Business Lawyer Serving
Augusta, GA

Along the Savannah River, Augusta’s business scene thrives where innovation meets tradition in industries from healthcare and tech to manufacturing and finance. But behind every thriving company lies a series of critical legal decisions that shape success or create setbacks. In a region as dynamic as Georgia’s second-largest metro, business owners need more than basic legal paperwork; they need insight, strategy, and protection that keeps pace with growth.

At Battleson Law, a trusted business law firm near Augusta, we help entrepreneurs, executives, and investors make confident moves that protect their hard work and future potential. Great legal counsel isn’t about avoiding risk but navigating it wisely. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding operations, or managing complex contracts, our firm delivers clear, business-minded guidance that helps you confidently move forward.

Founder Mark Battleson brings a rare combination of legal expertise and executive experience. With a law degree from Emory University and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Mark has negotiated and structured billion-dollar transactions before building his own practice. That real-world business background is at the heart of Battleson Law’s approach: strategic, practical, and rooted in a deep understanding of what it takes to grow and protect a business in this city.

Our Comprehensive Practice Areas

Business & Employment Disputes

Disagreements are part of business, but they don’t have to derail your progress. A supplier stops delivering, a trusted employee breaks a non-compete, or a lease no longer fits your company’s needs. Quick action and a clear plan make all the difference when challenges like these arise. Our corporate attorneys serving Augusta help you resolve disputes efficiently, protecting your interests through smart negotiation, mediation, or, when needed, strong representation in court, so you can stay focused on running your business.

Business and Commercial Disputes: When business relationships break down, the ripple effects reach far beyond the legal paperwork. We take time to understand what’s truly at stake, financially and operationally, before building a strategy that protects your bottom line and reputation. Whether you’re facing a contract breach, partnership dispute, or other commercial conflict, our attorneys combine thorough investigation with practical judgment to reach the best resolution possible, often without unnecessary cost or delay.
Real Estate and Real Estate Investment Disputes: Augusta’s commercial real estate landscape brings opportunity and complexity, from riverfront developments to industrial leases. We represent property owners, investors, and developers in disputes involving leases, construction defects, title issues, and investment disagreements. Our approach blends deep legal analysis with real-world business insight to protect the value of your property and the success of your investments across Georgia.
Non-Compete, Non-Solicit, Non-Disclosure & Trade Secrets: Your competitive edge often depends on the people who know your business best. We draft, review, and enforce agreements that protect confidential information, client relationships, and trade secrets without overstepping employee rights. If a departing employee misuses sensitive data or a restrictive covenant threatens someone’s career, we move quickly to restore balance and uphold what’s fair, legal, and strategic for your business.
Employment Discrimination: A single discrimination claim can risk years of hard-earned trust. We help employers prevent problems through sound policies, effective training, and careful documentation. When issues arise, our team manages investigations, communicates with regulators, and defends your organization with professionalism and respect. We represent companies of all sizes facing employment-related challenges across Georgia.
Wage and Overtime Disputes (FLSA—Employee Compensation): Mistakes in employee classification or pay can become costly quickly. We help businesses comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), guiding them through overtime rules and compensation requirements to avoid penalties. If a dispute occurs, we act quickly to reduce exposure and implement lasting solutions that keep your company compliant and protected moving forward.

Business / Corporate Law

Building a business means making smart decisions from day one. Your early legal choices, like structure, contracts, and compliance, shape your long-term success and your company’s future. Our business attorneys serving Augusta don’t just file paperwork; we help you understand the business impact behind evry corporate law move, guiding you with practical, business-minded advice from startup formation to major business transactions.

