The Lee/Shoemaker PLLC team serves as the outside general counsel for many of their clients, advising on a variety of business issues affecting design professionals.
Copyright
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding use of electronic file releases to protect design professionals against misuse of electronic files (CADD, BIM, etc.)
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding copyright issues related to takeover of project from one design firm to another design firm
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding protection of copyright interests through registration of plans
Corporate Formalities
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding documentation of corporate actions taken by firm
- Advised client regarding shareholders voting for board of directors
- Advised client regarding obligations of firm following resignation of shareholder
Corporate Structuring, Formation, Licensure, and Registration
- Formed (numerous) architectural and engineering firms
- Performed 50-state licensure evaluation for international architectural firm, identifying strategies for resolving noncompliance with registration and licensure requirements
- Advised regional engineering firm on alternative corporate structures to streamline operations and achieve long-term growth objectives of firm
- Advised architectural firm related to alternative corporate structures associated with growth into new markets
- Advised structural engineering firms related to formation of new company specially structured for pursuing design-build projects
Employment Issues
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding development and implementation of employee handbooks
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding complaints by employees, investigation of complaints, and documentation of findings
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding EEOC complaints filed by employees regarding alleged employment discrimination
Insurance
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding potential coverages available under professional liability insurance
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding potential insurance coverages available as part of risk management strategies to be implemented on project-by-project basis
- Advised clients (numerous) regarding potential renewal of insurance coverages and/or transition to new insurance carriers
Internal Ownership Transition
- Advised group of next-generation leaders of engineering firm associated with all facets of purchase of shares from current owners of firm throughout due diligence and negotiation of all transactional documents
- Advised numerous founders of successful architecture and engineering firms related to sale to future generation of firm leadership
