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Business Formation Attorney — Get Your Company Started Right

Start your company with a legal foundation built for growth, protection, and long-term compliance. Carno Law Group helps California founders choose the right entity, prepare formation filings, draft operating agreements or bylaws, and structure ownership correctly from day one, reducing future disputes and helping your business move forward with confidence.

Business formation attorney reviewing documents with founders

Our Business Formation Services

Legal formation support for LLCs, corporations, governance documents, and startup compliance planning.

LLC Formation

Form a California LLC with entity-selection guidance, Articles of Organization, operating agreement drafting, EIN support, Statement of Information filing, and FTB registration planning.

Corporation Formation

Set up an S-Corp or C-Corp with Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, stock issuance documentation, EIN support, S-election guidance, and California compliance filings.

Corporate Governance

Protect the limited-liability shield with bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, board resolutions, annual minutes, compliance calendars, and ownership-control documentation.

Attorney guiding founders through company formation steps

Our Business Formation Process

Understand Your Business Goals

Carno Law Group begins with a free initial consultation to understand your ownership structure, tax considerations, growth plans, certification goals, and industry risks before recommending an LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnership, or other structure.

Choose The Right Entity

Prepare Formation Documents

Build Ongoing Compliance

Trusted By Businesses

Client Success

Founders and established businesses rely on Carno Law Group for practical, litigation-aware legal guidance across California.

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci
The Carno Difference

Why Choose Carno Law Group?

Build your business with legal guidance designed to prevent costly problems later.

Business Focus

Guidance covers formation, governance, contracts, disputes, certifications, and long-term operations.

California Knowledge

Formation documents are calibrated to California law, filings, FTB obligations, and governance expectations.

Litigation-Aware

The firm drafts with future disputes, veil-piercing risks, and enforceability in mind.

Free Consultation

Founders can discuss entity options and formation priorities before committing to an engagement.

Meet The Business Formation Team

Experienced legal professionals supporting founders and growing California companies.

Portrait of Anna M. Carno, President of Carno Law Group

Anna M. Carno

President

Anna M. Carno is the President of Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, and the driving force behind one of California's preeminent construction litigation firms. Based in Laguna Hills, Anna leads a practice dedicated to serving contractors, subcontractors, haulers, and material and equipment providers across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. Her deep expertise spans mechanic's lien law, stop notice claims, bond claims, bid disputes, and WBE/MBE/DBE/DVBE certification issues. Anna brings an unmatched combination of tenacity and integrity to every case, representing clients in both state and federal courts. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association and California Women Lawyers, and is committed to delivering superior client service and meaningful results.

Portrait of Samuel Romero, Of Counsel at Carno Law Group

Samuel Romero

Of Counsel

Samuel Romero serves as Of Counsel at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, bringing seasoned legal insight to the firm's robust construction litigation practice. In his Of Counsel role, Samuel supports the firm's representation of contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and material suppliers on both private and public works construction projects throughout California. His experience complements the firm's expertise in mechanic's lien law, surety matters, bond claims, and general business litigation. Samuel is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence, contributing to the firm's track record of significant and successful outcomes. His collaborative approach and depth of knowledge make him a trusted resource for clients across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Joseph Cumming, Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group

Joseph Cumming

Associate Attorney

Joseph Cumming is an Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where he plays an integral role in the firm's construction litigation and business law practice. Joseph works closely with clients including general contractors, specialty subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment providers, assisting them with a wide range of legal matters from mechanic's lien claims and stop notices to corporate formation and indemnity issues. His dedication to thorough legal analysis and client advocacy reflects the firm's core values of excellence and superior client service. Joseph is committed to providing aggressive, results-oriented representation while helping clients minimize disruptions to their business operations across Southern California.

Portrait of Kayla Trujillo Perez, Paralegal at Carno Law Group

Kayla Trujillo Perez

Paralegal

Kayla Trujillo Perez serves as a Paralegal at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, providing essential legal support to the firm's attorneys and clients across a broad range of construction litigation and business law matters. Kayla assists with case preparation, document management, research, and coordination, ensuring that every matter progresses efficiently and accurately. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are vital to the firm's ability to deliver timely, cost-effective legal services. Kayla is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of client service that define Carno Law Group, and her contributions help clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California feel supported at every stage of the legal process.

Portrait of Mary Jane Ollaca, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Mary Jane Ollaca

Legal Assistant

Mary Jane Ollaca is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where she provides vital administrative and legal support to the firm's attorneys and staff. Mary Jane plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, assisting with client communications, document preparation, filing, and case coordination. Her professionalism and commitment to superior client service help create a welcoming and efficient experience for contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and all other clients served by the firm. Mary Jane's dedication to excellence supports Carno Law Group's mission to deliver outstanding legal representation to businesses throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Kiana Rauda, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Kiana Rauda

Legal Assistant

Kiana Rauda is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, contributing her skills and dedication to the firm's fast-paced construction litigation practice. Kiana supports the legal team with administrative tasks, document management, client correspondence, and case logistics, helping ensure that every client receives attentive and responsive service. Her commitment to accuracy and professionalism reflects the firm's core values of excellence and dedication. Kiana's contributions are essential to the firm's ability to efficiently handle matters ranging from mechanic's lien claims to corporate legal issues for contractors and suppliers across Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a lawyer when starting a business?

Yes, legal guidance is valuable when choosing an entity, defining ownership rights, limiting personal liability, and preparing governing documents. A lawyer can help you avoid default statutory rules that may not match founder expectations, address California filing and tax requirements, and structure the company for future contracts, financing, succession, or certification eligibility.

How much does it cost for a lawyer to form an LLC?

What are common LLC mistakes to avoid?

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation?

Can Carno Law Group help with S-Corp or C-Corp formation?

Do I need an operating agreement for a single-member LLC?

Can formation documents affect business certification eligibility?

What happens after the company is formed?

Still Have Formation Questions?

Talk with Carno Law Group before you file.

Licensed & Connected

Awards and Recognition

State Bar of California credential

State Bar of California

Licensed legal authority for California practice.

Orange County Bar Association membership

Orange County Bar

Professional legal association membership.

Construction Financial Management Association membership

CFMA Member

Construction finance industry network involvement.

Start Your Business With Confidence

Request a free initial consultation with Carno Law Group to discuss entity choice, formation documents, governance needs, and next steps for launching your company.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 949-540-0320.