Starting a Business: What's First?
Entrepreneurs tend to focus on forming the legal entity as the very first thing they do when they start a business. Yes, it’s important...
- Sep 6
- 1 min
You Made a Business Mistake: What's Next?
Billy and Marcy want to sue their business partner Jack because Jack took out a loan the company couldn’t afford to pay, and now the...
- Sep 1
- 1 min
How I Help: Quick Consultation
My client "Tom" has quit his job and is ready to start his own business. I recently reviewed the noncompete he signed with his former...
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Everything in a Contract is a Business Decision
Risk is what contracts are all about. Many people mistakenly think that some provisions of a contract are pure legal issues. Usually,...
- Aug 25
- 2 min
More boilerplate? Yes, please!
I was working my way through a contract recently and, like I always do, I scrolled to the last several pages. That’s right, the...
- Aug 23
- 1 min
I know it’s only boilerplate…but I like it.
Fine print. Boilerplate. Miscellaneous. In other words, the provisions at the end of a contract that no one cares about. Everybody...
- Aug 18
- 2 min
Contracts are Marketing Documents - Part 2
Here’s what happens when a company pays attention to how a contract reflects on the company’s brand. I represented a small HR training...
- Aug 16
- 1 min
Contracts are Marketing Documents - Part 1
Many small businesses head to the internet to find a contract template or ask their friends to give them a contract they can copy and use...
- Aug 4
- 1 min
Why Use a Real Lawyer? Part 2
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m not in competition with services like LegalZoom because they can’t – and don’t – give any legal...
- Aug 2
- 1 min
Why Use a Real Lawyer? Part 1
How on earth can I compete with online platforms that offer contracts and LLC set up for a fraction of what I charge? It’s a great...
- Jul 28
- 2 min
Contract Mistake: It's Probably not Worth Suing Over a Verbal Contract
Most of the time, it’s not worth it to litigate over a verbal contract because you never know how it’s going to end. My client Lester is...
- Jul 26
- 2 min
Contract Mistake: Not Reading the Contract Before Signing
Definitely avoid this contract mistake. Never sign a contract that you have not read or don’t understand. Sometimes contracts are...
- Jul 21
- 1 min
Contract Mistake: Doing Business on a Handshake
Here’s another contract mistake to avoid: Never agree to do a deal on a handshake. A verbal contract is the worst kind of contract there...
- Jul 19
- 1 min
Contract Mistake: No Early Termination Rights
Here's a common contract mistakes to avoid: When you sign a service contract, never agree to keep paying fees no matter what happens,...
- Jul 14
- 2 min
Contract Mistakes: Do You Feel Lucky?
My client Michael is a successful and very confident businessman. Usually. A few months ago, he called me about a breach of contract...
- Jul 7
- 1 min
Would you Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
Many states don’t require companies to have an operating agreement. Many states also don’t require motorcyclists to wear helmets, but...
- Jul 5
- 1 min
The Power of a Dispute Resolution Clause
Contract disputes don't always end up in court. But even if they don't, they are more expensive and take longer to resolve than they...
- Jun 28
- 1 min
Negotiate flexibility into your contracts
David’s marketing firm was a year into a long-term office lease when he felt like breaking the lease was his only option. The problem was...
- Jun 21
- 1 min
Negotiations Tip: Dealing with Emotions (yours)
In my last post, I talked about negotiating a deal with someone who gets emotional. But what about when emotions get to you? We’re all...
- Jun 14
- 1 min
Negotiations Tip: Dealing with Emotions (theirs)
Occasionally, during business negotiations, the other party will have an emotional outburst. It could be an intentional ploy, but usually...