Contracts & Transactions

Clear contracts and confident business deals

Strengthening your business through smart agreements

Reliable counsel for contracts and commercial transactions

Every successful business deal begins with a clear agreement. Whether you are launching a new venture, signing a lease, or buying a company, the right legal documents can protect your investment and prevent disputes down the road. At George Nelson Law, we provide hands-on support for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts so your business transactions run smoothly. Our goal is to help South Dakota businesses protect their rights while keeping deals on track.

Contract drafting and review

Ensuring clarity, fairness, and enforceability

Contracts are the lifeblood of business. We prepare tailored agreements that reflect your goals and protect your interests, while also reviewing contracts presented to you. George explains terms in plain language, identifies potential risks, and negotiates changes where needed so you can move forward with confidence.

Common contracts we handle

Covering the essentials for South Dakota businesses

We provide comprehensive support for a wide range of agreements.

Sales and service contracts

Setting clear terms for goods, services, and payments.

Commercial leases

Reviewing and negotiating property leases to protect tenants and landlords.

Employment and contractor agreements

Defining roles, responsibilities, and confidentiality obligations.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

Safeguarding your business’s sensitive information.

Shareholder and partnership agreements

Establishing rules for ownership and decision-making.

Asset purchase agreements

Managing the sale or purchase of equipment, inventory, or businesses.

Transactional support for business deals

Guiding you through purchases, sales, and mergers

Buying or selling a business is one of the most significant decisions an entrepreneur can make. We provide careful guidance during every stage of the process, from due diligence to final closing. George works closely with your financial team to ensure documents are accurate, risks are minimized, and the transfer of ownership is seamless. Our role is to ensure that nothing is overlooked so your deal is both legally sound and practical.

Why strong legal contracts matter

Avoiding disputes and protecting your future

Poorly written contracts are one of the leading causes of costly litigation for small businesses. Ambiguities, missing clauses, or one-sided terms can put you at a disadvantage. With George’s legal counsel, your contracts are built to withstand scrutiny and enforce your rights. Investing in a well-drafted agreement now is far less expensive than fighting over a flawed one later.

Efficient negotiation and review process

Quick turnaround without unnecessary delays

We know business moves quickly. Our firm provides prompt contract review and drafting so your deals aren’t held up. George focuses on the terms that matter most to your bottom line, striking the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency. You’ll never have to worry about over-lawyered delays—our approach is practical, straightforward, and business-minded.

Common contract and transaction questions

Practical answers for South Dakota business owners

Here are responses to the questions clients ask most often about contracts and deals.

  • I found a contract template online—will it work for my business?

    Templates can be a starting point, but they often fail to comply with South Dakota law or address your unique situation. They might omit critical clauses or include unenforceable terms. Having a lawyer review or draft your contracts ensures they are valid, protective, and customized for your needs.

  • What is the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale?

    In an asset sale, only specific assets of a company are transferred, while liabilities often stay with the seller. In a stock sale, ownership of the entire business entity transfers, including its liabilities. Each option has legal and tax implications, and we advise on which is best for your situation.

  • Can you review personal contracts too, or only business agreements?

    While our focus is on business law, we can review certain personal contracts such as real estate purchase agreements or loan documents. For matters like divorce settlements or injury releases, we refer clients to specialists in those fields.

  • What happens if the other party breaches a contract?

    If a contract is broken, we first explore enforcement options through negotiation. If necessary, we pursue damages or other remedies through litigation. Many contracts we draft include provisions like attorney’s fees or penalties to give our clients stronger leverage in enforcement.

  • How do you charge for contract work?

    For many contracts, we offer flat fees so you know the cost upfront. Complex agreements may be billed hourly. We also provide ongoing support for businesses that need regular contract review. Our goal is to provide transparent pricing that reflects the value of protecting your business.

Additional Services

Explore related business law support

Learn more about our other services for South Dakota businesses:


  • Business Litigation & Disputes
  • Business Formation & Entities
  • Business Law Overview