For the budding entrepreneur or the seasoned small business owner, the navigational charts of the business world can often seem filled with legal jargon and documentation. Among such essential documents are the often-overlooked yet critical corporate bylaws, the internal map that guides a company’s operations and governance. This post shines a light on what corporate bylaws are and why they’re …
BLSW Explains the Corporate Transparency Act at The NMDOT Conference
On February 28, 2024 NMDOT Star held their 2024 Conference. Attorney Larry Donahue hosted the “Wednesday Webinar” discussing The Corporate Transparency Act and You. Starting on January 1, 2024 a new law went into effect that requires a significant amount of the US Companies to report Beneficial Ownership Information to the US Government via FinCen. Failure to report their businesses …
NM State Bar & BLSW Partner to Help Small Businesses With BOI Reporting
Attorney Larry Donahue explains why the process in correct reporting is not as easy as some might think. Earlier this month, Larry Donahue presented a seminar at the request of the New Mexico State Bar Foundation in order to help educate small businesses on the new Beneficial Ownership Reporting that, as of January 1, 2024, is the law of the …
Navigating Commercial Leases: Top 5 Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
When venturing into the world of commercial real estate, signing a lease can be one of the most significant commitments an entrepreneur makes. Unlike residential leases, commercial agreements come with their own set of complexities and negotiation nuances that, if not carefully addressed, could lead to unforeseen challenges down the line. As a business owner, it’s imperative to approach this …
Navigating the Skies: A Layperson’s Guide to Aviation Law
The world of aviation is a meticulously controlled zone. For every graceful takeoff and smooth landing, there are thousands of regulations in place governing everything from aircraft manufacturing to pilot’s training. This intricate web of rules and guidelines is known as aviation law, and understanding it is crucial for aviation industry professionals, government officials, and even the common traveler who …
Attorney Christina Cavaleri Talks About The Ever Changing Financial and Legal Landscape
If you are in the Albuquerque area on February 13th, 2024- you will not want to miss this valuable Seminar! How have changes in the Financial and Legal Landscape impacted your retirement plans? What financial and legal strategies you can you use to protect your nest egg?Come join us at the Holiday Park Community Center in Albuquerque, NM, USA on Tue …
Strategies for Dealing with Employees Who Abuse Paid Time Off
Paid time off (PTO) is an essential benefit that employees greatly appreciate. As a business owner or manager, offering PTO is vital for keeping employees happy and motivated. However, some employees tend to take advantage of paid leave days, which can lead to negative consequences for both the company and coworkers who have to pick up the slack. In this …
Find Out If Your Business Needs to Report to FinCen in 2024.
BLSW has the technology to give you a definite answer, for free, in minutes. The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, went into effect on January 1st, 2024. It requires “beneficial owners” of “new” (formed on 1/1/2024 or after) “small businesses” (less than 500 employees and US-revenue under $5M) to report the personal information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Division of …
Free Webinar To Learn About the New Law That Will Effect Small Businesses in 2024.
The Corporate Transparency Act goes into effect on January 1, 2024. The new law requires “beneficial owners” of businesses to report their information to FinCEN. Failure to do so in a timely manner is punishable by daily fines and possible jail time. Business Law Southwest Attorney Larry Donahue will be hosting this webinar in conjunction with Albuquerque SCORE. About the …
Why Reviewing Your Contracts with Vendors Once a Year is Crucial to Your Business Success
As a business owner, one of the essential things you should consider is vendor management. Ensuring you work with trustworthy and reliable vendors can be a challenge. So is ensuring you have good business relationships while managing costs and timelines. That’s why it’s essential to review the contracts you have with vendors once a year. Unfortunately, businesses often overlook this …
Blog Title: Essential End-of-Year Considerations for Business Owners
As the end of the year quickly approaches, it’s imperative that business owners are taking the necessary steps to close out the year on a high note and prepare for the upcoming year. Successful business owners know that taking the time to reflect, evaluate and strategize at the end of each year is crucial to maintain the growth and sustainability …
Business Law Southwest Lawyers to Join Panel Discussing AI & HR
Family Friendly NM’s mission is to support businesses in creating family friendly workplaces. This November, Family Friendly NM will be hosting a virtual workshop- “Unlocking AI in Business & HR”. The workshop is scheduled for November 28, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This event promises to be an insightful exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming HR …
What is the Difference Between an Asset Purchase and a Share or Membership Purchase?
If you are a business owner interested in purchasing or selling a company, it is essential to understand the different types of transactions available. Two of the most commonly used types are asset purchase and share or membership purchase. While they may seem similar, there are significant differences in how they work and the outcomes they produce. This post will …
Business Law Southwest Named a 2024 Platinum Family Friendly Business
Business Law Southwest was named a 2024 Platinum Level Family Friendly Business by NMfamilyfriendlybusiness.org Here’s what you should know about NMfamilyfriendly.org. Mission: Family Friendly New Mexico’s mission is to recognize and support employers that adopt and implement family friendly policies so that businesses, employees and their families can thrive. Vision: Family Friendly New Mexico envisions that all New Mexican workers are able …
How Does Seller Financing Work When Buying or Selling a Company?
