MAZURKRAEMER handles a broad range of corporate transactions including but not limited to:  incorporations, contract drafting and negotiation of shareholder, employee, equipment, lender, vendor, distributor, and customer agreements, regulatory and reporting compliance at state and federal levels, loan facilities & recapitalization, secured transactions; mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases, joint ventures, distribution agreements, license agreements, agreements of sale. MAZURKRAEMER can review and draft confidentiality agreements, employment agreements, and covenants not to compete.

In corporate transactions, we meticulously craft legal documents so you avoid legal battles in the future.  We are proud to have assisted in the following corporate transactions, which is a sampling of our corporate work.

• Represented purchaser of PA dance instruction franchise in purchase of business and in sale of the same 5 years later.
• Represented seller of consulting firm in education sector in asset purchase transaction.
• Represented buyer of physical therapy clinic in stock sale.
• Represented buyer of chain of bakery and café in an asset purchase transaction.
• Represented buyer of pediatric occupational therapy clinic in asset purchase transaction.
• Revised or drafted various Employment and Consulting Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, Option Plan administration documents, Customer Agreements, Security Agreements, website privacy policies, and commercial leases; provided legal opinions on covenants not to complete; drafted corporate formation documents for various entity types.

MAZURKRAEMER’S business litigation attorneys provide legal representation in court, arbitration, and mediation as well as before administrative agencies in a broad range of commercial disputes. Our extensive trial experience greatly enhances our ability to evaluate a case, develop litigation strategies that appeal to a judge or jury, and go to trial with confidence and skills.  We devise cost-effective strategies for clients facing a diverse range of high-stakes litigation challenges.   We know litigation can be very stressful.  We do everything we can to make the process go smoothly and seamlessly.

Examples of business cases include: breach of contract, unjust enrichment, promissory estoppels, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of warranty; supplier and customer dispute resolution, bad faith insurance coverage, "cooked books" and fraudulent accounting and bookkeeping practice, misrepresentation of business value, concealment of debts, undervaluing or overvaluing of assets, embezzlement, fraudulent transfer of business assets, use of business funds, assets and opportunities for personal use, theft by employees, clients, trade secrets and patents, predatory or fraudulent lending practices, self-dealing and misappropriation of assets by business officers and managers.

A strong litigation team is a necessary go-to tool for any business.  When push comes to show, sometimes you have to resolve the matter in the courtroom.  We are proud to have recently represented several parties in these significant pieces of litigation:

• Represented numerous corporations in defense  and prosecution of breach of contract/piercing of corporate veil/fraudulent transfer matters.
• Defended business owner of construction company and landscape design company against collection action in NY on personal guaranty against Merchant Cash Lenders.
• Defendant business owner of medical practice against tax collection action in PA.
• Represent PA hotel in defense of easement infringement litigation.

We help ordinary people in distressed financial situations including Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and/or mortgage modification. Our attorney and staff are  extremely well-experienced and very savvy in devising appropriate methods for consumers to reorganize their finances and retain their homes when facing foreclosure.   Cases often start with helping those against whom a mortgage foreclosure action has been filed.  If one fails to respond to the foreclosure complaint, the lender can enter default judgment and schedule a sheriff sale on the property.

A free, no-obligation consultation is available by phone or at any of our seven (7) meeting offices throughout the Pittsburgh area where Glenn Bartifay can discuss the following legal services which may be of assistance in your situation: (1) Mortgage Modification: Our offices can negotiate with the lender and engage in foreclosure defense on your behalf in an effort to cure the default on  your mortgage loan; (2) Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Our offices can file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition on your behalf which would stay the foreclosure proceedings and allow for mortgage arrearage payments over time.  Elimination of unsecured debt and secondary mortgages and reduction in the amount due on automobile loans and income tax debt are also possible with Chapter 13 bankruptcy; or (3) Assistance with Sale: Our offices can file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition or engage in foreclosure defense on your behalf that will give you time to sell and receive your equity.

Board-certified in Business Bankruptcy, and licensed in WV, PA, NY, and NJ, Salene is an experienced Chapter 11 business bankruptcy practitioner having worked on complex, multi-million dollar matters, in bankruptcy courts all over the country. Prior to founding MAZURKRAEMER, Salene earned her “certified turnaround analyst” (“CTA”) designation through the Turnaround Management Association and worked for a Pittsburgh-based investment banking and turnaround management firm, where she focused on business valuation, profit improvement, and navigation of the capital markets for clients.

MAZURKRAEMER provides restructuring options to distressed entities in the hopes of avoiding an expensive Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. MAZURKRAEMER offers advice to those who have trouble seeing any light at the end of the tunnel.  They provide a roadmap for clients to put the past behind them and their business.  If necessary, MAZURKRAEMER stands ready to file a Chapter 11  bankruptcy petition for clients to get the "breathing room" the business needs for a "fresh start".  Chapter 11 is a powerful tool and MAZURKRAEMER is privileged to be able to use it to save businesses and jobs.  MAZURKRAEMER is deeply experienced in this niche and zealously represents creditor’ interests as well.

MAZURKRAEMER routinely negotiates the workout of debt obligations, whether to a bank or to a taxing body.   Salene has unique experience in representing the distressed entities’ owners/operators.

Restructuring options may include: Chapter 7 and 11 commercial bankruptcy reorganizations for corporations and individuals; turnaround consulting, out-of-court workouts; representing creditor and equity constituencies; prosecuting and defending bankruptcy adversary proceedings, including fraudulent transfer, preference, and post-petition transfer actions; serving as local counsel in regional filings; adjudicating claims disputes.

