Best Corporate lawyer in Delhi | CB promissed | Lawyers with 10+ years of court experience.

✅ FAQs – Corporate Lawyer in Delhi

1. What does a corporate lawyer do?

A corporate lawyer advises businesses on:

• Company formation & structuring

• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

• Corporate governance

• Contract drafting and negotiation

• Compliance with Companies Act, 2013

• Regulatory approvals and litigation support

2. When should I consult a corporate lawyer?

You should consult a corporate lawyer:

• Before starting a company or subsidiary

• When signing complex contracts

• During fundraising or investment deals

• For M&A, joint ventures, or business restructuring

• To resolve shareholder disputes or regulatory notices

3. What types of businesses need corporate legal services?

Corporate legal services are essential for:

• Private Limited Companies

• Public Limited Companies

• LLPs and partnerships

• Startups and SMEs

• Foreign companies doing business in India

4. Can a corporate lawyer help with M&A deals?

Yes. A corporate lawyer helps with:

• Due diligence

• Drafting term sheets and share purchase agreements

• Regulatory filings (RoC, SEBI, RBI)

• Negotiating deal terms

• Ensuring compliance with takeover and antitrust laws

5. What is corporate due diligence?

It’s the legal and financial audit of a company before:

• A merger or acquisition

• Equity investment

• A partnership or joint venture
  Corporate lawyers conduct due diligence to identify risks and liabilities.

6. What is the Companies Act, 2013 and why is it important?

The Companies Act governs:

• Company formation

• Board meetings

• Filing of annual returns

• Auditor appointments

• CSR obligations
  A corporate lawyer ensures your business is compliant with these legal norms.

7. Can a corporate lawyer help with foreign investment or FDI in India?

Yes. Services include:

• Drafting shareholders’ agreements

• Ensuring FEMA/RBI compliance

• Filing FC-GPR/FC-TRS forms

• Advising on entry strategies for foreign companies

• Assisting with transfer pricing, taxation, and repatriation

8. What is a shareholder agreement and why is it important?

It defines rights and obligations of shareholders, including:

• Voting rights

• Dividend policy

• Exit mechanisms

• Tag-along/drag-along rights
  It protects minority and majority interests during business operations.

9. How does a corporate lawyer help with contracts?

They draft, review, and negotiate:

• Service agreements

• Vendor/supplier contracts

• Joint venture and franchise agreements

• NDAs and employment agreements

• Investment term sheets
  Ensuring legality and risk protection in every clause.

10. What corporate compliances should companies follow annually?

Key compliances include:

• Annual filing of financials (Form AOC-4, MGT-7)

• Board and shareholder meetings

• Director KYC

• Statutory audits

• Maintaining minutes and registers
  A corporate lawyer ensures timely filings and compliance under MCA norms.

11. What is the role of a corporate lawyer during a boardroom dispute?

A corporate lawyer helps:

• Interpret the company’s Articles of Association (AoA)

• Advise on directors' rights and duties

• Mediate between conflicting parties

• Assist in calling valid board or shareholder meetings

• File or defend actions before the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal)

12. What is corporate restructuring, and when is it needed?

Corporate restructuring involves:

• Mergers, demergers

• Business transfer or asset sale

• Change in capital structure
  It is needed during:

• Strategic business realignment

• Insolvency proceedings

• Operational optimization
  Corporate lawyers ensure legal, tax, and compliance structuring is sound.

13. Can a corporate lawyer assist in insolvency or liquidation?

Yes. They assist with:

• Filing for Insolvency under IBC, 2016

• Representing clients before NCLT and IBBI

• Drafting resolution plans

• Negotiating with creditors and investors

• Handling voluntary liquidation or winding-up proceedings

14. What happens if my company misses an MCA compliance deadline?

You may face:

• Late fees and penalties

• Disqualification of directors

• Legal notices from ROC
  A corporate lawyer helps with condonation of delay, restoration of companies, and defending show-cause notices.

