A Washington, DC business law firm serving local, regional, national and international companies and business ventures for 20 years
Category Archives: business law
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Your Business
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for companies and their representatives to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business — even when such payments (bribes) typify business practice in that country. Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has prosecuted both the individual businessmen and the companies involved… Read More »
Avoiding Business Litigation: Some Tips
Business litigation rarely revolves around fundamental principles that deserve defending, no matter what the cost. Business owners, corporate officers, and managers should keep in mind — no matter how frustrating the behavior or offensive the claims that led to litigation — the company’s best interests will nearly always be better served by settling out of court… Read More »
The PCAOB and You
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in 2002 in response to the corporate scandals and numerous accounting restatements of the 1990s and early 2000s. These scandals cost investors and employees millions of dollars in lost value of stocks and retirement accounts. Sarbanes-Oxley requires the PCAOB to protect the interests of… Read More »
Why Should My Contracts Include an Arbitration or Mediation Clause?
Managing litigation risk is an important issue for businesses of all types and sizes. In some cases, a single over-the-top judgment can push a vulnerable business into bankruptcy. Some legal risks do not permit advance planning and risk management, such as when an employee causes a serious motor vehicle accident or a visitor to your… Read More »
Common Business Disputes
Business disputes are nearly impossible to avoid and even companies that have harmoniously done business together for years can unexpectedly find themselves embroiled in a conflict. If not handled properly, such disputes can ruin previously lucrative business relationships and cost both parties substantial time and money. When you do find yourself involved in a major… Read More »
Risks of Doing Business as a Sole Proprietor
There are many things to consider when starting a business, and something as fundamental as liability protection may take a back seat to seemingly more pressing concerns. It may be tempting for entrepreneurs to take the easy path and simply operate as a sole proprietorship, but doing so carries a number of risks. When a… Read More »
Adhering to Corporate Formalities
Forming a corporation is a great way to protect yourself from debts and other liabilities incurred as part of your business. The corporate form also makes it possible to raise capital by selling shares in your company while still maintaining some managerial control. However, the corporate form does not come without a price. Corporations must… Read More »
Starting a Business in Washington, DC
There are many decisions to make and steps to take when starting a business and each may vary depending on the type of business and the goals of its promoters. Because each individual situation may require different steps, such as licensing, tax registration, and more, it is important to have counsel from an experienced Washington,… Read More »
What Constitutes Breach of Contract in Washington, DC?
Many Washington, D.C. individuals and businesses enter into contractual relationships to protect the integrity of business transactions. These may include purchasing property, developing products or forming partnerships and other relationships. When this contract is violated, it may result in a situation in which both parties feel as though a wrong has been done. Tobin, O’Connor… Read More »
Five Common Reasons for Business Disputes in Washington, DC
The world of business is a space of cooperation, collaboration and competition. The goal of every company is to do better than its competitors, grow and be profitable. Each business wants a slice of the pie, and this often causes legal disputes between companies or among internal stakeholders within a company. A good legal service… Read More »
