Modernizing agriculture has led not only to larger operations, but has also led to a need for farm operations to become familiar with a wide variety of legal obligations from numerous governmental agencies. Often the failure to recognize those obligations (or their extent) can expose farm operations and their owners to substantial penalties and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. Our lawyers have the knowledge and expertise in the varied areas of the law that affect agricultural businesses today.

Whether you own an auto dealership or have had a negative experience with one, our firm is well-versed in auto dealer compliance laws.

Stevens & Brand has extensive experience in representing banks and their trust departments in all areas of banking law, such as representative default assistance, foreclosures and bankruptcy, complex workouts, loan structuring and documentation, collateralization and securitization, sales of loan portfolios, and investment banking.

During times of economic uncertainty, our bankruptcy and creditors’ rights lawyers can be a valuable resource if your legal problems, including litigation, involve insolvency or bankruptcy. Our clients include retail and manufacturing firms across a variety of industries as well as small banks and other financial institutions.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand provide a wide array of services to business entities in all aspects of reorganization, including federal bankruptcy and various state insolvency law proceedings. We represent small businesses, lending institutions, debtors, landlords, purchasers and sellers of distressed assets, creditor’s committees, and others in all aspects of the reorganization and/or liquidation process, whether in or out of court.

Business law focuses on aspects of business including forming a company, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder rights, and property issues such as leasing office or warehouse space. Business law is regulated by both state and federal law, and the attorneys at Stevens & Brand have experience in both these fields.

Business organization law refers to the numerous ways a business may be legally formed under state laws. In addition to incorporating as a corporation, businesses may also be formed as partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), S Corporations, and other business forms. Since each business organization brings with it a specific set of tax, management, and liability benefits and drawbacks, choosing the right type of organization for your business depends on many factors. With this in mind, our attorneys can provide expertise well before officially organizing a business in order to prepare for these and other legal issues that could arise.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand provide a wide array of services to business entities in all aspects of reorganization, including federal bankruptcy and various state insolvency law proceedings. We represent small businesses, lending institutions, debtors, landlords, purchasers and sellers of distressed assets, creditor’s committees, and others in all aspects of the reorganization and/or liquidation process, whether in or out of court.

Stevens & Brand is committed to providing sound business advice based on experience and time-tested business practices. We provide business transaction services and legal advice for business sales and purchases, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, and proper maintenance of corporate entities.

Commercial law focuses on the sale and distribution of goods, as well as financing of certain transactions. Commercial law is primarily regulated by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). All states have adopted some form of the UCC, though each state is free to make its own modifications to the laws as it sees fit. Because many states have modified at least some of the UCC provisions to fit their needs, it is important to hire a lawyer familiar with the UCC as it has been enacted in your state.

Stevens & Brand’s attorneys represent clients involved in commercial and residential construction including developers, builders, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers. Our litigators are knowledgeable and experienced in litigating AIA and other construction contracts, as well as cases involving mold and environmental issues, liens, and component failure.

Our Corporate practice attorneys are experienced in the formation and organization of corporations and other businesses, reorganizations and restructuring, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, investment funds, equity capital markets, venture capital and corporate real estate.

Matters involving creditor or debtor rights can be complex and involve commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels before state and federal courts. Our goal is to realize the most beneficial results, including financial workouts and settlements, as cost-effectively as possible for our clients. To do this, we contribute a wealth of knowledge about finance law, business, real estate, taxes, estates, and many other subjects.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand have extensive experience helping hundreds of local, regional, and national employers of all sizes and across many industries with employment law issues. Whether drafting employee handbooks and policies, executive contracts of employment, or advising employers on issues such as termination, harassment, or wage and hour laws, our attorneys strive to understand our clients’ businesses and interests so that they can achieve their business objectives.

Stevens & Brand has attorneys dedicated to the issues impacting fraternities, sororities, student life organizations, and their related charitable foundations. Contact our firm today if you are involved in one of these organizations and need legal advice.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand provide a comprehensive and integrated array of legal services in the areas of intellectual property including copyright, trademark, trade secret, outsourcing, computer, technology, software, restrictive covenant, and franchise law.

Stevens & Brand’s legal team has represented mews-media organizations in defending tort claims, seeking access to governmental records and proceedings, responding to subpoenas, and advising journalists regarding newsgathering activities. We are also able to provide a wide range of business-related legal services for all types of publishing entities including traditional news organizations, “hyper-local” news outlets, internet publications, and magazines.

Stevens & Brand represents several cities as general counsel. Its representation includes all areas of municipal government including: land use and development regulation, zoning, platting and subdivision control, eminent domain, employer – employee relations, taxation and tax incentives, impact fees, exactions, building regulation, annexation, police, fire, utilities, and related litigation.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand can assist you in safeguarding your interests in residential and commercial property and investments throughout Kansas and Missouri. Our real estate lawyers represent property owners, buyers, commercial tenants, and other parties in a wide range of real estate-oriented litigation including construction litigation, purchase and sale disputes including disagreements regarding disclosures, real estate fraud, condition of the property and legal uses, quiet title actions, disputes related to easements and encumbrances, and protecting landowners’ rights.

Real estate law governs who may own and use the land and any buildings on it. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in both residential and commercial real estate, as well as the state and local rules concerning the purposes for which land may be used.

Corporate workout refers to financial rescue of a firm that is outside formal bankruptcy and insolvency law. Also known as out-of court debt restructuring, corporate workout practices aim to remedy or avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy. The debtors and creditors, as well as the main shareholders and bondholders, voluntarily participate in the workouts in order to make rearrangements concerning financial investments and rescheduling and restructuring debt.

The attorneys at Stevens & Brand assist clients in a wide range of matters including subdivision and land development approvals, zoning analysis, conditional use approvals, due diligence investigations, and variances and special exceptions. We also have expertise in obtaining permits and approvals from virtually every federal, state, and local regulatory agency in the region.