The law can be complex, in particular at the intersection of business and the law, where we pride ourselves with particular expertise to get the deal done.
We understand business.
We are business owners. 
We have played critical roles in building companies and have experienced a myriad of issues which enables us to turn complicated issues into creative solutions. We have served as in house General Counsel, as corporate executives, as board members, and as partners in private practice law firms, all of which establishes the solid business law foundation of Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC.
Corporate Counseling
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we regularly advise our clients on corporate governance and management issues including legal compliance, fiduciary duties and board oversight obligations. Relying on our extensive experience as in house counsel for public and private companies, we have an in depth understanding of the dynamics of corporate governance and the decision-making issues faced by our business clients.
General Counsel
We serve as outside general counsel to a number of our business clients. In that role, we serve as a "trusted advisor" to principal owners, executives and in house general counsel. We thrive on being that first phone call our client makes when faced with a critical legal issue, potential business transaction, employee matter or is faced with litigation. We strive to understand the drivers of our clients' business and the industry in which they compete in order to provide cost efficient legal solutions to a wide spectrum of legal issues.
Mergers and Acquisitions
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we advise our clients on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions and strategic transactions involving domestic and foreign business enterprises at all stages of development. We work with our clients to address their issues and concerns, from the early pre-planning of the transaction and letter of intent, through due diligence, negotiations, closing of the transaction and post-closing integration of operations.
Franchised Businesses
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we are experienced in growing franchised businesses. We understand the legal and business relationships between franchisors and franchisees, investors and lenders who fund growth, real estate professionals involved in site selection and development, staffing and employment matters associated with the franchised business, as well as the acquisition and disposition of franchised businesses.
Corporate and Business Formation
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we strive to turn ideas into business opportunities. We counsel entrepreneurs starting new ventures, advise them on the formation of companies and equity structures, and negotiate with investors and financing sources. We assist our early stage clients with a broad spectrum of legal services, including employment agreements, trademark and copyright matters, and shareholder agreements. We provide the full breadth of services and expertise to serve these clients as they grow and mature.
Employment Law
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we regularly counsel our business clients on employment matters, including hiring decisions, employment and independent contractor agreements, non-compete agreements, employee handbooks and termination of employment issues.
Banking and Finance
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we assist our clients in a broad range of capital funding activities from early stage financing to institutional financing. In addition, because of our experience and contacts, we are able to advise our clients on various financing options and introduce them to potential financing sources.
Commercial Agreements
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC we are skilled in drafting and negotiating all types of commercial agreements. We regularly provide services in the preparation and negotiation of confidentiality agreements, employment and non-compete agreements, licensing contracts, joint venture agreements, buy/sell agreements, and vendor contracts, to name just a few.
Intellectual Property
At Williams, Graffeo & Stern LLC our clients rely on us to help protect, preserve and enforce their intellectual property assets. We have extensive experience in in the areas of intellectual property development, protection and licensing. We advise our clients on the best strategies to protect their technology assets, to evaluate litigation risks and, where possible, to avoid conflicts with the intellectual property rights of others. Our attorneys stand ready to assist our clients with:
-
Protection of intellectual property and trade secrets
-
Pursuit oftrademark and copyright applications as well as extensive licensing activities
-
Infringement and Validity
-
Unfair Competition
-
Enforcement and Exploitation of Proprietary Rights
-
Trade Secret Protection
-
Research, Planning and Technology Protection
-
New Product Introduction