At some point every business must decide if forming a legal business entity makes sense.  Yet thinking through that decision is confusing and tricky.  The terminology alone – DBA, LLC, LLP, S Corp, Inc. – can make your head spin. 

This program is designed to walk you through the available choices for organizing a business and to give you a framework for thinking about the choice.  Presented in a clear, step-by-step approach, the material is accessible for all entrepreneurs whether you’ve been around the block a couple of times or are just starting out.

Speakers:

Michael Sweet

Attorney Michael Sweet joined the Springfield law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy in 1996, after practicing law with the Wall Street-based firm Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts. His general business law practice includes corporate transactions, debt and equity financings, business organizations and commercial real estate. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar. His clients include manufacturing and service businesses with operations in a variety of industries, including energy, professional sports, finance and information technology.

 He is a member of the board of directors of a neighborhood-based charitable organization in the North End of Springfield, represents multiple land conservation organizations and is involved in pro-bono economic development activities. He has also volunteered as a college lacrosse coach and continues to be active in youth sports.   He holds a bachelors degree from Brown University and his law degree from Boston University.

Eric Gouvin

Eric Gouvin is a Professor of Law and the Director of the Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship at Western New England College.  In practice Professor Gouvin handled banking and commercial matters for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small, closely-held concerns.  He has published numerous books and articles on business law topics.  He holds a bachelors degree from Cornell University, a masters degree from Harvard University, and two law degrees from Boston University.

Professor Gouvin also has a strong interest in community economic development and entrepreneurship, serving on the Kauffman Foundation’s eLaw editorial board, the advisory board for the Scibelli Enterprise Center and the advisory board for the Entrepreneurial Initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation.  An active member of the American Bar Association, Professor Gouvin has Co-Chaired the Business Law Education Committee of the Business Law Section and Chairs the Adjunct Faculty Committee of the Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.