Buying a business is a huge decision but when you pull the trigger on buying an existing business, you get the opportunity to become an entrepreneur without starting a small business completely from scratch.  Every year more than 500,000 businesses change hands, and that number is expected to skyrocket in the next several years as millions of baby boomers begin retiring and selling their businesses.

Two new California laws directly affecting business owners went into effect on January 1, 2024. California has strengthened the prohibition against noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements, which also posse potential liability for employers who require their employees to sign noncompete agreements or attempt to enforce existing noncompete agreements against former employees.

The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and includes the Corporate Transparency Act, became law on January 1, 2021. The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain business entities to file, in the absence of an exemption, information on their “beneficial owners” with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Department of Treasury.

By Kelly Bagla, Esq. The world of business leadership is a high stakes game, and top executives bear the heavy responsibility of protecting their companies and their shareholder interests. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of corporate success, many CEOs and business owners often overlook a critical aspect: safeguarding their personal wealth.

Having been a start-up lawyer and entrepreneur, I have been asked many of the following questions over the years by entrepreneurs when starting their company. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer, and as lawyers often like to say, “it depends on the circumstances.” But here are my short-hand answers to the frequently asked start-up questions: 1. Should I form my company as C corporation, an S corporation, an LLC, a partnership or a sole proprietorship?

You may have heard of or even use “Social Media Influencers.” This is where businesses sometimes try to reach a broader audience by enlisting “social...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and the legal profession is no exception. AI-powered tools are now being used to draft contracts, including...

Starting a business is a big undertaking, but it can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are five major...

Starting an online business is an exciting prospect, but it’s important to be aware of the legal risks involved. Here are a few tips on...

When starting a new business, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to register your corporation. There are many factors to...

Selling a business can be a complex and intricate process that involves numerous legal considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner,...

Acquiring an existing business can be an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations or venture into new markets. However, the process of...