Times have changed considerably from 30 or 40 years ago. Liquor laws continue to become tougher as lawmakers attempt to stem the tide of liquor-related deaths and injuries. Taking effect January 1, 2013, the State Liquor Control Act prohibits any person from knowingly authorizing or allowing underage posession or consumption of alcohol at home. Anyone thinking…
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One of the frustrations being a business owner is the failure of clients and customers to pay you for your services or the goods you sell. All types of businesses face this problem, including contractors, suppliers, medical providers, landlords and even attorneys. The failure of clients and customers to pay not only affects your cash-flow,…
DetailsThe Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) forms have changed for perfecting UCC liens. If you make UCC filings in Illinois, be sure you are using the new forms required as of July 1, 2013. The following notice is posted on the Secretary of State’s Business Services website: Effective July 1, 2013, Public Act 97-1034 amends the…
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A case decided recently, in March of 2012, is a complicated, though fascinating, study in corporate law. Shredding away the layers, it exposes a lesson to be learned for anyone who has incorporated a business. The risk is most acute for small corporate businesses. A primary reason people use the corporate form of business is…
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There is no such thing as an iPad Last Will App, but a judge in Ohio ruled recently that a Will written on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, because no paper was allegedly available, is a valid Will. That ruling naturally raises the spectre of Will apps for iPhones, iPads, Andriod devices, and the sky is…
DetailsInternships have long presented opportunities for students and recent graduates to obtain practical education in their chosen professions and valuable experience to enhance their resumes. Employers have long benefitted from the unpaid help of those same interns. In the headlines is the story of a New York State Court case just decided that may change…
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There is nothing like a real-life story to drive home a point. What you are about to read are the real mistakes of real people. The names and details have been changed to protect the erstwhile entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial people tend to have a lot of confidence in their own abilities and positive motivation. Those are…
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An agent pursuant to a power of attorney owes a fiduciary duty to the creator of the power of attorney (the “principal”) and is obligated to carry out the terms of the power of attorney with the highest degree of fidelity and good faith according to Illinois law. This fiduciary duty of power of attorney…
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There are many reasons why people do not do Wills. There will be time to do one later. I don’t have many assets. I am not ready to think about those things. I am not sure what is involved – and many other reasons. We try to focus on the positives: so here are five reasons…
DetailsBusiness owners are a hopeful, positive and adventuresome group. The strong character traits that propel people into commercial enterprise, however, may also reveal areas of weakness that may lead to difficulty and even disaster down the road. Business owners are not shy about entering into contracts, but sometimes they are big picture people and do…
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