Business Formation, Transactions & Restructuring
Running a business in Oklahoma means navigating a wide range of legal issues — some routine, some complex, and some that can define the future of your company.
The business law attorneys of JPM Law bring decades of combined legal experience to every matter they take on, providing the cost-effective, tailored solutions our clients need to thrive. Whether you’re starting a new enterprise, need assistance with a complex transaction, or are seeking to restructure in the face of financial distress, JPM Law is here to help your business succeed.
Industries Served by Our Business Law Attorneys
JPM Law represents businesses across a wide range of industries. Our attorneys understand the regulatory environments, commercial realities, and financial pressures specific to the sectors we serve — and we tailor our counsel accordingly.
- Energy (Oil and Gas): Exploration and production companies, oilfield service providers, and energy sector lenders.
- Agriculture and Agribusiness: Farm operations, suppliers, cooperatives, and agricultural lenders.
- Real Estate and Construction: Developers, landlords, tenants, and construction firms.
- Manufacturing and Wholesale: Industrial manufacturers, distributors, and their supply chain counterparts.
- Healthcare: Clinics, hospitals, and medical providers.
- Retail and Hospitality: Hotels, resorts, retail chains, and other consumer-facing businesses.
- Financial Services: Banks, private lenders, and investors — including private equity firms and special servicers.
Business Formation
Starting a business on the right legal foundation protects your personal assets, minimizes your tax exposure, and positions your company for long-term growth. Our business law attorneys can help you navigate every stage of the formation process — from selecting the right entity structure to drafting the internal governance documents that will guide your enterprise for years to come.
- Entity Selection and Registration: Choosing the right business structure is one of the most consequential decisions a new business owner makes. Our attorneys assess your specific situation to identify the right structure — LLC, PLLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp — and handle all required filings with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
- Governing Documents: Registration with the Oklahoma Secretary of State is only the beginning. We draft the Operating Agreements, Bylaws, and Shareholder Agreements that actually govern how your business runs, addressing management authority, voting rights, profit distributions, and ownership transitions.
- Regulatory Compliance and Licensing: Depending on your industry and location, your business may need state or local permits, professional licenses, or specialized registrations to operate legally. We identify the requirements specific to your business and coordinate the necessary filings.
- Asset Protection: Entity structure alone is not enough to protect your personal assets. We advise business owners on the operational steps necessary to maintain the separation between personal and business assets and preserve their liability protections.
- Employment and HR: We help new businesses develop the foundational employment documents they need — including offer letters, non-compete agreements, and employee handbooks — and advise on the state and federal requirements governing hiring and termination in Oklahoma.
Business Transactions
Whether you are acquiring a business, negotiating a commercial lease, or simply keeping your contracts in order, the quality of your legal counsel directly impacts the outcome. JPM Law represents businesses of all sizes across the full range of commercial transactions, with a focus on protecting your interests and closing deals efficiently.
- Contract Drafting and Review: We prepare, negotiate, and review the contracts that govern your business relationships — including vendor agreements, service contracts, NDAs, and non-competes — prioritizing clear terms that will protect your interests and hold up should disputes arise.
- Business Purchases and Sales: We guide clients through asset purchases, stock transfers, and mergers, managing due diligence, documentation, and negotiation from letter of intent through closing.
- Buy-Sell Agreements and Ownership Transfers: Whether you are bringing on a new partner or planning for succession, we draft clear, enforceable agreements that govern ownership transitions and protect all parties involved.
- Commercial Leases and Real Estate: We represent businesses in negotiating and documenting commercial leases, purchase agreements, and land use matters, ensuring your interests are protected before you sign.
- Corporate Governance and Compliance: We provide ongoing counsel on corporate procedures, shareholder agreements, and compliance with Oklahoma state law to keep your business operating smoothly and minimize legal exposure.
- Succession Planning: We work with business owners to develop ownership transition plans that address retirement, death, or disability, ensuring the continuity of the business and the interests of all stakeholders.
- Employment and HR: We advise established businesses on hiring, termination, and workplace policies, helping employers stay compliant with state and federal employment law and minimize liability.
Why JPM Law?
Our attorneys are consistently recognized by their peers for both legal ability and professional ethics. All of our partners hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible standard, and members of our team have been featured in Best Lawyers in America, Top Attorneys in Oklahoma by Oklahoma Magazine, and Tulsa’s Top Lawyers by Tulsa People.
Honest, Straightforward Counsel: We tell clients what they need to hear — not what they want to hear. Whether you are forming a new business, negotiating a complex transaction, or navigating a financial crisis, you will always get a clear-eyed assessment of your situation and a strategy designed to achieve the best realistic outcome.
Tailored, Cost-Effective Solutions: No two clients are alike. We take the time to understand the specifics of your situation — your business, your objectives, and the constraints you are operating under — and develop practical, cost-effective solutions aligned with your goals.
Aggressive Advocacy When It Matters: When negotiations become difficult or disputes arise, we won’t take the path of least resistance. We build strong positions, press them hard, and litigate when necessary to protect your interests.
Deep Roots in the Oklahoma Business Community: Our attorneys have strong ties to this market and a thorough understanding of the industries, relationships, and business dynamics that make Oklahoma unique. That knowledge — combined with a command of the state laws and industry-specific regulations governing Oklahoma business — is why so many business leaders place their trust in JPM Law.
Talk to Our Business Attorneys
At JPM Law, we don’t just protect your business. We act as your strategic partner, providing the sound legal counsel and critical insights that will empower your team to mitigate risk, drive growth, and gain a competitive edge.
Business Formation, Transactions & Restructuring: Frequently Asked Questions
What business entity type is right for my new business in Oklahoma?
The right structure depends on a number of factors, including:
- How many owners are involved
- How you want the business to be taxed
- How much personal liability protection you need
LLCs are the most common choice for small to mid-sized businesses in Oklahoma because they offer liability protection without the administrative burden of a corporation. However, a PLLC, C-Corp or S-Corp may be more appropriate depending on your growth plans, licensing needs, investor requirements, or tax situation.
What should I look for when reviewing a commercial contract?
At a minimum, a well-drafted commercial contract should clearly define each party’s obligations, establish what happens in the event of a breach, address how disputes will be resolved, and specify which state’s law governs the agreement. In Oklahoma, certain contract provisions — including some non-compete clauses — are subject to specific statutory requirements that affect their enforceability. While many contracts seem straightforward on the surface, they often contain terms that may expose a business to significant liability.
