Happy Friday! A few weeks back I posted about a trial that I had involving a dispute over the interpretation of a real estate contract. Back in December I posted about commercial leases and how courts will enforce the plain meaning of an “unambiguous” contract. These posts encourage “clear drafting” of business contracts. Ambiguous contractsContinue reading “Business Contracts and Lawsuits: Isn’t it All a Matter of Interpretation?”
Category Archives: business law
Lessons From Trial: WORDS MATTER when Drafting Real Estate Documents
I recently had a trial over a relatively simple real estate document (that, just to be clear, I played no part in drafting). The Owner and Buyer negotiated the terms of an option to purchase real estate. The Investor and Buyer negotiated terms that they both thought were plain. No one thought that the dealContinue reading “Lessons From Trial: WORDS MATTER when Drafting Real Estate Documents”
U.S. Supreme Court’s Latest Ruling – Businesses and Arbitration Clauses
As the USA Today article put it: “Score one for business over consumers at the Supreme Court this term” “The justices ruled 6-3 Monday that California customers cannot band together against satellite TV provider DIRECTV because a federal law favoring dispute resolution by individual arbitration trumps a state law that once protected such class actions.” Also see Yahoo.comContinue reading “U.S. Supreme Court’s Latest Ruling – Businesses and Arbitration Clauses”
Recent Delaware Law and Closely Held Business Disputes
I just read in the ABAJournal article that Delaware passed a law favorable to shareholders in litigation. “A law banning corporate bylaws that impose a hefty price on investors who file unsuccessful shareholder derivative suits has been signed by Delaware’s governor.” The Delaware legislature apparently recognizes the challenges that minority shareholders can face in closely held businesses.Continue reading “Recent Delaware Law and Closely Held Business Disputes”
Work to be Done: Removing Employment Barriers
Today I read several articles that left me impressed with the work that needs to be done to help those crippled with employment barriers. From the ABA Journal Post-conviction consequences make it difficult for ex-offenders to find jobs – here via @ABAJournal The ABAJournal notes that: “The U.S. economy loses up to $65 billion in output each yearContinue reading “Work to be Done: Removing Employment Barriers”
Social Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses – Update on Intrastate Crowdfunding
A recent Detroit Free Press article highlights the success of Tecumseh Brewing Co, the first business in Michigan to utilize Michigan’s intrastate crowdfunding exemption to securities registration, commonly referred to as the MILE Act. Crowdfunding: Potential for Start-up Businesses. As the Free Press article explains, The story of Tecumseh Brewing Co highlights why equity crowdfunding isContinue reading “Social Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses – Update on Intrastate Crowdfunding”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 