Practice Areas

Corporate officers and business people appreciate the personal attention that I offer in all facets of legal needs common to businesses and corporations. I practice in all areas of corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and government affairs. From my offices in Washington, DC, Vero Beach, Florida and New York City, I serve corporate, institutional, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the U.S. and around the world.

You know what you want done. I will take the time to understand your business. I pride myself on being attuned to my clients' business objectives, sensitive to their culture and goal-oriented to deliver valuable service. I not only will assist with the problems you identify, I will identify potential problems that may arise from the facts and circumstances you describe to me so that you may promptly address them. I bring years of political and regulatory experience to bear on your problem to come up with the most creative and yet pragmatic solutions.

My clients use my great breadth of experience and legal judgment to achieve solutions that are sound and practical for their particular business needs. For example, I will assist clients with the analysis necessary to decide on the most appropriate corporate form and venue for their new business and to prepare and file the necessary documents with the state and with the tax authorities, state and federal. My clients range from individual entrepreneurs to multinational corporations in a variety of different industries. I have been employed in bet-the-company regulatory and litigation issues. In challenging situations, I am able to provide seamless advisory and defense services in response to regulatory and enforcement investigations. Working with a former federal prosecutor provides many tangible advantages when faced with a regulatory or compliance issue. I’ve been there and I know how they think. If other disciplines are necessary to craft the right solution, I can draw upon a network of colleagues with whom I have worked.

My skills have been sought out in business “divorce” situations to work out a dissolution. I have represented partners in the often contentious matters involved with law firm breakups.

I have been involved in fraud cases both as a prosecutor, a defense attorney and even as a victim of fraud myself in a real estate matter. I have expertise in government procurement fraud, real estate fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, advance fee fraud, school loan fraud, False Claims Act/qui tam cases, and banking fraud.

In less stressful circumstances, I prepare shareholder agreements, buy / sell contracts, confidentiality agreements to protect intellectual property, and the full range of services ordinarily provided by a corporate general counsel. I am able to assist in providing advice concerning the most appropriate response to proposed legislation that may impact the company. My experience as an insurance coverage defense attorney and an internal investigator often proves relevant to my clients' small business legal concerns. I also will provide counsel on compliance with federal election law and lobbying procedures, privacy rules, and intellectual property protection.

I am prepared to advise clients on a full range of governance-related matters, including bylaws; policies and procedures; conflicts of interest, fiduciary duties of officers and directors, codes of ethics and related enforcement procedures; private inurement and private benefit rules; record retention policies and practices; structural and legal relationships of non-profits and for-profit corporations with foundations, taxable subsidiaries, chapters, affiliated federations and other industry organizations; and leadership, management and oversight structures. Upon request, I will attend clients' board, executive committee and other meetings as needed.

Contracts are a core aspect of any general counseling practice. I have previously drafted, negotiated, revised and, if necessary, litigated many different contract forms. Consequently, I bring a great deal of experience to bear on the resolution of contractual issues for my clients.

When privacy and confidentiality are required, you may call upon me to draft the appropriate agreements and corporate policies.

I will represent non-profit corporations in matters unique to their industry or causes and provide advice regarding compliance with the IRS requirements for executive compensation for non-profits including private inurement issues. I will draft enforcement procedures and compliance manuals suited to a particular industry. I will recommend new governance structures and procedures where appropriate.

I provide counsel to my clients in every aspect of employment law, including developing employment policies, manuals and contracts; prosecuting and defending litigation before federal and state EEO agencies and in state and federal court; mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution; age, race, sex, disability and other discrimination claims including sexual harassment allegations and investigations; developing affirmative action plans; hiring, firing and promotion counseling; overtime rules; executive contracts and compensation; privacy law compliance and issues; defamation claims; disputes with unions; immigration questions; occupational health and safety matters; and employee benefits.

I will represent the company or the employee in an intra-company transfer from overseas to complete and file the necessary immigration application forms.

To schedule a consultation regarding business, corporate, regulatory compliance, or matters affecting your business or corporation, contact me, Washington, D.C., business lawyer Pamela B. Stuart.