Secrets of Mediation and Arbitration

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:35:37 -0500

According to Austin-based business lawyer
Jack Zinda, of the law firm Heselmeyer Zinda, PLLC, two of the most
productive tools for resolving legal disputes are mediation and
arbitration.

When Business Partners Disagree

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:35:17 -0500

Austin-based business lawyer Jack Zinda of the law firm Heselmeyer Zinda, PLLC offers some cogent advice for resolving partnership disputes.

Disagreements between business partners are often difficult to
resolve. Many issues can emerge as conflicts. Contracts can be
breached, business opportunities can be usurped, trade secrets can be
stolen, or funds can be embezzled – with or without impunity. Resolving
such conflicts can be time consuming, emotionally draining, and well,
they cause stress or worse.

Business Basics

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:34:30 -0500

A certain degree of motivation and talent are required for starting
and managing a business – any business. But if certain mistakes are
made during the start-up phase, they can be difficult or impossible to
erase.

Rules for Executive Compensation

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:33:27 -0500

The federal securities laws require clear, concise disclosure about
compensation paid to CEOs, CFOs, and certain other high-ranking
executive officers of public companies.

To Compete or Not to Compete, That Is the Question

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:32:49 -0500

Non-compete agreements have been a troublesome item to understand for many people. However they are relatively straightforward.

A great many people don’t truly understand the ramifications of a
non-compete agreement, but if caught in a situation where the issue
raises its head, they usually get the drift fairly quickly. It all
boils down to the basic fact that a person selling a business agrees
not to compete or participate with the buyer of that business in the
same niche, area, industry or market for a certain period of time.

New Businesses Need Good Legal Representation

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:32:14 -0500

When starting a new business it’s critical to have effective legal representation.

While it may be nice to think about starting a new business and
making a small fortune over a period of time, don’t forget the nuts and
bolts of what makes a good business viable. One of those fundamental
things is having access to a skilled business attorney who keeps the
business on track.

Employment Agreements Are Critical

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:31:21 -0500

If you run a business, never be without an employment agreement. It
will be the best thing that you ever do to protect the business.

At one time people used to be hired to work somewhere with very
little in the way of formal paperwork. Sometimes it was even just a
handshake hiring where the employer’s word ruled and the employee did
what was requested of them as part of their job.

Pssst, the Secret Is Out

Jack Zinda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:31:01 -0500

When a trade secret gets out or is stolen, the ramifications are
enormous; proof positive that trade secrets are valuable assets to be
protected.

If you haven’t seen the news in the last little while, you may be
astounded at the damage awards in two controversial trade secret cases.
One in California came in with a jury verdict of $36.3 million in
damages in a trade secret and breach of contract case. In Georgia,
there was another settlement of $37.3 million. There may be another
chapter written in both of these cases, as they may be appealed.

Defective Drugs Take Their Toll

Jack Zinda — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:38:50 -0400

Anyone who has been made sick by taking a drug with ghastly side effects knows full well they can take their deadly toll.

Getting sick means putting your trust in the hands of doctors,
pharmacists and drug manufacturers. Sometimes that trust is betrayed in
a way that results in serious injuries or death by taking defective
drugs. If someone takes a defective drug, there are product liability
laws designed to hold people responsible.

That Bites

Jack Zinda — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:38:20 -0400

If the dog's bark is worse than his bite, a court case likely won't
be the end result. However, if the bite is worse than the bark, that is
another matter.

In some instances, a dog owner may face civil and criminal charges
if their dog takes a bite out of someone. While it might not seem like
a big deal, it may turn out to be that way.