Nationwide Veterinary Legal and Consulting Services

Owning a veterinary practice can be both fruitful and fulfilling as veterinarians offer vital care to people’s cherished pets in a rapidly growing industry. At the same time, there are numerous legal considerations involved in owning a practice that require the advice and guidance of an experienced veterinary attorney.

Mahan Law provides legal, consulting, and valuation expertise to veterinary professionals across the country. Our practice is dedicated solely to the veterinary industry and specifically provides veterinarians with legal advice on matters such as practice transitions (buying or selling a practice), practice startups, legal and human resource consulting and in-house counsel, regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, civil litigation, and practice valuation. Our founding attorney, Anthony Mahan, profoundly understands the opportunities and challenges facing veterinarians first hand because he is a veterinary hospital owner and serves as in-house counsel to over 40 independent veterinary hospitals across the country.

Whether you are seeking to buy or sell a practice, interested in a startup, facing a legal dispute, seeking general legal or human resource advice, or need a document reviewed, our legal team will work to protect your interests. We represent veterinarians and practice owners directly in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and nationwide in conjunction with a respected network of co-counsel attorneys. When you consult our attorneys, you will have confidence knowing that our knowledge and experience in the industry provides value far beyond a general practice law firm.  Please contact our office today to set up a free consultation.

Veterinarians meet with attorneys
Vet examines rabbit

Practice Transitions: Buying and Selling a Veterinary Practice

Buying or selling a veterinary practice can be a daunting and emotional venture that our experienced attorneys and proven process can help alleviate.  Our process not only protects your interest, but is highly regarded as efficient and cost effective. We offer flat fees rather than hourly fees for almost every transaction.

Mahan Law assist with practice transitions for:

  • Buying a veterinary practice
  • Selling a veterinary practice
  • Corporate acquisitions and consolidations
  • Associate buy ins
  • Asset Purchase Agreements and Share Purchase Agreements

When buying a veterinary practice, the obvious consideration is the purchase price, however, there are many other practical and legal considerations such as employment agreements, real estate and leases, client/patient transitioning, allocation of the purchase price, lien payoffs, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, inventory retention, liability assumption, laboratory and other service agreements, lender or seller financing, and much more.

The attorneys at Mahan Law are here to help you every step of the way.
Our legal team will negotiate the terms, prepare a non-binding letter of intent,help secure financing from our network of experienced lenders, and manage the entire process through a successful closing.
Cat on scale

Similarly, we also represent veterinarians and other practice owners who are looking to sell their practices. Our experienced veterinary attorneys routinely collaborate with accountants, brokers, and financial professionals who can help to determine the proper valuation of your practice and develop an exit strategy. In addition, we can help to identify potential buyers and structure the transaction so that you can make a seamless transition into the next phase of your life. Whether you are buying or selling a veterinary practice, you need the first class representation that Mahan Law is prepared to provide.

Veterinary Consultation and Retainer Plans

In addition to guiding veterinarians through startups, acquisitions, and sales, we also provide ongoing counsel through our veterinary consultation and retainer plans. As an experienced attorney and veterinary practice owner, Anthony Mahan knows how to balance legal considerations, business demands, and patient care. With our flat fee retainer plan, you can cover all of your practice’s legal needs and avoid hourly billing for phone calls, emails, contract review, legal drafting, governmental compliance, human resource issues, forms, contracts, and risk management.

In the event of litigation that requires court appearances, you will also benefit from reduced litigation fees and collection rates. Taking advantage of our veterinary retainer plans is a win-win because we have the opportunity to establish a long-term professional relationship while providing you with the personal attention you deserve. We are readily available to take calls, and will promptly respond to your questions and concerns.

Family with dog meets with nurse at front desk of veterinary office

Veterinary Practice Startups

There are a variety of considerations in starting a veterinary practice, such as: Coordinating financing, buildout, insurance, licensing requirements, selecting the right business entity, choosing the right location, lease concerns, establishing human resource policies and procedures, and otherwise protecting your business from litigation.

Vet examines small kitten

When you consult Mahan Law, we will offer you strategic advice on a wide range of matters such as:

  • Market research and analysis
  • Legal entity selection and formation
  • Funding and tax issues
  • Ownership/partnership agreements
  • Permitting and compliance
  • Commercial lease negotiation and planning
  • Building and zoning compliance

In short, working with the right attorney, one with experience owning and operating a veterinary hospital, can mean the difference between success and failure in a competitive market. Our veterinary attorneys will partner with you to proactively plan for all aspects of entity formation, including trademark protection, asset protection, location favorability, federal and state grants and incentives, and taxation.

We also work with local real estate agents to identify potential areas that are well-suited for establishing a veterinary practice while negotiating with vendors, suppliers, builders, and lenders. As fellow veterinary professionals, our objective insight can help you avoid the pitfalls of starting a veterinary practice. Above all, our legal team designs custom solutions that will enable you to achieve your business objectives.

DVM badge on scrubs with stethescope in background

Civil Litigation

Like any business, veterinary practices and owners need to be prepared for legal disputes. At Mahan Law, we provide our clients with powerful representation in a variety of forums, including the courts and medical licensing boards. Our highly skilled trial attorneys have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes in a wide range of cases. At the same time, we leverage our negotiating skills to protect our clients’ interests through forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration. If you are faced with a legal dispute that has risen to the level of civil litigation, we will explain all your rights, explore all your options and help you navigate the legal system.

Contact Our Experienced Veterinary Attorneys

At Mahan Law, we provide veterinary practices and owners with comprehensive legal services on a flat fee basis. When you become our client, you can rest assured that our legal team will always put your best interests first. As a practice owner, Anthony Mahan is uniquely qualified to help you achieve success in the veterinary space. Please contact our office today to set up a free consultation.

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