$1M recovered
Recovered $1 million for a homeowner after a plumber's negligence flooded the house.
2026Home / Business Formation · Los Angeles
Business formation lawyer in Los Angeles.
Starting a company? The documents you sign at the beginning decide what happens when partners disagree, money runs short or someone wants out. We set up California LLCs and corporations so they hold up when it matters.
LLC or corporation?
Both can protect your personal assets from business debts when set up and run properly. LLCs are simpler to manage and flexible on taxes. Corporations can suit companies that plan to bring in investors or issue stock. In California, both generally pay at least an $800 annual franchise tax. The right choice depends on ownership, taxes and where the business is headed.
What we prepare
- Formation filings with the California Secretary of State.
- Operating agreements (LLCs) or bylaws and shareholder agreements (corporations).
- Buy-sell terms: what happens if a partner leaves, dies, divorces or stops contributing.
- Founder, vendor and client contracts.
- An EIN and the basic records that keep liability protection intact.
The agreement is the protection
Most of the partner disputes we litigate trace back to a missing or vague agreement at formation. A clear operating agreement or shareholder agreement costs a fraction of a lawsuit and decides in advance how control, profits and exits work.
Staying in good standing
California requires periodic filings, such as a Statement of Information, and annual franchise tax payments. Missing them can lead to penalties and suspension. We can serve as ongoing counsel so the company stays compliant as it grows.
Free 20-minute consultation: (310) 415-9499.
Case results
Recent results.
Selected outcomes from the firm’s closed matters.
$2.2M recovered
Recovered approximately $2.2 million for a private lender owed on defaulted notes secured by real estate.
2025Results depend on the facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details are withheld for privacy.
Common questions
Questions clients ask first.
General information about California law, not legal advice for your situation.
Can I form an LLC myself online?
You can file the basic paperwork yourself. The risk is in what online filings leave out: a real operating agreement, buy-sell terms and planning for disputes between owners.
Do I need a separate business bank account?
Yes. Mixing personal and business funds is one of the most common reasons a court disregards a company's liability protection.
What does it cost to keep a California LLC open?
At minimum, the annual $800 franchise tax plus periodic Statement of Information filings. Other costs depend on licenses and the type of business.
Client reviews
5.0 stars on Google from 46 clients.
As a full-time real estate professional in Beverly Hills for the past 18 years, I have worked with many legal experts, and my experience with this landlord-tenant attorney was exceptional. … Thanks to their brilliant strategy, the tenant vacated without needing to go to trial, saving me significant time, stress, and expense.
As an attorney myself, I'm very selective about who I work with, and I can confidently say this firm did an outstanding job. … Within just a few emails, the landlord became responsive and began addressing maintenance requests promptly and professionally.
Very grateful to Mr. Manavi for representing me against a insurance company that was trying to deny me equitable payment in the repair of my childhood home after a negligent plumber. Mr. Manavi advocated fiercely, expertly, and strategically to secure a favorable outcome.
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Contact
Get answers in one phone call.
The first 20 minutes are free. Have any documents handy, such as a contract, lease, citation or police report, and a short description of what you hope to achieve.
Email
saman@manavilaw.com
Include a short description of your legal issue and the best number to reach you.