Advice, when it matters.
The Law Office of Scott London is a boutique business and litigation law firm with locations in New York City and Santa Barbara. Its mission is to provide expert quality service with both personal attention and cost effective execution. It is our aim to provide clients with a fresh alternative to the traditional, impersonal corporate law firm, and to do so at a fair value through a streamlined structure that allows for a much greater level of personal attention and service.
We believe your attorney should be one who listens to your needs and concerns and has the knowledge and experience to promptly proceed with a plan of action that fits your specific situation. From start to finish, you should expect the following: (1) Personalized service; (2) An honest assessment of the positive and negative aspects of your legal matter; (3) Effective and efficient legal strategies; (4) Attention to detail; (5) Constant communication regarding legal matter status, and (6) Affordable fees;
We offer free and confidential consultations. Please call (212) 784-6081 or complete the online contact form below to schedule a consultation today.
Attorney Profiles
Mr. London's practice is devoted to corporate governance and complex commercial litigation matters. He has experience providing legal direction and advice on matters of legal strategy engaging in a wide variety of complex legal work having significant financial or policy consequences over the entire spectrum of contracts, ethics, risk, and compliance issues, litigation, technology, intellectual property and real property matters. He has served as legal adviser on major business transactions including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.
Bar Admissions:New York (2005), United States District Court, Southern District of New York (2009)
California (2005), United States District Court, Central District of California (2005)
Education:J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law 2002 – 2004, Dean’s Merit Scholarship, Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal – Articles Editor B.A., Philosophy, Hunter College, cum laude 1999 – 2002
Publications:
Public Procurement Law, Guidelines for Contracts with Public Authorities, Chap. USA I, Legalink, (2007)
Practice Areas
Franchise Law
We are a nationally-recognized franchise law firm representing both start-up and established franchisors in in a variety of industries, including restaurants, hotels, professional services, and technology. We assist start-up franchisors with the initial decision to franchise and the development of the franchise business; the drafting and registering of franchise disclosure documents; the filing of trademarks along with intellectual property management; and the negotiation of agreements with manufacturers and distributors. We also provide services to established franchisors relating to franchise renewal, restructuring and expansion of existing franchise businesses.
Corporate Matters
BUSINESS FORMATION
We handle all aspects of business formation and evaluate several criteria in helping our clients which type of business to form including: (1) legal liability, asset protection from creditors; (2) tax implications based on unique situations and goals; (3) cost of formation and ongoing record keeping; and (4) flexibility of ownership structure. We also prepare organizational documents, e.g. articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements, stock certificates etc.
BUSINESS LICENSES & PERMITS
Forming a business entity is only the first step toward opening for business. Depending on the type of business you intend to do, you may need to have licenses and permits in place before you open your doors. Otherwise you could be liable for significant fines, penalties and even closure. This could include federal, state or municipal licenses and/or permits. We research whether licenses and permits are required for your business and prepare license and permit applications.
BUSINESS CONTRACTS
We review, draft and negotiate business agreements including: (1) Operating Agreements; (2) Asset Purchase Agreements; (3) Shareholder Agreements; (4) Membership Interest Agreements; (5) Stock Purchase Agreements; (6) Employment Contracts; and (7) Service Contracts.
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
We can help you buy, sell or dissolve a business. This includes negotiating terms, drafting transaction agreements including buy-sell agreements, stock purchase agreements, transfer of membership agreements, etc.
Business & Corporate Governance / Compliance
Sometimes the best legal advice comes in the form of prevention. We believe that we best serve our clients when we help them avoid legal pitfalls. Therefore, corporate governance and regulatory compliance are essential for minimizing the liability that may face a Board of Directors. This applies equally to for profit business entities and 501(c)(3) not for profit tax-exempt corporations, foundations, and associations, or 501(c)(6) trade and chamber of commerce organizations or501(c)(2) & (25) holding corporations and social welfare organizations.
Contracts
Whether you know it or not, you enter into contracts every day. Most are not critical but that is not the case for most business contracts. A handshake or an oral promise is just not enough. Some contracts must be written to be enforceable by law including a contract for sale of goods over $500, purchase or sale of real estate, purchase or sale of a business, etc. A properly drafted contract can address unique issues and avoid disputes. We have expertise drafting contracts including: (1) assignments; (2) releases; (3) loans agreements; (4) promissory notes; (5) stock purchase or transfer agreements; (6) consultant agreements; (7) professional services agreements; (8) memorandums of understanding; (9) personal property agreements; (10) franchise agreements; (11) software license agreements; (12) website statements including terms and conditions and privacy policy; (13) indemnity agreements; (14) operating agreements; (14) by-laws; (15) settlement agreements; (16) partnership agreements; (16) security agreements; (17) employment agreements; (18) independent contractor agreements; (19) non-compete agreements; (20) non-disclosure agreements; and (21) confidentiality agreements, just to name a few.
Commercial Litigation
No matter how hard you try, you just cannot avoid all manner of disputes. These can be resolved by private negotiation, mediation, arbitration or lawsuit in state or federal court. We have litigated a wide variety of claims including breach of contract, torts, fraud, product liability, trade secrets, and partner and shareholder disputes.
Real Estate
We represent our clients in a wide range of residential and commercial real estate matters including: (1) negotiating and drafting purchase and sale agreement; (2) negotiating and drafting leases; (3) negotiating finance and loan agreements; (4) attending closings; (5) negotiating and drafting construction contracts; (6) applying for zoning and variance approvals; and (7) applying for certificate of occupancy applications.