Administrative and Regulatory Law
We advise our clients on federal, state and local regulations, we handle export applications and we guide our clients applying for Federal Drug Administration approvals. Our attorneys handle all U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issues, tax issues, and National Labor Relations Board and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations. Our attorneys handle licensing agreements and equity and technology exchange agreements. We also assist clients in dealing with government customers and government procurement rules and issues.
The increasingly complex business climate, both nationally and internationally, has created an ever growing demand for effective litigators. As a result, the Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group at Harris Beach is one of the firm’s largest and fastest growing practice areas. Our firm has a demonstrated track record of successfully handling all types of litigation. We regularly represent clients in everything from straightforward contract disputes to complex intellectual property litigation. Our attorneys have extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country and handle virtually any type of commercial dispute. We also have a strong appellate practice.
Capital Acquisition
Our attorneys help clients in planning for their present and future capital requirements. We assist with obtaining capital from individual and/or institutional investors, including venture capital, and handle all aspects of private placements and initial public offerings. We provide advice on the federal and state securities law considerations of raising capital.
Choice of Entity
Harris Beach attorneys help clients decide what kind of business entity to form, be it a C corporation, an S corporation, partnership or a limited liability company (LLC). Initial tax and financing strategies will influence this choice. We recognize that different forms of organization may be prudent at different stages of a business and guide our clients in conversions to new forms of organization.
To protect your data, your business interests and your reputation, you need robust protection that extends beyonf firewalls. Our cybersecurity team provides a full range of data privacy and cybersecurity services: compliance counseling and legal risk assessments, defense in litigation and investigations, advisement on state and federal regulations and rapid response should a breach occur. Our attorneys, information security and communications management professionals partner with you to reduce risk and give you data the defense it deserves.
Firm attorneys have acted as bond counsel on redevelopment projects, technology parks and renaissance centers across the state and have utilized local development corporations, federal zones, new markets tax credits, regional and local revolving loan funds and the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program to secure necessary funding for groundbreaking development projects involving science and technology. The attorneys engaged in the firm’s economic development practice have participated in domestic and international project financings and bring extensive experience to taxable and tax-exempt transactions. Harris Beach is listed as a recognized bond counsel firm in the “Municipal Bond Attorneys” section of The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace and publishes an “Economic Development Handbook” focusing on New York state development programs.
Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visas
We assist clients with obtaining nonimmigrant visas that allow foreign professionals o work in the U.S. We have extensive experience helping clients navigate the complex regulatory and procedural maze to secure the following nonimmigrant visas: practical training for F-1 students, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals admitted under NAFTA, H-1B visa professional staff, E-3 for specialty occupations and O-1 visa for extraordinary ability workers. We also maintain proficiency in complex J-1 visa waiver processes for medical professionals.
Immigrant Visas (Green Cards)
Our immigration attorneys have in-depth experience obtaining immigrant visas on behalf of clients seeking permanent U.S. resident status. We routinely process permanent resident petitions in accordance with established guidelines and policies for employment-based visas, family-based visas, and annual diversity visa lotteries. We provide counsel on all facets of the employment-based permanent residence visa process including PERM-based labor certification applications, Schedule A nurses, national interest waivers, outstanding researcher, and extraordinary ability foreign nationals. We prepare J-1 visa waivers and naturalization applications for U.S. citizenship.
Harris Beach immigration attorneys provide t monitoring and interpretation of ever-shifting federal and state-level immigration laws affecting employers; and we translate that knowledge into practical, proactive advice. We assist clients in complying with electronic employment verification rules and I-9 auditing, easing their burden of examining documents to prove employee identity and employment authorization. When appropriate, we also offer information and seminars to foreign employees regarding maintenance of status and immigration options.
Our attorneys handle all aspects of patent, copyright and trademark protection in the U.S. and worldwide. We have extensive experience in ensuring that our clients’ inventions or ideas are fully protected under U.S. and international patent law. We also advise our clients on establishing clear-cut patent, work-for-hire and non-compete agreements with employees responsible for research and development, and we have extensive trial experience in intellectual property matters.
Harris Beach attorneys advise clients on all areas of employer/employee relations, the hiring and firing of employees, harassment and discrimination issues, federal and state minimum wage and overtime laws, and safety in the workplace (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) issues. We also provide preventive legal advice and training for all levels of management.
We have an extensive track record representing management when faced with union organizing and/or collective bargaining negotiation issues and have significant experience in litigating employment matters in federal and state courts.
Strategic Business Alliances
Our attorneys help clients negotiate strategic alliances with selected companies and institutions that can provide strategic marketing services, development funding, licenses to technology and/or equity capital. We help clients initiate joint ventures and provide counsel on setting up strategic alliances for the purposes of marketing and/or global distribution.
