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LLC & Corporation Formation Attorneys in Virginia & North Carolina

Whether you want to start an LLC in Virginia or North Carolina or form a corporation, we help you do it the right way, with an attorney, in about a week.* Begin with a free consultation where you meet with an attorney to discuss anything related to your new business. Then we handle the state filing, your operating agreement or bylaws, your EIN, and a year of registered agent service, all for one flat fee.

  • Free Consultation With an Attorney
  • Flat-Fee Packages From $850
  • Filed With the State Within 1 Week*
  • Approximately 1,000 New Entities Formed

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WHERE WE WORK

VIRGINIA & NORTH CAROLINA

NEW ENTITIES FORMED

APPROXIMATELY 1,000

BUSINESSES WE REPRESENT

HUNDREDS

TURNKEY FORMATION PACKAGES

One Flat Fee. Every Document You Need to Open Your Doors.

Every package is available for an LLC or a corporation at the same price; only the document names differ. After your free consultation with an attorney, the process is fully digital: you sign the engagement letter, complete our intake form, and pay online. Fees are due in advance, and you will know your total cost before any work begins.

How many owners will your business have?

  • Starter

    Everything you need to form your LLC or corporation and keep it in good standing for the first year.

    $850 flat fee, plus state filing fee

    • Free initial consultation with an attorney
    • Attorney-prepared Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation), filed with the state
    • Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (corporation)
    • Subscription or share issuance documents and First Meeting Minutes
    • IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • First year of Registered Agent service: accepting service of process and official notices, Annual Meeting Minutes, and your annual renewal filing
    • One no-charge telephone consultation with an attorney about any legal matter
    Most Complete

    Business Essentials

    The Starter package plus the contracts and on-call legal support most new businesses need in the first months.

    $1,950 flat fee, plus state filing fee

    • Everything in Starter
    • Two contract credits: we prepare, or review and revise, two contracts of up to 15 pages each (or one contract up to 30 pages)
    • An attorney consultation to choose the two contracts that matter most for your business
    • On-demand calls and emails with our team for your first 8 weeks

  • Partnership

    For businesses with two or more owners: everything in Starter, plus the agreement that protects each owner when circumstances change.

    $1,500 flat fee, plus state filing fee

    • Everything in Starter: free initial consultation, state filing, ownership documents and First Meeting Minutes, EIN, and a year of Registered Agent service
    • LLC: a more comprehensive Operating Agreement with buy/sell provisions built in for multiple owners
    • Corporation: a Shareholder Agreement with buy/sell terms, separate from your Bylaws
    • Addresses whether an owner can sell or transfer their interest, what happens on the death or disability of an owner, and the owners' fiduciary duties
    • Review and revisions so the agreement reflects your owners' priorities
    • One no-charge telephone consultation with an attorney about any legal matter
    Most Complete

    Business Essentials for Partners

    The Partnership package plus the contracts and on-call legal support most new businesses need in the first months.

    $2,650 flat fee, plus state filing fee

    • Everything in Starter and Partnership
    • Two contract credits: we prepare, or review and revise, two contracts of up to 15 pages each (or one contract up to 30 pages)
    • An attorney consultation to choose the two contracts that matter most for your business
    • On-demand calls and emails with our team for your first 8 weeks

State filing fees are paid in addition to the package fee and vary by state and entity type. After the first year, Registered Agent service renews at $200 per year plus the state annual fee. Moving real estate into your new company? We prepare and record deeds for $250 per deed when you form your company with us, half our standard $500 rate for deed preparation and recording. Clerk recording fees are paid separately.

Not Sure Which Package Fits?

LLC or corporation, one owner or several, Virginia or North Carolina: start with a free consultation with an attorney and talk through anything related to your business.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

HOW IT WORKS

Start a Business in About One Week*

No office visit required. Most of our formation clients never need to print a page.

1. Free Consultation

Meet with an attorney to talk through your business, your goals, and any questions you have, then choose the package that fits.

2. Sign, Pay, and Complete Intake

We send your engagement letter, intake form, and a secure payment link. Everything is signed and paid electronically.

3. We Prepare and File

Our team files your formation documents with the state within one week of receiving all the information we need, and prepares your operating agreement or bylaws, ownership documents, and minutes.

4. Open for Business

You receive your company documents and EIN, ready to open a business bank account and apply for any local business license.

MCCORMICK VS. ONLINE FILING SERVICES

A Filing Service Gets You a Certificate. A Law Firm Gets You a Company.

FeatureMcCormick Law & ConsultingTypical online filing service
Who does the workLocal, award-winning attorneys and staff in Virginia and North CarolinaReferrals to affiliates based anywhere
Legal adviceFree consultation with an attorney about your businessForms and templates, without attorney advice
Operating agreement or bylawsPrepared for your owners, contributions, and managementGeneric template, if included
RelationshipPersonalized service that builds a long-term relationshipRandomized placement and difficulty reaching the same person twice

WHY USE AN ATTORNEY

The Expensive Mistakes Are the Ones You Do Not Know to Avoid

Filing the paperwork is the easy part. The decisions you make at formation shape your liability protection, your taxes, and what happens if an owner leaves.

Choosing the Wrong Entity

An LLC and a corporation differ in how they are owned, managed, and taxed. Changing structure later costs more than choosing well at the start.

No Operating Agreement or Bylaws

Without them, state default rules decide how profits, decisions, and exits work, which may not match what the owners intended.

