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Running a business in Oklahoma involves a series of constant, calculated decisions. From the moment of its inception, you are creating a legal entity, and every contract signed, employee hired, or partnership formed carries legal weight. An Oklahoma business law attorney provides the framework to support your vision, helping you build a strong foundation and address challenges with clarity.
Whether you are selecting the right business structure, negotiating a lease, or facing a potential dispute, having sound legal guidance is a core component of a sound business strategy. We help you anticipate issues before they become problems.
Green Country Law Group is dedicated to providing straightforward legal support for Oklahoma’s business community. We manage the legal details, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
Contact the Green Country Law Group for a consultation today at (918) 456-6113.
Our practice is built on providing clear, honest, and effective legal services. We act as your strategic partners, dedicated to protecting your interests and fostering your company’s growth. A dedicated Oklahoma business law attorney from our firm will be your advocate.
We handle matters in all Oklahoma state, federal, and tribal courts, as well as the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 10th Circuit and the U.S. Tax Court. This broad jurisdictional experience ensures we are prepared to manage your legal needs, no matter where they arise. With offices conveniently located in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, we are accessible to businesses throughout the region.
A common misconception is that business attorneys are only for lawsuits. In reality, our work is most effective when we help you prevent disputes from ever arising. Our practice is focused on building legal safeguards that protect your operations, assets, and future growth.
The first decision in any business venture is choosing the correct legal structure. This choice affects everything from personal liability and tax planning to your administrative burden. We will guide you in selecting the proper legal entity—such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), S-Corporation, C-Corporation, or partnership—that aligns with your goals (more on this below).
Contracts are the lifeblood of any business, defining relationships with vendors, clients, employees, and partners. Our team prepares, analyzes, and negotiates legally sound contracts designed to protect your interests. This includes a broad range of agreements, including vendor and supplier agreements, employment contracts, commercial leases, and shareholder agreements. Clear, unambiguous contracts are a primary tool for avoiding future disagreements.
Buying or selling a business, or parts of one, involves complex legal and financial processes. Our team handles the legal details of mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases to ensure a smooth and compliant process. We conduct due diligence, negotiate terms, and draft the definitive agreements that finalize the transaction, protecting your investment and facilitating your strategic goals.
Once formed, a business must maintain compliance with state and federal regulations. We help you maintain proper corporate records, understand your legal obligations, and ensure your business remains in good standing. This includes guidance on annual filings, meeting minutes, and adhering to the formalities that preserve your liability protection.
When disagreements arise, we work to find a resolution that protects your company’s interests. Many disputes can be settled through direct negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. However, when litigation is necessary, we are prepared to represent your case. We handle matters in Oklahoma’s state, federal, and tribal courts, addressing issues like breach of contract, partnership disputes, and business torts.
We help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option available under Oklahoma law.
This is the simplest business structure, with no legal separation between you and your business. It is easy to establish but offers no liability protection. Your personal assets—your home, car, and savings—could be at risk if the business incurs debt or is sued.
A partnership involves two or more owners sharing in the profits and losses. Oklahoma recognizes several types:
The LLC is a popular hybrid structure in Oklahoma for its blend of protection and simplicity. It combines the personal liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a partnership, meaning your personal assets are typically shielded from business debts and lawsuits. An LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and is governed by the Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act.
A corporation is a distinct legal entity, entirely separate from its owners (shareholders), that provides strong liability protection but requires more formal administration.
Missteps in this area can lead to claims and legal disputes that disrupt your business. An Oklahoma business law attorney helps you establish sound policies and practices from the start.
Oklahoma is an “at-will” employment state. This means an employer or employee may generally terminate the employment relationship at any time for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all.
However, this rule has important exceptions. An employer cannot terminate an employee for an unlawful reason, such as discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability, or in retaliation for protected activities, like filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Consistency and documentation are fundamental to sound employment practices. We assist businesses in developing clear, compliant policies for hiring, performance management, and termination. Following established, fair procedures reduces the risk of wrongful termination claims.
Protecting your company’s trade secrets and client relationships is a major concern when an employee leaves. However, Oklahoma law places strict limits on these types of agreements. Generally, traditional non-compete agreements that prevent a former employee from working in the same industry are unenforceable.
Under Oklahoma law, specifically Title 15, § 219A, agreements that prohibit a former employee from directly soliciting established customers of the former employer are permissible. Recent legislative changes have also expanded an employer’s ability to protect their interests by allowing restrictions on indirect solicitation and the recruitment of independent contractors. We ensure your agreements are enforceable and fully compliant with the law.
Even with careful planning, business disputes occur. These conflicts might arise with customers, vendors, partners, or competitors.
Some of the most frequent sources of business litigation include:
Litigation can be a lengthy and costly process. For this reason, exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a prudent first step.
We work with our clients to determine the most effective and efficient path to resolution based on the specifics of their case.
If ADR fails or is not appropriate, taking the case to court becomes necessary. The process involves pleadings (the initial complaint and answer), discovery (exchanging evidence), motions, and potentially a trial. Our firm is equipped to represent your interests through every phase of the litigation process in Oklahoma’s court systems.
Just as there is a formal process for starting a business, there is a legal process for ending one. Simply closing the doors is not enough. Failing to properly dissolve your LLC or corporation can leave you exposed to future taxes, fees, and liabilities.
The process of voluntary dissolution involves several key actions to properly wind down the company’s affairs.
A registered agent is an individual or entity designated to receive official legal correspondence and government notices on behalf of your business. All formally registered businesses in Oklahoma, such as LLCs and corporations, are required by law to appoint and maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
An operating agreement for an LLC and bylaws for a corporation both serve as internal governance documents. The operating agreement outlines the management structure, financial arrangements, and ownership rules for an LLC’s members. Bylaws do the same for a corporation’s shareholders and directors, setting rules for meetings, voting, and other corporate formalities.
First, review your contract to understand the payment terms. The next step is typically to send a formal demand letter for payment. If that fails, we can help you explore other options, including mediation or filing a lawsuit to recover the amount owed.
Disputes between partners should first be addressed by consulting the partnership or operating agreement, which may contain a specific dispute resolution clause. If the agreement is silent or informal discussion fails, mediation is typically an effective tool for finding a solution. But if a resolution cannot be reached, legal action may be necessary to protect your interests.
Building a successful business requires careful planning and proactive protection. Instead of reacting to legal problems, let us help you build a company that is structured to prevent them. We provide the steady, knowledgeable guidance you need to operate with confidence.
To discuss your company’s needs and learn how an Oklahoma business law attorney from our team can help, contact the Green Country Law Group for a consultation today at (918) 456-6113.