Jane has been representing business owners for more than 35 years. She represents clients of varied sizes at all stages of their life cycles. She provides advice to clients who want to purchase or sell existing businesses; or establish new “start-up” businesses. This includes, among other things, helping them decide on the proper legal form and preparing the necessary organizational documents. For example, articles of organization and operating agreements in the case of limited liability companies, and articles of incorporation and shareholder agreements for corporations. Jane assists businesses with their day-to-day operations including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts involving a broad array of industries. She also works with clients when they desire to wind down or sell their businesses. Her clients rely on her for both legal and business advice. They call her “a dealmaker.” A lawyer once referred to Jane as “cordial but firm.” Jane is not afraid to speak frankly or to admit to a client when she feels she needs outside assistance to represent the client’s interest.
Although one of Jane’s main goals in representing her business clients is to do business in a manner that avoids litigation, it is not always possible. When litigation becomes necessary, she never shies away from the challenge. She is always thinking about how the matter can be resolved in a manner that serves her client’s interest, bearing in mind the time and expense incurred by the client. Jane has represented clients in varied industries including complex and diverse business issues such as dealer termination, lease disputes, fraud cases, suits involving noncompetition agreements, and trade secrets. Her most notable case to date was obtaining payment under a letter of credit from a U.S. bank for specially manufactured equipment sold by her client despite the imposition of sanctions against Iraq by the U.S. Government. Other lawyers often say the cases she handles could be law school exams. She responds, “I am always up for the challenge.”
Jane has represented clients as an advocate in arbitrations and mediations involving business issues. She regularly serves as a mediator and arbitrator in business matters.
Presentation in General Practice Area
- Co-Presenter, “20 Business Tips in 70 Minutes: Information your Clients Need,” 18th Annual Missouri Bar Solo & Small Firm Conference (2013)