Understanding S Corps and LLCs for Small Business Startups
A business startup has several options for legal structure. Each has pros and cons; the LLC structure, which stands for limited liability corporation, is used to protect a new business owner’s personal assets from liability or seizure in the case of business losses....Termination: Your Legal Responsibilities When You Let an Employee Go
Letting an employee go is challenging for everyone involved. With such a life-changing event, many in the business world feel it is prudent to be as open, honest, and prepared as possible for the way the terminated employee might respond to their termination. Right to...Communication During a Family Business Transition
Family relationships are challenging even in the best of times. During a major transition such as transferring ownership or control of a family business to the next generation, misunderstandings and poor communication can derail the best intentions and plans. A...Partnership Agreements and Other Contracts You Need When You Have a Business Partner
Are you thinking about starting a business with another person? If you are, you’ll need to set up specific contracts such as a partnership agreement. They’re necessary even if it’s your spouse, a relative, or friend who’s going to be your...Understanding Anti-Discrimination Laws for the Business Owner
Businesses in America must follow federal and state anti-discrimination laws. The anti-discrimination practices include treatment of employees of the business, treatment of customers, and business policies. Several areas that are not included in federal...Startup Legal Business Documents: Formation Documents for Early Stage Companies
Before approaching investors, many early stage companies get legal advice on several issues; especially those which can impact the long-term health and stability of the business. The most critical legal business documents for both potential investors and new hires are...Your Company’s Intellectual Property Rights: Challenges and Protections
The federal government maintains authority to regulate intellectual property, and it does so by registering IP through the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks. In the current environment of creative digital work, however, the issues...Incident Report: What Should You Do When a Customer is Injured
It’s one of a business owner’s worst nightmares. A customer is injured while visiting your store or office. It can be easy to panic, and even easier to take immediate responsibility or blame. Few people want to see somebody get hurt, and the reflex is...People Analytics: Data Privacy and Civil Rights
Algorithms make better hiring decisions than experienced hiring managers. Algorithms use data, called people analytics or talent analytics, to assess how a person or group of people will perform in a workplace over the course of a employee-lifecycle. These data...