Corporate Governance & Board Advisory
Protecting Your Business with Strategic Legal Guidance
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Why Corporate Guidance & Board Advisory Matters
Directors and executives face decisions with legal consequences. Without legal support, boards may unintentionally open the door to operational issues or unnecessary conflict.
Key risks when boards do not involve legal counsel:
- Breach of fiduciary duties including care, loyalty, and oversight
- Compliance mistakes under state and federal regulations
- Board processes that lack clarity or documentation
- Conflicts of interest that go unresolved
- Related party transactions without proper review
- Regulatory attention created by governance gaps
Companies that invest in proper governance support develop stronger decision making, more transparent operations, and fewer legal complications in the future.
Our Corporate Governance & Board Advisory Services
Board & Committee Guidance
– Review of meeting procedures and documentation
– Support for audit, compensation, governance, and special committees
– Evaluation of director independence
– Preparation and review of agendas and minutes
Fiduciary Duty & Oversight Support
– Guidance on the duties of care, loyalty, and oversight
– Conflict of interest review
– Analysis of related party transactions
– Support for risk management and internal controls
Corporate Policies & Governance Practices
– Development of governance policies and codes of conduct
– Review of communication and reporting practices
– Board evaluation processes
– Succession planning and executive oversight
Regulatory & Compliance Support
– Compliance considerations for public and private companies
– Assistance with securities law obligations
– Review of disclosures and reporting
About B&T Attorneys
Your Team of Corporate Governance & Board Advisory Attorneys
At Business Transaction Attorneys, Gil Melman provides strategic legal counsel to boards, executives, and companies navigating corporate governance, organizational oversight, and board-level decision-making.
With more than 32 years of experience—including senior roles at international law firms and as Chief Legal Officer for publicly traded companies—Gil offers a rare in-house perspective on governance, compliance, and board operations.
He understands how corporate structures function in real business environments, including the financial, operational, and leadership dynamics that influence board decisions.
Gil’s commercially grounded approach helps boards operate responsibly, reduce governance-related disputes, and align oversight with long-term organizational goals.
Comprehensive Business Transaction Services
We help Houston entrepreneurs choose the optimal business structure (general partnership, LP, LLC, etc.) and handle all formation filings to set it up correctly.
Partnership Agreements
We draft partnership agreements from scratch or formalize existing informal arrangements, always tailoring the terms to fit your ownership structure and goals.
LLC Operating Agreements
For multi-member LLCs, we prepare operating agreements that define each member’s roles, voting rights, and profit share.
We review existing partnership or operating agreements for gaps or outdated provisions, then update them to align with your current needs and Texas law.
Our attorneys guide businesses through strategic acquisitions, mergers, due diligence processes, negotiations, and comprehensive documentation, ensuring seamless transactions.
Structuring fundraising initiatives, drafting investment agreements, and ensuring full compliance with applicable securities regulations.
Succession & Exit Planning
We include provisions for buyouts, succession, or dissolution. Planning for events such as an owner’s retirement, a business sale, or an unexpected departure ensures that you won’t face turmoil when a change occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my company needs help with corporate governance?
You may need governance support if your board is unsure about legal responsibilities, if decisions are becoming complicated, if conflicts of interest are appearing, or if your company is growing quickly and needs clearer structure. Many businesses seek guidance simply to avoid mistakes and create a more organized decision-making process.
What role does a board of directors play in corporate governance?
A board of directors provides oversight and guidance for the company. The board helps set direction, reviews important decisions, and looks out for the interests of the business and its stakeholders. Corporate governance sets the framework that helps the board carry out its responsibilities in a responsible and consistent manner.
What types of issues can corporate governance counsel help with?
Legal advisors help with board meetings, committee responsibilities, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, internal policies, reporting practices, risk management, and compliance questions. They guide the board through decisions that affect the company’s operations and legal standing.
How does board advisory support benefit small or family-owned businesses?
Even small companies face complex decisions that can create legal or financial problems if handled improperly. Advisory support gives owners and managers structured guidance, clearer processes, and a better understanding of their responsibilities as leaders.
Can AI tools replace legal advice for corporate governance matters?
No. AI can help with general research, but it cannot understand your specific business, the legal details of your situation, or the risks involved. Corporate governance decisions require professional legal judgment, which AI cannot provide. Relying on AI for board-level decisions could create serious legal problems.
Why Choose Us
Reasons For Choosing BT Attorneys
Unparalled Experience & Insight
Gil Melman’s three decades of transactional expertise ensures precise, commercially driven legal advice. His extensive in-house experience uniquely positions him to quickly understand your business risks and proactively address them.
Cost-Effective Transactional Legal Solutions
By quarterbacking your legal strategy, Gil coordinates directly with specialized experts in tax, environmental, labor, franchise, and other areas, significantly reducing costs and providing comprehensive, efficient counsel.
Proactive, Strategic Counsel to Avoid Litigation
Gil Melman emphasizes proactive transactional strategies designed to minimize litigation risks. By anticipating and addressing potential issues early, he helps clients avoid costly disputes and maintain smooth business operations.
Tailored Legal Strategy
At BT Attorneys, we understand each business’s unique circumstances. We listen, assess, and develop customized legal strategies designed specifically for your objectives, ensuring alignment with your commercial goals.
Trusted & Proven Advisor
Gil Melman has built his reputation on transparency, strategic insight, and client-focused solutions. With extensive experience representing businesses at every growth stage, from innovative startups to large enterprises, Gil understands how to deliver successful transactional outcomes.
What Our Clients Say
Sean - CEO & Co-Founder
Gil Melman has served as our outside council for several years. He has provided outstanding legal guidance and support for a broad range of our needs. Gil can be a bulldog when it comes to protecting our position. However, he is pragmatic with regard to business relationships and needs. I have led multi-billion dollar businesses at large corporations, and I can honestly say that Gil has provided us the best legal representation in my career. It has been my experience that most corporate lawyers see things in black and white. Gil advises on the black and white will also educating me on the aspects and mitigation strategy for the gray areas as well. This is extremely valuable because things usually end up in these gray areas, and I am better prepared.
Scott - President & Founder
Highly Recommend. We had a very complex purchase, included upfront and residual payments, in addition to stock allocations of different types. Gil did an amazing job of protecting us and catching all of the little details that we missed. When engaging in negotiations on terms, he had the right amount of force to get things done, but with a touch that kept everyone agreeable and into the deal. He utilized different levels of his team to make sure we were financially satisfied. We have used Gil for different projects and obviously he earned the trust for us to use him on our most important project. Thank you! Highly recommended for all levels of work, he is incredibly knowledgeable.
Chris - CFO
Gil Melman has served as our outside general counsel for the past year, and he and his team have been outstanding partners to our organization. They provide practical, business-minded advice across a wide range of matters and are a trusted resource for both our Board of Directors and senior executive team. Gil’s team is consistently efficient, responsive, and solution-oriented — true problem solvers rather than problem creators. We receive highly experienced legal guidance at reasonable rates that traditional law firms simply can’t match. I would wholeheartedly recommend Gil and his team to any company seeking exceptional outside general counsel services.
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Head Office
Houston, Texas
If your board or executive team needs guidance on compliance, oversight, or decision making, We are ready to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
3700 Buffalo Speedway #1150, Houston, TX 77098