Business Attorney Charlottesville, VA
When you have your own business, you need the legal help of a business lawyer in Charlottesville, VA. They can help you with a range of business problems like business succession and other legal entanglements. Business succession is a key component to any business, regardless of size. Consulting with a business lawyer in Charlottesville, Virginia is invaluable. Depending on the variables at play, there can be a variety of complexities that should be considered. Without a plan in place, you put your legacy at risk for not being carried out in the way that you would like. In addition, your family may be left to contend with determining how you would like your business to live on. When a business succession plan is appropriately planned and executed, complications can be mitigated, the business may be secured for the future, and succession can run smoothly. Failing to properly plan can result in a number of problems. Working with Dale Jensen, PLC, a business lawyer that Charlottesville, VA business owners trust, may be key in alleviating some of the stress that comes with owning a business and mitigating problems.
Without a Plan for Your Business…
When developing a plan for your business you will need to make a number of considerations. Dale Jensen, PLC, a Charlottesville, VA business lawyer, considers a variety of platforms such as your family, shareholders and business to ensure that your plan is comprehensive. Even if you are planning to pass your business on to an adult child, you will still need to put in place a succession plan to ensure nothing is left to the imagination. Without a business succession plan in place, our Charlottesville, VA business lawyer wants you to know that you are risking a number of problems:
- Choosing the wrong successor
- Changing interests: although certain family members may not express interest early on, down the road they may change their mind
- Successors are not successful in carrying out your business
- Family and business partners fight over succession
- Taxes are disregarded
- Confusion over who will take over
- Misuse of power by successor
When developing a business succession plan, business owners will need to consider accessing a variety of professionals. All aspects of the business will need to be evaluated. Speaking with family members, your business lawyer in Charlottesville, VA, accountant, and financial advisors will be key to successful planning and execution.
Reasons for working with Dale Jensen, PLC
Failing to develop a clear plan of succession for your business can provide a variety of problems. You will want to make sure that nothing has been left out. There can be a number of complexities to business succession. A lawyer, like Dale Jensen, PLC, who has experience in this area of practice is key in developing a plan and making sure that you have made all considerations. The law office of Dale Jensen, PLC, a Charlottesville business lawyer, will:
- Make sure that you make decisions regarding all aspects of your business in the event of retirement or death.
- Consider business partners and the best way to incorporate them into the succession plan.
- Help you draw up a plan to carry out your legacy.
- Ask questions and gather as much information as possible.
- Listen to your values and incorporate them into your plan.
- Help you in balancing your family with your business plans.
There is no business too big or small that couldn’t benefit from a business succession plan. Whether you are looking to ensure that your business lives on for years to come, or you would like to dissolve your assets following your passing; a plan can give all involved peace of mind.
How a Charlottesville, VA Business Lawyer Can Help If Your Business is Getting Sued
While running a business can bring many rewards, it can also come with its share of risks. One risk of owning a business is the possibility of getting sued one day. Whether it’s due to a breach of contract or a disgruntled employee, dealing with a lawsuit can be incredibly stressful. However, it’s important to remain as calm as possible and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation. Here is what you should do if you’re facing a lawsuit.
Call Your Charlottesville, VA Business Lawyer from Dale Jensen, PLC
If you don’t already have a business lawyer, it’s time to consult with one right now. They can review the details of your lawsuit and advise you on the best way to proceed. Bring all the documents pertaining to your lawsuit with you to your initial consultation and be completely honest with your lawyer. Everything you say to your lawyer will remain confidential, so you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to tell them anything. The more information your business lawyer from Charlottesville, VA has, the better they can help you.
Take the Lawsuit Seriously
Even if you know you’re innocent and that the person suing you has no grounds for a lawsuit, you should still take it seriously. If you try to ignore the lawsuit and don’t show up to the scheduled court dates, the judge could automatically rule in the plaintiff’s favor.
Don’t Discuss the Lawsuit With Anyone
Our Charlottesville, VA business lawyer knows that getting hit with a lawsuit is stressful, so it’s understandable that you want to vent to a friend or business associate about it. However, you should avoid talking about the lawsuit with anyone other than your lawyer. What you say could be used against you later on. If the people you speak to get subpoenaed, they will have to tell the court what you said.
Keep All Documentation in a Safe Place
If you have any video recording, photos, or other documents pertaining to the lawsuit, our Charlottesville, VA business lawyer recommends that you keep all of it. Don’t throw it in the trash or put it somewhere you might misplace it. These documents can help support your case and improve your chances of winning. Secure them in a folder and then put them in a place where they will be safe.
Keep Your Cool
It is understandable that you may feel very emotional during this stressful time. However, it’s important to keep your emotions under control so that you don’t do anything rash. Do activities that help you remain calm, such as deep breathing or meditating.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Our Charlottesville, VA business lawyer knows that defending a lawsuit can get quite expensive. Between court fees and legal fees, you could potentially be dealing with thousands of dollars in fees. That is why you should talk to your insurance company as soon as possible. They may be able to help pay at least a portion of your defense.