15. What are ESG legal compliances and how do they affect corporates?

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is increasingly important. Legal obligations may include:

• CSR mandates (under Companies Act)

• Sustainability disclosures for listed companies (SEBI BRSR)

• Labour rights, anti-bribery, and governance reporting
  Corporate lawyers ensure your ESG strategy complies with law and investor expectations.

16. Can a corporate lawyer help draft Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs)?

Yes. They assist with:

• Structuring the ESOP policy

• Drafting grant letters and board resolutions

• Filing required forms (e.g., SH-6, SH-8, SH-9)

• Handling legal implications during fundraising, acquisition, or exit

17. What are the consequences of violating the Companies Act?

Violations may lead to:

• Fines and prosecution of directors/officers

• Disqualification of directors

• Suspension of business operations
  Corporate lawyers help mitigate, rectify, and represent you in legal proceedings.

18. Can I change my company's registered office or directors legally?

Yes. A corporate lawyer files:

• Form INC-22 (for address change)

• Form DIR-12 (for director appointment or resignation)

• Resolutions, board minutes, and MCA filings

19. How can a corporate lawyer help during IPO or private placement?

They assist with:

• SEBI compliance

• Drafting offer documents/prospectus

• Managing legal due diligence

• Advising on lock-in periods, insider trading norms, and investor protections

20. Can a corporate lawyer handle cross-border transactions?

Yes. They offer support in:

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• Joint ventures with foreign companies

• Technology transfer and licensing

• Transfer pricing agreements

• Compliance with FEMA, RBI, and tax treaties

21. How can a corporate lawyer assist with shareholder activism or hostile takeovers?

Corporate lawyers help:

• Defend the board’s position through legal strategy

• Analyze and respond to proxy battles or hostile acquisition attempts

• Draft anti-takeover provisions (e.g., poison pills, staggered boards)

• Advise promoters or large investors on legal safeguards

22. Can a corporate lawyer help a company go public (IPO)?

Yes. Services include:

• Legal due diligence

• Drafting the DRHP/RHP

• Ensuring compliance with SEBI ICDR Regulations

• Assisting with corporate restructuring, ESOP readiness, and corporate governance standards

• Interfacing with regulators and stock exchanges

23. How can a company protect its directors and officers legally?

By:

• Drafting and implementing Director Indemnity Agreements

• Procuring Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance

• Ensuring proper Board resolutions and disclosure of interests to prevent personal liability

24. What is a Corporate Compliance Calendar, and should every company have one?

Yes. A compliance calendar tracks all statutory deadlines (MCA, GST, Income Tax, labour laws, SEBI, etc.).
A corporate lawyer can create a customized calendar to avoid penalties and maintain regulatory hygiene.

25. What role does a corporate lawyer play in board governance?

They:

• Ensure legal validity of board and shareholder meetings

• Draft minutes and resolutions

• Advise on related party transactions, conflict of interest, and board independence

• Help implement SEBI LODR norms for listed companies

26. Can a corporate lawyer help during internal audits or SEBI inspections?

Yes. They:

• Assist in pre-audit risk assessments

• Guide in managing insider trading audits

• Help respond to SEBI, RBI, or ROC inquiries or summons

• Draft internal policies to ensure preventive compliance

27. Can I restructure my business group under a holding company?

Yes. A corporate lawyer helps:

• Draft the group restructuring plan

• Execute mergers, share swaps, or capital reduction schemes

• Comply with NCLT, ROC, and tax requirements

• Ensure regulatory clearances if foreign subsidiaries or public interest is involved

28. What legal policies should a growing company implement?

Mandatory policies include:

• Code of Conduct & Ethics

• Whistleblower policy

• Anti-sexual harassment (POSH) policy

• Insider trading policy (for listed companies)

• Data privacy and cybersecurity policies

29. Can a corporate lawyer help with board restructuring or strategic exits?

Yes. They assist with:

• Reconstitution of the board

• Director rotation policies

• Drafting exit agreements for promoters or investors

• Negotiating buybacks or stake sales

30. What is a joint venture agreement and how does a lawyer ensure its success?

It’s a strategic contract between two businesses. A corporate lawyer ensures:

