Corporate Law · Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS & CORPORATE ATTORNEY
Every business runs on its structure and its contracts. The Law Offices of Kyle A. Burkett provides corporate counsel to entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, and entertainment companies, with particular depth in structuring creative ventures: labels, studios, production companies, and creator businesses.
Services
- Entity formation and structuring
- Operating and shareholder agreements
- Partnership and joint venture agreements
- Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation
- Independent contractor and services agreements
- Licensing transactions
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Business disputes
- Entertainment company structuring
- Outside general counsel arrangements
Who We Represent
Founders, small and growing businesses, family enterprises, and entertainment and media companies that need counsel scaled to their stage rather than big-firm overhead.
Our Approach
We structure first, then paper it properly: the right entity, a real operating agreement among the owners, and contracts that allocate risk deliberately. For ongoing needs, outside general counsel arrangements give you a lawyer who already knows your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
LLC or corporation, which should I form?
It depends on ownership, taxation, investment plans, and industry. For most creative ventures an LLC offers flexibility, but the answer should come from your specific facts, which is exactly what an initial consultation covers.
My partner and I trust each other. Do we still need an operating agreement?
Yes, especially then. An operating agreement decides money, control, and exits while everyone agrees, so those questions never have to be answered during a dispute.
We have been operating without ever forming an entity. Is that a problem?
It can be. Operating together without an entity often creates a general partnership by default, which means personal liability for business obligations and no agreed rules on ownership. Formalizing the structure now is usually straightforward and dramatically reduces risk.
I formed my LLC in another state but work in California. Do I need to register here?
Usually yes. An out-of-state LLC doing business in California generally must register as a foreign LLC and pay California franchise tax, and skipping it creates penalties and enforcement problems. We handle these cleanups regularly.
What contracts does a new business actually need first?
Typically: an operating or shareholder agreement among the owners, a standard client or customer agreement, independent contractor agreements protecting your intellectual property, and any lease or vendor contracts. Getting these four right prevents most early disputes.
When should I trademark my business or brand name?
Before you invest heavily in the name. A clearance search and federal filing early is far cheaper than rebranding after a conflict, and for entertainment brands the mark is often the most valuable asset.
Do you offer flat fees?
For defined projects such as formations and standard agreements, yes, the firm frequently quotes flat fees so costs are predictable.
What does outside general counsel mean?
It is an ongoing arrangement where the firm acts as your legal department: reviewing contracts, flagging risks, and advising as matters arise, without the cost of in-house counsel.
Request a Free Consultation Call (323) 238-2598
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice, and results depend on the facts of each matter.