Prepare for Your Meeting

Your Document Checklist

For your business law matter

Entity & ownership

Formation documentsArticles of organization/incorporation, certificate of formation.Operating or shareholder agreementDefines ownership, voting and how decisions get made.EIN & registrationsFederal EIN letter and any state/local registrations.

Contracts & agreements

The agreement(s) in questionSigned copies — and any drafts or amendments.Related contractsAnything the agreement references or depends on.

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

If it involves money owed or a financial dispute:

Financial records

Recent financial statementsProfit & loss, balance sheet (last 2–3 years if available).Tax returnsBusiness returns for the last 2–3 years.

If it involves an employee or contractor:

Employment documents

Employee fileOffer letter, agreements, reviews and any warnings.Handbook & policiesThe current handbook and relevant policies.Job descriptionFor the role(s) involved.

Your Document Checklist

For buying or selling a business

Entity & ownership

Formation documentsArticles of organization/incorporation, certificate of formation.Operating or shareholder agreementDefines ownership, voting and how decisions get made.EIN & registrationsFederal EIN letter and any state/local registrations.

Deal financials

3 years of financial statementsBuyers will expect P&L, balance sheets and cash flow.Tax returns (3 years)Business returns supporting the financials.Asset & equipment listWhat’s included in the sale and its condition.Outstanding debt scheduleLoans, lines of credit and liens against the business.

Operations & contracts

Customer & vendor contractsKey agreements that drive the business.Lease(s)Real property and equipment leases.Employee roster & agreementsHeadcount, key employment and non-compete agreements.

If the business leases property or equipment:

Contracts & agreements

The agreement(s) in questionSigned copies — and any drafts or amendments.Related contractsAnything the agreement references or depends on.

If we’ve exchanged an LOI or offer letters:

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

Your Document Checklist

For your exit or succession planning

Entity & ownership

Formation documentsArticles of organization/incorporation, certificate of formation.Operating or shareholder agreementDefines ownership, voting and how decisions get made.EIN & registrationsFederal EIN letter and any state/local registrations.

Planning materials

Current valuation (if any)Any prior appraisal or broker opinion of value.Ownership & succession notesWho you’d like to take over, and your timeline.Estate/advisor documentsExisting estate plan or advisor recommendations.

Financial records

Recent financial statementsProfit & loss, balance sheet (last 2–3 years if available).Tax returnsBusiness returns for the last 2–3 years.

If it’s a family succession:

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

Your Document Checklist

For your employee or HR matter

Employment documents

Employee fileOffer letter, agreements, reviews and any warnings.Handbook & policiesThe current handbook and relevant policies.Job descriptionFor the role(s) involved.

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

If there’s a complaint or investigation:

Complaint & timeline

The complaint itselfAny written complaint, grievance or claim received.Investigation notesAnything documented so far — keep it factual.CommunicationsRelevant emails or messages about the situation.

If we have a handbook to review:

Contracts & agreements

The agreement(s) in questionSigned copies — and any drafts or amendments.Related contractsAnything the agreement references or depends on.

Your Document Checklist

For your non-profit or governance matter

Governance documents

Bylaws & articlesYour current governing documents.Board minutesRecent meeting minutes and resolutions.Existing policiesConflict-of-interest, whistleblower, document retention.

Status & compliance

IRS determination letterConfirming your tax-exempt status.Recent filingsForm 990s and state charitable registrations.

If a board or leadership transition:

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

Your Document Checklist

A general first meeting

Entity & ownership

Formation documentsArticles of organization/incorporation, certificate of formation.Operating or shareholder agreementDefines ownership, voting and how decisions get made.EIN & registrationsFederal EIN letter and any state/local registrations.

Contracts & agreements

The agreement(s) in questionSigned copies — and any drafts or amendments.Related contractsAnything the agreement references or depends on.

Correspondence

Relevant emails & lettersThe exchanges that explain the timeline and expectations.Notices receivedAny formal notices, demands or filings.

Know exactly what to bring before we meet

Your personalized checklist will appear here

For your business law matter

Entity & ownership

Contracts & agreements

Correspondence

Financial records

Employment documents

For buying or selling a business

Entity & ownership

Deal financials

Operations & contracts

Contracts & agreements

Correspondence

For your exit or succession planning

Entity & ownership

Planning materials

Financial records

Correspondence

For your employee or HR matter

Employment documents

Correspondence

Complaint & timeline

Contracts & agreements

For your non-profit or governance matter

Governance documents

Status & compliance

Correspondence

A general first meeting

Entity & ownership

Contracts & agreements

Correspondence

Let’s find a practical path forward — together