Running a business means navigating contracts, transactions, and legal obligations at every turn. At The Talley Law Firm, we bring real-world business experience to commercial legal services—having served as both General Counsel for a maritime company and CEO of a Houston logistics business, we understand the practical realities of business decisions, not just the legal theory.
Whether you’re forming a new entity, negotiating a complex transaction, resolving a business dispute, or need counsel on maritime matters, we provide strategic guidance that balances legal protection with business practicality.
Need business legal guidance? Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and get practical advice tailored to your business needs.
Our Business & Commercial Services
We serve business owners, entrepreneurs, and companies throughout the Greater Houston area with practical legal solutions.
Texas LLC Formation
Entity selection and formation for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. Proper structure from day one to protect personal assets and optimize tax treatment.
Operating Agreements
Custom LLC operating agreements and corporate bylaws that address ownership, management, distributions, and exit strategies before disputes arise.
Contract Drafting & Review
Clear, enforceable contracts that protect your interests. Service agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and custom commercial documents.
Business Disputes & Litigation
When business relationships break down, we provide aggressive representation. Contract disputes, partnership conflicts, and commercial litigation in Texas courts.
Buy-Sell Agreements
Protect your business and co-owners with agreements that address what happens when an owner dies, becomes disabled, retires, or wants out of the business.
Buying or Selling a Business
M&A transactions, asset purchases, and equity sales. Due diligence, deal structure, negotiation, and closing documentation for business transfers.
Maritime Transactions & Litigation
Vessel purchases, charter agreements, maritime contracts, and Jones Act matters. Former General Counsel experience in the maritime industry.
Outside General Counsel
Fractional general counsel services for growing businesses. Strategic legal guidance and ongoing support without the overhead of full-time in-house counsel.
Why Choose The Talley Law Firm for Business Matters?
Real business experience. Before practicing law, Andrew Talley served as General Counsel for a maritime transportation company and CEO of a Houston-area logistics business. We’ve sat in the executive chair, managed P&L responsibility, negotiated major contracts, and dealt with the operational realities that shape business decisions.
Maritime industry knowledge. Our background includes hands-on experience with vessel operations, charter parties, maritime contracts, and the unique legal issues facing companies in the maritime sector. We understand the industry from the inside.
Practical approach. Legal advice that sounds good in theory but doesn’t work in practice isn’t helpful. We focus on solutions that make business sense—protecting your interests while keeping deals moving and relationships intact.
Clear communication. Business moves fast, and you need answers you can act on. We explain legal issues in business terms, give you our honest assessment of risks and options, and respond promptly when you need guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I form an LLC or corporation?
The right structure depends on your specific situation—tax implications, liability concerns, ownership plans, and exit strategy all factor in. LLCs offer flexibility and pass-through taxation for most small businesses, while corporations may be better for raising investment capital or certain tax strategies. We help you evaluate the options based on your business goals.
Do I really need a lawyer to review contracts?
It depends on the stakes. For standard, low-risk agreements, you may be comfortable proceeding on your own. For significant contracts—commercial leases, partnership agreements, vendor contracts with substantial value, or any agreement that could materially affect your business—legal review can identify issues that aren’t obvious to non-lawyers and prevent expensive problems later.
What should be in an LLC operating agreement?
At minimum: member ownership percentages, capital contributions, profit and loss allocation, management structure, voting rights, distribution policies, transfer restrictions, and what happens if a member wants to exit or passes away. The default rules under Texas law may not match what you and your partners actually intend—a custom operating agreement ensures everyone’s expectations are documented.
What maritime legal services do you provide?
We handle vessel purchase and sale transactions, charter party agreements, maritime service contracts, Jones Act employment matters, and general maritime commercial disputes. Our background as General Counsel for a maritime transportation company means we understand the operational and regulatory realities of the industry.
What’s the difference between outside general counsel and hiring for specific matters?
Outside general counsel is an ongoing relationship where we serve as your company’s legal department on a fractional basis—available for questions as they arise, proactively identifying legal issues, and handling routine matters. Project-based engagement means hiring us for specific transactions or documents. Many clients start with project work and transition to outside counsel as their business grows.
How much does business legal work cost?
Costs vary based on complexity. Simple entity formations and basic contract reviews can often be done at flat fees. More complex matters like business acquisitions or litigation are typically billed hourly. We provide clear estimates upfront and discuss scope before beginning work so there are no surprises.
Ready to Discuss Your Business Legal Needs?
Every business situation is different. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and get practical guidance for your next steps.
This page provides general information about business and commercial law in Texas and is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the information here may not apply to your specific circumstances. For advice about your situation, please schedule a consultation.