What legal contracts do I need to have in place before starting a business in Ohio?

As a lawyer, I would advise anyone starting a business in Ohio to prioritize the creation of legal contracts that will protect the business and its interests. The following are some of the legal contracts that may be necessary for a new business:

1. Operating Agreement:

   If your business is organized as a limited liability company (LLC), an operating agreement is a crucial document. It outlines the rules and regulations governing the business, including the roles and responsibilities of each member, the distribution of profits and losses, how the company will be managed, and how disputes will be resolved.

2. Partnership agreement:

   If your business is a partnership, a partnership agreement specifies the roles and responsibilities of each partner, their respective contributions to the business, the distribution of profits and losses, how new partners can be admitted, and how disputes will be resolved.

3. Shareholder Agreement:

   If you plan to form a corporation, a shareholder agreement is essential. It outlines the rules and regulations that govern the business, including the roles and responsibilities of each shareholder, the distribution of profits and losses, how the company will be managed, and how disputes between shareholders will be resolved.

4. Employment Agreement:

   The employment agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for your employees, including compensation, job duties, termination clauses, and any non-disclosure, non-compete or non-solicitation clauses.

5. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA):

   An NDA is a legal contract between two parties outlining the confidential information that will be shared between them. It prevents the receiving party from disclosing the confidential information to third parties.

6. Independent Contractor Agreement:

   This type of agreement outlines the terms and conditions of working with independent contractors, including the scope of work, compensation, intellectual property rights, and timelines for work completion.

7. Client Agreement:

   A client agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the services provided by your business, including the scope of work, compensation, timelines, intellectual property rights, and any dispute resolution clauses.

It is also important to remember that the legal contracts needed for starting a business may differ depending on the nature of the business and the industry it operates in. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified business lawyer to ensure all the necessary legal documents are in place.