Small business attorneys serving Birmingham entrepreneurs and business owners. From LLC formation to contracts and business succession — practical legal guidance from a former small business owner himself.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-9801Starting and running a small business in Birmingham takes courage, vision, and hard work. The last thing you need is to discover that a legal misstep — an improperly formed LLC, an unenforceable contract, or a missed Alabama filing requirement — has put everything you have built at risk. At Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices, we provide practical, experienced business legal counsel for Birmingham entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Christopher Colvin is not just a business attorney — he is a former small business owner himself. He understands the practical realities of running a business in Jefferson County from the inside out, and that perspective shapes every conversation he has with Birmingham business clients.
"The best time to get an attorney involved in your business is before you need one. The right legal foundation protects everything you build on top of it."
Alabama requires two filings — with the Secretary of State AND Jefferson County Probate Court. We handle every step so your Birmingham LLC is properly formed from day one.
How to form an LLC in AlabamaWe form Alabama corporations — S-Corps and C-Corps — with proper articles of incorporation, bylaws, and all state compliance handled for Birmingham businesses.
Every Birmingham LLC needs a custom operating agreement. We draft agreements that protect your interests, define member roles, and provide clear procedures for disputes.
What happens to your Birmingham business when you retire or pass away? We help business owners plan ownership transitions that protect the value they have built.
Many Birmingham entrepreneurs use online formation services and end up registered with the Secretary of State but never file with Jefferson County Probate Court — leaving them technically non-compliant under Alabama law. We handle both filings correctly from the start. For the full walkthrough, read: How to Form an LLC in Alabama.
Starting a business or need legal counsel for your existing Birmingham company?
Call Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices at (205) 202-9801 or send us a message. We serve Birmingham business owners across Jefferson County.Alabama LLC formation requires filing a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State AND filing with Jefferson County Probate Court — a step many online services miss. You also need a registered agent, operating agreement, and must meet Alabama Business Privilege Tax requirements. We handle every step for Birmingham businesses.
For most Birmingham small businesses, an LLC is the better starting point — offering liability protection, pass-through taxation, and simpler administration. As profits grow, an S-Corp election can deliver significant self-employment tax savings. We help you evaluate the right structure for your specific situation.
Alabama does not legally require an operating agreement, but every Birmingham LLC absolutely should have one. Without it, Alabama's default LLC statutes govern your business — which may not reflect what you actually want. A custom operating agreement protects your interests, defines member roles, and provides procedures for disputes.
All Alabama LLCs and corporations — including those in Birmingham — must file and pay the annual Business Privilege Tax, calculated based on net worth. Failure to file can result in penalties and even administrative dissolution of your business. We ensure your Birmingham business stays compliant.
Christopher Colvin and Valerie Sawyer serve clients throughout Birmingham, Jefferson County, and across Alabama with experienced, compassionate legal guidance.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-9801