California Business Formation

We're here to help bring your business idea to fruition.

Forming a business requires meticulous attention to detail and familiarity with the many legal considerations involved. To get your business off on the right foot, it is critical to involve an experienced attorney at the outset. A lawyer can not only walk you through the formation process, but also alert you to valuable strategies for avoiding costly disputes and minimizing exposure to liability.

What Does a Business Formation Lawyer Help With?

At Gallagher Krich, APC, our attorneys provide a full range of business law advice and services, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts. We can also provide an opinion on the strength of a contract and your termination options.

If you’re starting a business in California – or considering starting one – Gallagher Krich lawyers can advise on the benefits of an LLC vs. other business entities.

As a business owner, you may be handed a contract or a waiver, with the expectation that you will sign it on the spot. But signing that document may expose you to needless risks. For example, by signing a 1542 waiver, you are foregoing your right to sue.

Our Team Has 30+ Years of Combined Experience.

Tom Gallagher

Troy B. Krich

Strategic Counsel on Business Entity Formation

Under California law, a variety of business entities are available. Each entity has different advantages and disadvantages. Our attorneys can advise you on these options and help you make an informed decision on which entity to form. We are experienced in working with all types of business organizations, including:

  • Sole proprietors
  • Partnerships
  • Limited liability companies (LLCs)
  • Limited partnerships
  • Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
  • Corporations (both S and C corporations)
  • Nonprofit organizations

Our extensive experience handling San Diego-area & Southern California business litigation and contract disputes also informs our ability to advise businesses on how to avoid such disputes.

Free consultation: contact our attorneys today

To learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the business startup process, call Gallagher Krich, APC, at (858) 926-5797 or fill out our convenient online form. We offer free initial consultations as well as evening and weekend meetings by appointment.

Interpretación español disponible con cita previa.

Serving both fledgling & well-established businesses

We invite you to contact our San Diego business attorneys at (858) 926-5797 to arrange a free consultation.
We represent businesses through all phases of their life cycle, including:

Benefits of using an LLC

Use our form to provide some basic information about your business.

Buy standard CA business contracts

Download your templates here.

Benefits of using a Corporation

Use our form to provide some basic information about your business.

Business Exit and Dissolution

Learn about the legal aspects in our guide here, and contact us with questions.

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Contract Review

Upload your contract or set up a 15 minute consultation with an attorney to build a custom contract for your business.

Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration (ADR)

Coming soon.

We also serve as general counsel for businesses, an arrangement clients find very beneficial. They can turn to us whenever any legal needs arise. We are readily available to advise them, and we are usually available on an emergency basis for especially pressing concerns.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Our business formation attorneys are here to help. Start by giving us some information below.

Contact Gallagher Krich, APC

Client Testimonials

What Clients Say:

Max D., Google

March 3, 2026

My company unfortunately found itself entangled in a dispute with one of our franchisees, but Tom Gallagher and his team were able to help us reach an amiable resolution without having to go through lengthy and costly arbitration. His knowledge and responsiveness gave us the confidence we needed to put together a strong argument and get the other party to see our side. Tom Gallagher is a scholar and a gentleman. Highly recommend.

Max D.

Response from Gallagher Krich, APC, Attorneys

Thanks Max, we love getting rid of headaches for small business owners.

What Clients Say:

Matt S., Google

January 17, 2026

My business Partner and I have been working with Gallagher and Krich for the past 8 years and have known Gallagher and Krich for over 12 years. They are incredibly knowledgeable, professional, diligent and reasonable both with their professional guidance and the way in which they conduct business. Specifically, they will talk you out of things that will end up costing you as the customer more money in the end if they don’t think it serves a solid legal or business purpose for you – akin to a mechanic explaining what is really needed vs what is nice to get done. These two have been practicing in the San Diego area for nearly 20 years and are well respected in the community by the court and other attorneys. Their record if you ask around (other attorneys) is strong and you’ll hear good things about them, so you don’t have to take my word for it. You can ask other attorneys in the San Diego community.

We would highly recommend them, especially for anything civil and/or business related.

Matt S.

What Clients Say:

Lawsuits & Disputes Matter (Upcounsel.com)

December 2, 2025

You could search the world over and you would not find a kinder, more brilliant, or more helpful lawyer. Troy exceeded every expectation, and in record time. He’ll be my go-to counsel for anything I need moving forward. Truly TOP NOTCH!

12-2-25, Upcounsel.com

What Clients Say:

Jay J., Google

November 29, 2025

Troy and Tom have been instrumental in helping me restore my company after issues with an unscrupulous former business partner. They now serve as trusted counsel for my corporation and also assisted in me forming a new venture. Their professionalism, integrity, and expertise have impressed me at every step. I trust them immensely and highly recommend their firm for any legal assistance.

