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 …
The Super Bowl Ad Heard ‘Round the Country
When developing a communications and marketing plan for law practices, it’s often said that targeting is much more effective than casting a wide net. Apparently no one told that to personal injury attorney, Jamie Casino. Nobody except people in Savannah, Georgia had ever heard of Jamie Casino prior to the 2014 Super Bowl. But his over-the-top ad, which cost $35,000 …
Trade Secrets – What intellectual property qualifies and how to protect them
The phrase “trade secret” conjures something that might very well be at the center of a plot in the latest John Grisham novel. And while trade secrets should indeed be carefully guarded, the true definition of a trade secret is much more black and white. The term trade secret can be used generally when referencing a variety of intellectual property. …
Employment Contracts – Does your business need them?
Employees are a vital part of your business and naturally you want to hire people you can trust. However, it is also important to have policies in place should employees break this trust through theft or other forms of misconduct. In New Mexico, employees can be hired on an “at-will” basis, meaning their employment can be terminated at any time …
Copyright Registration – What intellectual property is eligible?
So you’ve completed your masterpiece. Perhaps it’s the perfect play or a brilliant building blueprint. You want to protect your creative genius from being used without your permission, but how do you know if it is eligible to be registered for copyright?
Choosing the Right Representation – What to look for in a lawyer
“You’ll be hearing from my lawyer,” “don’t say another word until you talk to your lawyer,” “I’ll have my lawyer contact you,” – – anyone who’s grown up watching television dramas, or watched or read any of John Grisham’s films or books is familiar with this legal vernacular. But how do you obtain a lawyer, does everyone need a …
