Business Law Legal Questions, Answered

Vet litigation counsel on subject-matter fit, trial credibility, staffing model, budget discipline, and conflicts — before the dispute forces a rushed choice.

Money, effort, control, exits, and misconduct — the five conflicts behind most partnership disputes, the documents that decide them, and the resolution paths…

Entity choice, the lease, licensing, partners, and employment compliance — the five legal structure decisions that determine whether a restaurant survives it…

Premises claims, food safety, alcohol service, security, employment actions, and ADA — the six liability categories hospitality operators face, and the compl…

Tortious interference occurs when someone improperly interferes with your business relationships or contracts. Here is what it involves and what remedies exist.

A promissory note is a written promise to repay a debt. Here is what it includes and how it differs from other debt instruments.

Piercing the corporate veil allows creditors to hold owners personally liable for a company's debts when the corporate form has been abused. Here is when and…

A joint venture is a collaborative business arrangement between two or more parties for a specific project. Here is how joint ventures are structured and wha…

Commercial lease security deposits protect landlords from tenant default. Here is how they work, how much is typical, and what happens when the lease ends.

Corporate governance refers to the rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Here is what it means for boards and officers.

Antitrust laws prohibit anticompetitive business practices that harm consumers. Here is how antitrust law works and what conduct is prohibited.

A confidentiality agreement protects sensitive information shared in business relationships. Here is what these agreements cover and how they are enforced.

A hostile takeover is an acquisition attempt opposed by the target company's board. Here is how hostile takeovers work and what defenses companies use.

A force majeure clause excuses contract performance when extraordinary events make performance impossible. Here is how these clauses work and when they apply.

A material adverse change clause allows a buyer to walk away from a deal if the target company experiences a significant negative event. Here is how MAC clau…

A shareholder derivative lawsuit lets shareholders sue on behalf of the corporation when management has harmed it. Here is how these cases work.

Trade secret misappropriation occurs when someone steals or improperly uses confidential business information. Here is what it involves and how to protect yo…

Business litigation resolves commercial disputes through the court system. Here is how business lawsuits work and when litigation is the right tool.

A letter of intent outlines the key terms of a proposed deal before a binding contract is drafted. Here is what it includes and what is binding.

Contract negotiation is the process of reaching mutually acceptable terms before signing. Here is how to approach it and what to protect.

Partnership disputes can threaten the business and the relationship. Here is how disputes are resolved and what your options are when things go wrong.

Business owners face significant legal obligations to employees. Here is a plain-language overview of the key employment laws every employer must understand.

A franchise agreement grants you the right to operate a business under an established brand. Here is what it covers and what to review before signing.

Intellectual property includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Here is how each type of protection works for your business.

Breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. Here is what it means, what you must prove, and what remedies are av…

An NDA protects confidential business information shared with employees, contractors, and partners. Here is how NDAs work and what they cover.

Business succession planning ensures your business continues after you retire, become disabled, or die. Here is how to plan for a smooth transition.

A buy-sell agreement pre-determines what happens to a business owner's interest when they die, retire, or want to leave. Here is why every business needs one.

A shareholders agreement governs the relationship between co-owners of a corporation, including voting rights, share transfers, and buyouts.

An LLC operating agreement governs how the business is run, how profits are distributed, and what happens when members disagree or leave. Here is what it sho…

LLCs and corporations both limit personal liability but are taxed and governed differently. Here is how to choose the right structure for your business.

Non-compete agreements restrict where you can work after leaving a job. Here is how they work, when they are enforceable, and what your options are.

A breach of contract occurs when a party fails to perform a contractual duty without legal excuse. Material vs. minor breach, your remedies, and what to do f…

Mediation is facilitated negotiation, arbitration is private judging, litigation is public court. Cost, speed, privacy, appeal rights — how to choose the rig…