Outsourced General Counsel: Consider us your in-house legal team without the in-house expense. We advise growing companies on daily legal questions, major contract negotiations, and long-term planning. Our service gives you access to seasoned attorneys who know your business inside and out, without the overhead of a full-time general counsel. You get proactive, strategic legal support tailored to your growth stages and specific needs.
Entity Formation: Choosing between an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp isn’t just a legal formality; it affects your taxes, liability, and future fundraising options. We assist clients in forming new businesses by explaining each structure’s real-world pros and cons and selecting one that fits their business goals today and tomorrow. With clear explanations and personalized guidance, we help you create the right legal entities with a strong foundation for your vision.
Franchise Attorney: Franchise agreements can be dense and one-sided. We review Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), explain key risks, and negotiate better terms when possible. We aim to ensure you fully understand your obligations before signing and protect your investment if disputes arise. Whether you’re buying, operating, or leaving a franchise, we safeguard your interests at every stage.
Business Contracts: Every contract defines rights, responsibilities, and risks, and small oversights can lead to big problems. We draft, review, and negotiate contracts that clearly protect your business while keeping deals moving forward. Our team flags potential pitfalls, explains complex terms in plain English, and ensures every agreement aligns with your business goals. Whether reviewing vendor agreements or partnership arrangements, we enable smooth operations through solid documentation.
Business Transactions: Buying or selling a business involves major financial and legal stakes. We manage due diligence, structure deals strategically, and negotiate terms that protect your position. From small acquisitions to multimillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions, we keep the process smooth and transparent so you can close confidently. Our experience covers both domestic and international transactions for clients across diverse industries.
Startup / Entrepreneur: Launching a startup in Augusta means competing with established companies with strong legal support. We help you level the field by protecting your IP, structuring ownership, and drafting agreements that prevent disputes later. With local insight and startup experience, we guide you from concept to growth, ensuring your legal framework supports your ambitions and assists your small business in navigating early challenges.
Buying / Selling a Business: Whether you’re expanding through acquisition or selling the company you built, experience matters. We perform thorough due diligence, handle complex negotiations, and manage every legal detail through closing. Our team represents both buyers and sellers, focusing on deal structure, liability protection, and post-sale peace of mind for every business owner involved in the transaction.
Corporate Finance: The right funding can fuel growth, but the wrong terms can limit your freedom. We help you evaluate financing options, from loans to venture capital, and negotiate terms that preserve control and flexibility. Our corporate attorneys clarify hidden risks, protect ownership, and align financing structures with your business goals. We consult with lenders, investors, and financial institutions to secure arrangements that serve sustainable growth.
ATM Business Attorney: The ATM business is heavily regulated and cash-intensive. We guide operators through compliance with federal and state laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act, and draft strong placement and processing agreements. When scaling, we conduct due diligence that evaluates both profitability and regulatory history. Our approach blends legal precision with practical business insight for clients in this specialized industry.
COAM (Coin Operated Amusement Machines) Lawyer: Georgia’s COAM industry offers opportunity, but it’s tightly regulated. We help you obtain and maintain Class A or B licenses, structure compliant agreements, and respond to enforcement actions. Our deep knowledge of Georgia Lottery Corporation rules helps clients avoid costly penalties and maximize revenue. Whether you’re starting or expanding, we keep your operation profitable and compliant throughout all stages of development.
Insurance Law: Insurance companies often seek reasons to deny or delay claims. We hold them accountable by challenging unfair denials, pursuing coverage, and fighting bad faith practices. Our attorneys also review policies to identify coverage gaps and strengthen your protection. With defense and policyholder experience, we ensure your coverage works when needed most and protect customers from unfair treatment.

Commercial Real Estate & Finance

This city’s commercial real estate market, from Medical District properties to industrial sites along I-20, presents both opportunity and complexity. Every lease negotiation, financing arrangement, and construction contract carries implications that extend years into the future. Our corporate lawyers serving Augusta bring sophisticated real estate expertise to transactions where details determine profitability and where every aspect of the deal matters to your bottom line.

