Richards Dukes Law is a boutique law firm specializing in commercial lease transactions. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience drafting and negotiating leases for both landlords and tenants. A commercial lease is a lengthy, complex agreement covering one of the most important assets of any business, and every industry has unique legal and business terms our attorneys know how to negotiate.
We've prepared leases for a wide range of businesses, from retail space, to medical and professional offices, to restaurants and breweries. If you've ever read a commercial lease, you know it can be full of "legal-speak" and terms that are very difficult to understand. There is no substitute for effective representation by experienced, licensed attorneys.
Our attorneys take the time to review the entire lease with you, answering all of your questions and explaining in plain language the more nuanced, legal aspects of the document. We always hear the question, do I really need an attorney, it's just a lease?
We've prepared leases for a wide range of businesses, from retail space, to medical and professional offices, to restaurants and breweries. If you've ever read a commercial lease, you know it can be full of "legal-speak" and terms that are very difficult to understand. There is no substitute for effective representation by experienced, licensed attorneys.
Our attorneys take the time to review the entire lease with you, answering all of your questions and explaining in plain language the more nuanced, legal aspects of the document. We always hear the question, do I really need an attorney, it's just a lease?
Services
At Richards Dukes Law, you receive personal attention from attorneys who focus on one thing, and who do it well: draft, review and negotiate commercial leases.
Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in commercial lease transactions in regions all across the country and in a wide variety of industries.
With our practice focused solely on commercial leasing, you receive extensively experienced, deeply knowledgeable counsel and assistance.
Many law firms dabble in real estate transactions.
Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in commercial lease transactions in regions all across the country and in a wide variety of industries.
With our practice focused solely on commercial leasing, you receive extensively experienced, deeply knowledgeable counsel and assistance.
Many law firms dabble in real estate transactions.
Ms. Dukes graduated with a degree in kinesiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
She went on to attend the University of Denver School of Law, graduating in the top ten percent of her class.
As an undergraduate, Katy was a sprinter on the University of Colorado track team, where she patented a training device for starting blocks, signaling her future interest in the legal field.
After graduating law school, Katy spent several years in the healthcare field, before acting as general contractor on the renovation of a fire station into a brewery and later entering the legal profession.
She went on to attend the University of Denver School of Law, graduating in the top ten percent of her class.
As an undergraduate, Katy was a sprinter on the University of Colorado track team, where she patented a training device for starting blocks, signaling her future interest in the legal field.
After graduating law school, Katy spent several years in the healthcare field, before acting as general contractor on the renovation of a fire station into a brewery and later entering the legal profession.
Commercial leases are complex documents with a wide range of applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Navigating these legal requirements without the counsel of an experienced real estate attorney can be difficult, costly and time-consuming.
Generally, commercial tenants are provided fewer protections than residential tenants, as commercial parties are assumed to be on a more equal playing field than residential landlords and tenants.
In fact, there are no laws restricting commercial rental rates, assignment or sublease, or maximum lease duration.
Navigating these legal requirements without the counsel of an experienced real estate attorney can be difficult, costly and time-consuming.
Generally, commercial tenants are provided fewer protections than residential tenants, as commercial parties are assumed to be on a more equal playing field than residential landlords and tenants.
In fact, there are no laws restricting commercial rental rates, assignment or sublease, or maximum lease duration.
When you formed your company you probably did so, in part, for the limited liability protection it provides.
Despite the limited liability a corporation, limited liability or other entity provides to its owners, when you are asked to sign a personal guaranty for the company's lease, your home, cars and other personal assets are no longer protected from debt owed to the landlord.
Unless your business has been in existence for many years, or you are otherwise wealthy, most landlords will require the company's owners to sign a personal guaranty.
Despite the limited liability a corporation, limited liability or other entity provides to its owners, when you are asked to sign a personal guaranty for the company's lease, your home, cars and other personal assets are no longer protected from debt owed to the landlord.
Unless your business has been in existence for many years, or you are otherwise wealthy, most landlords will require the company's owners to sign a personal guaranty.
Every commercial lease will have some form of "Compliance with laws" provision.
Before signing a lease, it is important to understand what this entails and what your obligations will include.
Two important compliance issues include Americans with Disabilities Act and environmental laws.
In the best case scenario, the landlord will warrant that the premises are in compliance with the ADA.
However, if any alterations or improvements will be made to the building or space, it may trigger new compliance issues, and it is important to know whether you or the landlord will be responsible for those costs.
Before signing a lease, it is important to understand what this entails and what your obligations will include.
Two important compliance issues include Americans with Disabilities Act and environmental laws.
In the best case scenario, the landlord will warrant that the premises are in compliance with the ADA.
However, if any alterations or improvements will be made to the building or space, it may trigger new compliance issues, and it is important to know whether you or the landlord will be responsible for those costs.
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