Louisiana Business Lawyers

Commercial law includes all aspects of business, including marketing, transactions, collections, and business organization. Particular ordinances and legal principles unique to Louisiana govern the application of law to businesses. In Louisiana, Commercial law is complex, and it includes principles that are extremely different from those that apply to individuals.

The Law of Transactions in Louisiana

In daily operating activities, a typical business buys and sells often. Some of these transactions are bound to pose problems. Contracts in Louisiana often require legal action to enforce, whether the contracts are formed with consumers or other businesses. It is ideal to plan beforehand through contracts and purchase agreements. But for these documents to be of legal effect, they must be drafted according to Louisiana law. Investing activities on a securities exchange also require an understanding of certain Louisiana and Federal laws. The laws of investments include specific provisions for corporations investing as entities.

Business Organization and the Law

Louisiana law outlines the options a business has in deciding its structure and organization. It may be beneficial to incorporate, but there are specific guidelines in Louisiana law concerning how to do so. A business that does not consider its options carefully may need to restructure in order to avoid unwanted tax liability. Finding the appropriate business structure for a company can be a difficult task. Lawyers versed in local Louisiana business law can be a valuable resource for counsel for the unique circumstances of your business.

Interesting Facts About Louisiana

Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812. The territory was obtained from France through the Louisiana Purchase, for a total worth of $15 million at the time. The state has a cultural-linguistic atmosphere unlike any other area in the U.S., due to the French, Spanish, Native American, African, and Caribbean influences.

Much of Louisiana's laws and government structure are unique among U.S. states. For example, Louisiana is the only state to have government units called "parishes". These are equivalent to counties in other states. Another feature of Louisiana governance is its extensive system of civil law based on Spanish and French systems. The majority of countries use some form of civil law, which is based mainly on codified statutes. Most of American law is common law- that is, derived from judge-made court decisions.

Louisiana's court system is structurally similar to most states, with a Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts. However, because of the civil law influence, the Court of Appeals tends to have much broader discretion when reviewing trials. Also, the Louisiana state Constitution does not directly provide for the right to a jury trial for civil cases. The distribution of damages is also different in Louisiana.

Although Louisiana law is so distinct, lawyers in Louisiana understand how to interpret the state's legal code. Louisiana lawyers carefully review state laws when assisting clients. Depending on your legal dispute or issue, it may be necessary to obtain the expertise of an attorney in Louisiana.