Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to start working with Warren Kalyan?

Schedule an initial consultation through the Contact page or by calling the office. Initial consultations are no charge and typically last thirty to sixty minutes. We use the call to understand what you need, give you a clear scope, and decide together whether we are the right fit.

How quickly can you take on a new matter?

For most matters, we can begin work within one to three business days of receiving a signed engagement letter. Urgent matters (litigation deadlines, time sensitive transactions, regulatory responses) can usually be accommodated within twenty four hours.

What should I bring to a first consultation?

A description of the matter (in writing if it is complex), any contracts, agreements, or documents relevant to the issue, and a list of the questions you want answered. We do not need formal legal memos; bullet points and copies of the actual documents are fine.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Initial consultations to discuss potential representation are no charge. Once we are engaged, we typically work on a flat fee, hourly, capped fee, hybrid, or monthly retainer basis, depending on the matter.

What types of clients do you work with?

We focus on small and lower middle market businesses, founders, operators, and investors. Most of our clients have annual revenue between five hundred thousand and fifty million dollars, between five and one hundred employees, and operate in industries like hospitality, real estate, professional services, and retail. We work with both companies and individual stakeholders (founders, partners, investors). Meet the Warren Kalyan team.

What types of matters do you NOT handle?

We do not take on personal injury, criminal defense, family law, immigration, or estate planning matters. We do not typically handle deals over twenty five million dollars in transaction value because companies in that range usually need Big Law's bandwidth. We maintain a network of trusted colleagues across complementary practice areas and provide referrals when a matter falls outside our scope.

How do you bill?

We use several engagement structures to best meet the needs of our clients. Each engagement letter spells out the structure clearly before work starts.

How responsive are you?

We aim to acknowledge every client message within one business day and to substantively respond within three business days. Active matter work moves faster. We do not believe in hiding behind formal channels; clients have direct access to their attorneys by phone, email, and (for active matters) text.

What is corporate structuring?

Corporate structuring involves determining the legal and ownership framework of a business, including entity type, governance, and equity allocation. Learn more about our corporate counsel work.

Should I form an LLC or a corporation for my new business?

For most SMBs, an LLC is the right starting point. LLCs offer the same liability protection as corporations with simpler governance and pass through tax treatment by default. Form a corporation if you plan to take outside venture capital, want to issue traditional employee stock options, or need a specific tax structure that requires it. Talk to a CPA in parallel; the entity choice should be both a legal and a tax decision.

Should I form my LLC in Texas, Delaware, or somewhere else?

If your business operates primarily in Texas, form in Texas. Delaware formation makes sense for venture backed companies expecting institutional investment, multi state holding structures, and certain professional services contexts. Forming in a state where you do not operate creates duplicative compliance (foreign qualification fees, multiple registered agents, multiple annual reports) without meaningful benefit for most SMBs. Texas filings are made through the Texas Secretary of State.

What is a series LLC and when does it make sense?

A series LLC is a Texas permitted structure that allows a parent LLC to create separate "series" or sub units, each with its own assets and liabilities, under a single umbrella entity. They are most useful for real estate investors holding multiple properties and for businesses that want to segregate liability across product lines.

Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC or corporation?

While not legally required, working with a business attorney helps ensure proper structuring, compliance, and long term risk mitigation. Filing the certificate is the easy part; the operating agreement, equity allocations, and tax elections are where most founders need real counsel.

What does an M and A attorney do?

An M and A attorney structures and negotiates business transactions, conducts due diligence, drafts and negotiates purchase agreements, and manages closing. On the sell side, we focus on price preservation, reps and warranties, indemnification caps, and earnout architecture. On the buy side, we lead diligence, structure the deal, and protect the buyer through closing and post closing.

How long does a business acquisition take?

Most transactions take sixty to one hundred twenty days from LOI to closing, depending on complexity, due diligence, and negotiations. Clean sellers with organized diligence rooms move faster. Multi entity structures, regulatory approvals, and earnouts add time. Read our prepared seller guide for more.

Do I need a lawyer for a commercial lease?

Yes. Legal review helps protect your interests and identify risks in lease terms that materially affect long term economics, including options to renew, CAM caps, assignment rights, and exclusivity. Many landlord forms are heavily weighted toward the landlord; tenant side review is where value gets recovered.

Do you represent landlords or tenants?

Warren Kalyan primarily represents property owners, operators, and investors in multifamily and commercial real estate. We handle acquisitions, leasing, lease enforcement, landlord tenant disputes, and operational matters. See our Austin real estate practice and Dallas real estate practice.

What is zoning approval?

Zoning approval determines how property can be used and developed. We assist clients with zoning analysis, variance applications, conditional use permits, and entitlements for development and redevelopment projects.

How long does it take to get a liquor license?

Licensing timelines vary by jurisdiction but typically range from thirty to one hundred twenty days. Texas TABC applications move faster than New York SLA applications. Ownership complexity, protests, and hearings extend the timeline. We handle both Texas and New York through our Texas hospitality and liquor licensing practice and our New York City hospitality and liquor licensing practice.

What happens if I receive a regulatory violation?

Violations can result in fines, suspension, or license revocation. Legal counsel is important to respond effectively. We help operators craft a response strategy, negotiate with the agency, and preserve the license whenever possible.

When should I hire a business litigation attorney?

At the first sign of a dispute, contract breach, or partnership conflict. Early legal strategy can significantly impact outcomes. The instinct to wait and see often costs leverage, evidence, and remedies that are easier to preserve when counsel is involved early.

What are common partnership disputes?

Common disputes include disagreements over ownership, profit distribution, management authority, fiduciary duty, and exit strategies. Many are rooted in operating agreements that did not anticipate the situation. We resolve through negotiation, mediation, or litigation as the matter requires.

What types of disputes arise in multifamily housing?

Common issues include lease enforcement, evictions, tenant claims, operational disputes, and housing discrimination defense. We represent owners and operators in justice court eviction proceedings, county and district court actions, and administrative matters.

Why are contracts important for businesses?

Contracts define rights, obligations, and risk allocation, reducing the likelihood of disputes. A well drafted contract is not paperwork; it is leverage when a relationship goes sideways and protection when it stays on track.

Can a lawyer help enforce a contract?

Yes. We assist with enforcement through demand letters, negotiation, mediation, or litigation if necessary. The right tool depends on the relationship value, the breach, and the leverage on each side.

What should employers include in employment agreements?

Key provisions include compensation, responsibilities, confidentiality, intellectual property assignment, restrictive covenants, and termination terms. Restrictive covenants in particular look different in 2026 than they did three years ago following FTC rulemaking and state level changes; templates need updates.

What is housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination involves unequal treatment based on protected characteristics under federal, state, and local fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act. We defend multifamily owners, property managers, and operators against fair housing complaints, HUD charges, and private suits.

What is an FDD?

A Franchise Disclosure Document outlines key information for prospective franchisees, including the franchise system, fees, obligations, financial performance representations, and litigation history. We prepare FDDs for new franchisors and review them on behalf of prospective franchisees.

What is intellectual property protection?

It includes trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licensing to protect business assets. We work with founders, talent, creators, and operators on brand registration, content licensing, and IP related agreements through our influencer, talent, and creator attorney practice.

Pricing and Fees

We believe in clarity. Each engagement letter spells out the fee structure before work begins. Below are typical ranges for our most common matters.

Speak with a Business Attorney

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Texas: (512) 347-8777 | New York: (212) 516-6513 | hello@warrenkalyan.com