If you own or run a business, you should seriously consider working with an outsourced general counsel regardless of your company's size. Attorneys who provide these outsourced legal services generally work with businesses that range in size from one person start-ups to entities that have a few hundred employees for fees that are affordable. These outside legal counsel typically work with smaller businesses Read More
Elements of a Business Plan
Business plans can flow easily from your pen ( or computer) or they can be a process that takes many hours. Whatever amount of time it takes to draft your business plan, think of it as time well spent because you will appreciate that plan as you move forward in your business. A good business plan will include each of the following elements: Executive Summary The executive summary section of your business plan Read More
Buy-Sell Agreement – Or – What Can Happen to Your Small Business When One Of Your Partners Leaves?
Starting a small business of your own can be a truly exhilarating experience. In the excitement of watching your dreams come to light right before your eyes, you may very well overlook one of the most important contracts you need to have in hand when you start your small business (if you have one or more partners) – the buy-sell agreement between co-owners. Simply put, every closely held company, whether a Read More
So You Want To Form a Limited Liability Company…
When you decide to start a business, one of the first decisions you’ll make is how to actually structure the business. Will you be a sole proprietor? Will you form a partnership? A corporation? Or will you opt for the popular Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) formation? A Limited Liability Company or “LLC” is a business structure allowed by state statute. One reason for their popularity is the feature that Read More
What Does an Outsourced General Counsel Do?
When you work with an outsourced general counsel they will take on the legal piece of your business, steer your company into compliance, and help you mitigate your legal risk. This lawyer should work with you rather than for you, be your trusted legal advisor. Generally, your outsourced general counsel will form your company using a business structure that benefits how you work, protects your assets, and considers Read More
Do You Have a Business Plan for Your Business?
Too many people that I have spoken with do not have a business plan. Why? Well, they are human and they do not want to box themselves in to one thought or idea. I understand their hesitation, I really do. I thought the same thing when I started my business, but what I learned over time is that a business plan should be a fluid document that is meant to be referred to often and either followed or changed. We all Read More
Sole Proprietor – What Is It and How Do I Become One?
Acting as a sole proprietor could be the most common form of business. A sole proprietor is a sole business owner, he or she has no partners. Also, since there is no distinction between the person and the entity all profits and losses are personal. Because the entity and the owner of the company are one in the same, any liabilities incurred by the company will be the personal liabilities of the owner and the sole Read More
What Business Entity Should I Create?
In short, it depends. The business entity that is best suited for your neighbor and her organization is not necessarily the best business entity for you and your company. There are many discussions that must take place before selecting the best entity structure. In California, there exist 5 basic types of business entities. They are: Sole Proprietorship - This is probably the simplest of the business structures Read More
What is an Outsourced General Counsel?
Yes, outsourcing is all the rage, sometimes good and sometimes, well.... An outsourced general counsel is an attorney who provides legal services to businesses, their owners and officers on an ongoing basis. I like to think of your lawyer as an integral piece of your business, your legal "piece" of mind. Do you need a business lawyer like this? Almost all large corporations have a general counsel or an in-house Read More