If your business is facing a lawsuit, speak with a qualified Charlottesville, VA business lawyer as soon as possible.
Although it may seem daunting, business succession planning and business lawsuits can help to carry out your wishes or ensure that you are able to retire with a plan in place. Business succession planning is a complicated process that can come with it’s fair share of issues and complexities. Business succession can help to provide not only planning, but preventative measures to problems that may arise down the road. Additionally, having a lawyer at the ready can be incredibly helpful if someone is suing your business. Contact Dale Jensen, PLC, a business lawyer in Charlottesville, VA, to discuss the best way to initiate the process for your business.
Key Employment Issues That All Business Owners Should Know
For a business owner, starting your own business is much more complicated than opening up shop. In order for your business to be successful, it will be necessary to put forth a significant amount of planning and preparation. A business lawyer trusted by Charlottesville, VA business owners can help assist you in putting into place policies and procedures so that your business is able to thrive, and reduce running the risk of an expensive lawsuit. If your business will have any employees, you will need to be aware of key employment issues in order to ensure that your business is able to thrive, and that your employees are treated fairly:
Workers’ Compensation
In the state of Virginia, most employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is a benefit that is offered to employees in the event that they have been injured in the workplace. Our Charlottesville, VA business lawyer wants you to be aware that workers’ compensation is a no fault system, meaning that regardless of who is at fault, in most cases, an employee should be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can provide benefits to injured employers that can include:
- Medical Expenses
- A Portion of the Employee’s Salary
- Disabilities
- Rehabilitation
Workers’ compensation is mutually beneficial for both employer and employee. In exchange for obtaining benefits, the employee forgoes their ability to sue the employer.
Discrimination Laws
Having awareness of discrimination laws is key when owning your own business. Our business lawyers in Charlottesville, VA can provide you with guidance so that you do not inadvertently discriminate against an employee. Discrimination laws that you should be aware of are:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Equal Pay Act
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Age Discrimination and Employment Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act
Our Charlottesville, VA buisness lawyers know that getting a handle on discrimination can seem overwhelming at first. However, by putting the proper policies in place, educating staff, and responding appropriate to claims of discrimination, you can mitigate the problem before is becomes a larger issue.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is something that all business owners should have a handle on. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome or unwanted sexual conduct by either a coworker, manager or employer. A business lawyer that Charlottesville, VA business owners trust will tell you that there are primarily two forms of sexual harassment:
- Quid Pro Quo
- Hostile Work Environment
As a business owner, it will be important that you put the proper policies in place, and that you educate employees regarding these procedures.
Guide to Hiring a Business Lawyer
To hire a business lawyer is to invest in your business. A business attorney knows the ins and outs of the regulations of businesses. When it comes time to hire one, you’ll want to know how much it’ll cost. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. Here’s your guide to hiring a business lawyer.
Why You Need an Attorney
There are a few reasons why a company may want to hire an attorney. He or she can assist with drafting or reviewing business contracts, filing incorporation documents or in buying and selling businesses. Business attorneys can assist you with all legal matters regarding your business. For instance, if you need assistance forming your company, settling business disputes or ensuring that you comply with all business laws, then you may benefit from having an attorney on your side.
Who an Attorney Represents
Attorneys represent a number of different clients. They may represent the following:
- Business owners
- Insurance agencies
- Employees
When it comes ot matters of business, attorneys can represent a number of different people. From forming a business, to obeying regulations, to merging with another company, a lawyer can be your guide.
What an Attorney Costs
One of the biggest factors when it comes to investing in a lawyer is how much it is going to cost you or your business. When it comes to business lawyers, you will probably be paying an hourly fee for his or her services. What they charge depends heavily on a few different factors:
- The average rate locally
- The complexity of the case
- The experience that the attorney has
Before hiring an attorney, make sure that you find out the fee structure ahead of time. You need to agree on whatever structure they have. Some lawyers may ask for a flat fee. This often happens if the lawyer is drafting contracts or incorporating businesses.
Hiring a lawyer can be extremely beneficial for a business. Before you hire a lawyer, however, it is important to understand the fee structure and what you may have to pay for a lawyer. When it comes to handling legal matters, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. For more information on business law, contact a business lawyer today.
Give your business the opportunity to thrive after all of the time, money and energy you have poured into the success of your business. Dale Jensen, PLC can work closely with you during each facet of your business. Whether you are just setting up shop, facing litigation, planning for business succession or need to put employment practices and policies in place, having a lawyer by your side can help you to put your best foot forward. Contact the business lawyer that Charlottesville, VA business owners turn to at Dale Jensen, PLC today.