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Corporate and Business Law TRUSTED ADVICE. UNWAVERING ADVOCACY.

New Jersey Business Lawyers

Serving Clients Throughout the New Jersey Area and New York City

At Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C., Attorneys at Law, our New Jersey business law firm has been proudly serving clients throughout Newark, New Jersey in the area of business and commercial law for more than 65 years. As seasoned business lawyers in New Jersey, we provide thoughtful counsel and tailored legal strategies to protect our clients' interests and help them achieve their goals.

Our firm is proud of our contributions to the economic viability of various Newark metro area businesses. We have successfully represented a broad spectrum of clients, including individuals, small businesses, government entities, and national corporations. As commercial law attorneys, we are committed to client-focused service and dependable advice in all areas of business law.

What Sets Our Newark Business Law Attorneys Apart?

  • Our firm has served clients since 1955
  • Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 AV Preeminent® for legal skill and ethics
  • Chosen for Super Lawyers® (top 5% of lawyers in the state)
  • One of our lawyers is also a Certified Public Accountant

If you are a new business owner looking for legal guidance for your business start-up, or an experienced business operator seeking legal representation for ongoing business matters, a Newark business attorney from Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C., Attorneys at Law can provide reliable counsel to protect your business's best interests. As a commercial law lawyer in New Jersey, our team is equipped to handle complex legal issues at any stage of your business lifecycle.

As a dedicated team of professionals, we recognize how important your business's continued success is to you. When you work with us, you can be confident that your business litigation and commercial legal matters are handled with the utmost dedication and attention.

Call (973) 828-0203 or contact us online to see how we can be of service to you. Speak with a business lawyer in New Jersey right away.

General Business and Commercial Issues

Our corporate business law attorneys and commercial law attorneys offer a comprehensive range of legal services to business owners throughout New Jersey. As experienced commercial law lawyers, we support entities in every industry sector, providing trusted guidance across the full spectrum of transactional and operational needs.

We are experienced in handling all needs in business and commercial law, including:

  • Preparation of agreements
  • Sale and purchase of businesses
  • Analyzing financial statements
  • Representation in financing and funding for business operations
  • Preparation of employment contracts, including independent contractor agreements
  • Breach of contract
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Dissolution​
  • Business disputes

New Jersey’s business environment and regulations are continually evolving, especially affecting companies across Newark and the surrounding areas. Our business attorneys help you stay compliant with unique local requirements—such as securing permits from the City of Newark or ensuring compliance with the New Jersey Business Corporation Act. Clients also seek our guidance on how state or regional economic programs like the Grow NJ Assistance Program or local zoning changes impact their operations. We help business owners successfully navigate these changing landscapes to establish resilience and remain competitive in the marketplace.

As Newark business attorneys, we focus on minimizing the likelihood of future legal problems for your business. That is why Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C., Attorneys at Law is regularly chosen by business owners seeking exceptional legal services at every stage.

We recognize that business clients in Newark and throughout New Jersey face urban and regional challenges, from navigating Newark’s ongoing redevelopment initiatives to complying with complex Essex County regulations. Our legal team frequently represents businesses headquartered downtown and in the broader metro area, offering practical solutions for both established companies and new ventures. Whether you are growing your operation, responding to legislative updates, or protecting your interests in a fast-paced economy, we provide strategic legal counsel tailored to doing business in Newark and across New Jersey.

Business Entity Formation & Compliance in New Jersey

Navigating business entity formation in New Jersey requires a deep understanding of both state and local requirements that impact structuring options, tax obligations, liability protection, and operational flexibility. As trusted business attorneys in New Jersey, Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed, Attorneys at Law guides clients through forming LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other entities, customizing advice to match your vision for growth. Whether you’re setting up a new venture in Newark’s Ironbound District or converting to a corporate structure, we clarify steps ranging from business name reservation to filing with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and meeting Newark’s local business registration standards.

Our familiarity with New Jersey and Newark agency processes helps clients avoid common pitfalls that may delay business formations. We counsel clients regarding annual state filings, registered agent requirements, state tax identification, and compliance with city zoning or special licensing rules. Our team does more than complete paperwork: we ensure your business is structured for compliance and long-term success. With decades of experience advising business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Newark and New Jersey, we deliver solutions that reflect both established legal practice and current business law trends. Turn to a trusted commercial law attorney at our firm as soon as possible.

