legal challenges, hiring experienced attorneys is essential. Legal services tailored to business law can help mitigate risks and ensure compliance with ever-evolving regulations.

 

 

Maryland Business FAQs

Launching and managing a business comes with legal responsibilities, and having the right knowledge can help avoid potential challenges. From choosing the right structure to drafting contracts and managing liability, small business owners need to understand key legal aspects. Working with our Maryland business lawyer can provide clarity and guidance when making important decisions.

What legal structure is best for my business?

Choosing the right business structure depends on factors like liability protection, taxation, and management flexibility. Sole proprietorships and partnerships offer simplicity but expose owners to personal liability. LLCs provide limited liability protection while maintaining flexible tax options. Corporations, particularly S corporations and C corporations, offer stronger liability protection and potential tax benefits but require more administrative work. With help from your small business attorney, it will be important to consider long-term goals, liability concerns, and tax implications when selecting a structure.

What are the key differences between an LLC and a corporation?

LLCs and corporations vary in terms of ownership, taxation, and regulatory obligations. LLCs provide liability protection and pass-through taxation, meaning profits and losses pass directly to owners without corporate taxation. Corporations, on the other hand, are separate legal entities that may be taxed at both corporate and shareholder levels unless structured as an S corporation. Corporations also have stricter compliance requirements, including board meetings and formal record-keeping. The choice depends on how we plan to manage the business and handle taxes.

What contracts should every business have in place?

Our Maryland business lawyer shares that every business should have essential contracts to protect its interests and define obligations. These include operating agreements or bylaws that outline ownership and management, client and vendor agreements to set clear terms, employment contracts to define roles and responsibilities, and non-disclosure agreements to protect sensitive information. Well-drafted contracts help prevent misunderstandings and legal disputes, making them a fundamental part of any business operation.

How can I protect my business from liability?

Protecting a business from liability involves multiple steps, including choosing the right entity, carrying adequate insurance, and following proper business practices. LLCs and corporations help shield personal assets, while liability insurance provides financial protection in case of lawsuits. Clear policies and procedures, proper employee training, and thorough contract documentation also reduce the risk of legal claims. By taking proactive steps, we can safeguard our business from unnecessary legal exposure.

What are the legal requirements for hiring employees?

Hiring employees requires compliance with federal and state employment laws. Businesses must properly classify workers as employees or independent contractors, comply with wage and hour laws, and follow anti-discrimination regulations. Employers should also have clear policies regarding workplace conduct, benefits, and termination procedures. Establishing compliant hiring and management practices helps protect the business from potential legal disputes.

Legal Support For Business Growth

Having the right legal foundation with help from our small business attorney supports long-term business success. Addressing legal matters early can prevent disputes, reduce liability risks, and create a strong operational framework. Legal guidance is essential for protecting a company’s future, whether choosing a business structure, drafting contracts, or handling employee matters. Our team offers integrity, accessibility, and commitment.

For those looking for tailored legal assistance, our Maryland business lawyer at Brown Kiely LLP can discuss specific business needs and provide strategic legal solutions, let us protect your rights. Consulting with a business litigation attorney helps businesses establish strong legal protections and minimize risks. Reach out today to learn more about legal support for business growth.

Maryland Business Glossary

When operating a business in today’s legal landscape, working with a Maryland business lawyer can help safeguard your company’s structure, intellectual property, and contractual relationships. Business owners must stay compliant with a wide range of state and federal regulations, and legal guidance can make a substantial difference. Whether you are just forming your entity or are managing established operations, having legal counsel that understands your needs can protect your business interests long term.

Below are five essential legal terms often encountered by companies operating in Maryland, each playing a critical role in the legal health of your business.

Business Tort

A business tort involves a wrongful act committed against a company that causes financial harm, outside of a breach of contract. These can include interference with contractual relationships, unfair competition, or misappropriation of trade secrets. Business torts are civil wrongs and typically arise from intentional or negligent conduct. For instance, if a competitor unlawfully disrupts your business agreement with a supplier, this could be grounds for a tortious interference claim. Companies may seek injunctive relief or monetary compensation, and a Maryland attorney can advise on proper legal remedies.

Restrictive Covenant

A restrictive covenant is a contractual clause that limits certain actions of employees or former business partners, typically after they leave the company. Common forms include non-compete agreements, non-solicitation clauses, and confidentiality agreements. These are especially useful when businesses want to prevent individuals from using sensitive information or client relationships to benefit competitors. In Maryland, courts scrutinize restrictive covenants to determine whether they are reasonable in scope and duration. Improperly drafted terms may be unenforceable, which is why having them reviewed by a legal professional is crucial.

Distribution Agreement

A distribution agreement outlines the relationship between a supplier and a distributor regarding the sale and delivery of goods. This contract sets expectations around pricing, territory rights, delivery obligations, and termination clauses. Maryland businesses engaging in wholesale or retail activities often require carefully drafted distribution agreements to minimize disputes. If one party fails to meet performance benchmarks or violates exclusivity provisions, the other party may have a valid breach of contract claim. A well-structured agreement reduces the chance of litigation and supports long-term partnerships.

Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property (IP) protection refers to legal measures used to secure intangible assets such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets. For businesses in Maryland, IP protections serve as a foundation for preserving unique branding elements and product designs. For example, a logo registered as a trademark prevents others from using it in the same market. Without these protections, competitors can exploit your company’s work, which can dilute your brand or compromise competitive advantage. Working with legal counsel helps business owners file proper registrations and enforce their rights when necessary.

Partnership Dispute Resolution

Partnership dispute resolution involves strategies to manage and settle disagreements between business partners or shareholders. These conflicts may relate to financial distributions, management authority, or alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. When not addressed early, partnership disputes can result in dissolution or litigation. Maryland business owners can benefit from having dispute resolution procedures built into partnership agreements, such as mediation clauses or buy-sell arrangements. Legal intervention often helps parties avoid drawn-out legal battles by encouraging practical resolutions that support business continuity.

Brown Kiely LLP, Maryland Business Lawyer

3 Bethesda Metro Center #700, Bethesda, MD 20814

Contact Our Maryland Business Lawyer Today

Whether you’re drafting contracts, forming a new business, or addressing legal concerns with partners or employees, working with a knowledgeable business attorney can streamline your decisions and protect your company’s operations. At Brown Kiely LLP, we’ve built our practice around helping Maryland companies manage legal risk and operate confidently in a competitive market. Contact us today to speak with a business lawyer in Maryland. We’ll review your situation and explain how our legal team can support your business goals.