Austin is a city built on innovation, creativity, and bold ideas. From bootstrapped startups on the East Side to high-growth tech companies near the Domain, entrepreneurs across Austin are turning their visions into thriving businesses. But starting or running a small business in Austin comes with big responsibilities and even bigger legal questions.
You need legal advice that’s practical, affordable, and tailored to the unique needs of your growing business. That’s where an Austin small business lawyer can make all the difference.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we help small business owners eliminate the guesswork from the legal process so they can focus on what matters—building a thriving business. Our lawyers can help navigate Austin’s complex legal landscape. With a strong foundation, you can lead, create, and grow your business freely.
Legal Services The Zimmerman Law Firm Offers
Starting and running a small business can be complex. It involves choosing the right legal structure, managing risk, meeting state and federal requirements, and setting clear terms for how your business will operate and grow.
An Austin small business lawyer can provide legal support tailored to your business goals, industry, and growth stage.
Selecting and Registering the Right Business Structure
One of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make is how to legally structure your business. Your choice affects everything from taxes to personal liability and how you manage your business. Some of the more common business structures in Texas include:
- Sole proprietorship—simple to form but provides no legal separation between you and the business, placing personal assets at risk for business debts or lawsuits;
- General partnership—consists of two or more people sharing ownership, with each partner personally liable for business debts and obligations;
- Limited liability company (LLC)—offers liability protection and flexible management with pass-through taxation and is ideal for freelancers, startups, and growing businesses;
- Corporation—a complex business structure providing strong liability protection and can exist as C-corps to raise capital or S-corps to utilize pass-through taxation benefits;
- Professional corporation (PC)—designed for licensed professionals like doctors or lawyers and offers liability protections to the professionals; and
- Nonprofit corporation—for charitable, religious, or educational organizations and may qualify for tax-exempt status under state and federal law.
A small business attorney from our firm can help you compare entity types and choose the one that best aligns with your goals. Then, we handle the filings and paperwork with the Texas Secretary of State so you can focus on launching with confidence.
Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
Whether hiring your first contractor, onboarding a new client, or partnering with a supplier, a contract can make or break the relationship. We draft clear, customized agreements that protect your interests while reflecting your business needs.
Already have a contract in hand? We’ll review it and highlight any red flags or unclear terms so you can sign with peace of mind.
Handling Employment Matters
Hiring and managing employees comes with a host of legal responsibilities. Even small businesses must follow state and federal labor laws. A lawyer for small business at The Zimmerman Law Firm can help you navigate the employment lifecycle—from job postings and offer letters to advising on worker classification.
We also assist with creating employee handbooks, policies, and procedures to protect your business and create clarity for your team.
Intellectual Property Protection
Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting it should be a priority. We help you register your business name, logo, tagline, and other creative elements with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We’ll defend your rights if someone infringes on your brand or copies your content.
Compliance
Different industries come with different rules. Whether you run a food truck, a consulting agency, or a construction company, we help you navigate the licenses, permits, and compliance requirements that apply to your business.
From sales tax registration to professional licensing or health and safety regulations, we help ensure your business checks all the appropriate boxes at the federal and state levels.
Resolving Disputes
Even with the best planning, disagreements happen. A client stops paying, a vendor breaches a contract, or a business partner wants out. We work to resolve these issues efficiently without dragging you into drawn-out legal battles.
Our goal is to protect your business’s reputation, relationships, and bottom line through negotiation, mediation, or legal action.
Why Work with a Small Business Lawyer Instead of Doing It Yourself?
Online templates and do-it-yourself legal tools might seem convenient, but they often fall short of addressing your specific situation. Here’s why hiring a small business attorney makes a difference:
- Get answers to your specific questions instead of relying on generic, one-size-fits-all resources;
- Avoid costly mistakes like signing vague contracts, misclassifying workers, or missing filing deadlines;
- Protect your assets with well-drafted agreements that limit liability and clarify responsibilities;
- Save time and stress by letting an experienced attorney handle the details; and
- Build a lasting relationship so you have trusted legal support throughout the life of your business.
Working with an Austin small business lawyer is an investment in your business’s long-term health.
Why Choose The Zimmerman Law Firm?
For over 60 years, The Zimmerman Law Firm has helped Texas small businesses start strong and grow with confidence. Our attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with practical experience and a personal approach.
We understand the unique opportunities and challenges Austin entrepreneurs and small business owners face. We offer customized legal strategies, clear communication, and a long-standing commitment to supporting the business community. Whether launching your first venture or restructuring an existing business, we can provide the tools, insights, and support you need.
Work with an Austin Small Business Lawyer Today
Every successful business needs more than just a good idea—it needs reliable legal guidance. A small business lawyer Austin entrepreneurs can rely on at The Zimmerman Law Firm can help you make informed decisions from day one and support you as your business grows.
Big goals come with real legal challenges. Contact us today to get the strategic support your small business deserves.
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to business cases, our experienced team also handles other types of cases in Austin. If you’ve been injured or need legal guidance, explore our other services:
- Austin Car Accident Lawyer
- Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Austin Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
- Austin Estate Planning Lawyer
Visit our Austin Office: