Tag: PLLC


Complete Guide to the Best Corporate Law Firms in New York


Choosing the right corporate law firm in New York can have a major impact on your business’s success. Whether you are a startup founder, a business owner, or an executive at a multinational corporation, having access to skilled corporate legal services ensures that your company operates safely, complies with complex regulations, and grows without unnecessary risk.

 

From the early stages of business formation to high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, corporate lawyers play a vital role in protecting your assets and guiding strategic decisions. In one of the most competitive and regulated business environments in the world, failing to have proper legal support can result in contract disputes, compliance violations, intellectual property conflicts, employment issues, or costly litigation. These challenges can slow growth, drain resources, and threaten long-term success.

 

This guide will walk you through the key roles of corporate lawyers, the services offered by top firms, and tips for selecting the right corporate legal partner for your business. To illustrate these principles, we highlight the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC, a highly regarded corporate law firm in New York City, trusted by clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

 

What Corporate Lawyers Do

 

Corporate lawyers serve as trusted advisors for businesses of all sizes. Many business owners wonder, “what does a corporate attorney do?” or “do corporate lawyers go to court?” The truth is, corporate attorneys provide a combination of advisory, transactional, and sometimes litigation services, all aimed at protecting the business and supporting growth.

 

At their core, corporate lawyers help businesses navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes. They provide guidance on business structure, contracts, mergers, compliance, risk management, and other matters essential to long-term stability. While some corporate lawyers handle litigation, most focus on preventing legal problems through careful planning and proactive advice.

 

A skilled corporate lawyer assists businesses with:

  • Establishing the right legal structure for the company
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts
  • Conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions
  • Advising on corporate governance and board responsibilities
  • Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
  • Managing intellectual property and employment-related issues
  • Providing strategic counsel on risk management and business growth

 

By working closely with corporate lawyers, businesses can focus on growth while minimizing exposure to costly legal risks.

 

 

Source: Law Firm

 

 

Key Corporate Legal Services Offered by Top Firms

 

Corporate law firms provide a broad range of services to help businesses stay compliant, avoid disputes, and achieve their strategic goals. These services are essential for companies that want to operate confidently in New York’s complex legal environment.

 

Business Formation and Structuring

 

The foundation of any successful business is proper legal formation. A business formation attorney helps companies determine whether to establish an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other entity type. This includes guidance on registration, documentation, and tax considerations.

A well-structured business protects personal assets, ensures tax efficiency, and creates a platform for growth. For example, a startup seeking investors may choose a C corporation to allow for venture capital funding. At the same time, a small business owner might prefer an LLC for flexibility and liability protection. The right business formation attorney helps evaluate your goals and recommend the optimal structure.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and policies that guide a company’s management. A corporate governance lawyer advises boards, executives, and shareholders on legal responsibilities and best practices. Proper governance strengthens accountability, ensures compliance, and builds investor confidence.

 

Corporate governance services often include:

  • Structuring boards of directors and defining roles
  • Establishing executive compensation and benefit policies
  • Managing shareholder rights and agreements
  • Implementing corporate codes of conduct
  • Ensuring accurate reporting and disclosure

 

Strong governance reduces the risk of disputes, regulatory fines, and internal conflicts, helping businesses operate smoothly.

 

Corporate Commercial Law

 

Corporate commercial law focuses on agreements, transactions, and deals that are central to a company’s operations. A corporate commercial lawyer ensures that contracts with suppliers, partners, and clients are legally sound, protecting the business from potential disputes.

 

Services in corporate commercial law include:

  • Negotiating supply agreements and vendor contracts
  • Drafting partnership agreements and licensing deals
  • Structuring complex commercial transactions
  • Advising on corporate mergers and acquisitions

 

By relying on a corporate commercial lawyer, businesses can confidently enter deals, minimize risk, and create value through strategic agreements.

 

Corporate Contracts

 

Contracts are the backbone of business operations. A corporate contract lawyer drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts to define rights and obligations while minimizing potential risks clearly. Poorly written contracts can lead to misunderstandings, litigation, or financial losses.

 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Drafting employment contracts, vendor agreements, and commercial contracts
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable laws
  • Including clear protections and remedies
  • Reducing ambiguity to prevent disputes

 

With strong contract management, companies can focus on growth and operations without constantly worrying about legal pitfalls.

 

Compliance Advisory Services

 

Compliance is critical in New York’s regulated business environment. Compliance advisory services guide businesses in meeting local, state, and federal requirements, including securities laws, employment regulations, environmental standards, tax obligations, and industry-specific rules.

 

Corporate lawyers monitor changes in the law and proactively implement measures to ensure ongoing compliance. By doing so, they help companies avoid fines, legal disputes, and reputational damage.

 

 

 

Source: PM Attorneys

 

 

The Role of Corporate Counsel at Dayrel Sewell, PLLC

 

For businesses seeking dynamic and experienced legal guidance, the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC offers comprehensive corporate counsel services. Corporate counsel at Dayrel Sewell’s firm not only provides legal advice but also ensures that the company’s operations align with regulatory requirements and strategic objectives.

