Small-Business Articles

Small businesses have a wide range of legal concerns. In these articles, our attorneys offer information about:

Business Formation And Dissolution

• Do you need to incorporate? Some factors to consider in making your decision
• There are benefits to incorporation, but it isn’t the only way to limit liability under Pennsylvania law
• It is important to follow through with the formalities of legal dissolution when you are ready to close your incorporated business
• Entrepreneurs should be aware of these pitfalls when buying or selling business; it’s a good idea to seek advice from an experienced attorney

Liability

• A creditor can “pierce the corporate veil” to hold shareholders personally liable, but only in certain limited circumstances
• Officers and directors of corporations can be held personally liable when they commit fraud
• Persons committing crimes in the name of a company, whether they are employees or officers, can be prosecuted
• The Uniform Trade Secrets Act offers some protection for your company’s intellectual property, but these valuable assets should be carefully secured

Employment Law

 

• The Case for the “Dependent Contractor”
• Are you familiar with Pennsylvania’s New Hire Reporting program? We help employers understand reporting requirements.
• Employee handbooks can help ward off litigation by ensuring policies are clear and fairly administered
• Thanks to the “Mini-COBRA” law, employees at small businesses are eligible for continuation coverage if they lose their group coverage due to a “qualifying event.”
• Wondering how you can protect your business against discrimination claims? We offer some useful tips, including the importance of open door and zero tolerance policies