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In today’s “gig economy,” more and more companies are working with independent contractors. This can provide a number of benefits, including allowing employers to meet certain types of temporary needs and offering workers the flexibility to decide when and how they will complete work. However, business owners should be aware of legal issues that may affect them when they use independent contractors, and by working with a business law attorney, they can protect themselves from liability and ensure they are meeting all of their legal requirements.

When starting a business, there are many decisions to be made and likely a lot on your mind. Many people focus on what they are going to name the business or what their logo is going to look like and do not always think about what type of business structure they are going to use. Even though it is not the most glamorous topic to explore, it can be one of the most important. Your business structure affects the way you report income and claim taxes. For many people, a sole proprietorship is the easiest way to form their business. However, a sole proprietorship is not the right choice for everyone, which is why you should do your research before you make a decision.

If you are in the business field, you know how important it is to read your documents before you sign them, but many people simply skim the text before signing. In some cases, this may be OK, but when there is a possibility that you could get into trouble because of that document, the stakes can be high. In certain contracts, there are often clauses imposing restrictions on what actions an employee or business can take. These are called restrictive covenants and are a common part of many contracts, especially business and employment contracts. Understanding what these restrictive covenants entail is essential before you sign the document.

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic left many Americans struggling to make ends meet. Many employees saw pay cuts, a number of workers were furloughed, and some lost their jobs altogether. With economic conditions at an all-time low, many families were battening down the hatches and just trying to get by. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is circulating the country, with more and more people getting the shot each day, things are beginning to open back up, including Americans’ desire to move on to the next chapter of their lives. For some, this involves buying their first home. Being a first-time homebuyer is an exciting experience -- you begin to imagine your life unfolding in a place that you can call your own. While every home buyer may be looking for something a bit different, it is important that the following questions are considered before finalizing your purchase.

As a young business professional or recent business owner, your retirement likely seems years or decades away. Work can quickly become your main priority, especially if you are the owner of a business. Even if you are young and retirement is far in the future, it is important to have legal documents put in place that outlines what will happen with your business if you are no longer in charge. Do you want the business to be sold? Would you like your business passed down to another family member? With the help of a reputable business attorney, you can ensure that your vision for your company is met.

As a business owner, you are undoubtedly protective of the company that you have built and maintain a certain level of privacy when it comes to your business. Every business is bound to have secrets that only the owner, management, and your business lawyer are privy to. While the inner workings of your company should remain confidential to a certain extent, it is important to avoid being completely insular. Building your network and collaborating with other business owners is a simple way to grow your business and make it more successful. In fact, there are a number of benefits that business collaboration has to offer.

Years ago when you and your partner started your business, you were likely both on the same page. Perhaps you are family, best friends, or simply co-workers who came up with a brilliant business idea together. Whatever your outside relationship may be, when it comes to running a business, you must maintain a sense of professionalism, especially when arguments arise. Rarely do business partners agree on every decision being made, but some disagreements can become more contentious than others. There are four ways in which you and your business partner can settle a dispute, some of which can be done on your own while others require outside help.

If you have recently had a change in your financial circumstances--perhaps you lost your job, received a pay cut, or have taken on additional costs--the mortgage that has been affordable over the past decade may no longer be feasible. You may be concerned that because your mortgage exceeds your income, you will soon be on the path to losing your home. Without taking any additional action, foreclosure could soon be on the horizon. However, there are a number of actions that you can take before getting to this point, including refinancing your home.

Starting a business is an exciting endeavor. You have likely spent years considering a business idea in your head and are finally in the process of getting things off the ground. Having a good business idea is only the first step in creating a successful company. While this may be the foundation of your work, there are other things that are required during these initial stages. One of the most important aspects of building a business is choosing the right legal structure, also known as a business entity. This single decision impacts how your business will be run moving forward. But how do you know the difference between your options and determine which is the right one for you?