No Plan for an Owner Leaving

Multi-owner businesses need clear terms for buyouts, departures, and disputes before they happen.

Mixing Personal and Business Funds

Treating company money as your own can undermine the liability protection you formed the company to get. Protect your liability shield.

Missed Annual Filings

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

Doing Business in a Second State

A company formed in one state may need to register before transacting business in another.

EXPERIENCE AND RECOGNITION

Award-Winning Law Firm and Attorneys

We have set up approximately 1,000 new entities and actively represent hundreds of businesses across Virginia and North Carolina.

Virginia Business Legal Elite

2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia

CovaBiz Magazine: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2014, 2015, 2019 through 2025

Top 40 Under 40

The Virginian-Pilot, Inside Business

Client Champion, Gold

Martindale-Hubbell

Client's Choice Award

Avvo

What New Business Owners Say About Working With Us

Real reviews from clients we have helped start and set up their businesses.
5-star client review

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!
5-star client review

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!
5-star client review

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.
5-star client review

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!
5-star client review

Steve

5-Star Client Review
I contacted McCormick Law firm to register my moving service in NC. They did an outstanding job. Completed the process way sooner than I expected. Thank you, Taylor.
5-star client review

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!
5-star client review

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!
5-star client review

Veronica

5-Star Client Review
I had a great experience working with McCormick Law. They are professional and experienced, and my business needs were handled in a timely manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone needing their expertise.
    Read More Client Reviews

    Who You’ll Be Working With

    Our business attorneys combine legal knowledge with practical experience starting and running businesses, so the advice you get fits how companies actually operate.
    John McCormick, Founder and Managing Attorney of McCormick Law & Consulting

    John McCormick

    Attorney & Founder

    John McCormick is an attorney, entrepreneur, and community leader who helps business owners start, build, and grow their companies. As the founder of McCormick Law & Consulting, he leads a team that has set up approximately 1,000 new entities and actively represents hundreds of businesses.

    John has launched multiple businesses himself and knows firsthand how much the details matter when setting up a company for success. He is licensed in Virginia and North Carolina.
    Read More about John

    Ready to Form Your LLC or Corporation?

    Many people dream about starting their own business but need experienced legal advice and help to get started. That is why we are here. Book a free consultation, or call us at (757) 250-5300 in Virginia or (919) 521-8820 in North Carolina.

    BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

    RESOURCES FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS

    Learn More Before You Launch

    Explore our guides for founders, or learn more about our Business & Corporate Law and Entrepreneurs & Startups practices.

    6 Key Steps to Starting a Business

    A practical checklist for launching your company the right way.

    Read the article

    Five Reasons to Choose an LLC

    Why the limited liability company is the most popular choice for small businesses.

    Read the article

    4 Essential Questions Before Starting a Business

    The questions every founder should answer before filing.

    Read the article

    What Is a Partnership?

    How co-owned businesses work and what owners should put in writing.

    Read the article

    How to Start an LLC in Virginia or North Carolina: FAQs

    Should I form an LLC or a corporation?
    Both can protect your personal assets from business liabilities, but they differ in how they are owned, managed, and taxed. The right choice depends on your goals, your owners, and your plans for growth and investment. We can talk through those questions with you during your free consultation. We are also glad to coordinate with your CPA on tax treatment. For a deeper comparison, read What Business Entity Should I Choose? and Pros and Cons of an S-Corporation.
    How long does it take to form my company?
    We file your LLC or corporation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission or the North Carolina Secretary of State within one week of receiving all the information we need: your signed engagement letter, completed intake form, and payment. How quickly the state then approves the filing depends on its current processing times, and North Carolina approvals may take longer than Virginia’s.
    What costs are there beyond the package fee?
    The state filing fee is paid in addition to the package fee and varies by state and entity type. We will confirm the exact amount before you engage us. Registered Agent service is included for the first year and renews at $200 per year after that, plus the state annual fee. Your city or county may also charge for a local business license.
    Do I really need an operating agreement or bylaws?
    Yes, even with a single owner. An LLC’s operating agreement or a corporation’s bylaws document how your company is owned and managed, support the separation between you and the business, and are often requested by banks. For businesses with more than one owner, it is the document that governs what happens when owners disagree or someone wants out. Learn more in Why Do I Need a Buy-Sell Agreement for My Business?
    What does a registered agent do?
    Every Virginia and North Carolina company must keep a registered agent to receive lawsuits and official state notices. When our firm serves as your registered agent, those documents come to a law office, not your home, and we also prepare your annual meeting minutes and handle your annual renewal filing. See Why You Need a Registered Agent for Your North Carolina and Virginia Business.
    Can you move my rental property into my new company?
    Yes. We prepare and record the deed transferring property into your new company for $250 per deed when you form your company with us. That is half our standard $500 rate ($250 for deed preparation and $250 for recording services). The clerk’s recording fees are paid separately. If the property has a mortgage, we will talk through lender considerations with you before the transfer.
    Do I need to come to your office?
    No. The process is fully digital. You can sign, pay, and complete your intake online, and talk with our team by phone or video. You are always welcome to meet with us in Norfolk or Raleigh if you prefer.

    *We file with the state within one week of receiving all necessary information, including your signed engagement letter, completed intake form, and payment. State approval times vary, and North Carolina LLC and corporation setup may take longer than one week depending on current state processing times. Client reviews reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of future results. Attorneys licensed in Virginia and North Carolina.