Yes, definitely.

It is common practice for start-up and growth-stage companies to offer shares to employees, or options to acquire shares. Issuing shares is an inexpensive way, at least initially, for a new company to hire talented people before it can afford to pay market rate salaries, and helps to align the interests of the persons who are issued shares with the interests of the majority shareholders and the company.

Buying a business without hiring a corporate lawyer to assist in the purchase is foolish. There are too many complex legal issues to address. Failing to address any of these issues will likely cost you much more than the cost of hiring a lawyer in the first place.

A corporate lawyer with experience in business acquisitions will help you buy what you think you are buying, and will make sure you are not assuming liabilities you know nothing about. For example, some businesses are straddled with debt or have other obligations that mean they should never be acquired at any price (or only in compliance with bankruptcy laws).