Reorganizing your business? Take care with terminations

In Business Organizations by Coolidge Wall

Reorganizing a business involves a number of details and moving part which need to be addressed and managed. Failure to do this can lead to avoidable mistakes that can ultimately cost a lot of money and even jeopardize the future of a reorganized business. One such detail that you may need to confront head-on if you going through a reorganization is how to deal with the people whose jobs may be terminated as part of the new structuring. Unfortunately, this is often a necessary part of a business strategy as it can work to streamline business and manage costs. But …

Motor Vehicle Repair Shops: Consumer Laws That Should be Reflected in the Way You do Business

In Business Law by Coolidge Wall

Developing best practices for your business is essential to avoiding unnecessary liability and consumer initiated claims against you. As part of that process, repair and service shop owners need to become familiar with the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (“CSPA”). The CSPA requires motor vehicle repair and service providers to comply with specific and detailed requirements. The CSPA prohibits certain businesses from engaging in unfair and unconscionable acts. Under the CSPA, motor vehicle repair and service are covered by Ohio Administrative Code Section 109:4-3-13. That section defines what is considered “unfair” and “unconscionable.” If in the process of providing a …

Companies working harder than ever to stop employee ‘poaching’

In Business Organizations by Coolidge Wall

One of the tools that companies have to protect themselves includes employee agreements and contracts. These documents can prevent people from disclosing confidential information or working with the competition in the event of a job change. When both parties comply with the terms of these contracts, there may be little cause for concern. However, if an employee does leave one company to work for a direct competitor, for example, legal disputes can arise. In order to resolve these situations, oftentimes the case will head to court where employment contracts and new job positions will be scrutinized. We have seen this …

Estate Planning for the 18 Year Old

In Estate Planning by Coolidge Wall

When my son, Sam, celebrated his 18th birthday, I gave him (surprise!) his very own set of estate planning documents. They were not as popular as, say, a Land Rover, but they were definitely at the top of “my” list. Why? Because he was now an adult and I was now persona non grata. My son’s 18th birthday terminated many legal rights that I had previously taken for granted. He was now an adult. I could no longer consult with his doctor due to HIPAA regulations (although the billing office had no such qualms). I was unable to endorse Grandma’s …