SMALL BUSINESS · PLAINFIELD & CENTRAL INDIANA
Indiana small business attorney for owners and entrepreneurs.
Business formation, operating agreements, contracts, and ongoing general counsel, with advice grounded in real business experience.
OVERVIEW
Legal counsel that puts the business first.
Small businesses are the backbone of Indiana’s economy, and they deserve legal counsel that is practical, responsive, and easy to work with. Whether you are launching a new venture, managing day-to-day operations, or navigating a legal challenge, the right documents and advice help you avoid costly mistakes.
Shelton Law works with retailers, solo entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, service providers, and growing companies across Indiana. You get direct access to your attorney, fast turnaround, and advice grounded in both legal knowledge and business experience.
Starting a business
Choosing the right entity, forming your LLC or corporation, drafting your operating agreement or bylaws, and setting up the filings that keep your business in good standing. Read our guide to starting a business in Indiana.
Running a business
Customer and vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, NDAs, leases, and the everyday contract questions that come up as your business grows.
Protecting the business
Clear ownership terms between partners, documents that support your liability protection, and practical help when a customer, vendor, or partner relationship turns into a dispute.
BUSINESS SERVICES
How we help small businesses
Every engagement is scoped to what your business actually needs, from a single formation to ongoing outside general counsel.
Business Formation & Structuring
Entity selection and formation of LLCs and corporations in Indiana, operating agreements, bylaws, and ownership structures that fit how your business will actually run.
Contract Drafting & Review
Service agreements, vendor contracts, independent contractor agreements, NDAs, and more. See our Contracts page for the full list.
Outside General Counsel
Consistent, day-to-day legal support without the cost of in-house counsel. You get direct access to your attorney whenever questions come up.
Transactions & Negotiation
Representation in business purchases and sales, equipment and asset purchases, financing documents, and the negotiation of key deal terms.
Compliance & Dispute Resolution
Help staying in good standing and responding to disputes, demand letters, and unpaid invoices. Complex litigation is typically handled with a partner firm or co-counsel.
Starting something new?
Tell us about your business. We will explain the scope and quote a fee before any work begins.
DOCUMENTS WE HANDLE
Business documents we draft, review, and negotiate
Below is a sample of what business clients bring to us most often. If yours is not listed, ask. Commercial leases and property purchases are covered on our Real Estate page.
Formation & Ownership
Articles of organization and incorporation
LLC operating agreements
Corporate bylaws
Partnership agreements
Membership interest purchase agreements
Buy-sell provisions
Operations
Service agreements
Vendor and supply agreements
Independent contractor agreements
Non-disclosure agreements
Website terms of service and privacy policies
Liability waivers
Finance & Transactions
Business and asset purchase agreements
Promissory notes and loan agreements
Personal guaranties
Equipment purchase agreements
Demand letters
Settlement agreements and releases
OUR APPROACH
What working with us looks like
Running a small business is demanding. Your legal support should make things easier, not add another layer of stress.
01
Fast turnaround
Business moves quickly. Tell us your deadline, and we will meet it at the same rate.
02
Direct access to your attorney
No call centers or hand-offs. You work directly with Matt and can reach him when questions come up.
03
Clear, predictable pricing
We often quote business work as a flat fee, so your legal spend is predictable and you know the cost before any work begins.
HOW IT WORKS
Straightforward process. Zero guessing.
From the moment you reach out, you will know what to expect, what comes next, and who is handling your matter. No confusion and no chasing updates.
01
Tell us what you need
Book a courtesy consultation online or call (317) 804-1495 and give us a short description of your business and what you need.
02
Get a clear scope and fee
We talk through your goals and timeline, answer your questions, and explain your options. Before any work begins, you will know what we will do and what it will cost.
03
We get to work
Once you sign a straightforward retainer agreement, we begin right away and keep you updated every step of the way.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Business counsel grounded in business experience
Matthew Shelton, Founding Attorney
Matt studied business in undergrad and worked in business roles for companies in the finance, real estate, small business, and construction industries before founding Shelton Law P.C., where he now advises small businesses across Indiana as general counsel.
That background means proactive, practical advice focused on what the business needs, not just what the law requires.
What clients say
“Matt made the entire process feel easy and broke things down so we always knew what to expect.”
— M.Q.
“He answered all my questions and was able to do everything in a very reasonable timeframe.”
— N.B.
“Can’t recommend Mr. Shelton enough, he gave me the most detailed, thoughtful, and nuanced answer.”
— K.B.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome in any matter. No attorney client relationship is created until a retainer agreement is signed.
GET STARTED
Contact us for a courtesy consultation
Tell us about your business and what you need. We will reach back out within 24 hours to schedule your consultation. Questions? Call (317) 804-1495.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Business Counsel FAQs
What types of small businesses do you work with?
We support retailers, solo entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, gig-economy professionals, service providers, and growing companies across Indiana.
Can you help me form an LLC or corporation in Indiana?
Yes. We assist with entity selection, formation, operating agreements, bylaws, and ongoing compliance so your business starts on a strong legal foundation.
Does a single-member LLC need an operating agreement?
Indiana does not require one, but a written operating agreement is still recommended. Learn more in our article on operating agreements.
Do you draft and review contracts?
Yes. Contract drafting and review is one of our core services, including service agreements, vendor contracts, independent contractor agreements, NDAs, purchase agreements, and more.
Can you act as my ongoing general counsel?
Yes. Clients rely on us for consistent, day-to-day legal support without hiring in-house counsel. Schedule a courtesy consultation for a quote based on the size of your business and expected needs.
Can you help with disputes or unpaid invoices?
Yes, depending on the matter. Matt can assist with demand letters and disputes. Complex litigation is typically referred to a partner firm or handled with co-counsel.
What is your fee?
Matt’s hourly rate is $195.00. If you provide a thorough description of the work in advance and the scope is quantifiable, we can quote a competitive flat fee so you know what you are spending.
How quickly can you help?
If you have a deadline, tell us when you reach out and we will prioritize your matter at the same rate.
In which counties do you provide legal services?
Matt serves clients in every county in Indiana, from Hendricks, Marion, and Hamilton to Allen, Lake, and Vanderburgh. Much of our business work can be handled by phone and email.
Have a business question or document to review?
Book a courtesy consultation online, or call (317) 804-1495. Meetings by appointment only.