Jay Johnson

What Clients Say:

Brandan S., Google

November 25, 2025

I’ve used Gallagher Krich Law for several years and found them to be professional, timely and very accomodating in support of my client related business needs. I highly recommend their legal services due to their honest, transparent, upfront approach which has been challenging to find in this day and age.

Brandan S.

What Clients Say:

John W., Google

August 28, 2024

Troy Krich is a very knowledgeable and personable attorney. He is a good listener and is thorough in his responses. I recommend him for real estate and general legal questions and issues.

John W.

What Clients Say:

Veronica D., Yelp

October 17, 2023

We had the pleasure of speaking with Troy for a contractor issue we had recently. He is smart, patient, empathetic and basically the lawyer we would want to be our side for (may God forbids) any legal assistance or battle we need! The interaction we had with him was “free of charge” but we already felt his dedication and concern (he took the time to reach out and follow up on how he can assist us further) which busy lawyers would normally ask their admin or assistant to do so on their behalf. We will be sure to contact again Troy, if need be! Thank you!!

Veronica D.

What Clients Say:

Mike K., Google

August 11, 2023

Thank you so much for all your help in resolving a real estate matter so quickly and efficiently.

Mike K.
Verified

What Clients Say:

Max D., Google

March 3, 2026

My company unfortunately found itself entangled in a dispute with one of our franchisees, but Tom Gallagher and his team were able to help us reach an amiable resolution without having to go through lengthy and costly arbitration. His knowledge and responsiveness gave us the confidence we needed to put together a strong argument and get the other party to see our side. Tom Gallagher is a scholar and a gentleman. Highly recommend.

Max D.

Response from Gallagher Krich, APC, Attorneys

Thanks Max, we love getting rid of headaches for small business owners.

What Clients Say:

Daniel E., Google

October 11, 2022

I left a voicemail for Tom late Sunday evening and received a phone call first thing the next morning. Tom was very quick to reply to any questions I had, and if he was caught up in a meeting, he was sure to return my call promptly. Tom provided sound and logical advice, during a very stressful and uncertain time. At times I asked him to be more aggressive and was often met with the pros and cons of that decision, allowing me to understand the approach and thought process behind his strategy. Ultimately he provided options for several paths for us to take, worked swiftly, and got us where we needed to be. He reached out several times to check on my sanity and make sure I was good. As someone with very high expectations, I would highly recommend his services. He provided expertise that proved to be successful, and also took the time to make sure I was emotionally solid. Tom assisted with me with a 50% / 50% ownership conflict.

Daniel E.
Verified

What Clients Say:

Deanna, LawConnect.com

February 23, 2022

Really informative and actionable, very grateful to have connected and I look forward to working more with them in the future.

Deanna
Verified

What Clients Say:

Marilyn, LawConnect.com

February 8, 2022

i liked that a lawyer, and not a staff member, called me to get the details and he gave me his opinion of what his initial thoughts are about my case.

Marilyn
Verified

What Clients Say:

Bob W., Google

August 30, 2021

What was thought to be a simple breach of contract turned into a nightmare. Through their tenacity and their deep knowledge of the law, we were successful. There is no reason to look any further as you will not get any better representation than this firm. I highly recommend them and strongly suggest that if you are considering starting a business or are already managing one, this firm will guide you, avoiding the troubled waters businesses sometimes find themselves in.

Bob W.
Verified

What Clients Say:

Rasmita M., Google

August 13, 2021

Johnny Nitti helped us with our estate plan. He was very meticulous while drafting the plan and spent enough time to explain the details to us. He filed the deed with county recorder and paid for the fees himself. Overall, Johnny did a great job and we definitely plan to work with him in the future for any updates to our EP.

Rasmita M
Verified

What Clients Say:

George A., Google

August 6, 2021

Johnny Nitti helped me with my estate planning (will, living trust, etc.) and made the process smooth. He is very responsive and organized. I highly recommend contacting Johnny.

George A.
Verified

What Clients Say:

Ashley C., Google

July 18, 2020

Tom Gallagher is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to business law. I reached out to him reguarding the Pandemic and my salon and I’m so glad I did. Many times stress and hard times can fog clarity and he really helped me understand the laws.

Thanks Tom!!!

Ashley C.
Verified

What Clients Say:

Evan D., Google

July 16, 2019

Thank you Troy for everything! Professional, prompt, and smooth handling of my case. I will be recommending to anyone that is in need of a lawyer.

Evan D.
Verified

Introducing our Flat Fee Case Evaluation service for California clients.