Almost every business needs a license or some kind of filing or permit to operate legally. Businesses need these licenses to protect the public from any perceived harm. Medical professionals need licenses so the public knows they are going to someone who is qualified to give them the right kind of medical care. You don’t… Read More »
City of Austin Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Mandates Revised Employee Handbooks and Administrative Requirements
On February 16, 2018, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance that will require private companies with employees working in the City of Austin to provide between 48 and 64 hours per year of paid sick leave to employees. In addition to providing leave, employees must have written notice of their paid sick leave rights… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Public Benefit Corporations in Texas
How Can a For-Profit Business Take on a Social Cause as Part of a Business Goal? Non-profits are fantastic organizations, but just because a business owner or entrepreneur chooses social good as part of their business plan, it does not mean they are forced to go the non-profit route. At least not anymore in Texas.… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Commercial Leasing and Tenant Relations
What do you do as a commercial landlord when your tenant doesn’t pay? First, hopefully, you have done your work on the front end. Residential leases are often pretty standardized, don’t change much, and include stronger statutory protections for tenants. Commercial leases are much more complicated, there are many more clauses to filter through and many… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Issues When Relocating or Expanding Your Business to a New Location
Jim Howicz helps with business formation, issues with corporation documents, and with employee issues. Basically, taking care of all kinds of issues that help businesses make money and reduce their risk. What do I need to do if my business is moving or expanding? If a business is going to open up in a new… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Appealing a Trial Court Opinion
What Businesses Need to Know About Appealing a Trial Court Decision Trial courts and appellate courts are very different in their focus and any litigation of a business nature requires both attention to the trial itself; which is the presentation of evidence and the making of motions and the preparation to argue to a jury,… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Make the Other Side Pay for Your Lawyer
How to Get the Other Side to Pay for Your Lawyer – Exceptions to the American Rule In Texas, we operate under the American Rule, which basically means you have to pay for your own lawyer. But there are some exceptions to the American Rule in Texas. When a Company Sues Its Director or Officer… Read More »