 

Typical duties of corporate counsel include:

  • Negotiating employee contracts and benefits
  • Preparing and filing government reports
  • Drafting and reviewing legal documents
  • Evaluating business relationships with vendors and subcontractors
  • Guiding management on compliance and regulatory matters
  • Administering training workshops and employee handbooks
  • Representing the company in administrative boards or court trials
  • Supervising outside counsel for specialized legal services
  • Structuring joint ventures and partnerships

 

This wide-ranging expertise ensures that every aspect of a business’s operations is legally protected. Whether managing day-to-day operational issues or high-value transactions, Dayrel Sewell’s attorneys provide proactive, strategic, and practical legal support.

 

Why Choose a Corporate Law Firm in New York

 

New York is a major business hub, and its legal environment is complex. Corporate law in the state is governed by the New York Business Corporation Law , which requires businesses to navigate intricate rules regarding governance, contracts, and compliance.

 

Because of this complexity, businesses need corporate lawyers who are:

  • Highly qualified and experienced with state and federal regulations
  • Skilled negotiators and strategic advisors
  • Knowledgeable about industry-specific issues
  • Capable of handling litigation if necessary

 

Top corporate law firms provide sophisticated solutions backed by extensive industry knowledge. They help businesses manage risk, comply with regulations, and execute strategic initiatives confidently.

 

The LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC, exemplifies these qualities. Their attorneys stay up to date on legal developments and understand the fast-paced business environment in New York, enabling clients to receive practical and protective legal strategies.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Law Firm

 

Selecting the right corporate law firm is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business. Consider these factors:

 

Match Expertise with Your Needs

 

Evaluate which legal services are most important to your business. Do you need assistance with:

  • Business formation
  • Contract negotiation
  • Compliance with industry regulations
  • Risk management
  • Mergers and acquisitions

 

Choose a firm with proven experience in the areas most relevant to your business.

 

Evaluate Reputation and Experience

 

Look for firms with strong reputations, positive client testimonials, and a track record of success. Case results and industry recognition can help identify firms that are capable and trustworthy.

 

Understand Litigation Capabilities

 

Some firms focus primarily on advisory services, while others are prepared to represent clients in court. Consider your potential need for litigation when making a selection.

 

Consider Communication and Compatibility

 

Effective communication is essential. Choose a firm that explains complex legal issues clearly, listens to your concerns, and provides timely advice.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the right corporate law firm in New York is a critical step for protecting your business, minimizing risk, and achieving sustainable growth. Corporate lawyers provide essential services such as business formation, compliance advisory services, contract drafting, and risk management, helping companies operate with confidence.

 

The LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC stands out as a trusted corporate law firm offering tailored legal solutions for businesses at every stage. Their experienced attorneys provide practical, proactive, and strategic legal support that allows companies to focus on growth while remaining legally compliant. Investing in the right corporate legal partner is an investment in the long-term success of your business.

 

FAQS

 

What is the best corporate law firm in New York?


The LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC is a top choice in New York, offering corporate legal services such as business formation, contract negotiation, compliance advisory services, and risk management for startups and large corporations alike.

What services do corporate law firms in New York provide?


Corporate law firms provide business formation, corporate governance, contract drafting and negotiation, compliance advisory services, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property protection, employment law, real estate transactions, tax planning, and dispute resolution to ensure businesses operate safely and legally.

What factors affect a corporate lawyer’s fees in New York?

Corporate lawyer fees in New York depend on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, the size and reputation of the law firm, the complexity of the legal matter, the type of services provided, and the duration of the engagement. Each case is unique, so fees may vary accordingly.

How can a corporate lawyer help with business formation in New York?


A business formation attorney helps clients choose the best legal structure, file required registrations, comply with New York regulations, protect personal assets, and create a solid foundation for future growth, whether forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership.

How do corporate lawyers assist with mergers and acquisitions?


Corporate lawyers guide mergers and acquisitions by performing due diligence, drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating terms, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing risk, and structuring deals to protect business interests and support strategic growth and long-term success.



Who Owns the Copyright of AI-Generated Works? Legal Risks in New York


The legal uncertainty surrounding copyright protection for AI-generated works is rooted in the foundational principles of copyright law, recent case law developments, and evolving guidance from the U.S. Copyright Office. This guide explores originality and authorship, key case law, regulatory updates, hypothetical scenarios, business risks, and reform proposals, all with a focus on how creators, developers, and businesses in New York can navigate ownership rights and infringement risks when human authorship is not clearly established.

 

At the heart of the issue, New York’s creative economy, including publishing houses, media outlets, advertising agencies, and tech startups, finds itself at a crossroads. The appetite for generative AI tools is undeniable, but the law’s insistence on human authorship risks leaving some of the most innovative outputs unprotected. The tension between innovation and doctrine runs through every legal dispute.

