As lenders ease credit conditions following the Great Recession, new business formation in the U.S. is on the rise. If you are starting a business in 2015, be sure you pay attention to the following prerequisites: Discuss with legal counsel which corporate structure is best for your business: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (C or S), […]
Read MoreWhen you hear the name “Oprah,” you think of one person. Not only because the name itself is so unique, but also because billionaire entrepreneur and media mogul Oprah Winfrey has done such an outstanding job of protecting and promoting her brand. A recent article at Entrepreneur.com examined the legal strategies Oprah has employed to […]
Read MoreCompleting your small business taxes for 2014 may already be in your rear view mirror, but the stress of taking time out of your business to do them may be lingering. Even if you have filed an extension, there’s always next year. And, you may be surprised to hear this, but this is the time […]
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 MoreAs a business owner, you likely spend most of your time thinking about money, profit margins and cash flow. But, your most valuable resource is actually your time and it’s time for you to invest a lot more of your energy using money, which is infinitely renewable, to free up what’s nonrenewable, your time, energy […]
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 MoreIt is a common misconception that oral contracts are not enforceable. It is true that certain agreements must be in writing to be enforceable. For example, the statute of frauds requires agreements involving real property, marriage, performance over multiple years and the sale of goods over $500 to be in writing. If an oral agreement […]
Read MoreMany business owners encounter cash flow problems at one time or another, primarily due to slow collection on past due invoices. However, the way you invoice can help you avoid late payments. Here are six tips to good billing practices: Identify each service or good being provided along with its cost. Be sure to include […]
Read MoreThe question of whether an employee’s LinkedIn contacts can be considered trade secrets belonging to a former employer is a question currently before a Central California district court. In Cellular Accessories For Less, Inc. v. Trinitas, LLC, defendant David Oakes was a sales account manager for Cellular Accessories for Less, Inc., a company that sells […]
Read MoreHoliday parties that had fallen victim to the economic recession are now back at many offices across the country, and are a wonderful way to show your appreciation for your employees and their hard work during the year. However, business owners are also wary of hosting parties that could leave them with a legal hangover. […]
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