Knowing when it is the right time to hire an attorney can be challenging when you are a business owner. When you are focused on using your available resources to drive attention, sales, and revenue, you may come to convince yourself that hiring a business attorney is unnecessary, or even unaffordable. So how do you know when it’s time to hire a lawyer to help you with your business?
Business Set Up
Often business owners are tempted to rely solely on free or low-cost resources to set up their business. While the process may seem simple, most of these businesses end up regretting not having a lawyer to help them set their business up properly. Setting up a business is more than the filing of papers. If you are serious about your business, you need someone who can assess risk and help establish contracts, policies, and procedures, limiting your exposure and liability.
Contracts and Agreements
Regardless of the type of business you own, drafting, negotiating, and signing contracts is part of your business life. One of the most significant sources of trouble for business owners stems from inadequate or poorly written contracts. While it is tempting to download a contract template from the internet or copy competitors’ contracts, you should never do so. Your business is unique, so you need contracts that meet the needs of your individual business. Cookie-cutter forms might work for a bit but will ultimately cause you profound grief down the line. Your contracts should be carefully drafted by an attorney to protect your business.
Employee/Customer Disputes
If you are in business long enough, you will undoubtedly encounter employees or customers who are unhappy with how you do business. The time to contact an attorney is as soon as you become aware of the dispute. Bringing an attorney into a dispute to analyze the situation as it is developing will help avoid a costly lawsuit. Of course, there are times when a lawsuit may blindside you and your business. As soon as you are served a complaint, you should immediately retain a litigation attorney to represent you.
Wage and Hour
Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect January 1, 2022
Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum wage for most employees will increase from $12.00 per hour to $13.00 per hour. The following minimum wage rates will also go into effect:
• Tipped employees: $5.13 per hour (up from $4.13 per hour);
• Seasonal and small employers with fewer than 6 employees: $11.90 per hour (up from $11.10 per hour);
• Agricultural employees: $10.90 per hour (up from $10.44 per hour); and
• Long-term care facility staff: $16.00 per hour (up from $15.00 per hour).
Given New Jersey’s comprehensive wage theft law and strict penalties for employers who engage in wage and hour violations, New Jersey employers need to make sure they comply with these new wages rates.
This summary is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. This information should not be reused without permission.
The best way to reduce your liability is to have an attorney help get your business set up correctly from the start. At Peterpaul Law LLP, we understand the need for businesses to save money where they can, but sparing on legal representation will only end up costing more in the end, and in some situations, may even cost you your business. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced employment lawyers.