 

Ownership and Protection Under Copyright Law

 

Under U.S. copyright law, protection applies only to “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” 17 U.S.C. § 102. This excludes ideas, procedures, processes, systems, and methods of operation. Section 101 defines an “author” to include individuals or entities for whom works are made for hire, but it does not account for non-human creators.

 

This statutory framework creates a core challenge for AI-generated works. Without clear human authorship, courts and regulators have repeatedly rejected copyright claims. Businesses may view AI tools as creative partners, but the law treats them as instruments like brushes or cameras. Until reform occurs, copyright attorneys in New York advise companies to ensure identifiable human input in every creative step.

 

Copyright protection for AI content

Source: Areness Law

 

Case Law and Regulatory Guidance

 

Several recent cases highlight the copyright issues surrounding AI:


– Thaler v. Perlmutter (2023): The D.C. District Court ruled that works created solely by AI cannot be copyrighted. Human authorship remains a constitutional requirement.

 

– U.S. Copyright Office (March 2023 Guidance): Only human-authored portions of AI-generated works may be registered if the human maintains creative control.

 

– The New York Times Co. v. Microsoft Corp. (2023): Ongoing case alleging AI companies unlawfully used copyrighted works for training datasets.

 

– The Intercept Media v. OpenAI (2024): Plaintiffs alleged infringement through content scraping and removal of copyright management information.

 

These disputes show courts applying traditional principles to emerging technology. For New York’s media and publishing industries, the takeaway is clear: without meaningful human involvement, copyright protection remains limited.

 

Hypothetical Scenarios: Who Owns AI-Generated Content?

 

Imagine a business using AI for marketing visuals. If a human merely enters a vague prompt, the resulting work may lack copyrightable authorship. However, when a person exercises creative judgment, curating outputs, directing edits, and refining results, their contributions may establish authorship.

 

As Ranieri v. Adirondack Dev. Group (2016) explained, providing ideas does not make one an author. Authorship depends on expressive choices. For New York businesses, documenting human involvement in AI-assisted projects is crucial to support copyright claims.

 

Business Risks: Infringement and Licensing

 

Businesses relying on generative AI face two primary risks:

 

– Infringement Claims – AI trained on copyrighted datasets could expose both developers and users to liability.

– Ownership Disputes – Without clear agreements, questions may arise over who owns AI-assisted work.

 

For New York businesses, especially in media and advertising, proactive risk management is essential: define ownership in contracts, ensure human creative oversight, and work with an experienced intellectual property litigation attorney.

 

Proposals for Reform and Policy Considerations

 

Scholars and policymakers are exploring options to address AI copyright gaps:

 

– Expanding “authorship” definitions to recognize AI as a co-creator.

 

– Legislative amendments clarifying ownership of AI-generated works.

 

– Introducing sui generis rights, similar to EU database protections.

 

Any reform must balance rewarding human creativity with encouraging innovation. For now, industry-led solutions such as Adobe’s Content Credential system or standardized licensing frameworks proposed by groups like the Dataset Providers Alliance are filling the gap until legislation catches up.

 

AI generated works on copyright laws

Source: LinkedIn

 

Practical Steps for New York Businesses

 

To minimize risks while using AI in creative industries, businesses should:

 

– Ensure human creators actively guide and direct AI outputs.

 

– Document the role of human decision-making in the process.

 

– Use contracts that clearly define ownership of AI-assisted works.

 

– Monitor evolving case law and regulatory policies.

 

The safest path forward is to treat AI as a creative assistant—not an author—and assume courts will scrutinize human input.

 

Why Choose the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC?

 

For businesses and creators in New York navigating the complex world of AI-generated copyright issues, the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWEL, PLLC, provides trusted legal guidance.

 

– Proven Experience in intellectual property and copyright litigation.

 

– Strategic Legal Solutions tailored to AI and emerging technology challenges.

 

– Client-Centered Approach, ensuring your business goals remain protected.

 

– Comprehensive Representation in negotiation, litigation, and compliance.

 

Whether you are a startup, media company, or creative professional, the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC, offers the expertise to safeguard your rights and manage risks in this evolving legal landscape.

 

Contact the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC, today to schedule a consultation and protect your creative assets.

 

 

FAQs

– Can AI-generated works be copyrighted in New York?

 

No, works created solely by AI cannot be copyrighted under current U.S. law. Human authorship is required, though human contributions in guiding AI may qualify for protection.

 

– Who owns AI-assisted works in a business setting?

 

Ownership depends on contracts and human involvement. If an employee or contractor uses AI, businesses should clarify rights in agreements to avoid future disputes.

 

– What legal risks do New York businesses face when using AI?

 

The biggest risks include infringement claims from training data and uncertainty over who owns AI-generated content. Proper contracts, documentation, and compliance help mitigate these issues.

 

– How can the LAW FIRM OF DAYREL SEWELL, PLLC help?

 

The firm provides expert legal counsel on copyright disputes, intellectual property litigation, and contract drafting for businesses using AI in New York.