Commercial Leasing: A commercial lease can define your business’s financial health for years. Beyond rent, we focus on the hidden costs, rising CAM charges, percentage rent clauses, and personal guarantees that create long-term liability. Our attorneys negotiate leases that protect your bottom line, cap unpredictable expenses, and ensure flexibility when circumstances change. Whether you’re leasing a small office or a corporate headquarters, we make sure every term works for you, not against you.
Finance / Debt & Equity: Successful real estate financing requires structure, foresight, and local insight. We help clients secure bank loans, bridge financing, joint ventures, and private equity arrangements that truly align with project goals. Our attorneys focus on practical terms: draw schedules that fit real timelines, balanced risk-sharing, and capital structures that support long-term growth. By working with lenders familiar with Augusta’s market, we help you finance projects with confidence and control.
Construction Contracts & Dispute Resolution: Every construction project has challenges, such as tight timelines, design changes, and inevitable surprises. We draft clear, enforceable contracts that anticipate issues before they arise, define responsibilities, and include strong remedies for nonperformance. When disputes occur, we resolve them efficiently through liens, bond claims, or litigation. From tenant buildouts to major developments, we aim to keep your projects moving and your interests protected throughout the entire course of construction.
Investment Partnership / Entity Structuring: Real estate partnerships thrive when expectations are clearly defined. We structure joint ventures and syndications that address real-world issues like decision-making, capital contributions, partner exits, and tax implications. Our agreements balance fairness and flexibility while preventing future disputes. Whether you’re forming a small partnership or a multi-investor project, we help you build strong, sustainable ownership structures that protect everyone’s investment and enable collaborative success.
Purchase and Sale Agreements: In such a competitive property market, contract details make all the difference. We draft and negotiate purchase agreements safeguarding your rights during due diligence, inspection, and closing. Our attorneys identify key terms, including environmental liability, financing contingencies, and title protections, so there are no costly surprises later. From single-tenant properties to mixed-use developments, we ensure every sale closes smoothly and securely.

New Loans, Refinancings & Loan Workouts

Money is the oxygen of business, but take on the wrong loan and you’ll find yourself suffocating pretty quickly. Whether you’re seeking your first commercial loan or restructuring debt that’s become unmanageable, our practice for business law near Augusta helps you navigate the complex world of business finance without getting trapped by terms you didn’t fully understand. We provide legal services that protect businesses throughout the area, from predatory lending and unfair terms.

Commercial Loans: There’s no such thing as a “standard” commercial loan. Every term is negotiable if you know what to look for. We review your loan documents to spot restrictive covenants, risky guarantees, and default triggers that could create future problems. Then we negotiate changes that protect your assets, improve flexibility, and align with your business goals. Our attorneys help small and midsize companies secure commercial loans with confidence and clarity, consulting with financial institutions to structure arrangements that serve your interests.
SBA Loans: SBA loans offer great benefits, including longer terms, lower payments, and competitive rates, but the application process can be daunting. We guide you through every step, ensuring your loan package meets program standards and your use of funds stays compliant. From preparing your application to understanding personal guarantees and resale limitations, we make the SBA process faster, smoother, and less stressful for new business ventures and established operations.
General Franchise Loans: Franchise financing comes with its own challenges. Lenders look beyond your credit and evaluate the franchisor’s track record, market, and operational plan. We help you structure financing that covers startup and ramp-up costs, supports multi-unit growth, and aligns with your franchise agreement. Our goal is simple: secure funding that helps you open strong and stay profitable long-term while managing the complex legal aspects of franchise operations.
Commercial Real Estate Loans: Financing a commercial property in Augusta requires local insight. We know what lenders expect and how to present your deal effectively. Our law firm helps you structure loans that balance proceeds with manageable debt service, limit personal exposure, and maximize return on investment. Whether you’re buying an office condo or developing a property portfolio, we ensure your financing supports your strategy, not the other way around.
Loan Default Workout: Quickly action can make the difference between recovery and collapse when cash flow tightens. We’ve successfully negotiated hundreds of workouts, from payment deferrals and interest rate reductions to forbearance agreements that stop foreclosure. Our experience helps you approach lenders strategically, protecting your business, preserving relationships, and avoiding unnecessary loss while working to resolve the matter efficiently.
Default Lease Agreements & Lease Disputes: A commercial lease default can threaten your entire operation. We negotiate with landlords to find workable solutions, such as rent deferrals, revenue-based structures, or modified terms that reflect current market realities. If your landlord breaches the lease or acts unfairly, we enforce your rights and protect your investment. Our attorneys represent both landlords and tenants in commercial lease disputes across Georgia and South Carolina.

The Battleson Law Advantage in Augusta’s Market

Beyond Traditional Legal Service

What makes us different is that Mark Battleson has sat in your chair. Before focusing his career on corporate law near Augusta, he spent years as a business executive making the kinds of decisions you face every day, whether to take on debt, how to structure partnerships, when to fight, and when to settle. He’s negotiated billion-dollar transactions, managed complex investments, and lived with the consequences of legal decisions made years earlier.

