Here at EL Law, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs of small and mid-sized businesses. We highly value building strong relationships, providing honest guidance, offering prompt responses, and delivering practical solutions. As a business ourselves, we face similar risks as our clients on a daily basis. We recognize that at times, businesses require the expertise of a skilled corporate lawyer to navigate the complex legal issues they encounter regularly.
EL Law serves as a consultant and investigator for businesses of all sizes, offering specialized guidance to executives and board members on a range of legal matters and tactics for their operations. Our method includes gaining thorough insight into the unique operations and challenges of each company we partner with, ensuring that we are fully prepared to provide support whenever needed.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive legal support to our business clients in various industries such as healthcare, retail, real estate, hospitality, and licensed professions. We offer our services, advice, and representation on an as-needed basis, and also serve as outside general counsel for small and medium-sized businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
At EL Law, we have a strong partnership with our clients, enabling us to effectively cater to their requirements and assist them in reaching their objectives. This meticulous attention to detail and comprehension is critical in establishing a trustworthy relationship and greatly enhances the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome. We strongly believe that when it comes to business matters, it is crucial to take into account the associated expenses. Therefore, we ensure to inform our clients about the potential risks and benefits of any suggested legal approach or action. We recognize the significance of keeping legal expenses in line with anticipated outcomes and strive to devise solid legal arguments at a reasonable cost.
Business Transactions
Examples of business transactions we handle include:
• Business entity selection and formation
• Purchase and sale of businesses and business assets
• Business financing and securities law
• Business contracts
• Commercial leases
• Business transactions
• Business succession
• Trademarks and service marks
• State and federal tax planning and counsel
• Business due diligence and investigations
• Other business law matters
We provide advice, services, and representation on an as-needed basis, or as outside general counsel to small and medium-sized businesses in central Pennsylvania.
Business Litigation
Examples of business litigation we handle include:
• Breach of contract disputes
• Real estate litigation, including landlord-tenant disputes*
• Collections and creditors’ rights issues
• Employment disputes, including discrimination claims
• Professional licensure defense
• Trade secrets litigation
• Commercial bankruptcy and mortgage foreclosure
• Regulatory, licensing and administrative law matters
• Other commercial and corporate litigation
Criminal Defense Law refers to the legal protections guaranteed to individuals accused of committing a crime. Under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, criminal defendants have the right to a fair and speedy trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the nature of the charges against them, to confront witnesses, and to have the assistance of counsel. Without these rights and the help of a lawyer, the balance of power would be tilted in favor of the government.
A criminal defense attorney is responsible for ensuring that the accused receives fair treatment, using constitutional guarantees to their advantage. This may involve challenging evidence or witness statements that were obtained illegally, in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Criminal lawyers specialize in various stages of the criminal process, including arrest, investigation, charges, sentencing, and appeals. They can also focus on specific areas such as homicide and traffic violations, working both in and out of the courtroom to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
In order to convict a criminal defendant, the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant has the opportunity to present a defense during the trial, with the help of their attorney. Some common defense strategies include claiming innocence, providing an alibi, or arguing self-defense in cases of violent crimes.
It is crucial to hire a criminal law attorney as soon as possible if you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime. They can protect your legal interests and advise you on how to communicate with law enforcement to avoid saying anything incriminating.
A corporate or workplace investigation is recommended when there is credible information of significant wrongdoing, misconduct, or ethical lapses. It may also be necessary to conduct an internal investigation even if no specific allegations have been made against an employee or department, but there have been allegations against others, and the investigation aims to rule out any potential wrongdoing within the company. Our attorneys regularly conduct thorough, independent, and analytical corporate investigations tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of our clients, ensuring a personal, efficient, and cost-effective process for company investigations. Understanding what an internal investigation and its meaning is crucial for maintaining organizational integrity.
