massachusetts small business attorney

Buy-Sell Agreements Critical for Massachusetts Business Partners

As a Massachusetts small business lawyer, I have a love-hate relationship with the term “buy-sell agreement.”  The term is technically accurate, but also terribly misleading.  Yes, buy-sell agreements establish terms by which people can “buy” and “sell” ownership stakes in a company.  However, these agreements are meant to address a far broader scope of events – …

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Your RI or Massachusetts Corporation May Not Shield You From Liability

As a Massachusetts and Rhode Island small business attorney, I often see business owners make the mistake of thinking that incorporating will automatically protect them from individual liability.  That is a common and dangerous misconception.  When a Rhode Island or Massachusetts corporation or LLC is properly formed, managed and maintained in accordance with corporate laws, …

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Your “Independent Contractor” May Be An Employee in Massachusetts or RI

Massachusetts and Rhode Island small businesses use so-called “independent contractors” for two main reasons – a) to avoid having to pay payroll tax, workers compensation, and other benefits for that person; and 2) to avoid legal liability for that person’s negligence.  Unfortunately, too many Rhode Island and Massachusetts small businesses mistakenly think that calling someone …

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Operating Agreements Critical for Massachusetts and RI Small Businesses

If you own a small business in Massachusetts or Rhode Island with one or more co-owners or partners, you should have an operating agreement drafted by a Massachusetts or Rhode Island small business attorney.  Among other things, an operating agreement spells out each partner’s ownership interest, rights, and duties, as well as procedures for resolving …

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