Negative Online Reviews – Do They Constitute Business Defamation?
We are living in the digital age and consumers use the internet to make a variety of decisions, including what products to buy and what professionals to hire. During their research, many savvy consumers go online to look at the reviews the business has received on local business directories like Yelp or Google+. These...
Negative Online Reviews – Do They Constitute Business Defamation? Continue reading…Should Employers Enroll in E-Verify? Pros and Cons
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA), offers E-Verify to help employers instantly determine an employee's eligibility to work. Initial confirmations and "Tentative Non Confirmations" are available in as little as three to five seconds.
The voluntary Internet-based program works by comparing the information from an...
Should Employers Enroll in E-Verify? Pros and Cons Continue reading…Form I-9 Inspections
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires employers to verify the identity of their employees and their eligibility to work in the U.S. To comply, employers must retain original I-9 Forms for current employees and, for former employees, keep them for at least three years. These need not be submitted to the government but...
Form I-9 Inspections Continue reading…Privacy and Security in Business
Almost every business collects uses and records customer information in some way, shape or form. Your business may obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, credit and debit card information, social security numbers or health care and insurance information in the ordinary course of business. This data is often required in order for you to be...
Privacy and Security in Business Continue reading…Franchise Agreements
A franchise agreement is a contract that governs a franchise relationship. These agreements are entered into by the franchisor, the entity that owns the business model, and the franchisee, the individual or entity that will run a location of the business. While the terms of each contract are unique to the particular deal, most...
Franchise Agreements Continue reading…Common Area Expenses in Commercial Leases
There are different types of commercial leases, such as gross leases, modified gross leases and net leases. One variation of the net lease is a “triple net” lease, in which the tenant is liable for a net amount of property taxes, insurance and common area maintenance relating to the property they are possessing. Most...
Common Area Expenses in Commercial Leases Continue reading…Do Single Member LLCs Provide Asset Protection?
A limited liability company is a very popular business form that combines some of the best features of a corporation and a partnership. Like a partnership, an LLC is taxed through its individual members. Like a corporation, it provides limited liability to its members. In most situations, the personal assets of LLC members cannot...
Do Single Member LLCs Provide Asset Protection? Continue reading…What Your Loved Ones Absolutely Need to Know About Your Estate Plan
The conversation about a person’s last wishes can be an awkward one for both the individual who is the topic of conversation and his or her loved ones. The end of someone’s life is not a topic anyone looks forward to discussing. It is, however, an important conversation that must be had so that...
What Your Loved Ones Absolutely Need to Know About Your Estate Plan Continue reading…How to Negotiate a Commercial Real Estate Lease
There are number of considerations for business owners involved in negotiating a commercial lease, not the least of which is the fact that the main objective of landlords is to maximize profits. By understanding the following fundamental concepts, it is possible to make a good deal.
Market Conditions
First, understanding the market conditions...
How to Negotiate a Commercial Real Estate Lease Continue reading…Legal Concerns When Doing Business Online
We live in a digital world and if you are not doing business online you could be missing out on the profits and other benefits of this marketplace. If you want to expand your business horizons using the internet, you should be aware of the legal implications that may come along with the benefits. ...
Legal Concerns When Doing Business Online Continue reading…Should I Transfer My Home to My Children?
Most people are aware that probate should be avoided if at all possible. It is an expensive, time-consuming process that exposes your family’s private matters to public scrutiny via the judicial system. It sounds simple enough to just gift your property to your children while you are still alive, so it is not subject...
Should I Transfer My Home to My Children? Continue reading…Legal Concerns for Businesses Engaged in Social Networking
Social media is a phenomenon and in this day and age, it is rare that an individual, organization or business does not utilize it. The use of websites like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin can be of great benefit to your business and can assist in advertising, marketing and branding. But, it is important to...
Legal Concerns for Businesses Engaged in Social Networking Continue reading…