One of the most common questions I get when discussing trademarks is when is an appropriate time to submit an application for a registration of a trademark. It is a good question that involves a number of factors. But the trademark office breaks things down...
Many small and creative businesses are interested in trademarking their business name or logo. While it may seem like a daunting task and does take some time (approximately six months without any bumps in the road), registering a trademark is something that can be done...
I want to talk for a moment about a legislative campaign called “Ban the Box.” Essentially, Ban the Box is a prohibition on asking job applicants if they have been convicted of a crime. Most job applications have a question: have you ever been convicted...
When I first set out to open my own firm, I had a vision of being a pro-active attorney and an advisor rather than just a reactive problem problem-solver. I wanted to be an advisor to small businesses to give them access to affordable, consistent legal services, and...
I am often called to review employee manuals to ensure both their legal compliance and make an opinion about what is appropriate and what’s not. Many employers are interested in legal support for their Employee Manuals to determine what kinds of policies can help protect...
One of the most important functions of any contract is identifying and managing risk. Most people prefer to avoid confrontation. With conflict avoidance comes a reluctance to address what could go wrong that could possibly ruin a relationship. But, identifying and managing the risk is...
One of the frequent talks that I give to small business owners who are just starting out is the concept of legal risk management. Part of that discussion with new business owners is really what should happen when something goes wrong with the business. I advise...
On a daily basis, any small business owner has to think about finances, legality, relationships, insurance, customers, vendors, suppliers. It is almost impossible for one person to be able to manage all of those aspects all of the time. But a business doesn’t have to...
Often when I’m advising small business owners I tell them that they need to assemble a Management Team. After telling me they can’t afford a management team, many of my clients ask: What does a management team look like? Who would be involved in that...