Entering into a business partnership requires a significant amount of trust. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for relationships to dramatically change over time. In extreme situations, it might become necessary to sue your business partner to protect your investment...
Business Law
What happens to contracts when you sell your business?
When you sell your business, the sale will involve more than agreeing on a price and signing closing documents. The contracts tied to your business can affect what the buyer takes over, what obligations may stay with you and whether the transaction proceeds as...
Understanding the risks of employee misclassification
California has some of the strictest labor laws in the country, making worker classification a top priority for any business. For leaders and executives, getting this wrong can lead to expensive legal battles and government fines. Understanding the difference between...
What to know about dispute resolution clauses in contracts
Business contracts do more than outline services or payment terms. They also address what may happen if a disagreement arises between the parties. One provision that appear in many agreements is a dispute resolution clause. These clauses explain how parties should...
Should your small business choose an LLC or S-Corp?
Choosing a business structure affects how you pay taxes, run your company, and plan for the future. In California, many small business owners compare limited liability companies and S-corporations because both offer liability protection. Even so, each structure...
When does a handshake deal become legally binding?
A handshake deal feels simple and quick, but it can still carry legal weight. California law treats many informal agreements the same as written contracts. You should know when your words and actions form a binding deal. How California defines an enforceable agreement...
3 ways to ease the transition process when selling a business
The sale of a business can be lucrative for a property owner. Typically, those who sell businesses worry primarily about optimizing the revenue generated. However, many business owners feel a sense of obligation to their customers or clients. They may also feel...
4 tax pitfalls to avoid when selling your business
Selling your business can feel like the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance finally paying off. However, there’s more to it than just signing papers and shaking hands. What many business owners don’t expect is how heavily taxes can shape the...
3 options when ending a business partnership
Business partnerships allow two or more people to share in the obligations of running a company. Partners may enjoy a lifelong working relationship where they rely on one another. Unfortunately, not all business partners enjoy a healthy, lasting dynamic. In some...
What happens if another business steals our trade secret?
Trade secrets encompass any confidential business information that provides a competitive edge. This can include formulas, practices, designs, processes, or any other information that is not generally known and is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy....

