General business practice

Manning Leaver provides a full service business law practice in the areas listed below.

Organization and formation

The general business practice of Manning Leaver involves all aspects of the organization and formation of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and partnerships. Among the services offered by the firm are preparing all organizational documents, such as minutes, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and partnership agreements. 

Capitalization and financing

Manning Leaver works with clients in matters involving the capitalization and financing of their business entities. Negotiating with financial institutions and reviewing and drafting relevant documentation are examples of the services provided

Employment and personnel management

Manning Leaver assists clients in negotiating and documenting employment and personnel management arrangements. Services include preparing employment, consulting and covenant not to compete agreements.

Intellectual property and trade secret protection

The firm represents clients engaged in business activities that require intellectual property and trade secret protection. Services relating to protection issues include reviewing and drafting intellectual property rights agreements, as well as handling disputes involving such rights. 

Mergers and acquisitions

Manning Leaver handles numerous merger and business acquisition transactions, especially those involving automobile dealerships. Legal services provided include negotiating letters of intent, drafting buy-sell and management agreements, and handling all matters relating to the closing of such transactions. 

Franchise and business operations

In representing many franchised automobile, truck, bus, RV, motorcycle and motorsport dealers, Manning Leaver provides legal services relating to all aspects of franchisee rights. Services include reviewing franchisor agreements and drafting communications to franchisors

Dissolution and succession planning

Legal services provided by the firm relating to winding down a business operation range from drafting the appropriate documentation to discontinue an entity, handling creditor issues, and negotiating and documenting wind down issues with franchisors. The firm also negotiates stock sales and transfers of limited liability company interests as part of a business succession plan and drafts the appropriate documentation.

Franchise relations

Manning Leaver provides legal guidance to vehicle dealers regarding all types of factory-dealer issues. The firm also has the special expertise to represent vehicle dealers before the California New Motor Vehicle Board. We have handled numerous protests from start to finish involving dealership terminations, add points, warranty and incentive audits, and relocation of dealerships. We negotiate contract terms with the manufacturers and advise vehicle dealers about their rights in the factory-dealer relationship.