• Clear definition of equity participation, management, exit terms

• Risk allocation and IP ownership

• Dispute resolution mechanisms (arbitration, jurisdiction)

• FEMA and FDI compliance if the JV involves foreign parties

31. What is Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and do corporates need to follow it?

Yes, especially if you're in sectors like:

• Banking, NBFCs, Fintech

• Real Estate

• Legal/Consulting services handling large sums
  A corporate lawyer helps you:

• Set up internal AML policies

• Report suspicious transactions to the FIU-IND

• Train compliance teams and file required disclosures

32. Can a corporate lawyer assist in NBFC registration and compliance?

Yes. Services include:

• Structuring the NBFC (lending/investment/microfinance)

• Drafting the business plan and policy documents

• Filing with RBI for CoR

• Ensuring periodic RBI returns, risk framework compliance, and loan documentation

33. What are the legal aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Under Section 135 of the Companies Act:

• Certain companies must spend 2% of average profits on CSR

• File Form CSR-2, and include CSR details in board reports
  A lawyer ensures:

• Drafting of the CSR policy

• Setting up a CSR committee

• Compliance with reporting obligations

34. What is the role of a corporate lawyer in Private Equity (PE) transactions?

They:

• Draft and negotiate SHA, SSA, and term sheets

• Handle conditions precedent (CPs) and post-closing adjustments

• Manage exit rights, drag/tag clauses, anti-dilution

• Conduct legal due diligence

• Coordinate with fund counsel and regulatory advisors

35. How does a company form a valid Board Committee under Indian law?

Corporate lawyers help with:

• Constitution of committees (e.g., Audit, Nomination & Remuneration, CSR, Stakeholders' Relationship)

• Drafting terms of reference (ToR)

• Ensuring periodic meetings and disclosures per Companies Act/SEBI norms

36. What is a legal audit and why do companies conduct them?

A legal audit reviews:

• Contractual liabilities

• Compliance with laws and licensing

• Legal exposure due to HR, taxation, or IP issues
  Corporate lawyers conduct legal audits to:

• Flag potential non-compliance

• Suggest legal risk mitigation strategies

37. What is the difference between an MoU and a contract in corporate law?

• MoU expresses intent; may or may not be legally binding

• Contract is enforceable under the Indian Contract Act
  A corporate lawyer ensures:

• Binding clauses are included where necessary

• Non-binding MoUs are legally safe and don't create unintended liability

38. Can a corporate lawyer help with corporate tax planning?

While not a substitute for a tax consultant or CA, corporate lawyers:

• Structure deals to optimize tax liabilities

• Advise on capital gains, royalties, GST implications

• Help with double taxation avoidance (DTAA) for foreign investments

39. How do corporate lawyers help with regulatory filings and compliance automation?

They:

• Maintain a compliance calendar

• Help automate RoC, RBI, SEBI filings using software tools

• Advise on integration with legal tech tools like LegalDesk, Legistify, or custom ERP modules

40. What’s the legal procedure for issuing convertible notes or SAFE instruments?

For startups and early-stage companies, a corporate lawyer:

• Drafts convertible note or SAFE agreements

• Ensures compliance with FEMA (if foreign investors are involved)

• Files necessary forms with MCA/RBI

• Advises on trigger events and valuation cap clauses

41. Can a corporate lawyer help with tech company or platform business legalities?

Yes. For platforms and SaaS companies, corporate lawyers assist with:

• Drafting Terms of Use and Privacy Policies

• IP protection (copyrights, trademarks)

• Data localization compliance (esp. under DPDP Act, 2023)

• Structuring end-user licensing, revenue share, and liability clauses

42. What is the DPDP Act and how does it affect companies in India?

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 applies to all businesses that collect/process personal data.
Corporate lawyers ensure:

• Drafting data privacy policies and consent mechanisms

• Appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) where required

• Legal compliance with cross-border data transfers

43. Can a corporate lawyer assist with franchise or licensing models?

Yes. Legal services include:

