Business Law
Important Considerations for Scaling Your Small Business
Posted on January 5, 2021

Being a small business owner is hard work. In my 30-plus years as a business law attorney, business owner, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I have learned many lessons. One of these is that an entrepreneur must always be thinking of new and creative ways to find success. If you are a small business owner like me, you are probably constantly thinking of ways to grow your business. You are likely searching for more opportunities and ways to expand your customer base and increase your profits. Of course, there is […]
Questionable Lawsuits and the Importance of General Counsel
Posted on December 30, 2020

There is little question that we live in a very litigious society. With the exception of a few landmark pieces of legislation, many of the rules by which we live have evolved from years of lawsuits being filed by one party against another which force the courts to interpret various laws and their applicability under the U.S. Constitution. Sometimes, however, a person will file a civil lawsuit that leaves many people wondering what could possibly have led to such an action. In my practice as a business law attorney, I […]
Charitable Giving for Your Company
Posted on December 16, 2020

As a business owner, you assume a number of obligations to your staff, your creditors, and your customers. In many ways, you also have a responsibility to yourself, ensuring that your efforts are properly directed and aimed at increasing efficiency, success, and profitability. In addition to all of these concerns, you also probably recognize the importance of giving back to the community that affords you the opportunity to be successful. Never has this been more important than it is today, as people across the country struggle to cope with the […]
Prepare for 2021 With an End-of-Year Analysis of Your Business
Posted on December 10, 2020

Get your business ready for 2021 by conducting a comprehensive end-of-year review.
What You Should Know About Training Your Successor
Posted on December 2, 2020

If you are reading this as a business owner, I want you to take a moment to think about what your company will look like in 20 years. Are you still in charge or has control of your business been passed down to a family member or other successor? Maybe you have sold the company entirely and walked away with a substantial profit that will provide a solid foundation for your retirement. Whatever you see as the best possible future for your business requires careful consideration and planning, but with […]
Protecting Your Small Business From Common Lawsuits
Posted on November 24, 2020

When you own and operate a small business, it can be the realization of a lifelong dream. Many business owners are drawn to the freedom and financial opportunities offered by owning and running a successful company. As a business law attorney and a small business owner, I also realize the risks that come with business ownership. For example, small business owners are always operating under the fear of facing a lawsuit. A small business can be sued for a plethora of reasons. Even if the cause of action has little […]
With New COVID-19 Restrictions Possible, Positivity Is More Important Than Ever
Posted on November 17, 2020

There is no question that 2020 has been a year like none of us have ever experienced. We are now nearly eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent general election was perhaps the most divisive that we have ever seen in our lifetime. Back in March, the state of Illinois and the City of Chicago—along with much of the country—instituted stay-at-home orders and lockdowns of various businesses designed to slow the spread of the contagious disease. In early summer, as the count of infected individuals started to level […]
The Dangers of Overbroad Non-Compete Agreements
Posted on November 10, 2020

Many employers require their workers to sign non-compete agreements (NCAs), especially when the employees have unique talents or abilities. Employers are within their rights to try and limit any damage that may be caused to their brand by an employee’s departure, but if they overstep legal bounds, the non-compete agreement may be declared invalid. As a business law attorney, I am often asked about non-compete agreements by my clients. I remind them that they must be careful when requiring employees to sign NCAs, but when used properly, such agreements can protect […]
The Importance of a Shared Vision in a Business Merger
Posted on November 3, 2020

Business mergers, when done right, can be mutually beneficial for all involved parties. However, there are some serious challenges that companies must overcome when dealing with mergers and acquisitions. Without the proper planning and preparation, these obstacles can lead to financial loss, a lack of shareholder returns, and possibly even complete financial devastation. As an experienced business law attorney, I understand the potential advantages and the potential pitfalls of a merger or acquisition. Whether you are interested in purchasing an existing business or you believe your business will fare better […]
What You Should Know About Incurring Startup Debt for Your Business
Posted on October 28, 2020

As a small business owner and a business law attorney, I understand that starting a new business venture requires money—or capital, as it is often called in the in the corporate world. Some new owners fund their fledgling business through investors or with money they have set aside for just that purpose while others take out loans. According to a new study, the type of loans that a business owner takes out may be linked to the future success of his or her company. Business vs. Personal Loans Unless a […]
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Please note: These blogs have been created over a period of time and laws and information can change. For the most current information on a topic you are interested in please seek proper legal counsel.