Plachta, Murphy Announces Legal Services Contribution of $500,000 to Assist Entrepreneurs

Aug. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.–The law firm of Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C., understands the obstacles and concerns that are presented to small business owners. One of the biggest problems faced is the cost of legal services it takes to get a business up and running, or continuing the growth of an existing business. In response to Governor Snyder’s Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative asking that Michigan businesses step up to the plate and help other Michigan businesses, Plachta, Murphy & Associates is proud to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation by contributing $500,000 of legal services over the next four years to help offset the costs of starting or expanding West Michigan businesses.

Plachta, Murphy & Associates’ Business Law attorneys have more than 25 years of expertise and will be helping by providing free initial legal service packages to qualifying start-up companies including:

•   Business Entity & Formation
•   Tax Compliance & Regulations
•   Employment Law   
•   Corporate Minutes
•   Employee Handbooks & Procedures
•   Contracts/Negotiations

The $500,000 will be given over a four year period at $125,000 annually. The annual $125,000 will be divided into 50 small business packages for qualified start-ups or existing businesses needing legal assistance. Each qualified business will receive $2500 of free initial legal services provided by Plachta, Murphy & Associates’ Business Law attorneys. After the free service package the business can continue working with Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C. or have the freedom to seek counsel elsewhere.

There are clear guidelines established to obtain free legal services. For example, candidates must have a strong business plan, a need for legal assistance, and a commitment to remain in Michigan for at least five years. Full guideline information can be found on the Pure Michigan Business Connect website (http://www.michiganadvantage.org/Business-Connect). Prospective small business owners that fit these guidelines may apply through that website portal.

“When we heard Governor Snyder’s invitation for Michigan business owners to lend a helping hand to other Michigan businesses, we decided to accept his challenge,” said Plachta, Murphy CEO Brian J. Plachta. “Michigan is a great state and the only way we are going to pull out of these tough economic times is for us all to roll up our sleeves and help each other.”

A press conference with Governor Snyder will be announced in the near future. For more information on free business services packages provided by Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C. contact Jeremy Johnson at 616-458-3994.

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Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C., is a full-service West Michigan law firm practicing Business and Corporate Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law, Employment Law, Tax Resolution, Family Law, Social Security Disability, Government and VA Benefits, and all areas of Civil Litigation. With more than 100 years of combined attorney and specialist’s experience, we represent several hundred individuals, businesses and organizations through our main office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and our affiliated office in Holland, Michigan.