Seattle Governance

Corporate Governance made uncomplicated.

Simply put corporate governance is a system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. This involves balancing the interests of everyone who keeps the business running (shareholders, board of directors, management, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and the community).

Corporate governance is meant to ensure that a framework is being followed in order to reach company goals and objectives. It heavily focuses on management in the form action plans, controls, performance measurements and disclosure.

The role of the Board of Directors.

The board of directors is the primary direct stakeholder influencing corporate governance. They are elected or appointed to represent shareholders of the company. The board makes important decisions, such as corporate officer appointments, executive compensation and dividend policy. The board is made up of inside and outside members of the organization, usually major shareholders, founder and executives. The mix of inside and independent members ensure that shareholder interest is aligned with those of the insiders.

Why Corporate Governance matters to us.

Bad corporate governance ultimately can ruin a company's reliability, integrity or obligation to shareholders.

  • Tolerance or support of illegal activities can create scandal.
  • Companies that do not cooperate sufficiently with auditors or do not select auditors with the appropriate scale can publish spurious or noncompliant financial results.
  • Bad executive compensation packages fail to create optimal incentive for corporate officers.
  • Poorly structured boards make it too difficult for shareholders to oust ineffective incumbents.

Good corporate governance creates a transparent set of rules and controls in which shareholders, directors and officers have aligned incentives. Most companies strive to have a high level of corporate governance. For many shareholders, it is not enough for a company to merely be profitable; it also needs to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility through environmental awareness, ethical behavior and sound corporate governance practices.

At Gravis Law Seattle, our business lawyers will provide you with governance documents that are both proven and tailored specifically to your individual business situation and long-term goals.

Hire a Gravis Business Law Attorney in Seattle.

Find Gravis Law in Seattle. We are located downtown in the Columbia Tower on the corner of 5th Avenue and Columbia Street. Our knowledge of Washington business law will provide you with the quality and personalized help and tools you need to start and grow your business. We look forward to assisting you through your business formation and beyond – making it as smooth and uncomplicated as possible so you can work on the things that matter to you.

Seattle, WA Business Law Office

701 Fifth Avenue
Suite 2460
Seattle, WA 98104-7003