Many business owners make the choice to operate as a limited liability company (LLC) for the personal liability protection this business entity provides. Beyond that, they may not give much thought to creating an LLC operating agreement since most states have LLC laws with default provisions that dictate how the LLC will be managed. However, […]
Read MoreWhile there is no such thing as a business with no risk, most savvy business owners look for ways to mitigate risk as much as possible. Being aware of these three legal risks will create an understanding for the future of your business. Trusting a verbal or handshake agreement. This is more common early in […]
Read MoreEvery business owner at one time or another needs legal advice. While it may be tempting to turn to the Internet for your legal needs, there are three important instances when you will want to consult with a real live Family Business Lawyer™: Entity Formation When you are ready to start your business, you will […]
Read MoreTerri Kelly, a mother of six who started her “second life” as an entrepreneur designing comfortable flip-flops, did everything right when she launched her company. First, she designed a great product that addressed a market need. She worked tirelessly to get her product into shops, boutiques and local stores. And she trademarked her unique branding […]
Read MoreEntrepreneurs often make up in enthusiasm what they lack in business experience, but passion alone is not enough to ensure the success of a startup. If you’re starting a new business, you need to watch for the following six legal snares that could potentially sink your startup: Lease agreements. A commercial lease is much different […]
Read MoreAccording to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of small business startups in the last 10 years have been home-based. Whether you are contemplating setting up shop at home as a consultant, a baker or a handy man, there are certain legalities that need to be considered to ensure you have protected yourself […]
Read MoreThese days, many people are reinventing their work lives by investing in a franchise. Franchises offer the benefit of a proven business model, making them attractive to new business owners who seek to manage risk and protect their investment. However, franchise agreements are not forever and there are circumstances when a franchise owner chooses — […]
Read MoreWhether it is due to the high unemployment rates that hit several years ago or the entrepreneurial itch Baby Boomers are now scratching instead of retiring, many married people have started their own businesses. These businesses could be put in jeopardy if the owners divorce. If you own a business, it is probably your largest […]
Read MoreIt’s pretty amazing to think of all the things we do online today that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But just because you can do something online doesn’t necessarily mean you should. And that certainly applies to fulfilling your company’s legal needs. Here are three reasons why do-it-yourself legal documents won’t […]
Read MoreThe Department of Labor has announced that legal rights given to married couples under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will now be granted to same-sex couples who marry in states that recognize same-sex marriage. Enacted in 1993, the FMLA allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific medical and family reasons, including a […]
Read MoreProtecting Your New Business From Trademark Infringement Liability Exposure Choosing a name for your new business is an important decision that could have a major impact on your company’s profitability. Before choosing a name for your business (not necessarily your corporate name, the name of your limited liability company or partnership because those could be […]
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