In order to prevent conflicts, it is recommended that companies utilize a third-party entity to conduct impartial internal investigations. Our group consists of individuals who have served as law enforcement officers and investigators in both federal and state criminal justice systems. We possess significant expertise in carrying out employee investigations for a wide range of organizations, including public corporations, private businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions.
Our investigations include fact-finding in response to specific inquiries, as well as proactive troubleshooting. Many of our clients seek our services after receiving subpoenas, administrative agency changes, search warrants, civil investigative demands, shareholder demands, internal complaints, and informal requests for information. In such cases, our lawyers efficiently and systematically conduct interviews with key employees and witnesses, as well as review relevant data and documents. Our ultimate goal is to provide important stakeholders with the necessary information to navigate the internal investigation process and compile a comprehensive internal investigation report.
Our firm should be retained by organizations, both large and small, to provide insight into perceived problems, conflicts, internal reports, or negative media coverage. These investigations cover a wide range of issues, including allegations of sexual harassment, hostile work environments, employee theft, and improper billing. Our team also includes a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Investigator, and we collaborate with forensic accountants and other professionals when needed to protect our clients’ interests. In today’s business world, how employers handle allegations of workplace misconduct can significantly impact their reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to follow consistent principles and procedures when such allegations arise during workplace investigations.
Our attorneys have years of experience in conducting internal investigations and possess the necessary skills to ensure an effective and fair process that protects our clients’ interests. This includes preventing and detecting misconduct and violations, ensuring regulatory compliance with laws and regulations, and identifying areas for improvement in internal business operations. Understanding how to conduct an internal investigation is crucial for maintaining organizational integrity.
With our years of experience in various industries, including public and private education, healthcare, public service, and consumer products, we understand the complexities and challenges of each. Ultimately, an investigation is a fact-finding process that determines the truth about a specific incident, including whether any suspected misconduct or violations occurred, the circumstances surrounding it, and the individuals involved. Once the fact-finding is complete, we prepare a written internal investigation report, which can be a useful tool for management to develop corrective procedures and communicate to third parties that appropriate action has been taken based on the investigation findings.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of industries and topics that may be subject to internal investigations:
• Hospitals
• Nursing facilities
• Private medical practices
• Colleges and universities
• Religious institutions
• Natural gas fracking companies
• Water treatment facilities
• Nuclear energy facilities
• Media companies
• Insurance companies
• Financial institutions
• Securities dealers and brokers
• Law firms
• Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights Committees
• Police departments
• Defense contractors
• Food and beverage manufacturers and distributors
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Local governments
• Transportation companies
• Nonprofits
We further recommend conducting internal investigations in a wide variety of contexts, including:
• Whistleblower cases
• Internal public and private corruption matters
• Allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and waste
• Claims of sexual harassment and other misconduct
• Oversight and reviews of corporate executives
• Investigation of claims of improprieties in academic institutions.
In order to navigate legal proceedings effectively, companies and businesses must adopt practical strategies and solutions. Seeking ongoing legal advice and proactively assessing potential risks are ideal practices to circumvent legal disputes. Nonetheless, even with such precautions, litigation or arbitration might still be necessary for resolving legal issues.
In these instances, the support of adaptable and experienced legal professionals becomes crucial. Specializing in commercial litigation, including civil litigation and business litigation, demands advocates who are not only skilled and seasoned but also possess a business-oriented approach to problem-solving.
EL Law distinguishes itself from other firms with our extensive training across various industries and large law firms, coupled with firsthand business experience. We recognize that litigation, including civil and commercial litigation, may not always serve as the best recourse for our clients and are committed to providing innovative and practical solutions for commercial dispute resolution. Should a peaceful settlement remain elusive, our firm is prepared to engage in tough litigation, fearlessly advocating for our clients as a litigation lawyer and business litigation attorney.
