Massachusetts Non-Compete Agreements – What is Reasonable and Enforceable
Former Massachusetts Governor Patrick made some headlines in early 2014 with the proposition of banning the enforceability of non-compete agreements in Massachusetts. It was one of his many ideas to help spur innovation in the Bay State by helping out newer technology-based companies. Like so many of his plans, the Governor did little to garner […]
6 Grants, Government Loans and Capital Resources Available to Massachusetts Small Businesses
Entering into the new year is always a prospect laced with uncertainty and excitement for most small businesses. And while entrepreneurs have always encountered risk, business owners rarely consider today’s federal and state governments as a hedge. Anyone who remembers the annual Congressional budgetary battles can understand why. We nevertheless have identified and summarized for […]
Do I Need an Attorney to Start a Business? | Cape Cod Business Law
When starting a business, the start-up costs can be immense, especially in Massachusetts where hidden fees and taxes are notoriously burdensome. Putting together a plan, and checking with all of the relevant local and state government entities is an important first step. Similarly, ensuring that the formation of your business under Massachusetts law (e.g. LLC […]
Why Your Company Needs a Massachusetts LLC Buy-Sell Agreement
Collaborators in an enterprise are usually at their most enthusiastic when they first start the business. This has always been the case. It is exactly why lawyers like us repeatedly emphasize the importance of having an actual attorney draft the LLC operating agreement. Doing so ensures that all parties maintain that enthusiasm, but pair the […]
Massachusetts Business Law Attorney Checklist – 6 Areas of Company Exposure
When approached by a new or existing business, attorneys who specialize in business will assess, among other things, the risks faced by that business. This exercise is, however, much simpler than most people seem to think. Our firm always advises our Massachusetts business clients in the same manner: conducting your business ethically is the best […]
Worker’s Compensation – Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Massachusetts Pt. 1
Laws and regulations in general can run counter to what many people consider “common sense.” In this respect, the workers’ compensation laws in Massachusetts are not terribly unique. First of all, if you are an employee searching for an attorney to handle your claim this is not the article. What follows is simply an outline […]
Protecting Your Business – Preventive Legal Audits Part 2
Though the first part of our article series on legal audits focused on a business sale, we mentioned that there are more reasons to consult an attorney for a legal audit. Even the best intentions with a limited liability company, partnership or corporation can lead to serious problems down the road if all of the […]
How to Sell a Business – Preventive Legal Audits Part 1
Many small businesses considering a sale are at least two years out from obtaining fair market value on their operations. This is mainly due to the fact that the business owner(s) has been focused inward on running the business, not outward on selling the business. But the more a buyer is able to see for […]
Starting an Online Business in Massachusetts
With increasingly fewer exceptions, every business that exists in the real world should also have a strong presence on the internet. This might be merely through the use of an informative website, or more frequently by staying in the minds of consumers with social media, or even by distributing the actual products themselves online (e.g. […]
Don’t Form an LLC Online! 5 Warnings for Massachusetts Businesses
Over the years we have counseled many businesses to become LLCs and S Corporations that operate on Cape Cod, southeastern Massachusetts and even nationwide. These clients come to us at one of roughly three different stages: 1) during the business start-up period, 2) when it is clear that the business is established and making a […]