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Startup & Small Business Attorneys for Entrepreneurs in Virginia & North Carolina

Starting a business takes more than a filing with the state. We help entrepreneurs choose the right structure, protect the owners, and put the contracts in place that a growing company needs. Our team has formed approximately 1,000 new entities and represents hundreds of businesses from our offices in Norfolk and Raleigh.

  • Free Business Strategy Call
  • Approximately 1,000 New Entities Formed
  • Flat-Fee Formation Packages
  • Licensed in Virginia & North Carolina

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  • Disclaimer: In communicating with us in response to this website, do not send any confidential information. Information sent to us in response to this website will not be treated as confidential and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Our professional obligations require us to perform a conflicts check before undertaking any legal representation of you. No attorney-client relationship exists or should be assumed as a result of this communication. By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing list (your information will not be shared with anyone else).

WHERE WE WORK

VIRGINIA & NORTH CAROLINA

NEW ENTITIES FORMED

APPROXIMATELY 1,000

BUSINESSES WE REPRESENT

HUNDREDS

ENTREPRENEURS & STARTUPS

Legal Counsel From the First Idea to the First Hire and Beyond

The legal needs of a new business change quickly. We work with founders at every stage so the decisions you make early do not become expensive problems later.

Starting Out

Choose between an LLC and a corporation, form the company correctly, and put your EIN, governing documents, and registered agent in place.

Bringing In Partners

Set ownership percentages, capital contributions, voting rights, and buyout terms before you go into business together, not after a disagreement.

Growing

Add employees and contractors, sign leases and vendor agreements, bring in investors, and protect the brand you are building.

SERVICES FOR NEW BUSINESSES

Everything a New Business Needs to Start on Solid Ground

We handle the legal work so you can focus on building the business.

LLC & Corporation Formation

Formation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission or the North Carolina Secretary of State, with flat-fee packages that include your governing documents and EIN. See formation packages.

Operating Agreements & Bylaws

Governing documents written for how your company actually runs, instead of relying on state default rules.

Founder & Partner Agreements

Buy-sell terms, decision-making, capital contributions, and exit provisions for companies with more than one owner.

S-Corporation Elections

Guidance on whether an S-corporation tax election fits your business, coordinated with your CPA.

Everyday Business Contracts

Customer agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and independent contractor agreements. Learn about our contract work.

Investor Agreements

Subscription and investor agreements that document what early investors receive and what they do not.

Business Name & Trademark Searches

Before you form, we search your proposed business name against state records and the federal trademark database to help you avoid conflicts with existing names and marks.

Ongoing Business Counsel

A legal team you can call as questions come up, from your first lease to your first acquisition.

Not Sure Where to Start?

LLC or corporation? One owner or several? Schedule a free business strategy call and we will help you map out the first legal steps for your business.

BOOK A FREE STRATEGY CALL

HOW IT WORKS

From Free Consultation to Open for Business

Most new businesses follow the same core steps. Here is how we guide you through them.

1. Free Strategy Call

We learn about your business, your goals, and any co-owners, and recommend the right structure.

2. Engagement & Intake

You sign the engagement letter, complete our intake form, and pay electronically. No office visit required.

3. Formation & Filing

We prepare and file your formation documents with the state within one week of receiving everything we need.

4. Governing Documents

We prepare your operating agreement or bylaws, organizational minutes, and ownership records, and obtain your EIN.

5. Ongoing Support

As the business grows, we help with contracts, leases, hiring, and the legal questions that come next.

WHY USE AN ATTORNEY

The Most Expensive Startup Mistakes Happen in the First Year

An online filing service can file paperwork. It cannot tell you what your business needs or what you are missing.

Wrong Entity Choice

LLCs and corporations are owned, managed, and taxed differently. The wrong choice can be costly to undo.

No Owner Agreement

Without one, state default rules decide what happens when an owner leaves, dies, or stops contributing.

Mixing Personal & Business Funds

Commingling money can weaken the liability protection your company is supposed to provide.

Handshake Deals

Unwritten terms with partners, contractors, and customers are a common source of disputes.

A Name You Cannot Protect

A name that conflicts with another business can force a costly rebrand.

Missed Annual Filings

Virginia and North Carolina both require annual filings. Missing them can cost your company its good standing.

Ready to Start Your Business?

Tell us about your idea and we will help you take the next step with confidence.

