Business Law Attorneys in Utah

Starting or running a business is exciting—but it also comes with serious legal responsibilities. At Rogers & Russell, our attorneys counsel entrepreneurs, contractors, and business owners across Utah on how to start, operate, and protect their companies the right way.

Starting a New Business the Right Way

Every business begins with a plan, but many owners overlook the legal foundation that determines how their company will operate and how taxes will be paid for years to come.

Questions we help answer:

  • Should I form an LLC or corporation, and what’s the difference?

  • Which tax election is best for my situation (S-Corp, C-Corp, disregarded entity)?

  • How do I properly file Articles of Incorporation/Organization with the State of Utah?

  • What are my payroll tax obligations?

  • How do I protect myself from personal liability?

Starting your business with the right structure saves money, reduces risk, and ensures compliance from day one. Our attorneys guide you step-by-step so you can launch your company with confidence.

Business Law Checklist for Utah Companies

Whether you’re starting a new business or managing an established one, here’s a checklist of key legal items every owner should review with a qualified business law attorney:

✅ Starting a Business

  • Choose the right entity structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership)

  • File Articles of Incorporation/Organization with the State of Utah

  • Draft Operating Agreement or Bylaws

  • Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

  • Register for state and local business licenses

  • Review tax elections (S-Corp vs. default) for long-term savings

  • Set up payroll and withholding tax compliance

  • Draft initial contracts and agreements (clients, vendors, subcontractors)

✅ Running & Growing a Business

  • Review and update contracts regularly (employment, vendor, customer)

  • Ensure tax compliance (income, payroll, sales & use taxes)

  • Protect intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets)

  • Maintain corporate records and annual filings with the State of Utah

  • Stay compliant with employment laws (handbooks, wage/hour laws, worker classification)

  • Consider insurance and risk management policies

  • Establish a plan for dispute resolution (arbitration, mediation, litigation)

✅ Construction Industry–Specific Items

  • Draft and negotiate construction contracts that limit liability

  • Understand change order procedures and document scope changes

  • File and enforce mechanics’ liens when unpaid

  • Protect against Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) for payroll tax issues

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA and workplace safety regulations

  • Review subcontractor agreements and indemnification clauses

✅ Long-Term Planning

  • Plan for succession or sale of the business

  • Protect personal assets with proper structuring

  • Consider estate and tax planning to pass on business wealth

  • Develop a buy-sell agreement if there are multiple owners

  • Reassess business structure as the company grows

Helping Existing Businesses

Already running a business? Legal challenges can arise unexpectedly:

  • The IRS or Utah State Tax Commission may pursue you for delinquent payroll or sales taxes.

  • A contract dispute may threaten your operations.

  • You might want to bring on a new partner or investor.

  • Vendors, employees, or subcontractors may create liability risks.

Our attorneys provide practical, solutions-oriented counsel to protect your company, resolve disputes, and keep your business moving forward.

Business Law for the Construction Industry

Construction companies face unique legal and tax issues. At Rogers & Russell, we combine business law, construction law, and tax law knowledge to help contractors and developers avoid costly mistakes.

We assist construction businesses with:

  • Entity structuring for general contractors and subcontractors

  • Mechanics’ liens and payment disputes

  • Change orders and scope-of-work conflicts

  • Employment and independent contractor agreements

  • Payroll tax compliance (preventing Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessments)

  • Negotiating and drafting construction contracts that protect your business

Whether you’re a small contractor or a large construction firm, we understand the realities of the industry and the legal risks that come with it.

Why Work with Rogers & Russell?

  • Experienced attorneys who understand both business law and tax law

  • Tailored solutions for startups, established companies, and construction professionals

  • Local presence in Utah with offices in Pleasant Grove and Salt Lake City

  • Long-term partnership — a trusted advisor you can call whenever issues arise

Get Legal Counsel for Your Business

Whether you’re chasing the American dream by starting a new business, or you’re an established owner dealing with legal or tax issues, the attorneys at Rogers & Russell are here to help.

📞 Call 801-899-6064 today for a consultation and let us help your business succeed.