Queens Startup Business Lawyer

Startup Business Attorney Serving Queens, NY

Queens is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic small business communities in the country. Entrepreneurs in neighborhoods like Flushing, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, and Jamaica are launching restaurants, retail shops, technology companies, healthcare practices, and professional service firms every day. The borough's ethnic diversity drives demand for businesses that serve specific communities, from Flushing's East Asian commercial corridor to Jackson Heights' South Asian and Latin American markets. If you are starting a business in Queens, a startup lawyer can help you form the right entity, draft the agreements you need, and comply with New York's regulatory requirements.

Our firm works with Queens entrepreneurs at every stage of business formation. We handle LLC and corporation filings, prepare operating agreements and shareholder agreements, complete the New York publication requirement, obtain EINs, register your business with state and local tax authorities, and advise on contracts and licenses. We also review commercial leases, draft partnership agreements, and help founders structure equity arrangements with co-founders and early employees.

Our Lower Manhattan office is accessible from Queens via the E, F, M, R, 7, or N/W trains. We represent startups and small businesses throughout Queens County. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your business formation needs.

Business Formation Services for Queens Startups

LLC Formation and Registration

Queens business owners, from restaurant operators in Flushing to retailers in Jamaica and professionals in Astoria, need entity structures that match their operational and tax planning needs. The limited liability company is the most common entity structure for Queens 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 Queens County Clerk. We handle every filing so your LLC is properly established from the start.

Corporation Formation

Queens businesses that need a formal corporate structure for investor relations, government contracting, or industry compliance should consider forming a corporation rather than an LLC. If your Queens 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

Queens business owners operating partnerships, family businesses, and multi-owner ventures need operating agreements that clearly define each member's rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements. 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

Queens LLCs publish in newspapers designated by the Queens County Clerk. Failure to complete the requirement results in suspension of the LLC's authority to conduct business in New York. 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 Queens County, 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

Queens businesses with multiple owners, including family enterprises and professional partnerships, need founder agreements that clarify expectations and financial arrangements from the outset. Many Queens 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

Queens businesses entering into vendor contracts, supplier agreements, and commercial leases should have these documents reviewed before signing to identify unfavorable terms and negotiate better provisions. Queens 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 Queens businesses, including office space in Long Island City, retail locations in Astoria and Flushing, and industrial space in Maspeth. 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 Queens Entrepreneurs Should Know About Starting a Business

Queens' startup landscape reflects the borough's extraordinary diversity. Flushing and Elmhurst have become major hubs for Asian-owned businesses, including restaurants, medical practices, real estate companies, and import/export operations. Long Island City has attracted technology firms, creative agencies, and co-working spaces as the neighborhood has developed rapidly along the waterfront. Astoria supports a thriving restaurant and hospitality scene, while Jamaica and the Rockaways are seeing new retail and service businesses as those areas continue to develop.

The New York LLC publication requirement applies to Queens businesses just as it does everywhere in the state. In Queens County, the county clerk designates two newspapers for publication, and the six-week notice period must be completed within 120 days of formation. Queens County publication costs tend to be lower than Kings County (Brooklyn), which is one reason some Brooklyn entrepreneurs consider forming their LLC in Queens. However, this approach has implications for your business address and tax filings that you should discuss with an attorney.

Queens businesses should also be aware of industry-specific licensing requirements. Food service establishments need permits from the Department of Health. Businesses selling goods must obtain a sales tax certificate of authority. Contractors, childcare providers, and home improvement businesses need specific licenses from city and state agencies. Our firm advises Queens startups on the regulatory steps required for their particular industry so they can open their doors in full compliance.

Why Queens 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 for Queens County
• Co-founder agreements, equity structuring, and partnership arrangements
• Accessible from Queens via the E, F, M, R, 7, or N/W trains to our Financial District office
• 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.