GET STARTED

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS updates, reminders, and important notifications from McCormick Law, PC d/b/a McCormick Law & Consulting. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to any message. View our Privacy Policy.

  • Disclaimer: In communicating with us in response to this website, do not send any confidential information. Information sent to us in response to this website will not be treated as confidential and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Our professional obligations require us to perform a conflicts check before undertaking any legal representation of you. No attorney-client relationship exists or should be assumed as a result of this communication. By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing list (your information will not be shared with anyone else).

What Entrepreneurs Say About Working With Us

Real reviews from business owners we have helped start and grow their companies. Read all client reviews.

Crystal

5-Star Client Review
Being a first time business owner, you want to make sure you’re making all the right decisions. Choosing McCormick Law & Consulting, along with Emma and Taylor, made the process so easy! Emma understood right away what my primary concerns were, and was able to execute everything in a very timely manner! She was extremely easy to talk to and she took the time to explain everything to me, settling my nerves with taking this next big step. Taylor made the process of making it all official completely stress free. If you’re looking for a firm that will help you take your business to the next level, this is it!

James

5-Star Client Review
I definitely could have created my new business, Davis Wealth Management LLC, but boy that would have been a mistake. Because business formation is not an area in which I practice, I had no idea where my blind spots were, and let me tell you there were plenty. The knowledge I received from the firm is invaluable. John McCormick and his firm are very reasonably priced and quickly and efficiently assisted me in creating my new business. It was completely turn key; they did everything for me. I can’t recommend their services enough. Also, huge shoutout to Taylor who kept me informed every step of the way!

Lisa

5-Star Client Review
I am so excited to be able to partner with McCormick Law. From the very 1st conversation with their office it was clear they would be responsive to all my questions and any support with my business. They are relatable and make their customers feel comfortable with any questions and or concerns that might arise while using their services. I am happy to have found them to support me with my small business needs!

Elizabeth

5-Star Client Review
John and his team were great to work with. They provided advice for starting my business and set everything up in an efficient and timely manner. I will definitely recommend them to others!

Chris

5-Star Client Review
I have used John McCormick and his team for many legal services including LLC formation and real estate transactions. All of the work they do is top notch. I’ve worked with other firms that routinely mess up the settlement statement and require correction at the final hour. I never have this problem with John and his team. When setting up my LLC, I asked a lot of questions and John was always prompt and knowledgeable with his responses. His paralegal Allison is great too and extremely knowledgeable. Great people and easy to work with. I highly recommend.

Fiona

5-Star Client Review
I trusted McCormick Law & Consulting to assist with setting up my LLC, and the team did not disappoint. You can expect a quick response from them. I will be returning for future assistance for sure!

    Who You’ll Be Working With

    Our business attorneys combine legal knowledge with practical business experience. We explain your options in plain English and help you make decisions with confidence.
    John McCormick, Founder and Managing Attorney of McCormick Law & Consulting

    John McCormick

    Attorney & Founder

    John McCormick is an attorney, entrepreneur, and community leader who has launched multiple businesses of his own. As the founder of McCormick Law & Consulting, he helps entrepreneurs form companies, structure ownership among partners, and put in place the agreements a growing business needs.

    John is licensed in Virginia and North Carolina, and his team has formed approximately 1,000 new entities for clients in both states.
    Read More about John

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I form an LLC or a corporation?

    It depends on how many owners you will have, how you plan to pay yourself, whether you will raise outside investment, and your tax situation. Many small businesses choose an LLC for its flexibility, while companies planning to raise venture capital often choose a corporation. We help you decide during a free strategy call.

    How long does it take to form a business?

    We file formation documents with the state within one week of receiving all necessary information. State processing times vary after filing.

    How much does it cost to start an LLC or corporation?

    Our flat-fee formation packages start at $850 plus the state filing fee. Packages for multi-owner businesses and packages that include contract work are also available. See formation packages.

    Do I need an operating agreement if I am the only owner?

    In most cases, yes. A written operating agreement helps show that the company is separate from its owner, explains what happens if you can no longer run the business, and is often requested by banks.

    Can you help my business after it is formed?

    Yes. We represent hundreds of active businesses with contracts, leases, hiring, disputes, and growth, including buying or selling a business.

    Do you work with businesses outside Virginia and North Carolina?

    Our attorneys are licensed in Virginia and North Carolina, and most of our formation work is in those two states. We also handle business transactions for clients across the country.

    Every business is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.