Happy Friday, and a conclusion to “Small Business Week”. President Barack Obama has proclaimed May 1-7, 2016 “National Small Business Week.” I follow the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, if you are a small business owner you should check the organization out. In regards to National Small Business Week, SBE Council president & CEO KarenContinue reading “Small Business Owners: Avoid these Pitfalls”
Tag Archives: Business owners
“Prince Died Without a Will.” Business Owners Should Ask the Question: Who Are My Advisers?
Yesterday, the ABAJournal posted that Prince’s sister filed in court claiming Prince died without a will. A year ago I posted about some lessons from Robin Williams’ Estate. I wrote about Robin Williams’ Estate as “an example of the problems that can erupt after a loved one passes away – even if that loved oneContinue reading ““Prince Died Without a Will.” Business Owners Should Ask the Question: Who Are My Advisers?”
Michigan Business Law Update on Non-Competition Agreements.
I received a question in response to a recent post on non-competition legislation. The question was: “are non-competition agreements unenforceable in Michigan?” I will give you the typical lawyer answer: “it depends“. In theory, CNCs are enforceable in Michigan. Under certain circumstances, they are not. A February 18, 2016 unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals decision is helpful to illustrate whenContinue reading “Michigan Business Law Update on Non-Competition Agreements.”
Business Litigation News: Dispute Resolution…Online?
The ABAJournal reported on “Online Dispute Resolution” (“ODR”) Is online dispute resolution the wave of the future? In the past, I’ve posted about the benefits of alternative dispute resolution for businesses. The primary benefit: litigation is expensive! According to the ABAJournal, Colin Rule, the founder of an online dispute resolution software, Modria, had this to sayContinue reading “Business Litigation News: Dispute Resolution…Online?”
Michigan Entrepreneurs and Start-ups: House Resolution Supports Crowdfunding for Start-up Businesses
On March 3, Representative Tom Barrett introduced House resolution 235 (HR 235). Today HR 235 was on the agenda for the Commerce and Trade Committee Meeting. HR 235 is a “resolution to support the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent adoption of rules pursuant to Title III of the JOBS Act which are designed to facilitate small and start-upContinue reading “Michigan Entrepreneurs and Start-ups: House Resolution Supports Crowdfunding for Start-up Businesses”
Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.
This morning I was reading a legal blog “Above the Law” – the article was written by an attorney named John Balestriere The article was titled “The Un-Sweet Spot Of Litigation“ This article provides very practical advice for my clients – small/closely-held businesses. John makes a great point – the court system is impractical for “most disputes”.Continue reading “Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.”
Current News and a”Non-Disparagement Clause”
In those rare instances where I’ve been asked to comment to reporters on a court case I was involved in, or asked to provide an opinion on matters of law, I’ve admittedly been a bit reluctant to share. Why? This latest headline from the ABAJournal may fill you in: New York appeals court says clientContinue reading “Current News and a”Non-Disparagement Clause””
Michigan LLCs – Maintain your Corporate Formalities and Keep up your Guard.
Yesterday I received an e-mail reminder from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) LLC owners are reminded that annual filing fees and statements must be filed by February 15. “Annual statements and annual reports can be filed online at http://www.michigan.gov/fileonline.” LARA sent a reminder as follows: “Also, the act provides that ifContinue reading “Michigan LLCs – Maintain your Corporate Formalities and Keep up your Guard.”
Business Contracts and Lawsuits: Isn’t it All a Matter of Interpretation?
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?”
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”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 