General Corporate Law
From business formation and corporate governance to complex transactions and regulatory compliance, Sinoberg Raft provides comprehensive legal counsel tailored to the evolving needs of businesses. We advise entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies on navigating legal challenges, protecting their interests, and pursuing opportunities for sustainable growth. Our approach combines practical business insight with strategic legal guidance to help clients make informed decisions and operate with confidence.
Business Formation & Startup Advisory: Establishing a strong legal foundation is essential to long-term business success. We guide entrepreneurs and emerging companies through entity selection and formation, organizational structuring, operating agreements, shareholder arrangements, and other foundational legal matters. Our attorneys help businesses establish the legal frameworks necessary to support growth, attract investment, and minimize future disputes.
Commercial Transactions & Contract Negotiation: Well-structured agreements are fundamental to protecting business interests and maintaining successful commercial relationships. Our firm assists clients with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts, including service agreements, vendor contracts, partnership arrangements, and other business transactions. We focus on developing practical, enforceable agreements that minimize exposure to risk while advancing our clients' commercial objectives.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Businesses operate within an increasingly complex framework of local, state, and federal regulations. We provide guidance on corporate compliance obligations, regulatory requirements, and risk management strategies, with particular attention to the legal environment in Washington, D.C. Our attorneys help clients identify potential liabilities, address compliance concerns, and implement proactive measures to protect their operations and business interests.
Corporate Financing & Investment Transactions: Access to capital is critical for business expansion and long-term development. We advise businesses on the legal aspects of financing arrangements, private investments, capital contributions, and commercial lending transactions. From reviewing financing documents to negotiating investment terms, we help clients structure transactions that protect their interests and support their financial and strategic objectives.
Corporate Governance & Ongoing Legal Advisory: Effective corporate governance promotes accountability, operational stability, and responsible decision-making. Our firm advises businesses on governance structures, fiduciary responsibilities, corporate policies, board and shareholder matters, and ongoing legal obligations. We work closely with business owners and leadership teams to address emerging legal issues, strengthen internal practices, and support long-term organizational success.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Restructuring: Corporate transactions require careful planning, legal diligence, and strategic negotiation. We assist clients with the legal considerations involved in business acquisitions, ownership transfers, mergers, and corporate restructuring. Our approach emphasizes identifying potential risks, facilitating efficient transactions, and protecting our clients' commercial interests throughout the process.
News/Important Updates
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Federal Government Finalizes Changes to Corporate Ownership Reporting
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a final rule exempting U.S.-formed companies and U.S. persons from federal beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. Certain foreign entities registered to do business in the United States remain subject to reporting obligations.
Why it matters: Businesses should reassess their corporate reporting obligations, particularly foreign entities operating in the United States, to ensure compliance with the revised federal framework.
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D.C. Enacts Business Licensing Reform and Modernization
The District of Columbia enacted the Business Licensing Reform and Accountancy Practice Amendment Act of 2026, effective September 25. The legislation authorizes four-year basic business licenses, expands certain renewal provisions, and revises professional accountancy licensing requirements.
Why it matters: Businesses operating in Washington, D.C. may benefit from greater licensing flexibility and updated administrative procedures. Companies should review applicable licensing requirements and renewal practices to maintain compliance.
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New York Implements LLC Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Requirements
New York's LLC Transparency Act took effect January 1, 2026, establishing disclosure requirements for certain limited liability companies formed under foreign-country laws and authorized to conduct business in the state. Covered entities authorized before 2026 generally face a December 31, 2026 filing deadline.
Why it matters: International businesses and qualifying LLCs operating in New York should review ownership disclosure obligations, applicable exemptions, and filing deadlines to avoid potential compliance issues.
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FTC Raises Merger Reporting Thresholds for 2026
The Federal Trade Commission increased the minimum size-of-transaction threshold under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act from $126.4 million to $133.9 million, effective February 17, 2026. The adjustments also modify filing fees and other jurisdictional thresholds for qualifying transactions.
Why it matters: Companies considering mergers, acquisitions, or significant equity investments should evaluate whether their proposed transactions trigger federal premerger notification requirements and associated regulatory review.
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SBA Proposes New Small Business Size Standards
The U.S. Small Business Administration proposed revisions to federal small business size standards in August 2026. The proposal would simplify industry classifications and increase certain eligibility thresholds, potentially allowing more businesses to qualify for federal small business programs.
Why it matters: Startups, growing companies, and government contractors should monitor the proposed changes, which could affect eligibility for federal contracting opportunities and small business assistance programs. The changes remain proposals unless finalized.
