Best Corporate & Commercial Lawyers in Greensboro

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Schell Bray, Pllc

Schell Bray, Pllc

30 minutes Free Consultation
Greensboro, United States

Founded in 1987
30 people in their team
English
Schell Bray’s tax-exempt organizations and philanthropy practice has the breadth of experience and depth of knowledge to help our charitable and other nonprofit clients innovate and achieve their missions while keeping compliant with applicable laws. Our attorneys provide high level and practical...
AS SEEN ON

United States Corporate & Commercial Legal Articles

Browse our 1 legal article about Corporate & Commercial in United States written by expert lawyers.

United States NY LLC Transparency Act 2026 Compliance Guide
Corporate & Commercial
The federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and New York's LLC Transparency Act are separate regimes: reporting to FinCEN does not satisfy New York's 2026 state filing requirement. Most small corporations and LLCs in the United States must file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN starting 2024, unless a specific federal... Read more →

About Corporate & Commercial Law in Greensboro, United States

Corporate and commercial law in Greensboro covers the formation, governance, and operation of businesses that operate in the Greensboro area and across North Carolina. Attorneys in this field help with entity selection, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Local businesses often interact with the North Carolina Secretary of State and state court systems for these matters.

Greensboro sits in Guilford County and hosts a mix of manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and service enterprises. This environment makes robust corporate governance and clear commercial contracts essential. A local corporate counsel can tailor documents and processes to North Carolina law and Greensboro market practices.

Because many corporate and commercial issues cross state boundaries, it is important to work with counsel who understand both state statutes and local business realities. An experienced attorney can spot regulatory pitfalls early, reducing risk and potential disputes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

These real-world scenarios illustrate concrete situations in Greensboro where you should consult a corporate and commercial attorney.

  • Forming a Greensboro based LLC for a Greensboro manufacturing startup. An attorney helps choose the right entity, draft an operating agreement, and file with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This ensures proper governance and compliance from day one.
  • Negotiating a long term supply agreement with a Greensboro supplier. A lawyer drafts or reviews clauses on price adjustments, delivery terms, and dispute resolution to limit risk and preserve cash flow.
  • Drafting or updating an ownership agreement when a Greensboro tech company brings in new investors. An attorney can align equity splits, vesting, and fiduciary duties with NC law and tax implications.
  • Closing a merger or acquisition of a Greensboro business. An attorney coordinates due diligence, drafts the purchase agreement, and handles regulatory approvals to protect value and avoid post closing disputes.
  • Complying with annual reporting and good standing requirements for a North Carolina corporation or LLC. A lawyer ensures timely filings and compliance to avoid administrative dissolution or penalties.
  • Negotiating a commercial lease for a storefront or warehouse in Greensboro. A lawyer negotiates rent, term, maintenance obligations, permitted use, and renewal options to protect your operations.

Local Laws Overview

This section highlights specific North Carolina statutes that govern corporate and commercial activities in Greensboro. Reference these statutes for core rules on formation, governance, and capital markets.

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 55 - Corporations

This chapter governs the formation, governance, and fiduciary duties of corporations in North Carolina. It includes provisions on articles of incorporation, corporate powers, directors and officers, and shareholder rights. For current text and amendments, see the North Carolina General Assembly website.

Chapter 55 - Corporations covers formation, governance, and fiduciary duties for corporations in North Carolina.

Source: North Carolina General Assembly

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 57D - Limited Liability Companies

Chapter 57D addresses the creation, management, and dissolution of domestic limited liability companies. It includes rules on member rights, management structures, and the duties of managers and officers. Consult the statute for up to date provisions and any updates affecting operating agreements and governance.

Chapter 57D governs the formation and governance of North Carolina LLCs, including member rights and fiduciary duties of managers.

Source: North Carolina General Assembly

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 55B and Chapter 78A - Nonprofit Corporations and Securities

Chapter 55B covers nonprofit corporations, which are common for charitable organizations, foundations, and certain member organizations. Chapter 78A is the North Carolina Securities Act, which regulates the offering and sale of securities within the state and outlines exemptions and registration requirements for issuers and brokers.

Chapter 55B governs nonprofit corporations, including formation and governance in North Carolina.

