Business-first counsel for founders, employers, and growth-stage companies on contracts, employment, trademarks, commercial leases, and business transactions.
400+
Clients Helped
17+
Years Experience
250+
Trademarks
Holmes Business Law is built to support both the business and legal sides of decision-making, whether you’re launching, hiring, negotiating a major agreement, protecting your brand, planning growth, or preparing for a transition.
What clients rely on us for:
Practical counsel for day-to-day and high-stakes decisions
Clear contracts and documentation aligned with your business model
Proactive employment guidance to reduce exposure
Deal support for growth, acquisitions, and exits
Ongoing outside general counsel support as your needs evolve
4.8 Stars
Whether you’re signing, hiring, buying, selling, or scaling, start with the path that matches your immediate need.
Entity selection
formation
operating agreements
Customer
vendor
contractor
consulting
Hiring
contracts
compliance
Risk management
due diligence
negotiations
deal documents
debt
equity
investor terms
transition planning
continuity
next chapter
Most legal problems don’t begin with a crisis. They start with a lease you’re about to sign, a contract clause that feels “off,” a hiring issue that creates exposure, or IP protection that keeps getting delayed. Strong counsel isn’t only about fixing problems; it’s about identifying risk early, documenting the right terms, and protecting momentum without guessing.
What this looks like in practice:
Practical guidance tied to real business outcomes
Tailored documents, not generic templates
One-time project support or ongoing counsel (subscriptions/GC)
A clear path into the right service line as your needs change
Holmes Business Law supports startups, growing companies, and established businesses that need clear, business-first legal guidance. We also handle employment matters for employers and, when appropriate, select individuals.
Ownership changes are high-stakes. We help you structure, negotiate, and document transactions with clarity so you can protect value and close confidently.
Contracts drive revenue and reduce uncertainty when they’re written clearly. We draft, review, and negotiate agreements that reflect your operating reality and protect your interests.
Employment decisions create risk quickly. We help employers implement the right contracts and practices, reduce exposure, and make decisions with a clearer understanding of tradeoffs.
Lease terms shape cost, flexibility, and risk for years. We review and negotiate commercial leases with a focus on business impact, not just legal language.
Build the foundation properly and protect what you’re creating. We advise on entity structure and support trademark and copyright protection tied to long-term business value.
When growth requires funding, your documents must match your strategy. We support debt and equity documentation, promissory notes, and investment structures.
Not every critical decision is about growth. We help owners plan transitions, continuity, and the next chapter with less uncertainty.
Some companies need a single contract or transaction handled well. Others need reliable access to counsel as issues arise throughout the year. Holmes Business Law offers both project-based engagements and ongoing subscription options designed for business owners who want consistent support without starting from scratch each time.
View Plans & Programs
The Right Start Program
Silver Tier Subscription
Sarah Holmes brings a background defending matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts and firsthand experience building and operating a business. That combination shapes the firm’s approach: clear counsel, practical documentation, and advice aligned with business goals so clients can make decisions with more confidence.
Licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York
Trademark support available nationwide
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses graduate
Philadelphia100 awardee (2019)
I really enjoyed working with Sarah. She helped me set up my ‘Contract for Service’ that I use to facilitate the client relationships for my business. She offered me excellent insight and advice throughout the process. She was also very patient with me and my workload, and she went above and beyond to help me create a thorough and thoughtful agreement that protects my interests as well as my clients.
– Rachael P.
I contacted Sarah to provide guidance with starting my business. I did my research beforehand and had consulted other lawyers. Sarah was the most knowledgable lawyer of all and was spot on with her analysis. I was convinced that she was the best lawyer for me after our first conversation! She listened very carefully and made the best recommendation for my personal situation.
– Wale O.
Sarah is completely trustworthy and approachable. She is always prompt with her responses and kept me informed on the progress of our paperwork. We have now used her on multiple projects and have been happy with our choice every time.
– Amy F.
Yes. An LOI often sets exclusivity, diligence parameters, and key economic and timing terms. Those terms shape leverage and are difficult to unwind later.
Asset sales transfer specified assets and define assumed and excluded liabilities. Equity sales transfer the entity itself. The correct structure depends on liability, taxes, the transferability of contracts and licenses, and the business’s operational reality.
Timing depends on financing, diligence scope, document negotiation, and third-party consents. Many transactions take weeks to months, especially where landlord and contract consents are required.
Financial statements, tax filings, material contracts, leases, employment and contractor documents, insurance, licenses and permits, intellectual property documentation, corporate records, and lien and claims information. The correct scope depends on the deal structure and the business’s operations.
Yes. This is common. We focus on risk allocation provisions, closing conditions, remedies, and any term that creates post closing exposure.
Lease constraints can delay or block closing. We identify consent requirements early and manage the legal workstream around assignment, consent, or alternative structures.
Misclassification, wage compliance, and benefit or policy gaps can create liability and affect valuation. We address these issues through diligence, contract protections, and closing conditions.
Yes. Coordinated execution reduces delays and keeps financing, diligence, and documentation aligned.
Yes. We support transactions throughout Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for business-first counsel on contracts, employment, trademarks, transactions, or ongoing legal guidance, start with a call.
