By DeAnn Flores Chase
Attorney at Law
There are many reasons why a business owner should have legal counsel when starting a business. The following is an example based on a true story:An owner of retail business hired a woman by presenting her with an offer letter. The letter stated that after a certain period of time, the employee would receive a pay increase. The letter did not provide for any discretion on the part of the owner to decide whether she should receive the pay increase. The woman was employed, and at the end of the period of time specified in the letter, she expected to receive a pay increase. Unfortunately, the owner did not feel that she had met the owner’s expectations. He refused to give her the pay increase. The woman sued the company for not honoring the terms of the offer letter. You probably have guessed the outcome: the company lost on a breach of contract judgment. Had the company asked an attorney to review the offer letter prior to presenting it to the employee, the attorney might have been able to prevent this outcome.
Examples like this happen every day. We know that new business owners are hesitant to spend money on attorneys up front. Too often, however, they spend substantially more on attorneys when a dispute arises. Contracts online or purchased from websites often do not give you the protection you need. What you need is a contract that is specific to your set of circumstances and requirements – not a form contract. As a former litigator, DeAnn Chase has the experience to assist new businesses in preventing litigation in the first instance. South Bay Business Lawyers can help you get your new business off the ground with the advice and contracts you need.
DeAnn Flores Chase
A Law Corporation
1334 Parkview Avenue, #100
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
tel: 310.765.9015
fax 310.546.8158
e-mail: deann@sbblmb.com