Commercial Litigation Process in New Jersey Courts

Commercial disputes in New Jersey often involve matters such as breach of contract, shareholder disagreements, intellectual property claims, and real estate litigation. As business lawyers in New Jersey with in-depth local experience, our attorneys are ready to represent clients before state and federal courts, including the Essex County Superior Court in Newark. We develop litigation strategies that align with your business objectives while addressing the relevant state and local laws. At Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed, Attorneys at Law, we believe that thorough case preparation and proactive communication yield the most effective outcomes—we ensure that you stay fully informed throughout every phase of litigation.

Litigation can be disruptive and expensive for businesses. Our process starts with a comprehensive risk analysis and case assessment to help you determine whether negotiation, mediation, or pursuing formal legal action is the best course. Our experience before New Jersey commercial courts—including intimate knowledge of Newark-specific court rules—allows our commercial law attorneys to efficiently address procedural issues and seek favorable resolutions early. If you require a commercial law attorney in Newark or a business attorney in New Jersey with a decades-long track record of success, our team is committed to guiding you through all aspects of commercial litigation with responsive and diligent representation. Schedule a consultation with a professional commercial law lawyer now.

Individual Liability for Debts of Insolvent Corporations

Can the shareholder, officer, or director of a dissolved corporation be liable to creditors for corporate debts? Yes, under certain circumstances. When an insolvent corporation is discontinuing business and winding up its affairs, the officers, directors, and shareholders are legally obligated to treat corporate assets as a trust fund, ensuring proper distribution among creditors as dictated by New Jersey law.

Effectively dissolving a corporation in New Jersey requires detailed knowledge of legal standards and fiduciary duties. Our business attorneys in New Jersey guide business leaders through understanding personal exposure to creditor claims and establishing sound asset distribution procedures. Based in Newark, we help clients fulfill local notification obligations, navigate state statutes related to dissolution, and stay ahead of critical deadlines, minimizing risk and facilitating a smooth wind-down of business operations. Relying on our local and statewide experience, business owners can efficiently comply with regulatory requirements and avoid unnecessary liability.

A corporate officer or director may be personally liable to creditors for failing to comply with this standard. A creditor may recover against assets transferred to officers, directors, or shareholders following dissolution. Creditors may assert claims even after a corporation has dissolved. Especially in challenging economic times, aggressive creditor actions and careful legal planning by a commercial law lawyer in New Jersey are crucial to safeguarding your interests.

Dedicated Counsel for Businesses in Newark, New Jersey

At Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C., Attorneys at Law, we provide diligent attention when organizing your business. Business start-up and commercial reorganization matters are often complex, but our commercial law attorneys are fully committed to offering proactive guidance and workable solutions tailored to your needs.

Business owners in Newark and throughout New Jersey routinely face decisions on business structure that influence tax planning, liability, and succession. Our business law attorneys help clients evaluate corporate forms such as LLCs, corporations, and partnerships, while considering both state and city ordinances. Whether you are starting a company in downtown Newark or restructuring your enterprise in Essex County, our firm delivers detailed advice on regional economic influences, registration protocols, and compliance with relevant agencies like the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Decades of service to the Newark business community allow us to support every client's formation or reorganization with purpose-driven, actionable counsel.

Our business and corporate litigation lawyers provide actionable advice on all business start-up issues, including guidance in tax law and real estate matters impacting New Jersey and Newark businesses.

After taking all of your business issues into account, we can also advise on organizational options, including:

  • Incorporation
  • Partnerships
  • Limited liability companies

If you are searching for a trusted, reliable, and experienced commercial law attorney in Newark, contact our firm today to discuss your legal needs with our knowledgeable legal team.

Use our business experience to your advantage. Do not hesitate to contact Alan Ehrlich from Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C., Attorneys at Law. Call (973) 828-0203 to speak with a business attorney in New Jersey now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps in forming a business in Newark?

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  • Over 60 Years of Success
    Choose us for the knowledge and track record we bring to the table.
  • Distinguished Legal Team
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  • EPGP&R is Recognized by Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®

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  • Client Focused
    No greater priority than the protection of our clients’ interests, both in and out of the courtroom.
  • Founded in 1955
    Over our 60+ years of practice we have grown to be a full service firm serving all of your legal needs.