This isn’t theoretical for us. Mark earned his law degree from Emory University School of Law and his MBA from the University of Michigan, but his real education came from being in the trenches, working as an investment banker on Wall Street, serving as Capital Markets Director for the nation’s largest multifamily developer, and managing real estate investments across the country. He’s been the client frustrated by lawyers who don’t understand business realities, and he’s been the executive trying to close deals while managing legal risk. That perspective shapes everything we do at Battleson Law.

Strategic Partnership, Not Just Legal Service

We don’t follow the traditional big-firm model. When you hire Battleson Law, you work directly with seasoned corporate lawyers who understand your business and communicate clearly. No layers of associates, no inflated overhead, just straight answers, practical solutions, and strategies that protect your bottom line. We focus on efficiency, transparency, and relationships that last beyond a single transaction. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering representation that combines big-firm knowledge with personalized attention and accessible legal counsel.

Positioned for Your Success

We maintain four offices across metro Atlanta because accessibility matters when deals move fast. While we’re based in Atlanta, we serve Augusta businesses with the same commitment and responsiveness. Our team is prepared to schedule consultations, handle emergency matters, and provide ongoing counsel to clients throughout Georgia. We’re positioned perfectly to assist when you need documents signed before the banks close or when critical negotiations demand immediate attention.

Our Office Locations:

Atlanta Headquarters: 1100 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30309
Perimeter Center: 050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 500, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Marietta: 1870 The Exchange SE, Marietta, GA 30339
Alpharetta: 13010 Morris Rd, Suite 600, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Charting Your Legal Strategy

No two businesses are the same; your legal strategy shouldn’t be either. Our process starts with a consultation, where we take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and growth plans. From there, we create a legal roadmap designed to help you move faster, avoid costly mistakes, and protect what you’ve built. You’ll leave the consultation with practical next steps, not just theories or warnings.

We guide businesses through four key stages of strategic planning:

Structural Optimization: We evaluate how your business is organized today, including your entity type, ownership structure, and key agreements, to see if they still fit where you’re headed. Maybe your LLC limits investment opportunities, or your partnership agreement doesn’t cover potential disputes. We pinpoint these pressure points and recommend smarter, more efficient structures that support funding, flexibility, and tax advantages while enabling your company to operate more effectively.
Growth Architecture: Every successful business needs a legal foundation that can scale. We help you plan for expansion, whether adding investors or partners, acquiring competitors, or protecting your intellectual property as you grow. By thinking several steps ahead, we ensure your legal framework can handle both the opportunities and challenges that come with growth and prepare your organization for the future.
Risk Mitigation: Legal risk isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits but also about anticipating problems before they start. We identify industry-specific risks such as employment issues, contract pitfalls, or regulatory compliance gaps, then build protective measures that safeguard your business without creating red tape. Our experience across sectors, including transportation, logistics, and professional services, means we understand the realities you face every day and can protect your operations comprehensively.
Implementation Roadmap: Great legal advice only matters if it’s actionable. We turn strategy into steps you can follow: what to do, when to do it, and how much it will cost. No jargon, no hidden fees, and no half-finished projects. You’ll have a clear plan that aligns with your goals and keeps your business moving forward while addressing every critical aspect of your legal needs.

Power Your Business. Protect Your Future.

In a fast-moving business world, the right legal strategy isn’t just protection; it’s an advantage. At Battleson Law, we help local companies build, grow, and defend their success with clear, practical solutions that make sense in the real world. Our blend of legal insight and business experience means we don’t just advise; we help you move forward confidently and strategically.

Led by Mark Battleson, a business leader turned attorney, our firm understands entrepreneurs’ challenges because we’ve lived them. Whether launching a venture, negotiating a deal, or resolving a dispute, Battleson Law delivers the guidance, clarity, and results businesses rely on to stay competitive.

Ready to strengthen your business? Contact us now to schedule a consultation and discover how the right legal partner can help you grow confidently.