• Drafting Franchise Agreements, Licensing Agreements, and Brand Use MOUs

• Ensuring compliance with FEMA (for foreign brands), IPR protection

• Advising on exclusive territories, royalty structures, and renewal clauses

44. What are the legal steps to convert a partnership firm into a private limited company?

Corporate lawyers assist by:

• Drafting Board and Partner resolutions

• Filing INC-32 (SPICe+), URC-1, and INC-9

• Ensuring transfer of assets and continuity of business

• Handling PAN, GST, and other statutory updates

45. What is FEMA and when does it apply in corporate transactions?

FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) governs all foreign exchange transactions.
Corporate lawyers handle:

• FDI and ODI filings

• Share allotment to foreign investors

• Remittance of funds

• RBI compliance (FC-GPR, FC-TRS, ECB returns)

46. Can a corporate lawyer help in issuing and managing debentures or bonds?

Yes. Legal advisory includes:

• Drafting Debenture Trust Deed

• Ensuring compliance with Companies Act and SEBI (ILDS) Regulations

• Registrar of Companies (RoC) filings and stamp duty compliance

• Advising on convertible vs non-convertible structures

47. What are the key legal documents required in a startup funding round?

For Seed to Series A rounds, lawyers prepare:

• Share Subscription Agreement (SSA)

• Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA)

• Term Sheet

• Cap Table review

• Employment agreements with vesting & IP assignment

48. How can a lawyer assist with cross-border mergers or acquisitions?

Corporate lawyers coordinate with local and foreign counsel to:

• Ensure compliance with FEMA, RBI, SEBI, CCI

• Draft and vet cross-jurisdictional agreements

• Advise on taxation, exit rights, jurisdiction

• Handle reverse mergers and foreign company acquisitions

49. Is it mandatory to appoint an independent director?

Yes, for:

• Listed companies

• Certain public companies (based on capital and turnover thresholds)
  Corporate lawyers advise on:

• Eligibility and independence checks

• Drafting appointment letters and board minutes

• Ensuring compliance with Schedule IV of Companies Act, 2013

50. Can a corporate lawyer help implement whistleblower policies?

Absolutely. Especially for:

• Listed companies (LODR requirements)

• Companies with significant employee count
  Services include:

• Drafting the whistleblower/ethics policy

• Creating anonymous reporting mechanisms

• Advising on investigations and protections under Indian law

51. Can a corporate lawyer help resolve disputes between co-founders or promoters?

Yes. They assist by:

• Reviewing and enforcing Shareholders’ Agreements

• Drafting exit, non-compete, or buyout clauses

• Mediating or initiating action before NCLT or Arbitration Tribunals

• Protecting intellectual property or equity rights during disputes

52. What legal protections can minority shareholders seek?

Minority protections under Indian law include:

• Oppression & mismanagement claims under Section 241 of Companies Act

• Right to approach NCLT

• Tag-along rights, information rights

• Corporate lawyers help enforce such rights and negotiate settlements

53. What legal documents must be maintained by all companies in India?

Mandatory records include:

• Minutes Books (Board/General Meetings)

• Statutory Registers (Members, Directors, Charges, etc.)

• MOA & AOA

• Financial statements and audit reports
  A corporate lawyer ensures compliance and audit-readiness.

54. What is ESG due diligence and why is it important?

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) due diligence is key for:

• Attracting global investors

• Preparing for IPO

• Meeting SEBI BRSR disclosures
  Corporate lawyers guide ESG audits, disclosures, and compliance setup.

55. Can a corporate lawyer advise on legal structuring for multi-state business operations?

Yes. Services include:

• Choosing the right legal entity model (branch, subsidiary, LLP)

• Drafting inter-state service agreements

• Managing GST and state labour law compliance

• Ensuring registrations in relevant jurisdictions

56. What are the legal steps to strike off or close a company?

Steps include:

• Board/shareholder resolutions

• Filing Form STK-2 with ROC

• Clearing statutory dues and pending litigation
  Corporate lawyers ensure proper legal closure to avoid director disqualification.