We take pride in being viewed as an extension of our clients’ business teams, understanding the significant challenges that commercial lawsuits and civil lawsuits can pose. Our litigators are proficient in navigating the complexities of commercial litigation law, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts. Having represented numerous businesses in commercial litigation cases, as plaintiffs and defendants, equips us with the insight and experience necessary to secure the best outcomes for our clients. Whether the dispute involves breach of contract actions, business disputes, or business torts, our civil lawsuit practice stands ready to defend your rights and assist in achieving your goals. We are a team of intelligent, assertive, and innovative professionals dedicated to fighting for our clients’ best interests in all commercial disputes.
The initial digital currency to be established was Bitcoin back in 2008, and it was the pioneer in utilizing blockchain technology to maintain a secure and publicly distributed ledger of all transactions. Since then, numerous other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Binance, and Dogecoin, have emerged with varying degrees of success. These currencies are commonly used for exchanging goods and services and are notorious for their volatility and potential involvement in illegal activities. As the world of cryptocurrencies continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it has garnered immense interest and scrutiny from government bodies and financial regulators. The market itself is highly unstable and has attracted the attention of criminals who seek to exploit the anonymity and decentralized nature of crypto.
This is why we offer crypto legal services and digital asset legal support to clients operating in the cryptocurrency industry. Our specialized areas of focus include:
Our Cryptocurrency Legal Services are meant to assists clients with litigation cases for both personal and commercial matters related to cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrencies are not immune to fraud, as many criminals take advantage of the system to scam individuals and businesses out of their crypto assets. Our team provides legal advice to clients who have fallen victim to fraud.
Corporate & Commercial Agreements
With the increasing use of cryptocurrencies, more companies are incorporating them as a form of payment in their commercial and corporate agreements. We offer expert knowledge and ensure that these contracts are legally sound and binding.
Blockchain & Web3
The development and growth of cryptocurrencies are made possible by blockchain technology and Web3. Our team is dedicated to providing the necessary legal support and advice for clients to operate effectively.
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
NFTs have gained immense popularity in recent years, but their cryptographic nature has raised complex legal concerns regarding copyright and intellectual property. Our team works closely with clients in the industry to protect their assets fully.
Smart Contracts
We offer legal advice to ensure that our clients are adequately protected when using smart contracts. Our aim is to help clients confidently and securely utilize smart contracts in their business operations.
Practice Areas:
At EL Law, our family law lawyers offer guidance to clients in Pennsylvania facing personal legal issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and support arrangements. This field is particularly challenging as it deals with emotionally charged matters and is constantly evolving in response to societal and economic trends. If you’re searching for the ‘best family law attorney near me’ or ‘child custody attorneys near me’, our clients need a family law attorney who possesses both strong interpersonal skills to provide support during major life transitions and legal skills to utilize innovative deal structures and guidelines.
Our firm covers matters in the following counties: Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Northampton. Our services cover a wide range of family law matters including:
Individuals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey who rely on professional licenses for their careers face unique obstacles that non-licensed employees and business owners do not encounter. The regulations and requirements for professional licensure and certification can be complex and vary across different professions.
To protect their licenses, professionals are advised to seek guidance from lawyers who specialize in this area of law. This allows them to navigate the complexities of professional licensure with confidence and safeguard their livelihoods.
Obtaining a professional license in Pennsylvania or New Jersey is a difficult process. Whether you are a doctor, dentist, nurse, teacher, counselor, lawyer, or accountant, obtaining a license demonstrates the extensive time and financial investment you have put into your education and training. It also shows your unwavering dedication to your chosen field. Therefore, it can be devastating to discover that your license is being called into question due to a complaint or allegation of misconduct. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your future.
EL Law has significant experience handling disciplinary matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They have the expertise to defend your professional license in these states.
When your professional license in Pennsylvania is under scrutiny, it is essential to understand the potential consequences. Whether the complaint is due to a misunderstanding, a false accusation, or a lapse in judgment on your part, the impact can be significant. It may seem ironic that after investing so much time and effort into obtaining a professional license, a single complaint could jeopardize everything.
