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When Do You Need a Company Lawyer?
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been up and running for a while, now’s the time to consider having a go-to lawyer for your business. When you actually need an attorney in live-time, you’ll lose valuable time sharing your books, ideas, questions, and issues.
5 Startup Legal Shortcuts That Can Be Expensive
Although every startup is unique, there are certain common avoidable mistakes that can lead to legal complications that jeopardize the long-term success of the business. I’m not suggesting that every startup needs a lawyer, but you should definitely pay attention, and not be afraid to consult legal counsel if any of these raise qualms for you.
After LLC Formation, What’s the Next Step?
After you form a limited liability company, the first thing you should do is draft an operating agreement. And if you’ve already formed a limited liability company or you’ve already formed any kind of entity, you want to draft the equivalent of an operating agreement, as an internal document among co-owners.
What Are Disparate Impact and Disparate Treatment?
Perhaps the most common type of discrimination claim that employers face is disparate treatment. Disparate impact and disparate treatment are two legal theories of discrimination, and it’s critically important that you protect yourself and your business from these kinds of actions.
Using an Attorney in Negotiations
Negotiations are an area where small businesses often call for help from an attorney, but the decision to let an attorney handle negotiations can be tricky. So how do you know whether to let your attorney negotiate on your behalf or just be a sounding board to provide you with guidance?
The Small Business Non-Compete Agreement: Why It’s a Good Idea
Employees are often trusted with confidential and sensitive material while under your employment. But what happens when they are no longer working for the company, or have left for a competitor, taking all that valuable information with them?
Contract Agreements Every Small Business Should Have in Place
It might be tempting to seal a deal with a handshake. After all, verbal formalities just slow things down—and as a small business owner, you’ve got countless other things to do to run your business. However, having the proper contracts in place will give you and your business solid legal protection should the need arise.
How to Know When You Need a Contract
Do you sometimes lie awake at night wondering what will happen if your biggest customer doesn’t pay you? How about if the vendor handling your website upgrade takes off with your thousand-dollar down payment? These scenarios would be a nightmare for any bootstrapping entrepreneur—and they happen all the time.
Intellectual Property Awareness
What happens if you’re trying to do business on a national or global level? One thing is certain. You’re going to have intellectual property issues to deal with. And you may not even realize that these issues exist. Here are a few things to think about in determining whether you need outside help.
Why People Don’t Seek Legal Counsel
Many people who are in a situation where they could really use legal counsel choose not to get it. There are a number of reasons for this, including personality, intimidation, and cost concerns. Managing these issues will help you determine whether you need to seek outside help.
