We all feel it at this time of year – the disruption to our businesses because of summer vacations. It’s difficult enough to keep up with heavy workloads when everyone is in the office, but constant absences due to summer vacations can make it seem impossible to stay above water. I don’t want to suggest in... View Article
Clients often ask us should we investigate a complaint filed by an employee even if it has no validity and, if so, how should we do it. In today’s environment of increased scrutiny of sexual harassment, race, gender discrimination and other claims, every complaint should be addressed and potentially investigated. Here’s a quick summary of... View Article
Regardless of how careful we are, conflicts arise in business. Conflicts among owners, among employees, and with vendors and customers are common. Generally speaking, we try to resolve these conflicts quickly with minimal risk and cost but sometimes they spiral out of control. As a business owner, it’s essential that you know what tools are... View Article
We often get asked to review commercial leases on behalf of our clients. Here’s a quick summary of the most common “gotchas” in commercial leases from our years of experience as a commercial lease lawyer. Responsibility for Repairs. Who is responsible for fixing what in a commercial lease? This is often confusing because it can be... View Article
On May 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis that an employer may require employees to agree to take all employment-related disputes to arbitration on an individual basis, and to waive their right to participate in a class action or class arbitration. This case is a victory for employers... View Article
We love other professionals and know that our clients are best served if they have a team of professionals to support them as they make decisions, each bringing his or her unique expertise to the table to help formulate a comprehensive plan that looks at all sides of a situation and formulates the right strategy... View Article
I was recently talking with a new business owner who was getting close to signing a franchise agreement and becoming an entrepreneur. She was just in the starting phases but had been in discussions with the franchisor for months. As we talked, I asked about her advisory team — who she was working with on... View Article
Over the past year, I’ve watched all past seasons of the show “The Americans”; and if you follow the show, you know that the last season began a few weeks back on FX. The show centers on two Russian spies who were sent to America during the Cold War. They have integrated into American society... View Article
For those of you who didn’t watch the Women’s NCAA Final Four basketball games, you really missed out. All three games were nail biters. I am a Notre Dame fan (for those who don’t already know) and have followed the Lady Irish basketball since their last championship in 2001 (17 years to the day before... View Article