How to negotiate commercial lease terms in 2026 Knowing how to negotiate commercial lease terms is one of the most critical financial decisions a small business owner will make in 2026. First, well-negotiated commercial lease terms protect your bottom line from sudden rent spikes and limit your liability. In contrast, poorly structured terms can drain your capital and put your …
Legal mistakes startup business make: 8 costly pitfalls to avoid
The most common legal mistakes startup business make include selecting the wrong business entity, failing to formalize founder agreements, using generic contracts, and ignoring intellectual property protections. By addressing these foundational legal steps early, founders can prevent costly disputes, avoid regulatory fines, and protect their personal assets from business liabilities. Starting a new company requires balancing product development, marketing, and …
What Happens When You Sell Your Name?-The Hidden IP Risks of Business Sales
Selling Your Business Name? Know the IP Risks First When your personal name is also your business name, selling that business may mean permanently surrendering the right to use your own name commercially. Understanding the intellectual property risks of selling a business name—before you sign—can protect your identity, your future ventures, and your earning potential. Building a business from the …
Don’t Let Fine Print Sink Your Business
A compelling offer can make it easy to overlook the details. For business professionals, this is a daily reality. Whether it’s a partnership agreement, a client contract, or a major purchase, the headline figures are designed to catch your eye. But the real value—and the real risk—is often buried in the fine print. A high-profile recruitment campaign from the Department …
When Agreements Break: Understanding Business Contract Breaches
A handshake and a promise might feel solid, but in the world of business, a well-crafted contract is your true foundation. Contracts define relationships, set expectations, and provide a roadmap for your partnerships with vendors, clients, and other businesses. But what happens when one party doesn’t follow that map? This is known as a breach of contract, and it can …
Can Gene Hackman’s Will be Contested?
Can carefully constructed estate plans be dismantled in court? The passing of loved ones is never easy, but it can become even more complicated when conflicts arise over their estate. Imagine a scenario where legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife pass away within days of each other, leaving behind a will that directs their estate to charity—a decision that …
Is Arbitration the Same as Mediation?
Many people confuse ‘mediation’ with ‘arbitration’, and some use the terms interchangeably. Fear not, you will never do that after reading this short breakdown. “Mediation” is a voluntary settlement conference where opposing parties attempt to settle their dispute using a 3rd party mediator, usually a lawyer or retired judge. The mediator does not make any decisions but merely tries to …
Why should I consider an Employee Non-Compete Agreement
As a business owner, losing your competitive edge is a serious concern. The fear of losing valuable employees to competitors is a serious problem for many other businesses. To mitigate this, employers should consider an Employee Non-Compete Agreement. In this post, we will help you understand what an Employee Non-Compete Agreement is, the benefits of its use, how to set …
Is It Worth Having a Business Contract Reviewed by a Lawyer After You’ve Signed It?
Contracts are the foundation of almost every business transaction, from hiring employees to securing partnerships and making purchases. However, sometimes, in the rush to seal a deal or the eagerness to move forward, we sign contracts without fully understanding what we’re agreeing to. You might later find yourself wondering, “Should I have a lawyer review this, even though I’ve already …
Transfer On Death Deeds
In New Mexico (and a handful of other states), the law permits an owner of real property (either land or a house) to transfer that property by a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD). A TODD is a simple and effective way to transfer property to a beneficiary without the hassle of probating the estate to obtain possession of said property. …
