Business Law Articles

Learn and discover the latest useful business law articles for practical information, DIY, and ideas from a network of leading business and corporate lawyers.

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Open A Restaurant Checklist: California Licenses and Permits (2026)

This California restaurant opening checklist covers permits, health inspections, labor rules, and 2026 wage changes affecting new food businesses. It helps owners avoid shutdowns, control costs, and build a compliant restaurant brand in one of the nation’s toughest markets.

Unruh Act Definition: California Website Accessibility Law

California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act can trigger $4,000 statutory damages per access barrier on inaccessible websites. See how it ties to ADA claims, why intent doesn’t matter, and steps to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.

Merger and Acquisition Due Diligence Checklist

Merger & Acquisition M&A Due Diligence Checklist

M&A due diligence checklist covering financials, contracts, IP, cybersecurity, tax, and regulatory risks before signing a merger or acquisition. Includes who leads diligence, what documents to request, red flags to spot, and how findings shape negotiations and integration.

Who Has More Right - A Trustee Or The Beneficiary

Who Has More Rights a Trustee Or The Beneficiary?

This article explains trustee and beneficiary roles, comparing rights, duties, and limits within trusts and living trusts. It covers fiduciary duties, removal options, shared roles, and tips for choosing and supervising trustees.

Can you change the name of your LLC?

Change your LLC name by filing a Certificate of Amendment and updating records with the state, IRS, and FinCEN. Update bank accounts, permits, contracts, vendors, and marketing materials, or use a DBA for a faster public-name switch.

Liquidated Damages Clause: What Is It, And Is It Enforceable?

Liquidated damages clauses set a preset breach amount, so California contracts can limit fights and settle faster when losses are uncertain. Courts enforce them only when the figure is reasonable, triggers are spelled out, and the clause compensates rather than punishes.

Restaurant Surcharge California: New Rules and Menu Disclosure Requirements

California restaurant surcharge rules cover SB 1524, backlash over surprise fees, and required menu disclosures for service charges. From July 1, 2025, fees must be shown wherever prices appear, including online menus, or restaurants risk costly lawsuits.

Restaurant Service Charge California: SB 478 Rules for Junk Fees, Automatic Gratuities, and Menu Pricing

Get up to speed on California SB 478, junk fees, restaurant service charges, and new menu pricing rules. See how automatic gratuities and mandatory fees must be advertised to comply, reducing hidden costs and lawsuit risks.

SB 478: California Law Bans Hidden Fees in Advertising

California SB 478 bans hidden fees in advertising, requiring upfront disclosure of all mandatory costs for products and services. The law, effective July 1, 2024, applies to most businesses serving California customers, with limited exceptions for taxes and shipping.

Compliance Strategy: A Practical Guide to Building, Automating, and Managing Regulatory Requirements

A compliance strategy strengthens risk management, improves efficiency, and supports regulatory requirements through clear policies, audits, and staff training. Tools like Sprinto, Secureframe, and Vanta automate monitoring, evidence gathering, and vendor management for stronger compliance programs.

How to Hire a Lawyer in California: Step-by-Step Instructions

Hiring the right lawyer in California involves knowing your needs, checking qualifications, and reviewing fees before making decisions. This article outlines attorney types, fee structures, deadlines, and key questions to ask before signing any agreement.

What Are the 5 Elements of Defamation in California?

Defamation claims in California require five legal elements including falsehood, public exposure, identification, harm, and the defendant’s fault. Real examples highlight how reputations, jobs, and legal outcomes are affected when defamatory statements meet these conditions under state law.

Longshoreman Providers: FAQ for Maritime Employers

What Services Does a California Business Lawyer Provide?

A California business lawyer helps protect your company by providing legal guidance on structure, taxation, contracts, and compliance. Their services ensure you avoid costly mistakes and navigate disputes, allowing you to focus on growth.

Where Can I Find a Business Lawyer?

Find a skilled business lawyer to navigate legal matters like contracts, trademarks, and liability issues. Protect your company with expert legal advice and support.

What Are the Requirements for a Business Contract Termination Letter?

A contract termination letter must clearly state the reason for termination, reference the original contract, and follow required notice procedures. Ensuring proper documentation and adherence to contract terms helps prevent legal disputes and wrongful termination claims.

Are Verbal Contracts Binding in California?

A verbal contract can be legally binding in California, but proving its terms in court is often difficult. Written agreements provide stronger legal protection, reducing risks of disputes and misunderstandings.

Where Can I Find a Business Lawyer Near Me?

Find a business lawyer by seeking referrals, researching credentials, and ensuring they specialize in your industry’s legal needs. Schedule consultations to assess their expertise, compatibility, and pricing structure before making a final decision.

What Is the Statement of Information and When Is It Required?

A Statement of Information is a required filing for California corporations and LLCs, providing key business and leadership details. Filing deadlines vary, requiring annual or biennial submissions to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

What Is Gross Income and How Does It Differ From Net Income?

Gross income includes all earnings before deductions, while net income is what remains after taxes and expenses. Understanding these figures helps determine tax obligations, loan eligibility, and overall financial health.

What Is Beneficial Ownership Information and Why Is It Important for Compliance

Beneficial ownership information helps prevent financial crimes by increasing transparency in corporate structures. Businesses should stay informed on reporting requirements to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

What Is Arbitration and How Does It Resolve Disputes?

Arbitration resolves disputes by allowing a neutral third party to make binding decisions, offering privacy and efficiency over traditional litigation. Businesses and individuals prefer arbitration for its speed, cost savings, and adaptability, ensuring enforceable outcomes across various legal frameworks.

What Is a Corporation, and How Does It Differ From an LLC?

A corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders, while an LLC offers flexible management and pass-through taxation. Corporations require stricter compliance and structured oversight, whereas LLCs provide fewer formalities and adaptable ownership structures.

How Do You Incorporate a Business, and What Are the Benefits?

Incorporating a business creates a separate legal entity, protecting personal assets and offering potential tax advantages. This process enhances credibility, simplifies ownership transfer, and provides growth opportunities while requiring compliance with specific regulations.

How Do You Get an LLC, and What Are the Benefits of Forming One?

An LLC provides liability protection, tax flexibility, and management freedom for business owners. Follow seven simple steps to establish one efficiently.

How Do You Start a Business, and What Are the Legal Requirements?

Starting a business in California requires careful planning, legal compliance, and financial preparation. From selecting a business structure to obtaining permits, tax registration, and funding, each step is crucial for long-term success.

How Do Accrual Accounting and Cash Accounting Differ in Financial Management?

Accrual accounting records transactions when they are earned, while cash accounting records them when money changes hands. Choosing the right method impacts taxes, financial planning, and cash flow management for businesses.

Are There Grants Available to Start a Business?

Government and private grants provide funding to help entrepreneurs start businesses, with eligibility varying by industry, location, and business type. Opportunities include federal programs, state initiatives, and private grants supporting startups, research, and minority-owned businesses.

What Is a Stock Corporation in California – General Requirements?

A stock corporation in California raises capital by selling shares, granting investors ownership and voting rights while maintaining limited liability. These corporations, classified as C or S, follow specific legal steps, including filing Articles of Incorporation and drafting corporate bylaws.

Is a Contract Valid Only if It Is in Written Form?

A contract can be legally binding whether written or verbal, but some agreements, such as real estate deals, require written documentation. A valid contract must include clear terms, mutual agreement, legal capacity, consideration, and intent to create enforceable obligations.

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