Small Business
The strength of our economy has always been driven by small business. Unfortunately, every year more small businesses fail than succeed. Lavelle Law, Ltd. can provide the expertise to guide you through the life-cycle of your small business from formation to hiring employees and from growth to succession planning. Our seasoned attorneys can take the burden of issues like regulatory commitments and taxation out of your daily routine so that you can devote your energy to making your business succeed.
Articles on Small Business
- Lose your anchor, lost your business
- by James D. Voigt
Large stores such as Sears or K-Mart are referred to as “anchors” because they draw business into a shopping center, and that business provides traffic to the other smaller businesses which share the building. Sears recently announced that it will be closing 79 stores across the country,... read more
- Illinois Supreme Court Broadens Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements
- by Steven A. Migala
On December 1, 2011, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its opinion in Reliable Fire Equip. Co. v. Arredondo, 2011 IL 111871 (Ill. Dec. 1, 2011), which is likely to make it easier for companies to enforce non-compete agreements, thereby complicating transitions by executives. Reliable, which sells... read more
- Do you have a Control Issue?
- by James D. Voigt
Having a strong need to be in control is something that might land you on a therapist’s sofa, but could also save your business. Our office deals with many disputes among small business owners, managers and investors. Top priority in any of these disputes is to determine who is in control... read more
- A Better "Option" than Options
- by James D. Voigt
Stock options and stock incentive programs are usually associated with huge publicly traded companies. But many small businesses recognize the value of stock incentive plans for retaining good employees. Traditionally, the vehicle used is stock options. The employee gets a double incentive: 1) Stay... read more
- Don’t Assume You’re in the Clear…Using an Assumed Name or D/B/A Without Registering it Can Lead to Personal Liability
- by James D. Voigt
The real name of your business is ABC Consulting, Inc. But on your letterhead, signs, company vehicles, menus, brochures, website, even your checks, you just go with “ABC Consulting.” Does the “Inc.” really matter? It does. Failure to use your legal business name, or to properly... read more
- Pay Yourself Less Part II: Reasonable Defined
- by James D. Voigt
This is an update to an article I wrote previously entitled, “Increase your take-home pay by paying yourself less” dealing with mixing payroll and dividends to reduce personal tax liability for S-Corp owners. That previous article left one question unanswered (as does the Tax Code): If I am mixing... read more
- Under The Microscope: Small Business Owners Should Mind Their Ps and Qs Now More Than Ever
- by James D. Voigt
Everyone knows you have to obey the law. Don't speed. Don't cheat on your taxes. Speeding is simple: you know when you're doing it, and as your attorney I would advise you to obey the law. Same goes for taxes, of course. But taxes are tricky. It is easy to make mistakes, and many small... read more
- How To Handle Collectors Calls
- by Theodore M. McGinn
In this troubling economy, a business or individual will often have to handle difficult phone calls from collectors or vendors. There are certain steps that should be taken in handling such phone calls in order to protect your rights. Failing to handle these calls properly could make this situation... read more