Serving Corporate and Business Law Clients Across the Twin Cities
Last updated on January 13, 2026
A business is only as good as the people who are running it. At Gries Lenhardt Allen, P.L.L.P., we are not just Minnesota lawyers with decades of experience in corporate and business law matters; we are also part of the business communities in several local communities.
We understand that forging relationships and getting to know our clients and their business is a key component of providing relevant, valuable legal services to our clients. By taking the time to understand your business and what your goals and objectives are, we can not only guide you through the issue at hand, but also help you to lay the groundwork to avoid potential legal pitfalls down the road.
Whatever Your Issue, We Have You Covered
Our corporate and business law attorneys are adept at working on issues related to forming business and assisting the owners throughout their career, but our services extend far beyond those milestone events. We handle a wide range of corporate and business law matters, such as:
- The formation and dissolution of entities such as corporations, partnerships or limited liability companies
- Sales, mergers, expansions and acquisitions of your business
- Board grievances, shareholder disputes and other internal governance matters
- Employment-related matters such as allegations of discrimination, harassment or concerns over terminations
- Non-compete and confidentiality agreements, bonus agreements and other contract-related issues for key personnel and executives
- Employee handbooks and policy-related matters
Answers to Your Most Pressing Business Law Concerns
Running a business comes with countless legal questions that need clear, practical answers. We have worked with companies of all sizes across various industries, giving us valuable insight into the challenges you face. Below, we answer some of the most common questions our clients bring into our consultations. If your specific concern is not addressed here, do not hesitate to reach out to our office for a personalized discussion.
What’s the difference between debt and equity financing?
Debt financing means you borrow money that you must repay over time. This arrangement often includes interest, but you keep full ownership and control of your company. Equity financing, on the other hand, requires you to sell ownership shares in your company to investors who then become partial owners of your business. Each option creates different impacts on your cash flow, tax situation and business relationships, making it crucial to consider your long-term goals before choosing.
What types of contracts does my corporation/ business need?
The specific contracts your business needs depend on your industry, size and operations, but most rely on several core agreements to ensure smooth operations. These include:
- Shareholder or operating agreements
- Employment and contractor agreements
- Client and customer contracts
- Nondisclosure agreements
- Commercial lease agreements
This list does not cover everything, and your business will likely need additional contracts for your specific operations and growth stage. Our team can help you draft or review contracts that are tailored to your business.
What’s the difference between a merger and an acquisition?
A merger occurs when two companies join forces to create an entirely new business entity, typically with a new name and shared management from both original organizations. An acquisition happens when one company purchases and absorbs another company. The buyer maintains its name and identity, while the acquired company ceases to exist as a separate business. Our business attorneys guide companies through both processes, helping you understand which approach best serves your goals.
When should I seek legal advice for a business dispute in Minnesota?
We recommend getting in touch with a business attorney as soon as you notice signs of potential disputes. These often include threatening communications, contract violations, allegations of wrongdoing, intellectual property issues or partnership disagreements. Early legal intervention can help you identify resolutions before relationships deteriorate beyond repair. This way, you can save significant time and money and avoid unnecessary stress. What you say and do during the early stages of a dispute can significantly affect the outcome, so having legal guidance before responding to the other party gives you a strategic advantage.
Should my business hire a general counsel or work with an outside firm?
Even companies with an excellent in-house lawyer often partner with outside law firms. Your general counsel may need support for a major transaction like a merger or for complex litigation that requires a focused team. We have worked as trusted partners to many in-house legal departments. This collaborative approach provides your business with a powerful combination of your attorney’s internal knowledge and our firm’s broad external experience.
Get in Touch Today
Contact our firm today at 763-497-3099 to schedule an appointment. You may also complete our online contact form to send us information about your legal needs; however, the submission of the online contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship.