Business Law

If you are a small business owner, you probably already know that how you approach relationships with other businesses and entrepreneurs is a large part of running a successful business. Ideally, business professionals should always honor handshake agreements. Unfortunately, informal business agreements are not always respected by the other party. This is why it is so crucial that agreed-upon details of business decisions and transactions should be formalized in writing. In many circumstances, a formal non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, can be integral in protecting a company’s professional interests. What is […]

When you own and operate a business, it is up to you to set your own policies and rules. As we have discussed previously in various posts on this blog, it is important for your policies to be reasonable and in line with your company’s objectives. It is also important for you to be consistent in enforcing your policies and rules. Inconsistency on your part could damage your reputation, and in extreme cases, could lead to allegations of favoritism or discrimination. As a business law attorney, I was amused to […]

There are few things in business that are as competitive as bids for a large project are. Even larger and more prestigious projects are likely to attract the absolute best an industry has to offer. This was certainly the case for the terminal expansion project planned for Terminal 2 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. As a business attorney practicing in Northern Illinois, I was pleased to learn that the project’s selection committee chose a design firm headed by a Chicago-based architect. I am aware, however, of concerns that some have […]

As a business law attorney, my entire profession centers around the relationship between the business world and the law. There are countless laws that govern business and commerce in the United States, and it is my job to help business owners work within the law to achieve success. This week, however, an announcement by a particular New England company offered a unique perspective on the law—or at on least one of the recognizable names associated with the practice of law in the United States. Boston-based Samuel Adams announced that a […]

If I were to ask you to think about the security of your business, what would come to mind? For many business owners, the first answer would probably involve things like ID cards, video surveillance systems, and data backups. These types of security measures can absolutely be beneficial, especially if your business is a retail store or firm that deals with confidential and important information. But, what about the other, less tangible things pertaining to your company? A new ID card entry system may keep would-be thieves out, but it […]

Think about the last app you downloaded for your tablet or smartphone. When you installed the app, did your device tell you that the app needed certain permissions to run properly? It is not uncommon for mobile apps to ask for access to your device’s camera, microphone, call status, and more. While you might have looked at the permission request and approved it, logging into your new app probably prompted another question: “Do you agree to our terms and conditions?” Tapping “yes” allows you to proceed while tapping “no” renders […]

As a business law attorney, I am well aware that Illinois is an “at-will employment” state. This means that an employer-employee relationship can be terminated by either the employer or the employee at any time and for any reason—including no reason at all. However, there are some important limitations and exclusions that employers should know about before they terminate an employee. In recent posts on this blog, we looked at practical issues associated with firing an employee, but we did not talk much about how at-will employment could affect your […]

Walk into a Walmart anywhere in the country, and you will most likely be welcomed with a smile by an employee in a blue vest. The employee might ask you need a cart or a shopping basket or offer your child a sticker, but he or she will almost certainly say something along the lines of, “Welcome to Walmart.” As a business law attorney, I realize that Walmart greeters serve several purposes, including reduced losses due to shoplifting and an overall better shopping experience for customers. The position has also […]

As a business owner, you are probably no stranger to having guests on your property. You probably have employees, vendors, contractors, and customers coming and going all the time. As you know, it is your responsibility to keep your staff and guests safe, but accidents can and will happen from time to time. When they do, unfortunately, injuries are possible. In my practice as a business law attorney, I work closely with my business-owner clients to help them minimize the risks associated with such accidents. Regardless of what type of […]