Call Battleson Law 404.382.8149

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   Grant T. 
 22 November 2023
 
 
  Mark was great to work with. He helped me with a CRE deal I was investing in; helping me review the legal documents and taking the time to explain it to me in a way that was very easy to understand - and he was very responsive at all times. Would definitely recommend working with him
  
 
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   A. Parham 
 9 October 2023
 
 
  I can't say enough about Mark .He came in and saved my aunt home from a predator. Mark carried the torch thru court to the final sale of my aunt's home. He dealt with the Insurance company after they were slow in making payments after a water leak to the home which was pending sale. This man has our upmost respect and appreciation. He signed up for something that became larger than life for my aunt. Thank you Mark for keeping us grounded during this time. Wishing nothing but the best for him and his firm.

This situation became huge!
Again Thank you!!
Glenda Wynn/Angela Parham
  
 
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   John Billingsley 
 12 September 2023
 
 
  I had a great experience working with Battleson Law.   Mark quickly understood the payment issue our construction firm was experiencing.   We received full payment from the Owner a few weeks after contacting Battleson Law.
  
 
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   Nicole Ruffin 
 30 August 2023
 
 
  Mark is an extremely professional and diligent Attorney. He is also very knowledgeable in commercial lease matters and significantly helped us with negotiating a lease workout with our landlord. He advocates for his clients and we were completely satisfied with his high level of service. We would strongly recommend him.
  
 
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   Sarah Green 
 30 August 2023
 
 
  My husband and I are so glad we found Mark! He is an excellent attorney with tons of contract, business, and real estate knowledge and experience. He took the time to thoroughly advise and educate us about our situation. Trust me, he is worth every dollar! He saved us over $100k on a bad deal that we later discovered would have been financially devastating had we not hired Mark! Thank you again, Mark! We look forward to working with you again in the near future.
  
 
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   Tony Sanchez 
 17 July 2023
 
 
  Mark is a life-long friend and I reached out to him when our day-to-day attorney was having difficulty handling the complex sale of my family’s third-generation business.  The sale was to a large, private equity firm, with an operating partner that was rolling-up businesses in the auto repair space.  Just by reviewing the LOI, Mark immediately recognized holes in our deal that could have cost the family millions of dollars in:

lost lease/real estate value;
higher-risk earnout terms; and.
a lower overall return on the sale.

When we hired Mark, he jumped right in, created a strong relationship with the buyer and its counsel, as well as kept the family together during the stressful 6+ month process, including many late nights.  Ultimately, Mark re-worked the entire deal:

Asset Purchase Agreement (with complex, de-risked earn-out and equity participation);
Employment agreements for retained executives;
Non-competes, etc., and,
6 commercial leases on real estate owned by the Seller-principals and leased back to the new owner that added multiple millions of dollars of value.
Mark renegotiated economic and legal terms based on financial analysis he put together based on his past experience in institutional real estate investment and capital markets.

When it was all concluded, we couldn’t have been happier, and even the Buyer’s President specifically complimented Mark during the closing/funding call, indicating that he deserved special recognition for keeping the deal on track, when at times it looked like it might not close.

Best business decision we made was hiring Mark to represent us!  Couldn't have been happier with the outcome!

Thank you for all that you did, Mark!
  
 
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   Brandon Doyle 
 1 May 2023
 
 
  I started a business and needed an attorney but I had not used one before. I chose Mark because of his great reviews on multiple websites and I'm glad I did. He walked me through the entire process, made sure I didn't make any mistakes, and explained everything in plain English. Thank you Mark!
  
 
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   Ben Morgan 
 28 April 2023
 
 
  Had a GREAT experience working with Mark. He was super responsive and able to offer some fantastic legal and personal advice right away. I highly recommend.
  
 
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   Kris Landorf 
 21 April 2023
 
 
  Great service, great results. Would highly recommend!
  
 
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   Ronald Watson 
 21 February 2023
 
 
  I brought Mark into my lawsuit late in the game. He stayed on top of me to get the information he needed, worked with me to make me a better witness, stayed organized and fluid, and kept going until we won. Mark is a master at his craft. Hiring him really was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was the other reviews and my consultation with him that won my trust. It was one of those gut feeling things. I am the owner of a new company and he will represent all my future needs. Thank you Mark. Job well done.
  
 
  
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Business Lawyer Serving Augusta, GA