Westchester Startup Business Lawyer

Startup Business Attorney Serving Westchester, NY

Westchester County supports a diverse business community that ranges from professional service firms in White Plains to retail and restaurant startups in the villages of Scarsdale, Bronxville, Rye, and Larchmont. The county's mix of affluent suburban communities and more urban centers like Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle creates opportunities for businesses across multiple industries. If you are starting a company in Westchester, a startup lawyer can help you form the right entity, draft governing documents, and comply with state and local regulatory requirements.

Our firm works with Westchester entrepreneurs on LLC and corporation formation, operating 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 licensing and compliance for businesses operating in Westchester County.

Our Manhattan office is accessible from Westchester via Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal. We represent startups and small businesses throughout Westchester County. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your business formation needs.

Business Formation Services for Westchester Startups

LLC Formation and Registration

Westchester entrepreneurs, including healthcare professionals, consultants, and retail business owners, need entity structures that address both their operational needs and New York regulatory requirements. The limited liability company is the most common entity structure for Westchester 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 Westchester County Clerk. We handle every filing so your LLC is properly established from the start.

Corporation Formation

Westchester professional practices and growing businesses should evaluate corporate structure when their plans include bringing on partners, issuing equity compensation, or pursuing outside investment. If your Westchester 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

Westchester business owners forming multi-member LLCs need operating agreements that address the governance, financial, and operational issues that arise in closely held businesses. 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

Westchester LLCs publish in newspapers designated by the Westchester County Clerk. The six-week publication requirement is the same as in every other New York county. 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 Westchester 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

Westchester business owners starting ventures with partners need agreements that address ownership, management authority, financial contributions, and dispute resolution processes. Many Westchester 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

Westchester startups entering into commercial leases, vendor agreements, and client contracts should have these reviewed to identify terms that could become problematic as the business grows. Westchester 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 Westchester businesses, including office space in White Plains, retail locations in Scarsdale and Bronxville, and commercial space in Yonkers. 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 Westchester Entrepreneurs Should Know About Starting a Business

Westchester's business environment combines the advantages of proximity to New York City with a suburban setting that many entrepreneurs prefer. White Plains serves as the county's commercial center, with office towers, co-working spaces, and professional service firms. Yonkers has attracted new restaurants, retail businesses, and creative companies, particularly along the waterfront. The smaller villages throughout the county support local retail, healthcare practices, wellness businesses, and boutique professional service firms.

Westchester County's LLC publication costs are generally lower than those in New York City boroughs. The county clerk designates two newspapers, and the six-week publication period must be completed within 120 days of formation. For entrepreneurs who do not need a New York City business address, forming an LLC in Westchester can result in meaningful savings on the publication requirement. Our attorneys handle the Westchester County publication process and advise on whether this approach fits your business.

Westchester businesses must comply with state requirements as well as any applicable town or village regulations. Zoning, signage, and local business permits vary by municipality, and some Westchester communities have specific requirements for home-based businesses or businesses operating in residential zones. Our firm advises Westchester startups on the regulatory landscape and helps ensure you are properly licensed before you begin operations.

Why Westchester 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 Westchester County
• Co-founder agreements, equity structuring, and partnership arrangements
• Accessible from Westchester via Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal
• 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.