10 things to check every year to keep your business legally sound Running a business is a full-time job. Legal housekeeping tends to fall to the bottom of the list. This annual checklist brings everything back to the top — before a problem forces it there. Why an Annual Legal Review Pays for…
A calm, step-by-step guide for small business owners Receiving a legal threat feels like a punch to the stomach. Most business owners panic. Here is the calm, practical guide that tells you exactly what to do — and what not to do. First: Do Not Panic — Most Threats Do Not Become Lawsuits…
What you can and cannot actually protect — explained simply You spent months building your brand. Your name, your logo, your reputation. Here is what the law actually protects — and what common mistakes leave you exposed. The Big Misconception: Registering an LLC Does Not Protect Your Brand Name This is the number…
Here is what Missouri law requires you to do Hiring your first employee is one of the most exciting milestones in a small business journey. It is also one of the most legally complex. Here is your plain-English step-by-step guide. First: Celebrate — Then Get Serious Bringing on your first hire is a…
Protect yourself before a problem finds you Most small business owners start working with clients on a handshake. Here is why that is a risk and the contracts that will actually protect you. A Short Story About Why This Matters Picture this: you are a graphic designer in St. Louis. You spend three weeks building…
LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietor — Explained Simply One of the first legal decisions every new entrepreneur faces — and one of the most Googled — is also one of the most misunderstood. Here’s the plain-English guide you actually need. Why This Decision Matters More Than People Think When you start a business, you’re not…
In Missouri, the operating agreement of your LLC controls how to address misbehaving members and outlines the process of expelling a member. There are various reasons why a member can be involuntarily disassociated from an LLC, such as repeatedly breaching the operating agreement, engaging in actions that harm or could harm the company, or filing…
Why an Operating Agreement is Important for Your Missouri LLC Missouri LLC Operating Agreement: A Legal Requirement In Missouri, limited liability companies are required to have an operating agreement as it establishes the options and rights to acquire or sell members’ interests in the limited liability company. The operating agreement also controls how the members…
Voytas Law has drafted operating agreements for a wide array of Missouri businesses. We have litigated disputes between business owners arising out of these operating agreements. Our courtroom experience informs our document drafting, and we have been able to provide high-quality, tailored operating agreements that eliminate future litigation risk between business owners. LLCs in Missouri…
Rick Voytas has represented business clients in mediations where the stakes range from thousands to tens of millions of dollars and is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois. The purpose of this post is to impart our experience on mediating business lawsuits in Missouri. We would be happy to talk with you about…