Comprehensive Legal Services
Practice Areas
LM Tatum provides strategic legal counsel to clients and organizations across a range of practice areas. From employment disputes to corporate litigation, workplace investigations to compliance audits, we're your trusted legal partner.
Employment Planning, Challenges & Liability Exposure
Protecting your business when employment disputes escalate
When an employee files a grievance, discrimination, harassment, or other claim, the stakes are high. These cases can drain resources, damage your reputation, and disrupt your operations. We help our clients navigate employment-related claims and allegations with a strategic approach that focuses on early resolution when possible and strong advocacy throughout the process.
Our Approach
We don't just react to threats of allegations and lawsuits - we build a comprehensive defense strategy that considers your business goals, budget, and risk tolerance. Many employment disputes can be resolved through early mediation or strategic negotiation, saving you time and money while protecting your reputation. We also help clients strategically navigate legal employment issues, establish employment contracts and policies, and review and negotiate employment contracts.
What We Do
- Assess risk exposure and create a business defensive strategy when faced with claims of harassment, discrimination and other claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA).
- EEOC and state agency charge responses
- Provide legal support for day-to-day operations
- Proprietary and Intellectual Property protection both employment and post-employment (Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements)
- Policy development and implementation
- Mediate employee disputes
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Employment Contracts & Agreements
Preventing problems before they start
The best way to avoid legal employment challenges and litigation is to start with solid agreements. Whether you’re hiring a key executive, restructuring your team, updating your employment policies or are considering being hired into a higher level position, clear contracts and policies provide protection and set expectations from day one.
Our Approach
We draft agreements that are enforceable, fair, and aligned with your business strategy. Our goal is to create documents that protect your interests while being clear enough that employees understand their rights and obligations—reducing confusion and disputes down the road.
What We Do
- Executive employment agreements and severance packages
- Non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements
- Independent contractor agreements
- Employee handbook review and development
- Separation and release agreements
- Shareholder and equity owner agreements
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Independent Workplace Investigations
Independent, thorough investigations you can trust
When allegations of harassment, discrimination, ethics violations, policy breaches or other acts of misconduct arise, you need answers, fast. An independent investigation demonstrates your commitment to a fair workplace, protects your organization from liability, and provides the clear findings you need to make informed decisions.
Our Approach
Our investigations are thorough, confidential, and objective. We interview witnesses, review documentation, analyze the applicable law, and deliver a comprehensive written report with findings and actionable recommendations. We work efficiently to minimize workplace disruption while ensuring a fair process for all parties.
What We Do
- Harassment and discrimination investigations
- Allegations of systemic conduct or treatment
- Ethics and policy violation investigations
- Workplace disruption and threats investigations
- Employee misconduct investigations
- Third-party neutral investigations for boards and executive leadership
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Corporate & Business Law
Resolving business challenges and disputes so you can move forward
Business disputes, whether with partners, vendors, customers, or competitors, can threaten everything you've built. Legal challenges to daily operations can slow down and sometimes derail business momentum. We represent businesses in a wide range of legal hurdles, focusing on practical solutions that align with your business objectives.
Our Approach
Legal slow down, whether it is because circumstances have changed and you are making adjustments for your business or because of a disagreement, can be costly. Threats of litigation and litigation are expensive and time-consuming. While we're prepared to fight vigorously when necessary, we always look for opportunities to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or early settlement when appropriate, saving you money and getting you back to business faster.
What We Do
- Breach of contract disputes
- Partnership and Shareholder disputes
- Business divorce and buyout negotiations
- Vendor and supplier contract disputes
- Joint Venture and collaborative work disagreements
- Advocacy for non-contract claims affecting business rights and remedies
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Risk Assessment & Risk Management
Proactive legal guidance to minimize risk
The best legal problems are the ones that never happen. Our risk assessment and risk management services help you identify potential legal issues before they become costly. From policy development to compliance audits, we help you build systems that protect your business.
Our Approach
We don't just tell you what the law requires, we help you implement practical systems and policies that work for your business. Our goal is to reduce your legal risk while maintaining a workplace culture that enables you to reach your business goals.
What We Do
- Company policy review and development to include employment policies
- Governance policy review and development
- Legal Support to executive leadership in navigating daily operations requiring legal guidance to significant companywide changes
- Guidance with hiring and firing practices to include assistance with promotions and re-assignments
- Legal support with Changes in Business Operations to include business expansions and shrinkage
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Public Finance & Public Law
Trusted counsel for public entities and municipal matters
Public entities face unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge and experience. The relationship between individuals (or private entities) and the government is a unique one. We serve as trusted advisors to public entities, state and local governmental and their related corporations and funds, utilities and police departments, in the area of employment, contracting, governance, independent investigations, procurement and public finance.
Our Approach
We understand the unique constraints and requirements of public sector work. Our experience includes serving as Outside Counsel, Board Counsel, Independent Investigator, Co-Bond Counsel, and Underwriter's Counsel.
What We Do
- Municipal bond issuance and public finance transactions
- Legal support for Human Resources leadership
- Open meetings and public records compliance
- Municipal governance and board advisory services
- Procurement and contracting for public entities
- Independent Investigations
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The LM Tatum Difference
Why Clients Choose Us
When you work with LM Tatum, you're not just hiring an attorney, you're gaining a trusted partner who's invested in your success.
Business-First Thinking
We're not just lawyers—we're business advisors who understand that legal problems are business problems. Every recommendation we make considers your bottom line, reputation, and long-term goals.
Experienced Leadership
Led by Lisa Tatum, former State Bar President (2013-2014) with over 30 years of experience, our team brings exceptional legal expertise and a track record of results for clients ranging from startups to enterprise companies.
Responsive & Available
When you have a legal crisis, you need answers now. We respond to urgent matters within 24 business hours and often much sooner. Remember we will not know your matter is urgent unless you tell us. Be sure to share your deadlines when you contact us. You'll have access to your attorney, not just a paralegal or legal assistant.
Transparent Pricing
No surprise bills, no hidden fees. We provide clear fee agreements upfront and offer flexible billing arrangements including hourly, flat fee, and alternative fee structures for ongoing clients.
Industries We Serve
Our clients span a wide range of industries. We adapt our approach to the unique challenges and regulatory requirements of your sector.
Technology & Software
Healthcare & Medical Services
Professional Services
Construction & Real Estate
Education & Training
Nonprofit Organizations
Government & Municipal Entities
Energy & Utilities
Transportation & Logistics
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're facing an immediate legal crisis or looking for proactive counsel to protect your business, we're here to help. Schedule your consultation today.