Business Law

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 […]

One of the most challenging and time-consuming parts of being a small business owner is managing employees. In a recent post on this blog, I talked about several things to avoid when firing an employee. Employers must make sure to be clear when they dismiss an employee. A worker who does not understand why he or she was fired may sue for wrongful termination. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to make mistakes such as these. In my practice as a business lawyer, I help business owners take steps […]

If you are a business owner, you probably spend a lot of time managing employees. Hiring and firing employees can be one of the most challenging tasks you encounter as a business owner. Letting an employee go is a stressful ordeal for everyone involved, not just the employee. Many employers procrastinate terminating an underperforming employee because they feel guilty or are unsure of exactly what to say during the termination meeting. Because every employee is unique, no two terminations will be the same. However, employment law experts do have several […]

When you hear the word “detention,” you probably think of a punishment for school students or perhaps the 1985 film The Breakfast Club. While this is the most common use of the word, any situation in which someone is detained is technically a type of detention. In the trucking industry, detention refers to the period of time that a truck driver spends at a warehouse or shipping facility waiting for the load that he or she will be hauling. Drivers are supposed to be compensated for detention time, but recent […]