Some significant recent workouts and chapter 11 that we filed are as follows:

• Liquidate WV hardware store and assist in sale of assets and negotiation of debt portfolio.
• Liquidate PA dog kennel and negotiate debt portfolio.
• Restructure operations and debt portfolio of distressed PA demolition company.
• Represented historic WV 170-room hotel in Chapter 11 proceeding.
• Represent PA dental practices in pandemic nonbankruptcy liquidation and negotiation of $1 million credit facility.
• Represent PA bar/restaurant chain in pandemic nonbankruptcy liquidation negotiating lease and $700k credit facility and sale of assets.
• Represent WV Ramada Hotel in Chapter 11 liquidation proceeding with 363 Sale.
• Represent PA bar/restaurant in nonbankruptcy liquidation negotiating $1.6 million credit facility.
• Represent personal interests of principal of $90 million Chapter 11/7 PA Debtor Somerset Regional Water Resources.
• Represent PA oral surgeon in negotiations with IRS and Ch. 11 bankruptcy restructuring of practice.
• Represented Chapter 11 WV debtor Gene Charles Valentine Trust, a business trust, in selling substantial assets to repay $6.5 million of secured creditors through confirmed plan of reorganization.

We aggressively help creditors, both individuals and businesses, collect debt which they are owed.   We exhaust remedies in state court.  We are experienced in all aspects of litigation - from demand letters to filing a Complaint in Civil Action, to obtaining a judgment, to executing on that judgment.

In the Chapter 11 context, MAZURKRAEMER understands both creditor and debtor considerations in a distressed situation.  Salene has represented the interest of creditors in Chapter 11 filings all over the country.

Some significant recent creditors’ rights and collection matters are as follows:

• Serve as local counsel for bank in foreclosure and sale of commercial property in PA in collection of $700k debt.
• Collect on $50k judgment on behalf of homeowners against construction company.
• Represented largest unsecured creditors in Chapter 11 Case of WV Debtor BK Technologies, Inc. and state court prosecution of breach of contract and fraudulent transfer litigation.
• Represent e-commerce sellers in Chapter 11 NY proceeding of Sears Holdings Corporation, et al.
• Represented $2 million secured lender during Chapter 11 case of PA Debtor, Prime Plastics, Inc. throughout case and in state court matters.
• Represented commercial landlord in Chapter 11 reorganization of Idaho Harley Davidson dealership.
• Represented Sovereign Bank in recovering monies lent pursuant to Small Business Loan Program.

We have represented both preference defendants and debtors or trustees in preference cases as small as $15,000 to cases as large as $8 million to achieve outstanding settlement results.

• Defended creator of fitness videos Walk Away the Pounds against recovery of $625k preferential transfer.
• Defended provider of raw materials and related services against numerous preference actions in the following cases: Citation Castings, Inc. ($2 million transfer).
• National Steel Corporation ($8 million transfer), Qualitech Corporation ($461k transfer).

A JD/MBA, Salene brings her expertise as a turnaround management consultant and board-certified business bankruptcy attorney and entrepreneur to each client engagement.  Startup consulting, social media strategy and competitive analysis, corporate governance, creditor risk assessments, succession planning, dissolution strategy,  business valuation.

MAZURKRAEMER has negotiated and drafted real and personal property leases and negotiated the terms of various real estate asset sales and purchases.  We have also served as the closing agent on real estate sales transactions.

We assist applicants who are applying for dual citizenship and encounter issues with vital records that they need the U.S. Court system to address. Some need us to petition a court for the release or amendment of vital records.  Often, we need to petition the court for an order affirming name or date discrepancies on vital records.

At MAZURKRAEMER BUSINESS LAW, we represent franchisees facing challenges and disputes with their franchisors. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of franchise agreements and the unique pressures franchisees endure. Whether it’s issues of financial distress, non-compliance, territorial encroachment, or breaches of contract, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment. Trust us to be your advocate in navigating the legal and business landscape, so you can focus on running your franchise business.   Our expertise in business bankruptcy and restructuring positions us uniquely to handle a franchisee’s broad range of business and legal issues.

Franchise Law Services

Navigating the complexities of franchise law requires a deep understanding of both federal and state regulations. At MAZURKRAEMER, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal services to franchisees, ensuring franchisor compliance and protecting your business interests, with a particular emphasis on buy-side franchisee representation.

Our Expertise

Franchisee Support: For franchisees, we provide thorough reviews of franchise agreements, financial disclosures, and operational guidelines. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and secure favorable terms in your franchise relationship.

Franchise Agreements: Our team negotiates clear, concise, and enforceable franchise agreements that outline the rights and obligations of both franchisors and franchisees. We prioritize clarity to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a mutual understanding of all terms.

Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD): We review FDDs to make sure they meet the stringent requirements set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state laws. Our meticulous approach ensures that all necessary disclosures are accurate and complete, minimizing the risk of legal disputes.

Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute, our experienced litigators are prepared to represent your interests in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings. We strive to resolve conflicts efficiently and favorably, protecting your business and reputation.

Why Choose Us?

At MAZURKRAEMER BUSINESS LAW, we combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the franchise business model. Our client-focused approach ensures personalized service tailored to your specific needs. When you are a franchisee seeking to invest or trying to maximize the value of your investment, we are here to support your journey to success.