57. Can a corporate lawyer assist with SEBI Insider Trading Regulation compliance?

Yes. Especially for listed companies:

• Drafting Code of Conduct for Insider Trading

• Training Designated Persons (DPs)

• Assisting with trading window mechanisms

• Ensuring compliance with PIT Regulations, 2015

58. What is the role of a lawyer during employee termination or layoffs?

They help:

• Review employment contracts for notice clauses

• Draft termination letters legally

• Ensure compliance with labour laws, retrenchment policies, and severance

• Defend the company against wrongful termination claims

59. How do corporate lawyers support Fintech businesses?

They:

• Structure P2P, NBFC, payment aggregator models

• Draft terms of use, KYC policies, and AML documents

• Advise on compliance with RBI and IT Act

• Help with VC funding and licensing matters

60. Can a corporate lawyer help with internal investigations (fraud, harassment, etc.)?

Yes. They conduct or oversee:

• Internal disciplinary inquiries

• Compliance with POSH Act and other workplace laws

• Evidence collection and forensic review

• Reporting to regulators or law enforcement, if required

61. Can a corporate lawyer help with brand licensing or white-label agreements?

Yes. Legal support includes:

• Drafting brand licensing and royalty agreements

• Defining territory, exclusivity, duration, and revocation rights

• Ensuring IP protection of trademarks or designs

• Structuring white-label partnerships for manufacturers and tech platforms

62. How do lawyers assist in group company governance (holding-subsidiary structure)?

They:

• Draft inter-company agreements

• Ensure Arm’s Length compliance under tax and Companies Act

• Advise on board representation, interlocking directorates

• Help with consolidated compliance calendars

63. Can a corporate lawyer help establish an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan)?

Yes. Services include:

• Drafting the ESOP policy, plan documents, and grant letters

• Structuring vesting schedules

• Handling Form SH-6, SH-7 filings with ROC

• Advising on tax implications for employees and founders

64. What is a data room and how does a lawyer help in setting it up for M&A/funding?

A data room is a secure repository of company documents during due diligence. Lawyers help:

• Curate corporate, legal, financial, IP, HR, and compliance documents

• Ensure legal hygiene before investor scrutiny

• Manage confidentiality with NDAs and access logs

65. What legal concerns arise when onboarding foreign directors or investors?

Corporate lawyers:

• Check residency requirements under Companies Act

• Draft DIN applications, consent letters, indemnity

• Advise on FEMA, FDI rules

• Review any tax treaty implications and signing authority issues

66. Can a corporate lawyer help with establishing a company outside India?

Yes, especially in jurisdictions like Singapore, UAE, or Delaware. Services include:

• Entity selection (LLC, C-Corp, offshore IBC, etc.)

• Coordination with foreign legal counsel

• Compliance with ODI regulations under FEMA

• Drafting cross-border investment and IP transfer agreements

67. What is the significance of stamping and notarization in corporate documents?

A corporate lawyer ensures:

• Proper stamping as per state law (esp. for MOUs, SHAs, lease, loan documents)

• E-stamping for remote execution

• Notarization when required for validity, bank processing, or international use

68. Can a corporate lawyer advise on IPO readiness for SMEs or startups?

Yes. IPO readiness services include:

• Entity restructuring (e.g., LLP to Pvt Ltd)

• Corporate governance upgrades

• Reviewing SEBI SME IPO requirements

• Liaising with merchant bankers and regulators

69. How can lawyers help during debt financing (term loans, NCDs)?

They:

• Draft and review loan agreements, security documents

• Advise on collateral, personal guarantees

• Help with ROC charge registration (CHG-1)

• Guide on listing and private placement of NCDs

70. Can a corporate lawyer represent my company before NCLT or SAT?

Yes. They can represent or coordinate with counsel for:

• Oppression & mismanagement petitions

• Compromise schemes under Sections 230–232

• Appeals against SEBI orders before SAT

• Corporate insolvency under IBC (Section 7/9/10)

71. Can a corporate lawyer help with government tenders or PSU contracts?

Absolutely. They assist with:

• Reviewing Request for Proposal (RFP) documents

• Advising on EMD, eligibility, and contract terms

• Ensuring compliance with GFR, CVC, and eProcurement norms

• Handling disputes through arbitration or writs, if needed

72. What’s the difference between equity funding and convertible debt, legally?

Corporate lawyers explain key differences:

• Equity funding gives immediate ownership

• Convertible debt/notes convert later at discount or valuation cap

• They ensure compliant structuring under FEMA, Companies Act, and SEBI laws

73. What is an inter-corporate loan and when is it allowed?

Under Section 186 of the Companies Act:

• Companies can lend/guarantee/invest to other bodies corporate

• Limits apply unless approved by special resolution
  Lawyers help structure and file MBP-1, MGT-14, and ensure interest compliance

74. Can a corporate lawyer help draft internal company policies (HR, ethics, conduct)?

Yes. This includes:

• Employee handbooks, code of conduct

• Anti-bribery & corruption policy, cybersecurity, and POSH policy

• Ensuring enforceability under Indian labour law

75. What legal steps are involved in changing the company’s name or registered office?

Process includes:

• Board and shareholder resolutions

• Name reservation through RUN (Reserve Unique Name)

• Filing INC-24, INC-22, and updating PAN/GST
  Corporate lawyers manage the full RoC process and associated compliance

76. Can a corporate lawyer assist in software licensing and SaaS contracts?

Definitely. They help with:

• End-user license agreements (EULA)

• Master Service Agreements (MSA)

• IP clauses, service-level agreements (SLAs), and liability limitations

• Ensuring enforceability under Indian IT and Contract laws

77. What is the significance of internal financial controls (IFC) under Indian law?

IFC is mandatory for listed companies and auditors. Corporate lawyers:

• Assist in drafting IFC documentation

• Align board practices with Schedule IV and Rule 8(5)(viii) of Companies Act

• Guide implementation with compliance tools

78. Can a lawyer help with cross-border e-commerce and payments compliance?

Yes. Services include:

• Structuring for Import-Export Code (IEC), FEMA, and payment gateways

• Drafting terms for international customers

• Handling GST, logistics, and PayPal/Razorpay/Stripe compliance

79. What’s the role of a lawyer in internal audit or whistleblower-triggered reviews?

They support:

• Internal audits for legal exposure

• Independent investigations into whistleblower reports

• Ensuring confidentiality, neutrality, and non-retaliation protocols

80. How do lawyers help defend companies against regulatory notices (ROC, RBI, SEBI)?

They:

• Draft replies, representations, and legal defenses

• Attend hearings (if applicable)

• Ensure timely filings to avoid penalties

• Help settle or appeal before SAT, NCLT, or High Courts

81. What legal formalities are needed when issuing bonus shares?

To issue bonus shares, a company must:

• Ensure Articles of Association permit it

• Pass board & shareholder resolutions

• File Form MGT-14 and PAS-3 with ROC
  Lawyers ensure correct board process and share certificate compliance.

82. Can a lawyer help with structuring a Joint Venture (JV) in India?

Yes. Lawyers assist with:

• Drafting a detailed JV Agreement

• Determining equity participation, profit sharing, control

• Regulatory filings (FEMA, FDI)

• Preparing exit clauses, arbitration, and IP treatment

83. What are key legal checkpoints before entering a commercial lease agreement?

A corporate lawyer:

• Reviews lock-in period, escalation, subletting rights

• Ensures title verification and indemnity clauses

• Registers the lease (if >11 months)

• Handles stamp duty compliance in Delhi

84. What’s the role of a lawyer in business restructuring or demergers?

They assist with:

• Legal due diligence

• Drafting Scheme of Arrangement under Companies Act

• NCLT approval process and creditor notices

• Post-restructuring RoC filings

85. Can a lawyer help in setting up a One Person Company (OPC)?

Yes. Services include:

• Filing SPICe+ forms, drafting MOA/AOA

• Ensuring nominee appointment and capital requirements

• Advising on conversion to Pvt Ltd upon threshold breach

86. What legal protections exist for independent directors?

Corporate lawyers guide:

• Appointment under Section 149

• Drafting indemnity and D&O insurance policies

• Ensuring compliance with Schedule IV code of conduct

87. What are the legal obligations when buying shares in a private company?

Due diligence includes:

• Reviewing share transfer restrictions in AOA

• Executing Share Purchase Agreements (SPA)

• Stamping of share transfer forms (SH-4)

• Filing Form MGT-7A, MGT-7, and maintaining updated Registers

88. Can a lawyer help with share buyback or ESOP buyback?

Yes. They:

• Draft board & special resolutions

• File SH-8, SH-9, SH-11 forms

• Ensure compliance with Section 68 of Companies Act

• Advise on income tax treatment and TDS for ESOPs

89. How can a corporate lawyer help with legal risk assessment?

They:

• Conduct risk audits across contracts, compliance, IP, and HR

• Suggest mitigation strategies and SOPs

• Train teams on legal best practices

• Implement a legal compliance calendar

90. Can a corporate lawyer help Indian companies expand into the US, UK, or Singapore?

Absolutely. They:

• Advise on entity choice (LLC, LLP, C-Corp)

• Coordinate with local counsel for registration and tax ID

• Help with India-side ODI compliance (Form ODI, RBI filings)

• Structure IP holding, licensing, and tax-efficient ownership

91. How can a corporate lawyer help with founder exits or buyouts?

They assist in:

• Drafting exit and share purchase agreements

• Handling valuation, NDAs, and non-compete clauses

• Ensuring board approval and ROC filings

• Advising on taxation and capital gains

92. Can a corporate lawyer help with dormant company compliance?

Yes. For dormant companies:

• File Form MSC-1 and obtain status

• Maintain minimum filing (balance sheet, returns)

• Ensure company is not carrying active transactions
  Lawyers also help reactivate when needed.

93. What are common compliance gaps startups face that lawyers can fix?

Top gaps include:

• Missing ROC filings, unapproved ESOP grants

• Improper employment contracts or IP clauses

• Non-compliance with FEMA for foreign funds
  A lawyer conducts a compliance health check and plugs all gaps.

94. Can a lawyer help register a Section 8 company (non-profit)?

Yes. They:

• Draft the MOA with charitable objects

• File for license under Section 8

• Register with ROC (Form INC-12, SPICe+)

• Apply for 12A/80G tax exemptions

95. What role do lawyers play in a private equity (PE) deal?

Lawyers handle:

• Term sheet and investment agreement drafting

• Review of shareholder rights, liquidation preference, exit clauses

• Due diligence and compliance review

• Coordination with regulators if required

96. How can lawyers assist in AI startup legal compliance?

They:

• Draft user consent, data privacy, and model usage agreements

• Ensure AI training data compliance

• Address issues like bias, liability, and algorithm ownership

• Ensure IT Act and DPDP Act (India) compliance

97. What is a ‘drag-along’ and ‘tag-along’ right, and can a lawyer draft them?

Yes. These are clauses in shareholder agreements:

• Tag-along: Minority can sell if majority sells

• Drag-along: Majority can force minority to sell on exit
  Lawyers ensure these are enforceable and ROC-compliant.

98. Can a corporate lawyer advise on data protection under Indian law?

Yes. They help with:

• Drafting privacy policies, cookie consent, and terms of use

• Ensuring compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

• Advising on cross-border data transfer agreements

• Handling breach response protocols

99. How do lawyers assist in franchising models legally?

They:

• Draft franchise agreements (royalty, branding, territorial clauses)

• Register IP to protect brand

• Ensure compliance with FEMA for cross-border deals

• Handle termination, renewal, and enforcement disputes

100. When should a company conduct legal due diligence, and how can a lawyer help?

Before:

• Investments, acquisitions, mergers

• Regulatory audits

• Funding rounds or strategic partnerships
  Lawyers analyze legal, contractual, tax, and compliance status, and provide a red-flag report.