New York Startup Business Lawyer

Startup Business Attorney Serving New York, NY

New York is one of the most active states for new business formation in the country. Entrepreneurs across the five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester are launching companies in every industry, from technology and finance to food service, healthcare, retail, and creative services. Whether you are a first-time founder forming an LLC or an experienced entrepreneur structuring a new venture with co-founders and investors, the legal requirements for starting a business in New York are extensive. A startup lawyer can help you navigate entity formation, governing documents, the publication requirement, and the regulatory steps needed to operate legally.

Our firm assists New York entrepreneurs with LLC and corporation filings, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, the New York publication requirement, EIN registration, and state and local tax registration. We also draft co-founder and partnership agreements, review commercial leases, and advise on business licensing and compliance across the metro area.

Our office at 30 Broad Street in the Financial District serves entrepreneurs and startups throughout the New York metropolitan area. Whether your business is based in one borough or serves customers across multiple counties, we can help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your business formation needs.

Business Formation Services for New York Startups

LLC Formation and Registration

New York business formation requires navigating state-specific requirements including the publication requirement, biennial filings, and tax registration that apply regardless of your industry or location. The limited liability company is the most common entity structure for New York startups and small businesses. An LLC provides personal liability protection for its owners while offering flexibility in how the business is managed and taxed. Our attorneys prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State, obtain your Employer Identification Number from the IRS, register your LLC with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and file a business certificate with the applicable county clerk. We handle every filing so your LLC is properly established from the start.

Corporation Formation

New York corporations file with the Department of State and must adopt bylaws, issue shares, and hold organizational meetings. The choice between S-corp and C-corp election affects both taxation and growth options. If your New York startup plans to seek venture capital, issue stock options to employees, or operate with a formal board of directors, a corporation may be the better structure. We file your Certificate of Incorporation, prepare initial bylaws and organizational resolutions, and advise on whether an S-Corp or C-Corp election best fits your tax and growth strategy. For founders who want the liability protection of a corporation with pass-through taxation, an S-Corp election can offer significant advantages depending on your revenue and compensation structure.

Operating Agreements and Shareholder Agreements

New York law does not require LLCs to have written operating agreements, but operating without one exposes members to default statutory provisions that may not reflect the parties' actual intentions. An operating agreement is the foundational document for any LLC with more than one member. It governs ownership percentages, capital contributions, profit distribution, management authority, voting rights, transfer restrictions, and what happens if a member wants to leave or the business needs to dissolve. Without one, your LLC defaults to the provisions of the New York Limited Liability Company Law, which may not reflect your intentions. For corporations, we draft shareholder agreements that address similar governance and equity issues. Our attorneys draft these documents to reflect the actual deal between the founders and to prevent disputes down the road.

New York LLC Publication Requirement

New York is one of the few states requiring LLC publication. The requirement must be completed within 120 days of formation in two newspapers designated by the county clerk where the LLC's principal office is located. New York is one of a few states that requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. In the New York metropolitan area, the county clerk designates which newspapers qualify. After publication is complete, you must file a Certificate of Publication with the Department of State. Failure to complete this step within 120 days can result in the suspension of your LLC's authority to do business. Our firm handles the entire publication process, from ordering the notices to filing the certificate, so you stay in compliance without having to manage the logistics yourself.

Partnership Agreements and Co-Founder Arrangements

New York businesses with multiple founders need written agreements that address ownership, management, intellectual property, and exit provisions. Without these, disputes are resolved under default statutory provisions. Many New York startups begin with two or more co-founders who contribute different skills, capital, or intellectual property to the venture. A clear partnership or co-founder agreement is essential to define each person's role, compensation, equity stake, and responsibilities. These agreements should also address vesting schedules, non-compete provisions, intellectual property assignment, and exit procedures. Our attorneys draft co-founder agreements that protect all parties and provide a framework for resolving disagreements before they escalate.

Business Contracts and Commercial Lease Review

New York startups entering into their first commercial contracts need legal review to ensure terms are fair, enforceable, and do not create unnecessary risk for the new business. New York startups frequently need contracts with vendors, service providers, independent contractors, and landlords. Our firm drafts and reviews service agreements, independent contractor agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and terms of service. We also review commercial leases for New York businesses, including office, retail, and industrial space throughout the five boroughs and surrounding counties. Having a lawyer review your lease before you sign it can prevent costly problems with rent escalation, personal guaranty clauses, and restrictive use provisions.

What New York Entrepreneurs Should Know About Starting a Business

New York's startup ecosystem is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Manhattan remains the traditional center for finance, technology, and professional services startups. Brooklyn has become a hub for consumer brands, creative companies, and food and beverage businesses. Queens' diverse population drives entrepreneurship in restaurants, healthcare, and community-serving businesses. The Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester each have distinct business environments shaped by local demographics and commercial real estate markets.

One of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of starting an LLC in New York is the publication requirement. Every new LLC must publish a notice of formation in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks in the county where the LLC is formed. Publication costs vary dramatically by county. New York County (Manhattan) and Kings County (Brooklyn) have the highest costs, while counties like Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island), and some upstate counties are significantly cheaper. Where you form your LLC affects your publication costs, business address, and tax filings. Our attorneys advise on the most practical and cost-effective formation strategy for your situation.

New York entrepreneurs should also plan for the full range of post-formation requirements: obtaining an EIN, registering with state and city tax authorities, securing industry-specific licenses and permits, obtaining business insurance, and drafting the contracts needed to begin operations. Businesses that hire employees must register for workers' compensation, disability, and unemployment insurance. Our firm helps New York startups coordinate all of these steps so nothing falls through the cracks.

Why New York Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

Agarunov Law Firm works with startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners from our Lower Manhattan office. We provide practical legal guidance without the overhead and complexity of a large firm.

• LLC and corporation formation, including Articles of Organization, bylaws, and operating agreements
• Full handling of the New York LLC publication requirement with cost-optimization strategies by county
• Co-founder agreements, equity structuring, and partnership arrangements
• Centrally located in Lower Manhattan, accessible from all five boroughs and suburbs
• Licensed in both New York and New Jersey for businesses operating across state lines

How Our Startup Formation Process Works

• Step 1: Consultation. We discuss your business concept, ownership structure, and goals. We advise on the best entity type for your situation. This consultation is free.
• Step 2: Entity Formation. We prepare and file your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation with the New York Department of State, obtain your EIN, and complete state and local tax registrations.
• Step 3: Governing Documents. We draft your operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement to reflect the actual terms between the founders and protect everyone's interests.
• Step 4: Publication and Compliance. For LLCs, we handle the New York publication requirement from start to finish. We also advise on business licenses, permits, and insurance requirements for your specific industry.
• Step 5: Contracts and Launch. We review or draft the contracts you need to begin operations, including commercial leases, vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, and client service agreements.