Business Details
Trusted Business Law Services for Startups & Private Companies
DPA Law PC is a specialized legal practice dedicated to serving entrepreneurs, startups, and private companies throughout their business lifecyclefrom formation to scaling and exit strategies. With over 25 years of transactional legal experience, our principal attorney, Andrew Piunti, provides tailored guidance that combines big-law expertise with cost-effective efficiency. We focus on practical solutions for entity formation, equity compensation, contract negotiation, fundraising, and business purchase/sale transactions. Our team prioritizes understanding the unique needs of growing businesses, offering market-informed strategies to mitigate legal risks while fostering sustainable growth.We specialize in navigating complex corporate structures, intellectual property matters, and tax-efficient reorganizations, ensuring clients receive technically sound advice grounded in real-world experience. Our commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and client education has established us as trusted advisors for technology-driven startups and family-owned businesses across California.
Services
Business Formation
Equity Compensation
Contract Negotiation
Fundraising Support
Mergers & Acquisitions
Entity Restructuring
Intellectual Property
Corporate Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized experience in business transactional law.
- Our practice combines big law expertise with cost-effective, personalized service.
- We provide market-informed contract negotiation and equity compensation strategies.
- Our team specializes in tax-efficient reorganizations and succession planning.
- We maintain a proven track record in representing technology startups and SMBs.
Services
Business Formation
We guide clients through selecting and establishing optimal business structures including C-corporations, S-corporations, and LLCs. Our services cover state selection, governing document preparation, and compliance with federal/state regulations. Clients benefit from our extensive experience in creating efficient corporate frameworks that support long-term growth and tax optimization.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Our team represents buyers and sellers in business purchase/sale transactions ranging from $200,000 to $18 million. We handle asset sales, stock transfers, and statutory mergers while addressing tax implications and risk allocation. Our expertise includes pre-transaction cleanup, due diligence coordination, and negotiating definitive agreements that protect client interests throughout the transaction lifecycle.
Contract Negotiation
We specialize in drafting and negotiating complex B2B contracts including SaaS agreements, partnership arrangements, and professional services contracts. Our approach identifies critical risk allocation provisions while maintaining commercial practicality. Clients receive tailored guidance on redlining burdensome terms and creating enforceable agreements that align with market standards and business objectives.
Equity Compensation
We design robust equity compensation structures for startups and private companies, including founder shares, employee stock options, and vesting arrangements. Our services address securities law compliance, tax implications, and employment considerations. Clients receive practical frameworks that balance team motivation with corporate governance requirements while avoiding common legal pitfalls.
Fundraising Support
We assist startups in navigating equity financing rounds from pre-seed to Series A. Our services include SAFE agreements, term sheet analysis, and investor rights documentation. We provide strategic guidance on valuation considerations, ownership structures, and compliance with securities regulations to help companies secure funding while maintaining favorable long-term positioning.
People
Andrew J. Piunti
Principal Attorney
Andrew Piunti brings over 25 years of business transactional experience to DPA Law PC. He specializes in advising startups and private companies on corporate governance, equity compensation, and M&A transactions. His practice focuses on delivering practical legal solutions that balance growth objectives with risk management.
Kelly Raftery
Kelly Raftery provides legal support for business transactions and corporate compliance matters at DPA Law PC. With expertise in contract drafting and entity formation, she assists clients in establishing and maintaining effective corporate structures that align with their operational and strategic goals.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We primarily serve technology startups, software development companies, and family-owned businesses in Silicon Valley and throughout California.
Do you handle cross-border transactions?
While our focus is on California-based businesses, we collaborate with international counsel to support cross-border transactions when needed.
What transaction sizes do you handle?
Our business purchase/sale experience ranges from $200,000 to $18 million, covering various business structures and industries.
How do you approach contract negotiations?
We focus on identifying material risk allocation provisions and negotiating terms that align with market standards while protecting client interests.
Do you work with early-stage startups?
Yes, we specialize in guiding startups through formation, equity compensation, and early-stage financing including SAFE agreements.
What sets your firm apart?
Our combination of big law expertise, cost-effective service, and deep understanding of startup and SMB needs creates unique client value.
