Are Handshake Deals Valid?
Business owners have contact with colleagues, vendors, customers, and contractors on a daily basis in the course of doing business. Often, a business conversation might include creating or firming up a deal between the two parties. But is a verbal contract enforceable by law? In the state of Pennsylvania, verbal agreements need to include these […]
Why Your Business Attorney Should Be On-Call
As your business grows, your time becomes ever more valuable. Out of necessity, your priority should be to focus on the work that moves your business forward, and that only you can do. One of the best strategies to maximize your own productivity is to hire outside professionals to support your processes and reduce your […]
Your company can avoid disastrous harassment lawsuits
In October of 2017 the #MeToo Movement spread like wildfire through the news and as a hashtag on social media. The primary goal of the movement was to illustrate the prevalence of sexual harassment, assault, and violence in the workplace. Women and men from all walks of life bravely told their stories with the hope […]
The 3 Most Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Don’t Know They Made
During the startup phase of a new business, the temptation is for the new business owner to focus almost exclusively on generating revenue and reducing expenses, so that they can make the business profitable as quickly as possible. Indeed, it is wise for a company to keep an eye on the bottom line, and the […]
The Benefits of An Operating Agreement
The Benefits of An Operating Agreement By Bernard Williams This article discusses the importance of an operating agreement in connection with an LLC business structure. Introduction The LLC is one of the most popular business structures today, and for good reason. With an LLC, your personal assets are protected from legal liabilities and debts. […]
Fair Labor Standards Act
Fair Labor Standards Act: Overtime and Minimum Wage Standards The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (“FLSA”) is the United States’ main wage law. It affects most employers in the U.S., even small businesses. The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector, and in the […]
The Importance of a Customized Internal Governance Document for your Business
Whether your business is a corporation, a limited liability company, or some other entity type, it is critical that your business has an internal governance document, typically in the form of either corporate bylaws or an operating agreement. An internal governance document that is customized to your business is important for the following reasons: […]
5 Things to Know Before Your Attorney Consultation
Before you meet with your attorney to discuss legal and business strategies for your startup, do your homework so that you can maximize the value you gain from the consultation. Here are five concepts you should be familiar with and tasks you should complete before you meet with your attorney: Write a Strong Business Plan Your business […]
Call Your Lawyer Before Buying a Business
Buying a business requires numerous legal considerations. It is all too common for a buyer to see the perfect opportunity with an asking price that seems reasonable given the market, location, revenue, and rent. You can run the numbers, do some due diligence, and verify that it is a profitable business. But are you familiar with the wide variety […]
7 Ways to Prevent Retaliation Claims Against Your Company
Retaliatory cases have been on the rise. Recent legislation has made it easier to file a retaliation case and has widened the scope of the damages available. How can you prevent retaliation claims against your business from current and former employees? And what actually constitutes a retaliatory claim? Your employee establishes that he or she was […]