When does a small business need a lawyer? That is a good question that most small business owners do not ask. Actually, many small business owners may not even think about a lawyer until they have an issue that is causing them to lose sleep, such as being faced with a lawsuit. What most entrepreneurs don't think about is that if they were to bring an attorney into their planning process when they are just starting Read More
Workplace violence – can you protect your employees?
In California, workplace violence is not as uncommon you might think. Here, in California, an employer may be able to convince a judge to issue a restraining order, which is a court order, that may be used to curtail threats of violence against its employees. Under the right circumstances and allegations of actual or potential workplace violence, a judge may order a specific person not to: Threaten or harass Read More
What is Small Business?
"What is small business?" is an often asked question. The Small Business Administration defines small in terms of average number of employees over a period of time and "average annual receipts." But to determine whether your small entity qualifies under their parameters, you need to make several assessments to get there, actually you almost need a flow chart. No wonder everyone has their own answer to the Read More
Do I Need a Fictitious Business Name or a DBA?
The application for a Fictitious Business Name also known as Doing Business As (DBA) depends on many factors in California. If you are operating your business as any one of the below-listed entities Corporation limited liability partnership (LLPs) limited liability company (LLCs) then you do not need to file for a fictitious business name if your company is operating under the exact same name as the name Read More
What is a Trusted Advisor?
An entire book has been written on what a trusted advisor is, but basically a trusted advisor is a person you might trust to be in the inner circle of your business or someone you might rely to help you run your company in an efficient and effective manner. You may need more than one trusted advisor, for instance, you might want to have a trusted advisor for accounting, legal, financial advising, banking, insurance, Read More
Pleasanton Business Lawyer
We all have those nagging questions – some as inconsequential as where we’re going for lunch and some that keep us up at night worrying. As your Pleasanton Business Lawyer, it does not matter if you are just starting your business or in the thick of it trying to make it more successful, you may be worried about these things that I can help you with: How to select a business entity that is the best for for your Read More
Arbitration: How Does It Work?
Arbitration can be an alternative for your business to filing a lawsuit in court and ultimately going to trial. You are probably wondering what that means, so read on... Usually, you will agree to arbitrate in advance in your contract as the method which any dispute would be resolved. You may want to check you contracts and see if they have these provisions that will guide you should you find your self in the Read More
Don’t Break Your Lease – Renegotiate It
Do you have a lease and encountered any of these problems in your business recently? Your sales have dropped off…making it a challenge to pay your lease. You’ve taken a big hit from an unexpected expense…proving it difficult to make ends meet, including paying your lease. You’ve lost your biggest client (or clients) and your cash flow is on life support…putting your lease in jeopardy. You’re not alone. These Read More
Seven Money Tips to Manage Your Business When Money Is Tight
You can loose sleep over money even on a good day… But when you’re running a small business and the country’s economy takes a hit like ours has in the last couple of years, money problems can take you and your business under in a flash. A few tips to consider on the financial side of your business when money is tight: 1. Remember cash is king. Before you decide to make a capital purchase for your company that will Read More
Is Franchise Ownership All Its Cracked Up to Be?
We have all heard the dreadful statistics about how many new businesses fail within the first year and first few years of business. Franchise owners tout these statistics because the rate of survival for a franchise is much higher. Why? You might ask, we'll it's mainly about the systems. If you are contemplating a new business you should at least consider purchasing a franchise. It may not be a good fit for you Read More
