Business
Mackenzie Hughes is lead counsel to many of the region’s most prominent and successful businesses. Our clients range from sole proprietorships to sophisticated international corporations, which rely on our proactive counsel and solutions-oriented approach. Our collaborative multidisciplinary approach is also used to counsel not-for-profit entities including colleges, human services agencies, rehabilitation centers, religious organizations, arts organizations and traditional charities. The Firm’s corporate attorneys work closely with the Firm’s tax attorneys to analyze and develop tax-efficient responses to achieve client goals. Services include:
General Business
- Structuring business entities including sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations and limited-liability companies
- Regulatory compliance; representation before federal and state oversight agencies
- Negotiating and drafting contracts including partnerships, shareholder and employment agreements
- Counseling businesses on entity governance; drafting bylaws and operating agreements
- Providing advice and counsel on bankruptcy and collection matters
- Representing businesses and individuals in the purchase and sale of business interests
- Representing businesses in all aspects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures
- Counseling on all aspects of business succession
Securities
- Preparing and filing reports including disclosure forms for corporate officers and directors
- Providing advice and counsel on all aspects of initial offerings of corporate stock
- Preparing proxy materials
Employee Benefits Planning
- Preparing and implementing stock option plans for corporate directors, officers and employees
- Providing advice and counsel in the establishment of qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation and retirement plans
- Preparing and negotiating employee separations; planning and implementing workforce reductions
Meet the Team
Our experienced attorneys will work with you to create meaningful legal solutions designed to help you make better business, personal planning and legal decisions.
Meet the TeamAttorneys
Anne B. Ruffer
Managing Partner
Mary Anne Cody
Partner
Richard C. Engel
Partner
Clayton H. Hale, Jr.
Partner and Co General Counsel
Frederick W. Marty
Partner
Edward J. Moses
Partner
James H. Nicoll
Partner
Neil J. Smith
Partner
Christopher A. Powers
Associate
Caroline M. Bertholf
Associate
News
Joseph G. Farrell and Brandan Ray Join Mackenzie Hughes LLP
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Joseph G. Farrell has joined Mackenzie Hughes LLP as a partner in the firm’s litigation department and will concentrate his legal practice on medical malpractice defense. Brandan Ray has also been hired as an associate attorney in the business department with his practice focused on business formation and governance, private investment transactions…
Read moreCentral New York will enter Phase 4 of the COVID19 New York State business re-opening on Friday June 26, 2020. New York State will be allowing the re-opening of businesses by region in four phases as follows: Phase 1: Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup/drop off), Manufacturing and…
Read moreNew York State Phase 3 Requirements for Business Re-Openings
New York State has released the requirements for those businesses in Phase 3 of re-opening. Central New York is now authorized to begin Phase 3. New York State is allowing the re-opening of businesses by region in four phases as follows, with the businesses in the Phases being expanded from the original list to now…
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Congress Passes Trademark Modernization Act
Congress Passes Trademark Modernization Act Here’s What That Means for You, Your Business and Your Business’ Trademarks At the tail-end of 2020, the Trademark Modernization Act (“TMA”) was signed into law. The TMA, which received broad bi-partisan support in Congress, was passed to curb a substantial volume of improperly registered trademark registrations from so-called “bad…
Read moreCan I trademark “[insert food here].com”? The Supreme Court says “Maybe!”
Recently, the Supreme Court concluded another historic term, handing down landmark decisions in employment discrimination and executive immunity, among others. However, this also means cases like United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com, B.V. (“Booking.com”), a case decided at the end of June with broad application in the area of trademark law, do not…
Read moreNew York State Phase 3 Requirements for Business Re-Openings
New York State has released the requirements for those businesses in Phase 3 of re-opening. Central New York is now authorized to begin Phase 3. New York State is allowing the re-opening of businesses by region in four phases as follows, with the businesses in the Phases being expanded from the original list to now…
Read more