The licensing boards in Pennsylvania and New Jersey hold considerable power to impose disciplinary measures and have a relatively low burden of proof. To safeguard your rights and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, it is crucial to have a skilled attorney specializing in professional license defense by your side. If you are facing allegations of substance abuse, severe negligence, inappropriate sexual behavior, fraudulent activities, or any other form of violation, it is vital to promptly seek the services of a professional license defense attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Engaging legal representation at the first sign of trouble gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Our team has extensive expertise in guiding licensed professionals through complex disciplinary procedures, ensuring successful navigation of the system.
Pennsylvania Disciplinary Process for Licensed Professionals
The regulatory body that granted your professional license in Pennsylvania also has the authority to enforce disciplinary measures for any violations or misconduct. For instance, physicians are accountable to the State Board of Medicine, nurses to the Board of Nursing, lawyers to the disciplinary board, and so on. The disciplinary procedures in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey are generally consistent for all licensed professionals. It is recommended that you consult an attorney for guidance on your specific case.
Here is an overview of the standard disciplinary process
Complaint
Typically, a formal complaint filed against you initiates board disciplinary procedures. In Pennsylvania, members of the public can submit initial complaints against licensed medical professionals to the Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA). The complaint may originate from various sources, including patients, clients, coworkers, colleagues, healthcare facilities, etc. Additionally, if you are a licensed professional convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania, your conviction may be automatically reported to your licensing board by the courts, which can also trigger disciplinary actions depending on the offense.
Investigation
Upon receiving and processing a complaint, the BPOA assigns an investigator from the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI) to examine the issue. The BEI investigator manages the investigation and evidence collection, which may involve subpoenaing materials, interviewing the complainant and other witnesses, and requesting a response from you. The investigator may seek to interview you directly, possibly arriving unannounced at your office. In such cases, it is strongly recommended that you politely decline to answer their questions without your attorney present, as your statements could be used against you. If the investigator’s findings are insufficient to establish your guilt, the licensing board may dismiss the complaint and consider the matter resolved. If the evidence is convincing, they may choose to take the next steps.
Consent Agreement
Throughout the investigation and before a formal hearing, your state licensing board has the power to negotiate a consent agreement with you to resolve the complaint as an alternative to holding a formal hearing. A consent agreement effectively acknowledges your guilt and your agreement to comply with specific remedies prescribed by the board. In many cases, a favorable consent agreement can be negotiated, providing a pathway for full license reinstatement. However, you should not enter into a consent agreement without the guidance of a skilled license defense attorney to ensure the terms are advantageous to you.
Formal Hearing
If the investigation phase does not result in a dismissal of the complaint or a consent agreement cannot be reached, a formal hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, you will be required to provide reasons why your license should not be revoked by the board. The hearing will be presided over by a state hearing examiner, and you may choose to have legal representation present in your case. After the hearing, the examiner will make recommendations to the licensing board regarding disciplinary action, which can range from a simple reprimand or fine to a more severe suspension or revocation of your license.
It is crucial to have an experienced professional license defense attorney to represent you in such matters. It is a common mistake for licensed professionals to underestimate the seriousness of a complaint, thinking that they can simply explain the situation to the board. However, the board’s main concern is protecting the public, not the licensee.
As soon as a complaint is filed, the board will actively seek evidence to support it and can impose discipline based on a lower standard of evidence, preponderance, or clear and convincing evidence. This means that they only need to reach a lower certainty of your guilt, which puts you at a disadvantage if you do not have a competent attorney to defend your rights and advocate on your behalf.
A skilled professional license defense lawyer can often negotiate with the board to have the complaint dismissed or to secure more lenient penalties, greatly increasing the chances of a favorable outcome and preserving your license. An experienced attorney in Pennsylvania can defend your professional license in various ways, including representing you in all interactions with the board, gathering evidence and witnesses in your favor, drafting a persuasive written response to the complaint, negotiating for the dismissal of the complaint, negotiating the best terms for a consent agreement, and defending you at the formal hearing if necessary.