Let Berns Knight solve your legal needs so that you can focus on running and growing your business.  We have the experience and reputation to make a real difference for our clients.

 

Whether you are  a manufacturing or service business, large or small, we understand that effectively and efficienly resolving potential or existing legal issues can have a critical affect on your ability to focus on your bottom-line, your mission, or your livelihood. 

 

PRACTICE AREAS:  

 

Berns Knight's business law practice is high-touch and high-service. We take the time to learn about your business model such that the full ramifications of any legal issue are understood.  We communicate regularly with our clients and seek to fulfill the role of trusted proactive advisor or outside general counsel rather than simply a hired gun. 

 

Our subject matter expertise is broad.  Our practice leader, Patrick Knight has run his own manufacturing company and spent ten years in general management as a consumer of legal services before returning to the practice of law.  His experience representing clients over a broad range of subjects and issue areas, include:

 

• Business Acquisitions, Mergers and Divestitures: Drafting and negotiation of letters of intent and business purchase agreements and associated documents.

• Raising Investment Capital: Documents and process associated with raising capital from third-parties and in a manner consistent with SEC regulations and Minnesota "blue sky" statutes.

• Control Agreements / Buy-Sell Agreements: Common agreements between business owners which detail roles and responsibilities and clarify ownership issues upon the occurence of a variety of life events.

• Business Succession Planning: Collaborate to determine optimal strategy and structure for agreement to transfer a business owner's interest and preserve his or her legacy.

• Business Contracts: Create new contracts, review existing contracts, negotiate contracts on behalf of clients.

• Business Formation: Creation of limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships and non-profits.

• Commercial Leases: Draft and review commercial leases between tenant and landlord.

• Real Estate Transactions. Review and negotiate purchase agreement, title commitment, survey and closing documents.

• Commercial Disputes: Address and resolve disputes with vendors, customers and other related parties.

• Employee Issues: Non-compete, confidentiality, and consulting agreements.

 

REPUTATION / EXPERIENCE:

 

At Berns Knight, we believe the best (and most effective) business attorneys are those with the utmost competence, responsiveness, and trust with their clients. We are selective in the clients we represent--and then we aggressively address and solve their legal needs. 

 

In addition to Patrick's legal experience, his business experience includes serving as VP of Sales & Marketing, VP of Operations, and ultimately Chief Operating Officer of a $50m manufacturing company.   Patrick uses that experience to add value where other business attorneys cannot.