Introduction

Running a family business is no small feat, especially in the construction industry. For our client, a specialty subcontractor with 20 employees, legal services were never a priority until it became clear that transitioning the business to the next generation required a solid legal foundation. This is where Equinox stepped in, providing strategic legal support that transformed their operations over five years.

Client Overview

Our client, a family-run specialty construction subcontractor, came to us in 2019 with a dual need. They needed help addressing immediate, day-to-day legal issues and sought a long-term strategy to support their business goals and transition to the next generation.

The Journey

2019: Laying the Foundation

When we first partnered with the client, we started by handling immediate legal concerns:

• PTO Transition: We advised on changing from flexible PTO to accrued PTO and guided on sick and safe leave policies.

• Contract Management: Developed a contract management plan and crafted job descriptions for a contract manager.

• Ownership Transfer: Assisted with ownership transfer documents and estate planning.

• Trademark Protection: Addressed a trademark scam, ensuring the client’s intellectual property remained secure.
• Bereavement Leave Policy: Provided sensitive guidance on employment issues.

2020: Strategic Initiatives

With immediate concerns handled, we shifted focus to more strategic measures:

• Succession Planning: Created cross-purchase documents and updated the stock ledger.
• Confidentiality and Contracts: Provided guidance on confidentiality policies and reviewed fixed-bid contracts related to safety measures in the construction industry.
• Restrictive Covenants: Drafted restrictive covenants agreements and reviewed various contracts.

2021: Reactive and Proactive Support

We balanced reactive and proactive support in 2021:

• Employment Issues: Advised on layoffs, employee termination, and updated the employee handbook.
• Compliance: Guided the client through new legislation like the Corporate Transparency Act.
• Labor Relations: Helped the client interpret and comply with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protected speech.

2022: Comprehensive Support

Our efforts included both immediate legal support and strategic planning:

• Foreign Contractor Agreements: Advised on agreements and provided guidance on NLRA protected speech.
• Contract Management System: Implemented a comprehensive contract management system and trained the client’s team.
• Governance and Regulatory Filings: Updated governance documents and regulatory filings.

2023-2024: Continuous Improvement

Our work in the following years continued to blend reactive support with strategic initiatives:

• Anti-Harassment Training: Conducted training sessions and provided guidance on new legislation compliance.
• Business Planning: Assisted with succession planning, estate planning, and ownership transfer documents.
• Handbook Updates: Regularly reviewed and updated the employee handbook and provided employment law training.
• Corporate Transparency Act: Ensured compliance with the new regulations and advised on AI options for construction contractors.

Key Outcomes

Through our strategic legal support, the client achieved several milestones:

• Strengthened Legal Infrastructure: Implemented robust legal frameworks in ownership, governance, contracts, and employment.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Addressed disputes quickly and effectively, minimizing potential disruptions.
• Compliance: Ensured adherence to evolving laws and regulations, reducing legal risks.
• Efficient Operations: Improved contract management processes and bolstered overall business operations.

Conclusion

The success of our partnership with this family-run specialty construction subcontractor underscores the value of strategic legal support. By addressing both immediate concerns and long-term goals, we helped them build a stronger, more proactive company.

Ready to elevate your business with strategic legal support? Contact Equinox today and discover how we can empower your business to thrive.