Business Formation Attorney in Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania
Build Your Business on a Solid Legal Foundation
Launching or restructuring a business is exciting — but choosing the right legal structure is critical to long-term success. At Anthou Legal Services LLC, we help entrepreneurs, investors, and small business owners across Pittsburgh select the best entity type, handle every state filing, and create the governing documents needed to operate confidently. With 35+ years of legal experience, we provide clear, practical guidance on liability protection, tax implications, management structure, and compliance with Pennsylvania law. Whether you're forming your first LLC or reorganizing an established company, we make the process simple, secure, and fully aligned with your goals.
Complete Business Formation Services
Entity Selection & Strategic Guidance
We help you evaluate the pros and cons of LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships — ensuring the structure you choose supports liability protection, tax efficiency, and long-term growth.
State Registration & Filing
We handle all Pennsylvania filings, including Articles of Organization or Incorporation, name searches, Department of State submissions, and compliance requirements.
Operating Agreements, Bylaws & Partnership Contracts
Every business needs internal governing documents. We draft or review operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder agreements, and partnership contracts that outline decision-making, ownership, and management responsibilities.
EIN (Tax ID) Setup & Licensing Support
Our firm assists with obtaining your federal EIN, registering for state accounts, and securing any local business licenses your operation may require.
Business Reorganization & Restructuring
If your business has grown or your goals have changed, we help restructure your entity for improved liability protection, tax positioning, or ownership clarity.
What to Expect When Starting a Business With Us
Forming a business isn’t just paperwork — it’s a strategic decision that affects taxes, liability, and day-to-day operations. Here’s how we guide you through each step:
1
Initial Consultation — We discuss your goals, industry, partners, and growth plans.
2
Entity Analysis — We compare LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships to help identify the best legal and tax structure.
3
Document Preparation — All formation documents, agreements, and filings are professionally drafted and reviewed.
4
Registration & Compliance — We file everything with the State of Pennsylvania and guide you through local license requirements.
5
Long-Term Support — As your business grows, we assist with leases, contracts, expansions, and structural changes.
Common Questions About Business Formation in Pennsylvania
How can a lawyer help me start an LLC in PA?
We guide you through entity selection, prepare formation documents, file with the state, create your operating agreement, and ensure compliance with Pennsylvania requirements.
Do I need an attorney to incorporate in Pittsburgh?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. Incorporation affects liability, taxes, and management — an attorney ensures it’s done correctly from the start.
What’s the best structure for a small business in PA?
It depends on liability protection, tax goals, and ownership needs. We help compare LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships to find the best fit.
Can you help with operating agreements or bylaws?
Yes. We draft customized documents that define ownership, responsibilities, and decision-making — essential protections for any business.
Do you help businesses beyond Pittsburgh?
Absolutely. We serve clients throughout Allegheny, Washington, and Beaver Counties.
Trusted By Entrepreneurs Across Western Pennsylvania
For decades, we’ve helped small businesses from Pittsburgh to Canonsburg establish strong legal foundations. Clients value our clarity, responsiveness, and ability to explain complex decisions in simple terms — helping them launch and operate with confidence.
Additional Legal Support for Your Business
Real Estate Law & Commercial Leases
If your business involves buying, renting, or expanding property, we handle contracts, zoning, and legal compliance.
Settlement Services
Attorney-supervised title and closing support for commercial property transactions.
Estate Planning for Business Owners
Protect ownership interests and plan for succession with wills, trusts, and strategic estate tools.
Ready to Launch or Restructure Your Business?
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We proudly help entrepreneurs across Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Washington, and Beaver Counties start strong with expert guidance and complete formation support.