Corporate Governance
Corporate
Entity Structuring and Governance Counsel for Growing Businesses
WH Burkley advises management teams, boards, and business owners on entity formation, governance, and ongoing operational matters. We provide practical, business-focused guidance to help organizations establish strong foundations, manage ownership structures, and support long-term growth.
From initial formation through evolving governance needs, we work closely with clients to align legal structures with operational goals and ownership priorities.
Entity Formation and Structure
• Advising on choice of entity, including LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and S corporations
• Structuring entities based on tax, liability, governance, and operational considerations
• Preparing formation documents and establishing ownership frameworks
• Designing subsidiary, affiliate, and multi-entity structures to support growth and risk management
Governance, Ownership & control
• Drafting shareholder, operating, and partnership agreements
• Structuring buy-sell arrangements and ownership transition mechanisms
• Advising closely held businesses on customized governance solutions and equity arrangements
• Managing capitalization, equity issuances, and ownership-related matters
Board, Management & Organizational Governance
• Advising directors, managers, and officers on governance responsibilities
• Board and shareholder meeting matters
• Governance policies and organizational procedures
• Fiduciary duties and conflict management
• Governance considerations related to growth, investment, and ownership transitions
OUR APPROACH
- Align governance structures with business objectives and ownership goals
- Move matters forward efficiently from formation through ongoing operations
- Coordinate across tax, corporate, and operational considerations to deliver practical solutions
- Focus on clarity in governance, ownership, and decision-making structures
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and reliable execution
Why WH Burkley
- Practical, business-minded guidance on governance, ownership, and organizational structure
- Experience advising closely held, family-owned, and middle-market businesses
- Ability to support companies from formation through growth, transition, and succession
- Integration with corporate, tax, transactional, and private wealth capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level service focused on long-term business objectives
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 1 – Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- Band 1 – Corporate
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance
- Band 2 – Tax
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 3 – Banking and Finance
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.