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Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP

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Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP

Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP provides Small Firm Attention with LARGE FIRM RESULTS! We are a full service law firm located in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Phillips, Gerstein & Channen LLP is the only Law Firm you will ever need. We represent individuals, families and businesses in a wide range of legal matters. Our practice ranges from Divorce and Family Law to Tax and Estate Planning and Personal Injury Law. Our core goal is to provide exceptional client service with a personalized approach. Our legal team can and will address your individual or b

usiness needs. We handle real estate matters with particular care to your buying or selling situation; Our civil litigation department will ensure your personal or business situation is addressed aggressively but with the needed sensitivity . Should you become involved in an accident, we will provide the necessary research and direct approach to ensure you receive all to which you are entitled while maintaining direct contact with you and your medical providers. We are aggressive in our approach to the law and your particular situation while also being sensitive to each client’s particular situation. Our Merrimack Valley office serves clients and businesses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Contact our firm today to learn how we can help you!

05/06/2026

Starting a business with a partner can be exciting. Shared ideas, combined resources, and divided responsibilities often make the opportunity feel stronger and more manageable. In Massachusetts and beyond, many partnerships begin with a simple structure—often by forming or converting to a limited liability company (LLC).

But while partnerships can be powerful, they can also become complicated if expectations are not clearly defined from the beginning. Understanding how partnerships work—and where they often go wrong—can help you make more informed decisions.

Can You Start a Partnership Through an LLC?

Yes. One of the most common ways to structure a partnership today is through a multi-member LLC.

An LLC offers:

- Limited liability protection for the owners (called members)
- Flexible management structure
- Pass-through taxation by default

A single-member LLC can later bring on a partner, becoming a multi-member LLC.

Starting a business with a partner can be exciting. Shared ideas, combined resources, and divided responsibilities often make the opportunity feel stronger and

03/02/2026

Starting a business in Massachusetts requires important legal and financial decisions, and one of the first is choosing the right business structure.

Starting a business in Massachusetts requires important legal and financial decisions, and one of the first is choosing the right business structure. Many entre

02/02/2026

Business partnerships are built on trust, shared goals, and clearly defined responsibilities. When one partner breaches the partnership agreement, that trust can quickly erode, putting the business, and its future, at risk. In Massachusetts, a breach of a partnership, operating, or shareholder agreement can give rise to serious legal claims and may require swift action to protect the company and the non-breaching partners.

What Is Considered a Breach of a Partnership Agreement?
A breach occurs when a partner fails to comply with the terms of the governing agreement. Common examples include diverting company funds for personal use, refusing to share profits, violating management or voting provisions, competing with the business, or excluding other partners from decision-making. Even actions that seem informal or justified by one partner may constitute a breach if they contradict the written agreement or established fiduciary duties.

Business partnerships are built on trust, shared goals, and clearly defined responsibilities. When one partner breaches the partnership agreement, that trust ca

09/18/2025

The Importance of Employment Law Compliance
Massachusetts has some of the most employee-friendly laws in the country, which means that businesses operating here must pay careful attention to state-specific requirements. From wage and hour regulations to anti-discrimination protections, employers are expected to meet strict standards designed to safeguard workers’ rights. Failure to comply can result in penalties, lawsuits, and damage to a company’s reputation. For small businesses in particular, understanding and following these rules is critical to long-term success.

Wage and Hour Requirements
Massachusetts employers must comply with both federal and state wage laws, with the higher standard applying when they differ. As of 2025, the state’s minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, and employers must ensure all eligible workers receive at least that amount.

The Importance of Employment Law Compliance Massachusetts has some of the most employee-friendly laws in the country, which means that businesses operating her

04/03/2025

Leasing commercial space is a major step for any business, whether you're opening a retail storefront, moving into an office, or expanding operations. In Massachusetts, commercial leases differ significantly from residential leases and are governed by contract law rather than consumer protection statutes. Understanding the terms, negotiation strategies, and legal obligations involved is essential to protect your business interests.

Understanding the Terms of a Commercial Lease

A commercial lease is a binding contract between a landlord and a business tenant that outlines the terms for renting non-residential property. In Massachusetts, these agreements can vary widely in length, complexity, and the responsibilities placed on each party. Unlike residential leases, there are few standard protections—making it especially important to review every clause carefully.

