Stephen F. Later, a partner at Robbins May & Rich in Pinehurst, testified before the Judiciary Committee of the N.C. Senate on March 31 about proposed revisions to the North Carolina Limited Liability Company Act.

Later answered senators' questions about limited liability companies and issues related to North Carolina, Virginia, and Delaware business law as the members of the Judiciary Committee debated and approved proposed legislation.

"I was honored to be invited to testify and appreciated the opportunity to answer the legislators' questions," he said. "Updating and revising these laws ensures that North Carolina remains an attractive environment in which to start and operate a business."

Later was invited to participate in the hearing based on his experience with limited liability companies and his involvement with the Busi-ness Law Council of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Later is a member of the Business Law Council of the North Carolina Bar Association. The 12 members of the Business Law Council serve as the Board of Directors for the Business Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Later is also a member of the Committee on Limited Liability Corporations, Partner-ships and Unincorporated Entities of the American Bar Association.

Later represents business and nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities. He advises clients in matters including corporate governance, government and private-sector contract law, mergers and acquisitions, asset and equity sales, and private equity placements. He also assists business clients in the creation of succession planning strategies for owners of privately-held businesses that anticipate generational change.

Later also represents employers in related business matters, including confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, non-competition agreements, employment contracts, employment terminations, employee handbooks, sexual harassment, and compliance with state and federal employment laws.