Source: North Carolina General Assembly

Chapter 78A regulates the sale of securities in North Carolina and sets exemptions and registration requirements for offerings.

Source: North Carolina General Assembly

For state level context, see the North Carolina Secretary of State and NC General Assembly pages. These statutes are the backbone of corporate and commercial activity in Greensboro and throughout the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an attorney and a solicitor in North Carolina corporate matters?

In North Carolina, the term attorney is commonly used for private legal counsel. Solicitor is historically a public role in some jurisdictions. For business matters, hire an attorney or corporate counsel who specializes in NC corporate law.

What is the process to form an LLC in North Carolina?

You file articles of organization with the North Carolina Secretary of State and prepare an operating agreement. An attorney helps ensure proper language for governance and tax considerations.

How much does it cost to hire a Greensboro corporate lawyer?

Costs vary by matter complexity, timeline, and attorney experience. Typical engagements include a fixed fee for contracts and a hourly rate for more complex matters. Always request a written engagement letter with rates.

Do I need a local attorney in Greensboro for my filing?

Local counsel can be beneficial for understanding Greensboro market practices and local requirements. However, you can file some documents online via NC government portals and may not need in person visits.

What is an operating agreement and why do I need one?

An operating agreement outlines ownership, governance, and financial arrangements for an LLC. It helps prevent disputes and clarifies procedures for major decisions and disputes in North Carolina.

How long does it take to complete a corporate closing in a Greensboro deal?

Deal closing timelines depend on due diligence, financing, and regulatory approvals. A typical small to mid market closing takes 4 to 12 weeks after signing the purchase agreement.

What is the annual report and why is it important?

Annual reports keep your entity in good standing with the Secretary of State. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution or penalties.

Should I consider a non compete or non solicitation clause in contracts?

Yes, if your business relies on trade secrets or client relationships. A Greensboro attorney can tailor these clauses to NC law and enforceability standards.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for a commercial lease negotiation?

Yes. An attorney helps review rent, term, renewal options, maintenance obligations, and exit strategies to protect your interests over the lease term.

Is there a separate process for nonprofit corporations in North Carolina?

Yes. Nonprofits are governed by Chapter 55B and require specific protections for charitable or mission-based activities. Legal counsel can ensure compliance with tax and governance rules.

How can I protect my business from contract disputes in Greensboro?

Use clear written contracts, define performance metrics, and include dispute resolution provisions. An attorney can tailor documents to NC law and your industry.

Additional Resources

  • North Carolina General Assembly - Official state legislature website with the current text of Chapters 55, 55B, 57D and 78A. Function: provides statutory text and amendments for corporations, nonprofits and LLCs. Chapter 55 - Corporations, Chapter 57D - LLCs, Chapter 78A - Securities
  • North Carolina Secretary of State - Official business registration and annual reporting portal. Function: handles formation filings, annual reports, and corporate registrations. Business Registration
  • U.S. Small Business Administration - North Carolina - Federal guidance and state level resources for small businesses. Function: offers business planning, financing options, and legal considerations for NC entities. SBA North Carolina - Greensboro District

Next Steps

  1. Define your objective and timeline. Decide if you need formation, contract drafting, or a transition plan for an acquisition. Timeline: 1-3 days for initial planning.
  2. Identify Greensboro or nearby NC law firms with corporate and commercial practice. Check bios for NC experience and local market knowledge. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
  3. Request a written engagement proposal. Ask for scope, hours, hourly rates or fixed fees, and deliverables. Timeline: 1 week after initial contact.
  4. Prepare a short information packet for your lawyer. Include entity type, ownership structure, key contracts, and regulatory concerns. Timeline: 2-3 days.
  5. Meet for a strategy session to tailor documents to NC law and Greensboro market needs. Timeline: 1-2 weeks after engagement.
  6. Review and sign the engagement letter and attach a list of priority documents. Timeline: 1 week after the strategy session.
  7. Proceed with drafting, negotiation, or filing. Monitor milestones and adjust as needed. Timeline: depends on matter; typical contract negotiations 2-6 weeks, filings within days to a few weeks.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Greensboro through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Corporate & Commercial, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Greensboro, United States — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.