April 19, 2025

Choosing the Right Business Attorney: Corporate vs. Small Business Lawyers

Article Summary:

This blog explores the key differences between corporate lawyers and small business lawyers to help business owners choose the right legal support. It outlines the responsibilities, advantages, and ideal use cases for each type of attorney, with a focus on how Arkansas-based businesses can benefit from tailored legal guidance. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling a corporation, the right lawyer can protect your interests and support long-term success.

Legal Topics

EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ELIMINATES NON-COMPETE CLAUSES

On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission issued a new Rule putting an end to employment-related non-compete clauses. In its justification for the rule, the FTC called non-compete clauses “an unfair method of competition” and stated it is a “violation for [employers] to… enter into non-compete clauses (“non-competes”) with workers.” In today’s very competitive labor market, the new FTC Rule creates a significant disruption for employers.

WHEN IS THE FTC ELIMINATION OF NON-COMPETE CLAUSES SET TO TAKE EFFECT?

This new FTC provision—set to take effect in 120 days—renders existing non-compete agreements unenforceable. Existing non-compete agreements with senior executives will remain enforceable, although employers cannot require newly hired senior executives to sign such an agreement.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS HAS THE FTC IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS BY ELIMINATING NON-COMPETE CLAUSES?

After the Rule takes effect, employers are required to deliver personal notice to employees (past and present) who signed a non-compete agreement informing them agreements are no longer enforceable. In the notice, employers must inform employees they are free to accept any job or start any business, even if it is directly competitive with the employer.

IS THE FTC’S ELIMINATION OF THE NON-COMPETE CLAUSES OPTIONAL FOR EMPLOYERS?

Compliance with the FTC Rule is not optional. Employers should consider new ways they can protect against a former employee gaining a competitive advantage by using the employer- provided training, the relationships made possible by the employer, or the confidential information learned from the employer. RMP can assist you in navigating this disruption and can provide advice on how to most effectively protect your vital business interests going forward.

RMP: Your Employment Law Attorneys

RMP Attorneys At Law has an experienced Employment Law Attorney team dedicated to helping you navigate these changes. If you have any questions or would like guidance, reach out to one of our employment attorneys, Tim Hutchinson, Seth Haines, Larry McCredy, or Taylor Baltz or call  479.443.2705.

Understanding the Roles: What Each Type of Business Lawyer Offers

When running a business, legal matters are inevitable. Whether you're the founder of a startup, a small business owner, or the CEO of a growing company, having the right business attorney by your side can make all the difference. But do you need a corporate attorney or a small business attorney? Understanding the difference between a small business attorney and a corporate attorney will help you make the best decision for your business.

What is a Corporate Lawyer?

corporate attorney primarily works with large companies, which are often characterized by having 500 or more employees. They handle complex legal matters related to corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with federal regulations, among other transactional matters. They provide businesses with the guidance necessary to operate in compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests in high-stakes transactions.

Corporation board meeting assess need of corporate business lawyer.

Key Responsibilities of a Corporate Lawyer:

  • Structuring mergers and acquisitions, which may include assisting with due diligence and negotiations as well as drafting the necessary transaction documents
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state securities laws
  • Drafting and negotiating large-scale business contracts, such as commercial leases or employment contracts with key employees
  • Advising on shareholder agreements, company policies, and other corporate governance matters
  • Handling intellectual property and licensing issues

Advantages of Hiring a Corporate Lawyer:

  • Expertise in complex legal structures
  • Protection against regulatory violations
  • Assistance in large-scale financial transactions
  • Representation in corporate disputes and negotiations

If your business is expanding rapidly or frequently dealing with shareholders, other investors, or regulatory bodies, a corporate attorney can provide the legal support you need.

Corporate Attorneys in Arkansas

Corporate attorneys can help navigate state-specific laws, such as compliance with Arkansas' business regulations and tax laws. Additionally, Arkansas has a growing startup ecosystem, making corporate attorneys valuable for businesses seeking venture capital, partnerships, or expansion opportunities.


