Business & Commercial Law

Strategic Counsel for Maine’s Entrepreneurs and Organizations

At Malloy / Bell, we understand that running a business means balancing opportunity with risk. Our attorneys provide practical, forward-thinking legal counsel to help Maine businesses start strong, operate smoothly, and plan for long-term success.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, negotiating a contract, or preparing for a major transition, we bring both business acumen and legal precision to every stage of your company’s journey.

Our Business Law Services

  • Business formation (LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and professional entities)

  • Contract drafting, review, and negotiation

  • Mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations

  • Business succession planning and buy/sell agreements

  • Commercial and private lending (for borrowers and lenders)

  • Employment law compliance and HR guidance

  • Non-compete, confidentiality, and employment agreements

We serve as your trusted advisors — helping you make smart, strategic decisions that position your business for sustainable growth.

Two people working at a desk with laptops, writing and discussing documents and notes.

Tips for a Successful Small Business

5 things that every successful small business needs:

  1. A good attorney who understands your business and experiences the same benefits and burdens that you do

  2. A good accountant who is proactive in providing the best tax planning possible

  3. A good insurance consultant who is dedicated to providing the best (not necessarily the most) insurance

  4. A good financial planner who is dedicated to helping you grow your money while you make it

  5. All of the above working together as a team

4 things every entrepreneur should consider:

  1. Buy/sell agreements

  2. Succession planning

  3. Appropriate financing

  4. Tax planning

The Importance of Entity Selection

Selecting an appropriate entity to conduct business is the first step in running a successful operation. Simply selecting an entity based upon the current fad is dangerous. An appropriate entity selection should be based upon one’s business plan, budget, and potential tax implications.