In our business, we help business owners with anything that arises within the operations of their business, which often includes negotiating and drafting all types of contracts. Our clients are encouraged to view contracts not only as something they just need when something goes wrong, but more as an instruction manual or roadmap for how… Read More »

Litigation is the process of taking legal action against another party to enforce or defend a particular legal right. The circumstances surrounding litigation often depend on the reasoning behind the case and the complexity of the details, but in many instances, litigation can become lengthy, costly, and complex. Most would agree that litigation should be… Read More »

When you’re starting out a business, depending on the type of entity that you set up, whether it’s an LLC, a limited partnership, or a corporation, you’re going to need to have an operating manual for your business. These manuals, depending on the type of entity are called different things. In corporations, they’re called by-laws,… Read More »

Employers and businesses should have a basic overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act. For starters, you should know that the Fair Labor Standards Act deals with the payment of minimum wage, overtime and record keeping. One thing you should know is that employers are the ones who are required to keep records of the… Read More »

Delinquent taxpayers in Texas will soon find relief in the Texas Tax Amnesty Program, which runs from May 1, 2018 to June 29, 2018. The Texas Comptroller recently announced a new program for delinquent Texas taxpayers to clear their slate of unpaid or delinquent taxes. The temporary program, which was passed by the Texas Legislature… Read More »

 A general rule of thumb for those planning to raise money through investors is that investors will only invest in businesses they understand. If you plan to pitch to investors, it’s important to keep in mind six things investors want to know before writing you a check. First, the problem and your business’ solution.… Read More »

There are a number of provisions in the new Tax Cut and Jobs Act that affect businesses. One of them has to do with a choice of entity decision. C Corps now have a 21% flat tax rate. However, when deciding whether a C Corp makes sense, a taxpayer would want to take into consideration… Read More »

Texas recognizes several different kinds of broad categories of partnerships. In a general partnership, all the partners are or can be active in the business affairs of the partnership. Limited Partnership In a limited partnership, there are two types of partners, both general and limited partners. Only the general partners are allowed to be active… Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »