The best time to build a legal moat around your business is before the economic storm hits. Whether you're preparing for a sale, retooling operations, or simply shoring up risk, legal foresight is both prudent and powerful. In this Blog post, we provide several practical and actionable tips for SMBs, to be better prepared for an economic downturn.
Learn the importance of representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification clauses in commercial contracts. Discover how these key provisions impact risk allocation and legal protection in business transactions.
Big changes to SBA 7(a) loans take effect in June 2025, including stricter underwriting, new ownership rules, and change to the seller equity roll-in rules. Learn what small businesses need to know to stay eligible and secure financing.
Operating agreements (OAs) are vital documents for limited liability companies (LLCs), outlining the rights, responsibilities, and governance structure of the business. Whether you're forming a new LLC or updating an existing one, drafting a comprehensive OA is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
What are tariffs, how do they work, and why do they matter? This clear, direct guide explains the real impact of tariffs on businesses, consumers, and the economy—and why erratic tariff policy creates chaos rather than solutions.
Political pressure from the Trump administration challenges Big Law’s independence, exposing serious risks to the legal system and client trust. Learn what it means for attorney-client relationship and the future of the legal profession.
In an asset purchase transaction, obtaining third-party consents for contract assignments is critical. Learn how to identify, address, and secure necessary consents to ensure a smooth M&A closing.
As described in our previous blog posts, Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting is a feature of the 2021 bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act, requiring companies doing business in the U.S. to identify the individuals who own or control them in an effort to "curb illicit finance." How...
Founders and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have unique legal needs. With years of experience representing founders and SMBs, we know firsthand how the right legal guidance can make a world of difference in helping SMBs thrive and surpass their goals. We also know that choosing the wrong lawyer can be disastrous.
In the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), structuring a deal that satisfies both the buyer and the seller can be a complex endeavor, especially for small and mid-sized companies. One strategy that is often employed in such transactions is the use of earnouts – a mechanism that allows for co...
When it comes to raising funds for a small business, entrepreneurs often face a daunting array of financing options. One lesser-known but increasingly popular option is a convertible note. A hybrid between debt and equity, a convertible note can offer unique benefits for both businesses and inves...
Corporate (or LLC) minute books are an essential, yet often overlooked, component of business governance. These records serve as the official documentation of the company's major activities and decisions, including shareholder and board meetings, resolutions, stock issuances, and other significan...
In the complex world of business, disputes are sometimes inevitable. Whether its a disagreement over the terms of a purchase agreement or supply agreement, an issue arising from a merger or acquisition transaction, or a conflict i...
In the world of trade, including both domestic trade and international trade, clarity and precision in transaction terms are not just beneficial; they're a necessity. This is where International Commercial Terms, or "Incoterms", come into play. Developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (...
What is Succession Planning? Succession planning is the strategic process of identifying and developing individuals within an organization to ensure seamless transitions in leadership roles when key personnel depart. It's a vital aspect of business strategy often overlooked until it's too late. ...
What is the Corporate Transparency Act? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act on January 1, 2021, marking a significant step forward in US efforts to combat financial crimes. The legislation, which went into effect on January 1, 2024, ...
In 2021, the United States Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for the purpose of combating illegal activities, such as money laundering and terrorist financing. The CTA went into effect on January 1, 2024, bringing the United States in closer alignment with international stand...
Navigating business law without a lawyer isn’t just challenging; it’s a risky gamble. Why roll the dice when you can have the assurance of strategic legal guidance? In this Blog post, we discuss that when money, compliance, risk, and contracts are at stake, it may be time to hire an experienced business attorney.
Do you have an idea for a new business? Working with a business lawyer will help to ensure that you're structuring your new business in the most advantageous way. In this Blog post, we discuss several ways in which a business lawyer can help establish a new business. Contact us at www.jsettleslaw.com today for a free initial consultation.
An important and often overlooked aspect of M&A deals and other commercial contracts is whether the parties should execute their contract prior to the closing or simultaneous with the closing. In this Blog post, we discuss some of the attributes and considerations for each approach.
In this Blog post, we discuss our part-time (or "Fractional") General Counsel service. In today's world, legal support is not just a necessity, but a strategic asset. However, not every business requires, or can afford, a full time in-house General Counsel. Recognizing this gap, the Law Office of Jennifer M. Settles is proud to announce a solution tailored to the unique needs of small, medium, and growth-oriented businesses: the Fractional General Counsel service.
In this Blog post, we discuss Terms & Conditions – those pesky, tiny-font forms that buyers often sign or click through when purchasing goods or services. We discuss that once signed or clicked-through, T&Cs constitute a binding contract and therefore must be carefully read, understood and negotiated by the buyer where applicable.
All businesses need capital. In this Blog post, we summarize some of the different financing options available to a small and medium-sized businesses.
Commercial real estate leases are complex. In this Blog post, we dissect and explain some of the pertinent and negotiable terms of a lease, from both the landlord's and the tenant's perspectives.
Like all humans, corporate officers and directors are not always perfect. In this blog post, we discuss the legal theory known as "the business judgment rule", and its application and relevance to officer and director liability and to good corporate governance.