Leasing commercial space is a major step for any business, whether you're opening a retail storefront, moving into an office, or expanding operations. In Massa

02/26/2025

Starting a business with a partner is an exciting endeavor, but one of the most critical early decisions is selecting the right business entity. The legal structure of your business affects liability protection, taxation, fundraising options, and long-term growth potential. While there are several entity types to consider, this article focuses on two of the most common structures for startups in Massachusetts: the Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the C Corporation (C-Corp).

Understanding the Basics of LLCs and C-Corps

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a flexible business structure that combines aspects of a corporation and a partnership. It provides liability protection for its owners (called members) while allowing for pass-through taxation, meaning business profits and losses flow directly to members’ personal tax returns.

A C-Corp (C Corporation) is a more traditional corporate structure that is legally separate from its owners (shareholders).

Starting a business with a partner is an exciting endeavor, but one of the most critical early decisions is selecting the right business entity. The legal struc

01/24/2025

Non-compete agreements are a common feature of employment contracts in Massachusetts, designed to protect businesses from unfair competition by former employees. However, these agreements are subject to specific legal requirements under Massachusetts law to ensure fairness and enforceability. We review what non-compete agreements are, the legal framework governing them in Massachusetts, and key considerations for both employers and employees.

What Are Non-Compete Agreements?

A non-compete agreement is a clause in an employment contract that restricts an employee from working for competitors or starting a competing business for a specified period after leaving their current employer. These agreements aim to:

- Protect trade secrets and confidential information.
- Preserve customer relationships.
- Prevent unfair competition.

Non-compete agreements are a common feature of employment contracts in Massachusetts, designed to protect businesses from unfair competition by former employees

12/02/2024

Contracts are the backbone of any successful business, providing clarity and legal protection for parties involved in commercial transactions. In Massachusetts, understanding the essentials of business contracts is critical to avoiding disputes and ensuring enforceability. This article explores the key elements of contracts, common issues, and best practices for businesses to safeguard their interests.

Key Elements of a Legally Enforceable Contract

For a contract to be legally binding in Massachusetts, it must include these essential components:

- Offer and Acceptance: One party makes an offer, and the other accepts it under agreed terms.
- Consideration: Each party must provide something of value, such as money, goods, or services.
- Mutual Consent: Both parties must agree to the terms willingly and with full understanding.
- Capacity: Parties must be legally competent, meaning they are of sound mind and of legal age.

Contracts are the backbone of any successful business, providing clarity and legal protection for parties involved in commercial transactions. In Massachusetts,

11/12/2024

Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP is teaming up, once again, with Caring Partners' Coats for Kids & Families To Collect Winter Coats of All Sizes For Those in Need Through January 1st
Winter coats needed to fulfill one mission: “Anyone who needs a coat, will have one.”

In hard economic times and looming cold weather, a warm coat isn’t a luxury… it is a necessity. In every community, there are thousands of children and adults who may otherwise not have access to warm winter coat this winter.

Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP is proud to be a collection partner for Coats for Kids & Families. Coats collected at our law office in Haverhill at 25 Kenoza Ave – First Floor by January 1, 2025, will be professionally cleaned by Anton’s and given to local nonprofits, social service agencies, and schools for distribution.

Phillips, Gerstein & Channen, LLP is teaming up, once again, with Caring Partners' Coats for Kids & Families To Collect Winter Coats of All Sizes For T

11/05/2024

Launching and running a business in Massachusetts requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to establishing legally sound agreements. Business contracts form the foundation for protecting both parties’ interests, ensuring clarity in responsibilities, and reducing legal risks and business litigation. Here are five essential business contracts every Massachusetts entrepreneur should be familiar with, each serving a unique purpose in safeguarding operations and helping a business grow responsibly.

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts set the stage for clear relationships between employers and employees. These contracts specify the job duties, pay, benefits, and the terms of employment, including confidentiality and non-compete clauses. Employment agreements prevent misunderstandings by outlining rights and obligations on both sides, and they help avoid disputes over compensation, performance, or employment terms.

Launching and running a business in Massachusetts requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to establishing legally sound agreements. Business contr

09/26/2024

A 1031 tax-free exchange, also known as a "like-kind exchange," is a powerful tool for real estate investors who want to defer capital gains taxes when selling and purchasing investment properties. This tax provision, governed by Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), allows property owners to reinvest the proceeds from the sale of an investment property into another "like-kind" property, deferring the payment of capital gains taxes that would otherwise be due.

A 1031 tax-free exchange, also known as a "like-kind exchange," is a powerful tool for real estate investors who want to defer capital gains taxes when sellin

Address

25 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA
01830

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19783741131

Website

http://www.pgclawoffice.com/

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