Inevitably, if you’re an active business and business leader, you will probably find yourself in a lawsuit at some point in your life. Hopefully, it won’t happen for years, and when it does happen, will be very infrequent. When you are sued, it will be an emotional hit. It may be embarrassing, depending on how you were served (i.e. how …
5 Tips: How to Dissolve a Partnership as Painlessly as Possible
Closing (called dissolving) a business partnership can be compared to a divorce, from a cost and emotional impact to the partners. Neither party expects the relationship to degenerate into contention, but it happens more often than you might think. Whether business circumstances change, or some dispute arises between the partners, when the business partnership cannot endure, it’s time to legally …
Contract Tip: Understanding the Offer
Contract law can be a confusing mess, especially for busy business leaders. It pays, however, to know some of the basics of contract law in running a business. Such basic knowledge will help avoid potential liability or disaster down the road. If you don’t already know what a contract is, it is a “bargained for exchange of value” between two …
Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in New Mexico
The quick answer is “yes,” provided they are “reasonable” and provided they do not restrict certain professions that are statutorily protected. It can be difficult for a business to gain a competitive advantage over their competition. Many successful companies rely on trade secrets to create a product or service that is better for consumers than a competitor’s, but if an …
Business Tips: Building Your Business and Avoiding Halting Debt (Pt. 1)
The saying, “It takes money to make money” generally is true. It might be safer to say that it takes some risk to earn some reward. Most who want to start a business in New Mexico are looking to create financial stability, not to acquire insurmountable debt. Therefore, it is crucial not to fall to into the trap of spending …
Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
A temporary restraining order (or “TRO”) is a court order that immediately controls or restricts the behavior of one or more parties, temporarily and usually in an emergency, until there’s time to actually have a hearing so the court can evaluate the evidence to determine whether the order should stay in place (usually called an injunction) or cancelled. In order …
Employees’ Discussion of Work Conditions: Including Pay
Do you tell your employees not to discuss their pay with each other? If you do, you are not alone … and you are violating the law. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 prohibits interfering with employees’ discussion of work conditions, including pay. If you are interested in more information, please contact us at 505-848-8581. In the meantime, this …
Social Media, Private Conversations and Your Business
In the fast-paced world of tweets, Facebook posts, and cell phone cameras, people often post before really thinking. Similarly, what is said in private conversation doesn’t always stay private these days. Recently a ‘private’ conversation between Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, and his girlfriend made big news and became the subject of both news streams and headlines, after a recording of …
Same-Sex Marriage and Business Partnerships
Owning a business with one’s spouse is a common—albeit arguably stressful at times—occurrence. At BLSW, we know that managing legal matters as a partnership—both in marriage and in business—is always easier with a strong and skilled team on your side, and we’re happy to help answer questions that arise with understanding the collaboration of marriage and business. On December 19, …
The Law and Alcohol Based Businesses
Mark Johnston, a California businessman, racked up half a million dollars in gambling debt over the course of two days. That news would likely be upsetting to anyone; however, Mr. Johnston is taking a different approach to dealing with his sky-high debts. His argument is that he should not be held accountable for the debt, and he is suing the …
