The Start Up Georgia Lawyer

The Start-Up GA Lawyer

Presented by DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a SocialProf

(404) 919-0660

Darshun.Kendrick@gmail.com

About Dar’shun Kendrick

• Born and raised in Georgia

• 2 B.A. from Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) in 2004

• J.D. from University of Georgia (Athens, GA) in 2007

• Master in Business Administration from Kennesaw State (Kennesaw, GA) in 2011

• Admitted to Bar in 2007; Solo since 2010

• Legislator. Professor. Online video blogger. Lifelong Learner. Consultant.

Items to Consider

• Entity Type

• Trademark

• Tradename

• State Bar Resources

• Ancillary Documents

Which entity is best?

• Main determinations: Taxation and Liability *Taxation- Consult an accountant.

• NOTE: Future goals. LLC not best for investors and S Corp. doesn’t allow foreign investors.

• I prefer the LLC form which is the best of both worlds and you can CONVERT later.

• http://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/legal_entity.pdf (last accessed 10/15/14)

Business License (Not optional!)

• This is how the county governments TAX and get revenue from you.

• Most of the time, the process must be done IN PERSON just FYI.

• Requirement to be displayed

• Special provisions for home offices

• Professionals usually get to pay a flat fee ($400 in DeKalb)

Trademark/Servicemark

Trademark/Servicemark• On SOS website

(http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/corporations/trademarks__service_marks2)

• REMINDER: Federal AND state

Tradename (d/b/a)

• Filed in the County of your principal place of business

• Relatively cheap ($157.00 + other fees in DeKalb)

• Ex. DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a DarshunSpeaks (www.youtube.com/user/DarshunSpeaks) AND DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a SocialProf

• Penalties: Fines and suchness

State Bar Resources

• Law Office Management (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/index.cfm)

• Law Office Start Up Resources (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/Start-Up-Resources.cfm)

• Solo and Small Firm Resources *Must log in. (http://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/lpm/soloportal.cfm?id=C9473650-9C8E-9913-79DB48C2A0A29A41)

• Additionally: Use of rooms for meetings, library of books, mentors, programs for stress, etc.

Ancillary Documents

• Buy-Sell Agreement (insurance on your business). If you have a partner, GET IT ASAP.

• Partnership Agreements/Operating Agreements. If you have a partner or other member, GET ONE ASAP.

• Insurance. Key-man, liability, premises liability, etc.

• Strategic financial plan. You MUST think about retirement WHILE you are doing this.

THANK YOU! Let us know how we can help.

Dar’shun Kendrick, Esq./M.B.A.

(404) 919-0660 (office)

(404) 697-8006 (cell)

Darshun.Kendrick@gmail.com