London is one of the world's great business centres, and its law firms range from global practices in the City to specialist boutiques and high-street firms that look after local companies. A business law solicitor in London helps you start, run, grow and eventually sell a business, and knows the legal pitfalls that catch founders out.
Typical work includes choosing and setting up the right structure, whether a limited company, partnership or LLP; shareholder and partnership agreements that decide what happens when owners disagree or leave; terms and conditions and supplier and customer contracts; commercial leases; data protection and regulatory compliance; and employment contracts and policies for a growing team. Transactional solicitors handle investment rounds, mergers and acquisitions and business sales, while litigation solicitors deal with debt recovery, contract disputes and claims against directors. London's commercial disputes are heard in the Business and Property Courts at the Rolls Building, but most are settled through negotiation or mediation long before trial.
The right firm depends on the size of your business. A sole trader or small company usually needs a responsive local solicitor on fixed fees for contracts and the occasional dispute; a funded start-up may want a firm experienced in venture capital; an established company often keeps a firm on a retainer for ongoing advice. Ask about fee structures, who will actually do the work, and whether the firm has experience in your industry.
The solicitors below offer business and commercial services within 20 miles of central London, with verified featured firms listed first and the rest ordered by distance. Read our guides to business law, corporate law and dispute resolution, see what business law solicitors do in general, or visit our employment law solicitors in London and intellectual property solicitors in London pages.
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