Nobody sues a plumber over the plumbing. They sue over the paperwork. Business attorney Eric Jeppson walks through the six legal checks every trade business owner can do this week, without paying anybody.

Why We Stopped Billing by the Hour (And What We Do Instead)

This article explains why messy or missing legal documents can stall deals, scare off investors, and cost business owners thousands in cleanup. It defines what a Clean Legal Bill of Health is, covers the core pieces you need in place, and offers a simple self check so you know whether your legal foundation will support growth or create problems when opportunity or conflict shows up.

This blog explains why traditional hourly legal billing creates stress and delays for business owners, and shows how subscription and flat fee legal services give you predictable costs so you can ask questions early and prevent problems instead of cleaning up crises. It walks through real world examples, the types of issues that fit a subscription model, and invites you to explore which plan fits your business so you can budget for legal help without fear of surprise bills.

This article helps business owners identify their biggest “legal landmines” before they blow up into costly disputes. It walks through common risk areas like ownership and intellectual property, commercial leases, contracts, employees and contractors, and corporate records, and explains how a Clean Legal Bill of Health can uncover and address these issues early so you can focus on growing your business instead of fighting legal fires.

This post shares how two founders skipped early legal planning and ended up spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, and later more than 1.5 million, fighting over intellectual property and messy corporate records. It shows how a little upfront work on buy sell agreements, IP assignments, and meeting minutes could have prevented years of distraction and litigation. The core message is simple: for business owners, an ounce of legal prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

This post explains how ten missing words in a commercial lease turned into a 30-month legal battle for a landlord, draining time, money, and energy that should have gone back into the business. Using that story as a warning, it highlights five common “landmines” in commercial leases: change in ownership, CAM and operating expenses, personal guarantees, repairs and major systems, and use clauses. It also offers practical questions to ask before signing or renewing in 2026 so business owners can avoid expensive surprises and make informed, confident decisions.

This post walks business owners through a simple year-end legal checkup to see if their company is truly ready for 2026. It covers six key areas—entities and ownership, commercial leases, core contracts, employees and contractors, dispute planning, and predictable legal spend—so you can spot hidden risks, prevent lawsuits, and support growth with a stronger legal foundation. Instead of guilt or legalese, it offers practical steps and invites owners to get a Clean Legal Bill of Health audit if they want guided help.

Protect your business with solid client contracts. Learn 7 essential clauses covering scope, payment, IP, liability, and more. Avoid disputes and ensure clear expectations with well-drafted agreements.

Employee or Independent Contractor? Misclassification risks hefty penalties. Understand the key legal tests (control matters!), common mistakes, and why getting worker status right protects your small business.

Leaving a business partnership? Learn the legal steps for a smooth exit. Understand your agreement, finances, and how a lawyer helps negotiate buyouts or dissolutions. Get clear guidance for a strategic departure.

LLC or Corporation? Choosing the right business structure protects your personal assets and impacts taxes. Learn the key differences between LLCs, C-Corps, and S-Corps in this clear breakdown for entrepreneurs.

Small business legal mistakes cost time and money. Learn the top 5 errors—from contracts to worker classification—and how straightforward steps can safeguard your company. Get practical tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Facing a lawsuit over a business contract? Don’t panic. Understand the legal process, critical next steps you must take, and how experienced counsel protects your company’s interests. Get clear guidance for navigating contract disputes.