Washington, D.C.

Small Business Law Firm

You may call yourself a founder, an entrepreneur, a creator, a digital nomad, a blogger, a therapist, a lawyer, a business owner, a startup, an agency. No matter what industry you’re in, we can help.

At our firm, we know that you’ve put everything on the line for your business. And LegalZoom just won’t cut it. Online incorporation services are not a law firm and they cannot give you legal advice. We can. We want to develop a relationship with our clients before things go wrong.

Lawyers are not doomsday prophets. We are not here to scare you with all of the things that could go wrong in your business. What we want to do instead is show you how doing things properly the first time around is much more cost effective than having to go back and fix a mistake later on.

We know what can go wrong. We’ve seen distressed clients come to our office with a conflict or with a letter from opposing counsel. And usually, the problems could have been solved through a written agreement or good legal counsel from the outset saving time, stress, and money.

Get your business off to the right start. You will be glad you did.

What we do

Business name | Trademarks

We advise our clients on using the correct name for their business before they invest significant resources in building their brand.

Limited Liability Protection

We advise our clients on managing their businesses properly so that business registration actually does what it was meant to do—protect the business owner’s personal assets from the business’s liabilities and vice versa.

Employment Agreements

We advise our clients on how to properly hire and let go of employees.

Advertising Law

We advise our clients on advertising legally.

Startup Law

We advise startups who are raising capital.

Shareholders Agreements | Buy-Sell Agreements

We advise business partners or co-founders on their legal rights and remedies.

How much does it cost to form a business in Washington, D.C.?

The filing fee to form either a D.C. LLC or a D.C. Corporation is $99.00. Business licenses are an additional $99.00 for a 2-year Basic Business License or $198.00 for a 4-year Basic Business License. You may need an endorsement or you may require a business license in a specific category. Every business in the District of Columbia must be licensed. If you work from home, a Home Occupation Permit is $72.60.

How do I get a business license in Washington, D.C.?

You must first determine whether you need a business license or whether you’re in a profession that is licensed by a separate governing body. Once you know you need a business license from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, you will file a tax form called the FR-500. Once the FR-500 is processed, you can apply for a business license. Online incorporation services do not obtain a business license for your business. Unless you read the fine print, you may miss the fact that a business license is required in your Washington, D.C.

Our firm assists clients in obtaining basic business licenses as well as other licenses such as:

• security agency business licenses

• a basic business license for rental accommodations such as single family homes and apartment buildings

• alcoholic beverage license

• charitable solicitation license

• and more

Do I need an Operating Agreement in Washington, D.C.?

An Operating Agreement, also called an LLC Agreement, is not required under District of Columbia law. However, it is prudent to draft an LLC Agreement. Especially if you have partners. The LLC Agreement helps your business maintain its limited liability protection. It will also govern the relationship between partners. Just because it’s not required doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one.

How long does it take to set up a business in Washington, D.C.?

It takes about 2 weeks for your organizational documents to be processed unless you pay extra for expedited services. During that time, you will receive your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Once the LLC or corporation is formed, the FR-500 form must be filed with the Office of Tax and Revenue. When the FR-500 form is processed, you will receive a Notification Number, which you can then use to file for a D.C. business license.

If you need a business lawyer who is experienced in forming Washington, D.C. businesses, please contact our firm today. We offer comprehensive services that do more than the bare minimum to protect your business and personal assets.