Business attorneys deal with cases involving a fresh start of a business, or a general business, which relate to operating a business, or buying and selling of business by means of an acquisition or a merger.

Attorneys help public to start a business, by beginning with a detailed business plan, the "blueprint" for every aspect of the business. They choose a business structure that's right for the business: a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or a franchise. They will need to file tax and employer identification documents, and also obtain the licenses and permits necessary for the business to operate.

General business covers traditional legal topics, such as contracts and insurance, which directly deal with operating a business, as well as practical topics, such as business planning and preparing for and defending against business lawsuits. Business planning involves becoming familiar with the relevant antitrust laws, so that you don't engage in conduct that illegally monopolizes your market or, inadvertently enter into agreements that restrain trade, and learning how to salvage a sputtering business. Attorneys make sure that contracts made are enforceable. A party may be excused from performing under a contract by proving a defense to breach of contract. Such defenses include fraud and misrepresentation, lack of consideration, and the statute of frauds. They also make sure you have a comprehensive general liability policy in place, and have well-drafted company policies and procedures, such as an employee handbook, in place to confront lawsuits.

Buying or selling a business through acquisitions can be asset purchases, where the buyer purchases the seller's assets, free and clear of any liabilities, or stock purchases, where the buyer purchases the business's stock and actually takes over the business, instead of just buying the merchandise. A merger of two businesses, shares many characteristics of an asset purchase and a stock purchase, but at the end of the transaction the two businesses are combined as one.

Business attorneys can be reached through the referral services. Most of the business lawyers are based in the heart of the city and many of the leading firms maintain a web profile making it easier to access them.