There is a part of nearly every contract entitled “Notice.” No one reads it, but everyone should. What is the Notice provision, how does it work and why does it matter? What is it? Every contract is its own little city-state. The language creates a set of rules about…
In the olden days, before everybody carried their contacts around in a giant database on a tiny phone, there were Rolodexes; Big, circular carousels of sheets to which you glued or stapled collected business cards. They weighed 37 pounds, took up half the desk and, as a result, they…
Most people should not incorporate or organize their entity in Delaware. Now, I know that many advisers recommend organizing in Delaware and there are times when it is appropriate. Delaware has created and refined well-designed statutes and efficient, professional courts to make it easy, predictable and respectable to form…
Contracts are the trip wire of deals. Here’s why. With legit business people, you can’t get started on the work or the payments until you sign the contract. Your contract is your reason to write down what has to get done, what has to get paid and by when….
Much like a marriage, a business partnership is nothing to enter into lightly. Many possible perils await co-founders of a business when they haven’t carefully considered the pros and cons of such a relationship. Some of that includes considering the traits your business partner(s) brings to the table. As…
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was 9. I had a rough childhood and I wanted to help people feel strong and validated. I wanted to help people get justice. I carried that vision all through college, working as a graveyard waitress, picking up my…
Dear Same-Sex Wedding Participants in Red States: If you live in one of the 14 states that have to suddenly grant marriage licenses to same sex couples, you may be tightening your tie and singing Old Fashioned Wedding on your way to city hall. I’d like to help you…
On Saturday night, I had dinner with some of my favorite people – a judge and his partner. At dinner, we talked about their upcoming wedding. I offered my services as a songstress for the ceremony – my Wind Beneath My Wings, my Endless Love – they kindly declined…
Here’s a story of noble work done by a big bank: Wells Fargo has rolled out an invaluable tool for business owners – a business planning tool. It’s available to anyone – not just bank customers – free of charge. Business plans are mysterious things. Few people know how to…
Your browser does not support the audio tag. Try updating your browser or downloading Google Chrome or Firefox. Read the transcript: Today, you’re going to hear my interview with Lynn Stout. Now, Lynn Stout is a rock star, and I’m not saying that…you know, everybody calls people rock stars…she…
