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Businesses & Nonprofits
Practical Business & Nonprofit Counsel—Statewide in Wisconsin
You need clear answers, tight documents, and predictable fees. Attorney Jacob R. Gardner combines a J.D. and MBA to deliver plain‑language bottom-line conscious legal representation and guidance for Wisconsin businesses and nonprofits—from formation to daily operations and transactions.
We are based in southern Wisconsin and available statewide.
Formation & Governance
Businesses (LLC/Corp):
- Wisconsin entity selection and registration
- Operating agreements, bylaws, buy‑sell terms
- Initial resolutions, EIN guidance, and compliance calendars
Nonprofits:
- Wisconsin nonprofit corporation setup and policies
- IRS tax‑exemption applications (Form 1023/1023‑EZ/1024, as appropriate)
- Board governance: conflicts, minutes, committees, and fiduciary basics
Deliverables: Clear, customized core documents—not boilerplate.
Contracts & Transactions
- Vendor/customer agreements, Independent Contractor Agreements, MSAs/SOWs, NDAs
- Lease review and commercial terms
- Asset purchases and key‑terms letters
- Risk allocation (indemnity, warranties, limitations of liability)
Approach: Issue‑spot early, negotiate what matters, and keep the paper proportionate to the deal.
Employment Policies & Handbooks
- Handbooks and policy suites tailored to size and industry
- Offer letters, confidentiality/IP, and basic compliance guidance
- Coordination with tax/benefits counsel when specialized advice is needed
Goal: Practical policies that help managers lead and reduce avoidable risk.
Outside General Counsel (On‑Call Counsel)
A predictable monthly package for fast Q&A and document reviews.
Typical coverage:
- Day-to-day problem-solving; calls and email guidance
- Short‑form contract edits and redlines
- Board/owner meeting prep and action items
- Issue‑spotting and referrals when a specialist is required
What’s not included: Litigation, complex financing, or securities work—those can be quoted or referred out as/if needed.
Process & Pricing
- Consultation: Understand goals, timelines, and constraints.
- Proposal: Written scope, timeline, and transparent fee (flat‑fee when suitable).
- Execution: Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize—efficient communication throughout.
- Ongoing Support: Registered Agent services, reminders for renewals/annual reports, and check‑ins as needed.
Flat‑Fee Options:
- LLC or nonprofit formation packages, plus on-going Registered Agent representation or other services, as needed
- Contract review up to a set page count with a summary memo
- Policy/handbook build‑outs for small teams
- On-Call Counsel (cost-effective on-call legal services)
Why Businesses & Nonprofits Choose This Firm
- J.D./MBA perspective: Legal risk aligned with business reality
- Efficient workflows: Technology‑enabled drafting and review
- Clear, upfront fees: No surprises; scoped deliverables, accessible to small business and new entrepreneurs
- Local roots, statewide reach: Based in Southwestern Wisconsin; serving clients anywhere in Wisconsin
FAQs
Which entity should I choose—LLC, S‑Corp, or nonprofit? It depends on liability, taxes, funding, and governance. We’ll map options to your goals and loop in your accountant as authorized.
How fast can you form an LLC or nonprofit? Often quickly, depending on state and IRS processing. We’ll outline expected timelines before you commit.
Can you review a contract on short notice? Usually, yes—especially under an on‑call plan. We’ll prioritize key risks and plain‑English recommendations. With all contracts, though, it is helpful to get your lawyer looped in as early as possible.
Do you work statewide? Yes. Meetings can be virtual or scheduled in person when that adds value.
Will you coordinate with our accountant or specialist counsel? If you authorize it, we'll be happy to—efficient collaboration keeps costs sensible and avoids rework.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.