August 10, 2026
Law Bulletin | July 1, 2026
The IRS has announced a mid-year increase to the standard mileage rate for business use of a personal…
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Practice Areas · Business
Clear, Comprehensive Legal Support for Businesses
Start, grow, protect, and sell your business with a legal partner who speaks your language.
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What We Do
Our Comprehensive Business Legal Services
SMT supports businesses in Sonoma County, the Bay Area and beyond with a complete range of legal services.
Entity Formation & Corporate Structure
Start smart, stay protected.
- Choice of Entity (Corporations, LLCs, etc.)
- Choice of Jurisdiction (California, Delaware, etc.)
- Buy-Sell Agreement (Operating Agreements, Shareholders Agreements, etc.)
Equity Compensation & Incentivizing Talent
Attract talent with confidence.
- Stock Options, Stock Grants & Profits Interests
- Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) & Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements
- Phantom Stock & Stock Appreciation Rights (Sars)
- Equity Incentive Plans, Bonus Plans & Executive Compensation
Financings & Private Placements
Fuel growth with private capital.
- Convertible Notes & SAFEs
- Venture Capital (VC) & Private Equity (PE) Financings
- Debt & Equity Private Placements
- Federal & State Securities Law Compliance
Commercial Financings & Institutional Lending
Manage growth with institutional capital.
- Taxable & Tax-Exempt Loans
- Asset-Based & Cash Flow Loans
- Commercial & Special-Purpose Loans
- Secured Transactions
Contracts & Commercial Transactions
Clear contracts, fewer risks.
- Vendor & Supplier Agreements
- Service & Co-Packing Agreements
- Distribution & Licensing Agreements
- Grape Purchase Agreements & Custom Crush Agreements
Governance & General Business Counsel
Practical, ongoing guidance for day-to-day business operations.
- Board & Manager Elections, Resolutions, Disputes
- Shareholder & Member Elections, Resolutions, Disputes
- Stakeholder Information & Inspection Rights
- Business Disputes & Risk Management
Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) & Beverage Industry Law
Manage critical compliance.
- Licensing & Permitting
- Distribution & Production Agreements
- Tied House Rules
Nonprofits Formation & Counsel
Support nonprofit missions with clear, compliance and governance guidance.
- Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Organization Formations
- Board Guidance & Training
- Compliance & Counsel for Nonprofits
Business Succession & Exit Planning
Plan and execute your exit.
- Ownership Transfers & Management Buyouts
- Family Succession & Estate Implications
- Reorganizations & Recapitalizations
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Buy or sell your business.
- Business Purchases & Sales
- Mergers, Asset & Stock Transactions
- Due Diligence
- Non-competition & Non-solicitation Agreements
The SMT Difference
Why SMT
01
Business-First Approach
Your business objectives drive our legal advice.
02
Clear Communication
Sound advice, spoken in your language.
03
Beyond Local, Beyond Regional
Grounded in Northern California. Trusted wherever business happens.
04
Relationship-Driven Service
Big-firm experience. Small-firm attention.
05
High Quality, Fair Pricing
Your budget matters. So does the work.
Your Attorneys
Meet Your Business Team
Andrew J. Spaulding
Business · Intellectual Property & Technology · Real Property
Barbara D. Gallagher
Business · Intellectual Property & Technology · Real Property
David Chu
Business · Real Property
Donald L. Winkle
Business · Real Property
Douglas J. “DJ” Drennan
Business
Mark A. Miller
Business · Real Property · Trusts & Estates
Thomas R. Del Monte
Business · Real Property
How We Help
Request a Consultation
Facing These Common Business Legal Challenges?
You're not alone. These issues affect many businesses. SMT helps you navigate each one proactively.
- Ensuring your contracts protect your interests
- Understanding stock options and equity compensation
- Resolving governance or ownership issues
- Maintaining nonprofit compliance
- Navigating mergers, acquisitions, or business transitions
- Optimizing your business entity structure
SMT provides solutions that lead to:
Clear, Protective Agreements
Contracts drafted and reviewed to reduce risk and support your operational goals.
Confident Equity and Compensation Planning
Compliant, strategic guidance for stock options, equity grants, and financing decisions.
Stronger Governance and Ownership Alignment
Structures and agreements that prevent disputes and support long-term stability.
Strategic Growth and Compliance Support
Practical counsel for M&A, nonprofit operations, and business structuring.
From Our Attorneys
View all Business insights →
Read Our Latest Insights
October 22, 2024
Law Bulletin | October 22, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a new law that requires many small and medium-sized businesses to report…
Read MoreJune 28, 2024
Law Bulletin | June 28, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a new law that requires many small and medium-sized businesses to report…
Read More
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Talk to an Attorney Who Speaks Your Business Language
At SMT, we simplify legal complexities, ensuring your business stays protected and prepared at every stage of growth. Connect with a trusted attorney dedicated to your business's long-term success.
Contact SMT