Buying or selling a company can be a complicated process, and the financing options available can make all the difference. One financing option that’s gaining popularity, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, is seller financing. This arrangement involves the seller financing part or all of the sale price of the business, rather than relying solely on a third-party lender. In …
Changes in Ownership: Addition and Removal
As your business grows, it may become necessary to add or remove owners from your company. There can be various reasons behind this decision – whether it be for financial reasons, personal reasons, or simply to bring on a new partner. However, this process can be tricky and it’s important to know the proper steps to take to ensure a …
How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Business’s Trade Secrets
Your business’s trade secrets are key components of your company’s success and profitability. Trade Secrets are unique assets that hold intrinsic value and competitive advantage. Therefore, it’s necessary to safeguard them at all costs to avoid potential breaches by competitors, employees or hackers. Hiring a lawyer is one of the best ways to protect your business’s trade secrets and confidential …
Buy Sell Insurance vs. Key Man Insurance: Understanding the Difference and Importance for Your Business
Starting a business can be an exciting yet daunting experience. While focusing on the business strategies, legalities, and overall growth of the company, the importance of protecting the business from unforeseen circumstances can often be forgotten. This is where insurance comes in, specifically Buy Sell Insurance and Key Man Insurance. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between …
Understanding Forgery and Its Harmful Impact on Businesses
Forgery can have a devastating impact on businesses of all sizes, as it can result in financial loss, legal complications, and damage to reputation. If your business has fallen victim to forgery, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer right away to protect your interests. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what forgery is, why it’s …
Corporate Transparency Act: What is a Reporting Company Applicant?
In January of 2024 FinCEN will require businesses to report beneficial ownership, as outlined in the Corporate Transparency Act. The legislation includes the term ” Reporting Company Applicant.” But what is that exactly, and how does it fit into this new law? This article will explore what a Reporting Company Applicant is, and how it relates to the Corporate Transparency …
Corporate Transparency Act: Possible Exemptions
The recent coming of the Corporate Transparency Act has brought a new issue to the forefront of the business and legal world. The act requires certain businesses to report the beneficial ownership of their companies to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). However, there are a few exemptions to reporting, and this blog post delves into what some those exemptions …
Successor Liability and How to Prevent It
In business, it’s important to keep in mind that liabilities don’t disappear when ownership changes hands. Debts owed, outstanding lawsuits and liens may transfer over to the new owners of the business. This legal concept is called successor liability. For business owners, it’s crucial to be aware of how this can impact their bottom line and what they can do …
The Corporate Transparency Act and New Mexico Citizens
Recent changes in federal legislation will result in a new status quo for New Mexico business owners. The Corporate Transparency Act goes into effect nationally on January 1st, 2024. This act will require businesses to report their beneficial owners. This post will explore when a report is necessary, what to include and and who to report to. Who is Considered …
Professional Licensing & Licensure: How an Attorney Can Help
Being a licensed professional not only demonstrates an individual’s expertise in their field but also helps to assure clients that they are working with a competent and qualified professional. The process of obtaining a professional license, however, can be arduous and confusing. For some individuals, it may require various examinations, education requirements, and years of supervised experience. This is where …
Probate Litigation: Understanding Its Implications and Finding Legal Assistance
Probate is an essential process where the court proves the validity of a will and authorizes the distribution of a deceased person’s assets to their close family members and other beneficiaries. The process gives a legal confirmation of the executor’s authority and the ownership of the assets before they can be passed to the beneficiaries. In most cases, the probate …
Understanding At-Will Employment in New Mexico
As a business owner or employee in New Mexico, it’s important to understand what at-will employment means and what rights and obligations come with it. At-will employment is a common type of employment relationship where an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, and without notice. However, there are some legal limitations on at-will employment in …
Employee Theft: How it Impacts a Business
Employee theft is a serious issue for businesses of all sizes, as it can have devastating financial consequences on the organization. This includes anything from stealing office supplies to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the company’s funds. When it comes to employee theft, business owners need to have a plan in place to prevent it from happening, and …
Understanding Expungement of Criminal Records in New Mexico
Criminal records can be a stain on your reputation that can affect your life in many ways. It can make it harder for you to get a job, a loan, and even housing. Fortunately, in New Mexico, you can get an expungement to clear your criminal record. This blog post is all about understanding the process of expungement, how it …
Protecting Your Business’ Trade Secrets
Trade secrets are perhaps the most valuable assets any company can have. They give businesses an edge over competitors, keep customers loyal, and help maintain a company’s brand or reputation. Trade secrets are a combination of confidential information, including processes, formulas, designs, and methods that give companies a competitive advantage. Furthermore, it is essential to protect these trade secrets to …