Periodic updates on legal issues important to business leaders and creative professionals, from the creation of corporate entities and contract negotiation to employment counseling, risk mitigation, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
A nonprofit’s board of directors determines the culture, direction, and ultimate success of the organization. Accordingly, nonprofits should prioritize the selection and training of the members of its board of directors. Given the extent of their impact, it is critical that every board member understands their responsibilities to the organization in their role.
Read MoreOne of the largest costs for many businesses is their commercial lease. While business owners often hire an attorney to review the lease itself, it is not as common for them to consider retaining an attorney to assist when negotiating a letter of intent (LOI) related to the lease, which typically serves as the foundation to the eventual lease.
The checklist below offers some insight and issues to consider when reviewing an LOI.
Read MoreMost companies already understand the importance of maintaining a website. At its core, a website helps people understand your brand and what you sell. A website also gives you credibility and helps consumers, employees, business partners, and others decide whether to engage with you.
Much like having a website is an important part of your business development, implementing appropriate website policies is critical to protect your business from unintended liability. Read on for guidance related to certain recommended website policies.
Read MoreBuying a franchise is often a life-changing event, and it is important to understand your risks and obligations before finalizing the deal. To help protect your interests while making your investment decision, read on for steps that you can take and questions you may want to consider when evaluating a possible franchise purchase.
Read MoreA consumer’s typical contract review focuses on particulars related to the deal—for example, the price, the date for performance, and the services, products, or materials purchased. Often, the general terms and conditions (GTCs) of the agreement are quickly examined or overlooked. Normally, this limited review is not a problem. However, if things go awry, the GTCs can significantly impact the outcome of any related dispute.
Read MoreA common belief among business owners is that any person hired to perform services on behalf of the organization can be classified as an independent contractor so long as the worker agrees or has signed a written contract. However, this is a misconception, and inadvertently misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor leaves businesses open to substantial liability.
Read MoreHiring employees is an endeavor full of pitfalls for small business owners. One issue that often causes confusion for even the savviest of business owners is whether to pay overtime compensation to employees.
Read MoreDuring the pandemic, many business leaders have dusted off their commercial lease, often for the first time since signing it. These lease reviews are generally being conducted to understand any options available for delaying or lowering monthly rent as well as terminating the lease. This blog post examines those issues.
Read MoreThe limited liability company (LLC) has increasingly become the entity of choice for most small businesses in Texas. If you are considering whether to create an LLC for your business, you may be wondering what benefits you really get from creating a separate entity and whether it’s worth the additional paperwork and cost involved. Read on for some guidance to these questions.
Read MoreThe Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), provides new federally mandated leave requirements that generally apply to all public and private employers with fewer than 500 employees. The new leave, Paid Sick Leave (PSL) and Expanded Family and Medical Leave (Expanded FMLA), must be provided from April 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.
Read MoreMany business owners, concerned about potential future COVID-19 exposure claims from employees and/or customers, are considering whether they should use waivers of liability to help address these concerns. Below is some information to reflect upon before introducing such waivers.
Read MoreIn an effort to provide continued support to our local small business community, I have compiled the following list of preliminary issues and steps for business leaders to consider as they begin to slowly expand or restart operations.
Read MoreAs local businesses have begun expanding and reopening their operations, a unique issue has emerged—some employees are refusing to return to work, often out of concerns related to COVID-19.
Read More
