Whether you find yourself grappling with an employment issue, sparring with a business partner, or just need some guidance on filing the proper paperwork, you may need to turn to a small business lawyer. It’s pretty easy to search for lawyers online or in the phone book, but that can be a frustrating and fruitless…

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Legal Entity Ownership Program (LEOP) Understanding the Questions on FTB Form 100 and BOE Form 100-B Background As a result of the implementation of Proposition 13 in 1978, most locally-assessed real property is subject to reassessment only when there has been a change in ownership or new construction as defined by various constitutional, statutory and…

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The purpose of this information sheet is to explain California’s payroll tax* treatment of the following types of limited liability entities: • Limited Liability Company (LLC) • Limited Partnership (LP) • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) • Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Each of the above business entity types is created when it formally organizes and…

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Have you formed some kind of entity in order to protect yourself from personal liability–for example, a corporation or LLC? If not, you may be personally liable from lawsuits, creditors, and other disputes. California recognizes many forms of business entities, each with its own qualities.  Corporations are unique because of the many types available in…

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Your small business, with the help of a California business attorney, needs to be maintained in order to prevent from liability.  These 10-points are a start to help you maintain those weak points of your business. Corporate Formalities: Ensure management is adhering to corporate formalities. A very common trap that many incorporated business fall into…

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Before understanding how to prevent legal liability, the obvious first step is to understand where the danger is coming from.  Below is a conservative view of potential threats to your business in the employee context. Recognizing your weak points is an essential step in any important venture.  Your weak points may not be easily apparent….

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Commercial loan modifications is becoming a more common solution for both business owners and lenders during a difficult economic recession.  Like any classic loan modification, the basic principle is mitigating loss for the lender and the borrower.  A commercial loan workout is a creative solution that may be overlooked without aggressive negotiation. The commercial loan workout…

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The last weak point of evaluating potential liability is exposure to the government and other regulatory bodies. General compliance with the laws is an obvious step in risk management.  This can cover everything from proper business tax filings, proper registration of your business corporation and DBA, and acquiring the appropriate business license. Licensed or regulated…

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Your clients are your life source, but disputes may and do arise that leave you open to liability.  Risk management in this area is highly dependent on the area of business.  If you are in the service industry, negligence or acts below the standard of care are the most common source of litigation from your…

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Employee-based liability is associated with how you hire your employees, treat them while employed, what they do while they are employed, and firing them. Your potential liability in this area generally include three different sub-categories (1) labor law related, (2) vicarious liability, and (3) unlawful hiring and firing.  This is just a quick over view…

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