Outside General Counsel

The law firm of Carreon & Beltrán, PLLC acts as general legal counsel for small to mid-sized businesses across West Texas.  We understand that the success of a business depends on careful planning to minimize the potential for future disputes, and swift resolution of disputes when they do arise.  We regularly assist business clients in:

• Contract Review
• Human Resources Consulting
• Non-Public Corporate Compliance
• Deceptive Trade Practice Defense
• General Civil and Commercial Litigation

In addition, we have a particular wealth of expertise in:

Employment Defense

When a business faces allegations of discrimination, breach of contract, wrongful termination, wage disputes, or other claims, the resulting drain on attention and resources can diminish the company's overall productivity.  An employer may be subject to liability if it hires, discharges, or limits an employee because of race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age.  An employer may also face severe penalties for aiding in a violation, interfering with an employment practices investigation, or retaliating against an employee for filing a complaint. 

However, there are many exceptions to alleged labor law violations, such as for alleged age discrimination and variances in wage and benefit distributions.  A knowledgeable attorney can educate a business about its rights and limitations, advise on remedial measures, and provide a vigorous defense against a plaintiff's claims.

Collections

Often a company or principal will act as both a lender and a borrower in the ordinary course of operating a business.  Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for debtors to refuse or be unable to pay.  In the event your organization is having difficulty collecting on an unpaid debt, our attorneys can help by issuing effective demand letters or suing in court to obtain a judgment and lien, writ of attachment, or wage garnishment.  We can also help prevent future unpaid debts by reviewing payment contracts, promissory notes, and collection policies to ensure your interests are protected. 

We also regularly help businesses manage their own debts.  In the event your organization owes money and is being harassed by an unscrupulous lender, there are numerous remedies available.  The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits lenders from making excessive or purposefully inconvenient telephone calls, misrepresenting or falsifying facts, threatening violence, using profanity or obscene language, or illegally repossessing or attaching goods.  A knowledgeable business attorney may be able to obtain a court injunction to stop the harassment, work out a viable repayment plan, or even secure civil or criminal penalties against malicious debt collectors.

Construction Law

Construction law requires the coordination and cooperation of numerous parties whose interests are not always aligned, and as such is a common source of business disputes.  Securing an attorney to review proposed construction agreements ensures that a contractor can extract the maximum benefit possible from contracting terms, and can safeguard against potential disputes or errors that can prove costly further down the road.  Our firm can assist developers, contractors, material suppliers, and small businesses with contract preparation, debt management, construction claims, and payment disputes, in addition to aiding in enforcement of mechanics' liens and bonds by securing court orders and pursuing parties in breach of contract proceedings. 

Transportation and Logistics Law

Texas transportation and logistics laws affect common carriers, county and municipal airports, freight rail, brokers, and logistics companies.  Businesses involved in transportation and logistics must remain in compliance with an overwhelming array of commerce laws, environmental regulations, employment and labor laws, tax regulations, building regulations, hazardous conditions laws, and much more.  Our firm is equipped to offer pertinent advice on the regulations at play throughout each phase of operations, from reviewing contracts and logistic agreements to assisting in employment litigation and labor relations, corporate compliance, and general civil and commercial litigation. 

To find out how we can assist your small or mid-sized business, contact Carreon & Beltrán, PLLC today.