Business Law
Strategic business counsel for companies at every stage of growth.
Sections
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
Overview
Your business moves fast, through growth opportunities, unexpected challenges, and strategic decisions that shape your future. You need business law counsel that moves just as quickly: a partner who knows your industry, understands your needs, and anticipates what’s coming next. Our Business Law team delivers exactly that, providing clear answers and actionable recommendations when you need them most.
We understand that no two businesses are alike, and neither are their legal needs. Whether you’re a startup or a well-established business, our Business Law team provides comprehensive, customized counsel to support you through every phase of your business journey, from formation and financing to mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies.
Our experienced corporate attorneys bring a strategic, business-minded approach that not only addresses your immediate needs but also aligns with your long-term goals. We’ll help you draft airtight contracts, plan for business succession, establish strong corporate governance, and structure deals that protect your interests. With experience representing companies in complex transactions and advising businesses of all sizes on day-to-day operations, our team brings the insight needed to navigate changing legal landscapes, anticipate risk, and build a solid foundation for sustainable success. Together, we’ll clear the path for you to do what you do best: build your business.
We Answer Your Business Law Questions
- Do I need a lawyer to form my business?
- What is the best business structure for my company?
- What legal documents do I need to start a business?
- What should be included in a partnership/operating/shareholders’ agreement?
- How do I protect myself from personal liability as a business owner?
- How do I protect my business ideas or intellectual property?
- How do I raise capital for my business?
- What should I look for when reviewing a commercial contract?
- What are my options if I want to sell my business?
- How do I maximize the value of my business?
- When should I start the succession planning process?
- How do I transition ownership while staying involved in the business?
- How is my business valued in an acquisition?
If you have legal questions, our attorneys give you the answers you need to make confident decisions for your business.
Focus Areas
Mergers & Acquisitions
Leading your company through a merger or acquisition requires careful orchestration of moving parts. We guide clients through every phase of the transaction lifecycle, including the letter of intent, due diligence, structuring, negotiation, regulatory compliance, and closing. We work closely with financial and tax advisors to ensure transactions align with business objectives and protect stakeholder interests.
Succession Planning
Transitioning leadership and ownership is one of the most critical decisions a business will face. A successful handoff requires strategic foresight and meticulous planning. We help you build a comprehensive succession plan that protects your legacy, ensures business continuity, and gives everyone involved confidence about what comes next. We collaborate with your succession team to create a plan that reflects your vision and aligns with leadership objectives. Our attorneys have in-depth experience working with family-owned and closely held businesses in both an advisory and legal role, serving as a trusted partner who understands the unique complexities of transitioning a business you’ve built.
Private Equity Investment
Whether you’ve already established private equity or are looking to start, our team will work with your leaders and financial partners to structure and manage your fund by raising capital, forming alliances, and identifying opportunities that lead to deals that pay dividends.
Financing & Capitalization
Every business needs capital to fuel growth, but the path to securing it varies widely. Whether you’re exploring venture capital, bank financing, or alternative funding sources, we help you evaluate your options and determine the optimal mix of equity and debt that aligns with your business model and growth trajectory.
Corporate Contracts
Strong contracts protect and propel your business. We draft, negotiate, and review a full range of agreements, including shareholder, operating, partnership, licensing, employment, master service agreements, commercial leases, and other commercial agreements, ensuring clarity, enforceability, and alignment with business strategy.
Reorganizations & Divestitures
Strategic restructuring can create a more efficient and profitable enterprise. We’ll work side by side with your leadership team to ensure every opportunity is realized throughout the process.
General Counsel Services
Our team provides flexible, comprehensive general counsel services to address your legal needs as they arise, from day-to-day operations to advising on compliance and risk management. We provide experienced legal guidance with a deep understanding of your business, acting as a true extension of your team.
Depth of Practice
Our depth of practice includes experience with:
- Business formation and entity selection, including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships
- Incorporation/organization documents, bylaws, and governance policies
- Shareholder, operating, and partnership agreements
- Board structuring and corporate governance advisory
- Regulatory compliance and filings with state and federal agencies, including the New York State Department of State, New York State Department of Labor, and the Internal Revenue Service
- Seed funding, venture capital transactions, and capital raising
- Equity and debt financing transactions
- Mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases
- Business succession planning and advisement
- Chapter 11 acquisition transactions
- Master service agreements
- Distribution and supplier agreements
- Commercial leases
- Non-compete and restrictive covenant agreements
- Licensing agreements and intellectual property protection
- Data privacy and cybersecurity
Team
Barone-J
John
Barone
Partner
Albany, NY
Batt-J
Jamie
Batt
Partner
Buffalo, NY
Burge-B
Benjamin
Burge
Partner
Buffalo, NY
Cook-CJ
CJ
Cook
Partner
Buffalo, NY
Bozeman, MT
Farooq-U
Uzair
Farooq
Associate
Buffalo, NY
Kos-S
Steven
Kos
Partner
Buffalo, NY
Lenhard-M
Matthew
Lenhard
Partner
Rochester, NY
Miller-M
Matthew
Miller
Partner
Buffalo, NY
Insights
What to Consider Before You Assemble Your Succession Planning Team
What to Consider Before You Assemble Your Succession Planning Team $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / By Jamie Batt Many business owners know they…
The Hidden Risks of Filing Your Own Liquor License Application in New York
The Hidden Risks of Filing Your Own Liquor License Application in New York $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / By Rachel Wright New York does not require…
Buying or Selling a Business: HR, Legal, Financial, and Operational Strategies to Maximize Value
Buying or Selling a Business: HR, Legal, Financial, and Operational Strategies to Maximize Value $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / Rupp Pfalzgraf is…
Rupp Pfalzgraf Represents Better Parks Buffalo in Land Sale to Solar Developer
Rupp Pfalzgraf Represents Better Parks Buffalo in Land Sale to Solar Developer $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / Rupp Pfalzgraf partners Benjamin Burge…
Heightened Medspa Enforcement in New York: What Operators Must Do Now to Stay Compliant
Heightened Medspa Enforcement in New York: What Operators Must Do Now to Stay Compliant $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / By Rachel Wright New York…
Benjamin Burge Discusses Sudden Business Closures in Buffalo Business First
Benjamin Burge Discusses Sudden Business Closures in Buffalo Business First $variable({“type”:”content”,”value”:{“name”:”post_date”,”settings”:{“before”:””,”after”:””,”date_format”:”default”,”custom_date_format”:””}}})$ Home / Rupp Pfalzgraf partner Benjamin Burge was…
Industries Served
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Representative Matters
- Represented the independent directors of Steel Connect, Inc., a publicly traded company, in its going-private transaction
- Assisted a client in acquiring SencorpWhite, Inc. as the successful stalking horse bidder in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The transaction was nominated for “Middle Market Transaction of the Year” by a national organization.
- Represented a heating equipment and systems wholesaler in an $8 million asset sale to a synergistic purchaser
- Represented an automotive dealership client in a $100M sale of automotive franchises and real property.
- Represented an insurance agency in a $20 million sale to a private equity firm
- Advised a commercial refrigeration repair company in a $15 million sale to a private equity buyer
- Represented a fitness equipment manufacturer in a $4 million sale to a private equity firm
Testimonials
You are accomplished attorneys, you do your due diligence and you do it diligently, but you are business people first and that is unique
The service, responsiveness, and attention to detail the Rupp Pfalzgraf business law team provided on our deal was tremendous
Ben did a fantastic job staying engaged right down to the wire to get this latest transaction closed. Always on, always available, and always with a great demeanor. A true extension of our team