Contact RMP Law Today

Main RMP Number: 479-443-2705

Bentonville – 479-553-9800
Jonesboro – 870-394-5200
Little Rock – 501-954-9000

Message Us


What is a Small Business Lawyer?

small business attorney is focused on helping startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized businesses with day-to-day legal matters. These business attorneys provide practical legal guidance to ensure businesses operate smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.

Small business with five cheerful designers.

Key Responsibilities of a Small Business Lawyer:

  • Business formation (LLCs, S-Corps, Partnerships), which involves making certain state and federal filings as well as preparing foundational governing documents
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts such as leases, employment agreements, and contracts with vendors and suppliers
  • Handling employment law issues and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws
  • Assisting with trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property
  • Resolving business disputes and providing support in negotiations

Advantages of Hiring a Small Business Attorney:

  • Affordable legal guidance tailored to small businesses
  • Assistance in business formation and structuring
  • Protection against lawsuits and contract disputes
  • Expertise in employment law and compliance matters

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, a small business attorney provides legal protection without the high costs associated with corporate law firms.

Small Business Attorneys in Arkansas

Small business attorneys in Arkansas provide crucial assistance in forming business under Arkansas law by ensuring the entity is properly organized, protects its intellectual property, and establishes good standard operating procedures that comply with applicable employment laws. With Arkansas being home to many small businesses and startups, having a knowledgeable small business attorney can help entrepreneurs avoid common legal pitfalls and thrive in a competitive market.

Which Business Attorney is Right for You?

The decision to hire a corporate attorney or a small business lawyer depends on your business size, structure, and legal needs.

  • If you run a small business, a small business attorney can help with contracts, business formation, and everyday legal issues.
  • A corporate attorney is a better fit if your business is scaling up, dealing with investors, or undergoing mergers.

Regardless of the stage your business is in, having the right business lawyer ensures your company stays legally protected and positioned for growth and longevity.

Small Business or Large Corporation, RMP Can Help

Choosing the right legal support is crucial for any business. Whether you need a small business attorney for daily operations or a corporate attorney for high-level transactions, professional legal guidance can save you from costly legal troubles.

If you're looking for a business lawyer in Arkansas, find someone who understands your industry and business goals. A proactive legal strategy can be the key to long-term success!

At RMP, LLP, we provide tailored legal solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a startup, a growing company, or an established corporation, our experienced business attorneys are here to protect your interests and guide you through every stage of your business journey. Contact RMP, LLP today to schedule a consultation and position your business for success.

Let RMP Law be your trusted legal partner, providing the guidance and advocacy you need to succeed. Contact us today! 

Main RMP Number: 479-443-2705

Understanding the Roles: What Each Type of Business Lawyer Offers

When running a business, legal matters are inevitable. Whether you're the founder of a startup, a small business owner, or the CEO of a growing company, having the right business attorney by your side can make all the difference. But do you need a corporate attorney or a small business attorney? Understanding the difference between a small business attorney and a corporate attorney will help you make the best decision for your business.

What is a Corporate Lawyer?

corporate attorney primarily works with large companies, which are often characterized by having 500 or more employees. They handle complex legal matters related to corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with federal regulations, among other transactional matters. They provide businesses with the guidance necessary to operate in compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests in high-stakes transactions.

Corporation board meeting assess need of corporate business lawyer.

Key Responsibilities of a Corporate Lawyer:

  • Structuring mergers and acquisitions, which may include assisting with due diligence and negotiations as well as drafting the necessary transaction documents
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state securities laws
  • Drafting and negotiating large-scale business contracts, such as commercial leases or employment contracts with key employees
  • Advising on shareholder agreements, company policies, and other corporate governance matters
  • Handling intellectual property and licensing issues

Advantages of Hiring a Corporate Lawyer:

  • Expertise in complex legal structures
  • Protection against regulatory violations
  • Assistance in large-scale financial transactions
  • Representation in corporate disputes and negotiations

If your business is expanding rapidly or frequently dealing with shareholders, other investors, or regulatory bodies, a corporate attorney can provide the legal support you need.

