1. Will I Need a Lawyer to Start a Company?

Anyone can start a business in the state of Maryland at any time. Sole proprietorships and other organizations with one or more partners or employees are established every day. It is up to you whether or not you want to hire a lawyer to help get your company off the ground.

Lawyers can guide novice and experienced professionals through starting their own businesses. They can advise them on the different forms that will be required. A good lawyer can ensure that a company owner has filed all necessary documents in a timely manner.

2. How Can I Handle Disputes?

Companies face all kinds of disputes. Issues may arise when a partner leaves the organization, workers attempt to form a union or if another business wants to buy out a company.

Shareholder concerns should also be taken into consideration. There could be times when particular business measures may not be viewed as actions that are in their best interests.

3. What Can I do About a Breach of Contract?

A breach of contract occurs when particular rules or terms in an agreement have been broken. There could be substantial penalties, depending on the nature of the activity and how it will impact the people who were bound to the contract.

Damages may be awarded to the party who did not breach the agreement.

4. How Can I End a Company?

The decision to close a business is never easy. It may be the end of a dream. Closing your doors for good can also put people out of work and leave them wondering what will happen next or how they are going to stay afloat financially.

If you own a company in the state of Maryland and decide to cease operations, there are several steps that you must take. Begin by closing your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and with Maryland’s comptroller. The company will also need to be closed out with the IRS, the state Department of Labor (if necessary) and any local city or county agencies that you belonged to.

5. What Should I Do if my Company is Sued?

There are several reasons why an organization may be sued. A lawsuit can be brought up by an individual, a group of people or an entity that represents others. The requested compensation will vary according to the specific reasons why the suit was filed.

You may be able to defend yourself in court, or you can enlist the services of a lawyer.. The trained professionals at JC Law will listen to what you have to say and make suggestions as to what actions you can take. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

6. How Can I Protect Trade Secrets?

Trade secrets are techniques, recipes, and equipment that certain companies use to create some of the products that they are known for. They are not meant to be shared with the general public. Problems have occurred when certain trade secrets have been leaked or learned by competitors.

One of the best ways to protect trade secrets is by requiring employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This is a legally binding document. If someone breaks the conditions of this contract, they may be subject to fines and/or jail time.

7. What are Non-Compete Clauses and How Can They be Enforced?

Non-compete clauses are very common in many industries today. They are written contracts that expressly forbid employees from working with a competing company in the future. The document will determine the amount of elapsed time before a person can work for another business in the same industry.

Non-compete agreements can be legally enforced in the state of Maryland. Such contracts can be used to protect customer lists, delivery or sales routes and any unique products or services that are supplied by a specific organization. However, the Maryland Non-Compete and Conflict of Interests Act of 2019 does not allow companies to use non-compete clauses for employees who make less than $31,200 per year or $15 per hour.

8. Can I Write Off Certain Business Expenses?

Some costs can be written off of a company’s taxes. Business phone bills, health insurance premiums, office supplies and office expenses are a few examples. Companies cannot write off personal expenses or political contributions, as well as gifts above $25.

9. What Am I Required to Provide for my Employees

Companies must inform employees about potential safety risks in the workplace. Employers should provide their workers with all the necessary tools and equipment for employees to perform the duties that their jobs require. Maryland’s Healthy Working Families Act mandates companies to supply sick leave equal to one hour per every 20 hours an employee works. This is capped at 40 hours per year, but businesses can offer more compensation if they want.

10. Why is Business Litigation Necessary?

Business litigation can certainly come in handy in any of the situations listed above or at other times. Business laws were developed to protect employers and workers. Laws and rules are in a constantly changing. Some laws are more scrutinized than others, especially when employees attempt to unionize or ask for better working conditions.

Having a good lawyer by your side is essential in these situations. They can help you navigate through potential problems. A lawyer may even be able to work with employers and employees to find a suitable solution that benefits both sides. Business litigation is not always easy, but can be very necessary for improving relationships and providing better peace of mind.

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