Practice Areas

Business & Contracts

Last updated: June 2026

Practical legal counsel for Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners—without the big-firm overhead.

Overview

Starting or running a business in Ohio means making decisions that have real legal consequences—often before you realize it. McEndree Law helps Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners build on a solid legal foundation, from choosing the right business structure to making sure every agreement protects their interests.

Jeffrey A. McEndree II brings clear, actionable legal advice to business clients who need practical guidance, not a lengthy memo full of caveats. Whether you’re forming a new entity, reviewing a vendor contract, or preparing to sell your business, McEndree Law is ready to help.

Services

  • Business Entity Formation (LLC, Corporation, Partnership)
  • Operating Agreements & Corporate Bylaws
  • Contract Drafting & Review
  • Non-Disclosure & Confidentiality Agreements
  • Employment & Independent Contractor Agreements
  • Business Purchase & Sale Transactions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between an LLC and operating as a sole proprietor?
The most significant difference is personal liability protection. As a sole proprietor, your personal assets—your home, savings, and other property—are exposed to business debts and lawsuits. An LLC creates a separate legal entity; provided you maintain proper separation between personal and business finances, your personal assets are generally protected from the LLC's creditors. The LLC also provides a formal structure for multi-owner businesses and can be beneficial for tax planning.
Does my Ohio LLC need an operating agreement?
Ohio law does not require a written operating agreement, but it strongly recommends having one. Without an operating agreement, disputes about ownership percentages, profit distributions, decision-making authority, and what happens when an owner wants to exit are governed by Ohio's default LLC statutes—which may not match what the owners actually intended. A well-drafted operating agreement prevents those disputes before they arise.
Should I have a lawyer review a contract before I sign it?
For any significant business commitment—a vendor agreement, a commercial lease, a services contract with meaningful financial terms—yes. A lawyer can identify provisions that create unexpected liability, flag missing protections, and negotiate changes before you're bound by the document. Reviewing a contract after you've signed it, when a dispute has already arisen, is more difficult and more expensive than reviewing it before.
What is an NDA, and when do I need one?
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract that restricts one or both parties from disclosing confidential information shared during a business relationship or negotiation. NDAs are appropriate when sharing proprietary business information with a potential partner, investor, or employee—or when someone is sharing such information with you. The scope, duration, and permitted uses of the information are the critical terms to get right.
What's involved in buying or selling a business in Ohio?
The transaction involves due diligence (reviewing financials, contracts, liabilities, and operations), structuring the deal as either an asset purchase or a stock or membership interest purchase, drafting and negotiating the purchase agreement, and addressing employment, IP, and regulatory issues specific to the business. The choice between an asset purchase and a stock purchase has significant tax and liability implications for both buyer and seller and should be analyzed with legal and accounting counsel.

Ready to Build on Solid Legal Ground?

From day-one formation to ongoing contract needs, McEndree Law is here to keep your business protected. Reach out to schedule a consultation.

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Business & Contracts Attorney | McEndree Law LLC