The Start-Up GA Lawyer
Presented by DK Media Group, LLC d/b/a SocialProf
(404) 919-0660
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)
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