Corporate Attorneys in Arkansas

Corporate attorneys can help navigate state-specific laws, such as compliance with Arkansas' business regulations and tax laws. Additionally, Arkansas has a growing startup ecosystem, making corporate attorneys valuable for businesses seeking venture capital, partnerships, or expansion opportunities.


Contact RMP Law Today

Main RMP Number: 479-443-2705

Bentonville – 479-553-9800
Jonesboro – 870-394-5200
Little Rock – 501-954-9000

Message Us


What is a Small Business Lawyer?

small business attorney is focused on helping startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized businesses with day-to-day legal matters. These business attorneys provide practical legal guidance to ensure businesses operate smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.

Small business with five cheerful designers.

Key Responsibilities of a Small Business Lawyer:

  • Business formation (LLCs, S-Corps, Partnerships), which involves making certain state and federal filings as well as preparing foundational governing documents
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts such as leases, employment agreements, and contracts with vendors and suppliers
  • Handling employment law issues and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws
  • Assisting with trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property
  • Resolving business disputes and providing support in negotiations

Advantages of Hiring a Small Business Attorney:

  • Affordable legal guidance tailored to small businesses
  • Assistance in business formation and structuring
  • Protection against lawsuits and contract disputes
  • Expertise in employment law and compliance matters

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, a small business attorney provides legal protection without the high costs associated with corporate law firms.

Small Business Attorneys in Arkansas

Small business attorneys in Arkansas provide crucial assistance in forming business under Arkansas law by ensuring the entity is properly organized, protects its intellectual property, and establishes good standard operating procedures that comply with applicable employment laws. With Arkansas being home to many small businesses and startups, having a knowledgeable small business attorney can help entrepreneurs avoid common legal pitfalls and thrive in a competitive market.

Which Business Attorney is Right for You?

The decision to hire a corporate attorney or a small business lawyer depends on your business size, structure, and legal needs.

  • If you run a small business, a small business attorney can help with contracts, business formation, and everyday legal issues.
  • A corporate attorney is a better fit if your business is scaling up, dealing with investors, or undergoing mergers.

Regardless of the stage your business is in, having the right business lawyer ensures your company stays legally protected and positioned for growth and longevity.

Small Business or Large Corporation, RMP Can Help

Choosing the right legal support is crucial for any business. Whether you need a small business attorney for daily operations or a corporate attorney for high-level transactions, professional legal guidance can save you from costly legal troubles.

If you're looking for a business lawyer in Arkansas, find someone who understands your industry and business goals. A proactive legal strategy can be the key to long-term success!

At RMP, LLP, we provide tailored legal solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a startup, a growing company, or an established corporation, our experienced business attorneys are here to protect your interests and guide you through every stage of your business journey. Contact RMP, LLP today to schedule a consultation and position your business for success.

Let RMP Law be your trusted legal partner, providing the guidance and advocacy you need to succeed. Contact us today! 

Main RMP Number: 479-443-2705

Who Is RMP Law?

Thorough & Caring

RMP specializes in tackling complex legal problems with compassion and understanding.

Award-Winning

Nationally recognized and awarded for our work on complex estate planning and litigation.

Proven Expertise

RMP goes beyond expertise into legal mastery with proven results across all legal areas.

Let Arkansas-Based Lawyers Help 

RMP Law is here to help

JOHNSON
5519 Hackett Street, Suite 300
Springdale, AR 72762

BENTONVILLE
809 SW A Street, Suite 105
Bentonville, AR 72712

JONESBORO
710 Windover Road, Suite B
Jonesboro, AR 72401

LITTLE ROCK
11601 Pleasant Ridge, #301,
Little Rock, AR 72212

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