A friend of mine sent me this link to a California’s lawyers killing Several unbelievable things about this story but the one that will catch everyone is that the local cops have not ruled out suicide. WTF? Go out to your car to get your laptop, shot fired, people rush up, no gun and it could be suicide? Somebody knows something.
Key point for all of us: be alert at all times. Watch your back at all times. You can’t just go. You have to be careful.
Recently a young man walked in to his classroom and opened fire on his teacher. Fortunately the teacher ducked behind his desk and then the rifle jammed. What’s the point proven? Be alert, drop to the ground, get behind something and be careful. All good advice, all things the teacher did.
Your lawyer should always give you a piece of paper (or email) telling you the Court you will appear in and its address, the Date and time of your hearing, the time you should be there to meet your lawyer, the Courtroom No., the name of the Judge (if known), the name of the case (usually something like ABC Corp. vs. XYZ LLC), and, if you need them, Directions to get to Court. Bring this paper with you.
You should also bring to the courthouse, a photo ID, the Subpoena (if you have one). Be aware that many Courts have a problem with you bringing a cell phone with a camera into the Courthouse. Some do not have a place to check your cell at the door. You may wish to leave your cell phone in the car. If you do bring your phone into the Courthouse, make sure to turn off the ringer when you enter the building. Judges have been known to confiscate the phones if they go off in the courtroom.
I was down in Florida on Thursday and Friday working. Took a couple of days and flew back yesterday. Crowded plane. 🙁 But Dumb and dumber struck and I don’t believe it. What happened you say? Simple:
The woman next to me was knitting! Now TSA will not let you travel with metal knitting needles. Apparently TSA worries that the metal needles are weapons. But they let this woman board the plane with 2 huge, 3/8″ diameter or more wooden knitting needles. Good God! Weapons!!! does anybody have a brain? Those things were like skewers. So how dumb was that? Really dumb!
Sooner or later (according to Forbes Magazine) you will need a trial lawyer because a deal will go bad and either you are being sued or you need to sue someone. After all, a contract or other agreement is only as strong as the effort you are willing to exert to enforce it. If people learn that you hate going to court and never go to court, they will take advantage whenever it is in their interest to do so. Your lawyer should know a good trial lawyer with a reputation for ferocity. These tend to be specialists. In fact, that’s what Kaufman Law does: We Do Business Brawls. That’s what this blog is all about. Business Brawls.
If you are in a media, design or other creative-type business, it is certainly a “plus” if your lawyer can help you register your products and services for federal trademark and copyright protection. Generally, though, these tasks are performed by specialists who do nothing but “intellectual property” legal work. If your lawyer says he or she “specializes in small businesses,” then he or she should have a close working relationship with one or more intellectual property specialist. Don’t forget that your key employees will also need to sign various non-disclosure agreements so they don’t acquire your firm’s specialized knowledge and then go out and compete with you for the same customers. Each state’s rules are different so you should be sure to check with a local lawyer and not just use an agreement you found on the Internet.
I’ve been away from this for a while because I’ve had 2 major trials to prepare for and then conduct. Posting is going to be a bit spotty for the next few weeks too as I’ve got 3 trials and an appeal to do by Valentine’s day. But, I’m going to catch up with a few things and then try and post a little bit every so often. Still, if you are out there and reading this, I hope you will find it of value.
By now you’ve probably heard about the gate-crashers at the White House dinner last week. It’s been all over the press here in DC anyway. Apparently these 2 people (I won’t list their names as that’s obviously what they want) talked their way past the security screen surrounding the President, into the party, took pictures and had a good time. How nice.
What’s the lesson for you and me? Simple really: don’t assume that just because a person *looks* OK, *looks* like they belong, they *are* OK and *do* belong. Security is something you have to keep in mind at all times. Obviously the Secret Service were lulled by the gate-crashers’ appearance. Appearances can be deceiving. Your office should keep that in mind too.
Recently a DC family suffered a horrible tragedy. They were being chased by a mugger and ran into their apartment and slammed the door for safety. Good. Then the little 9 year old boy went to the door to see if the attacker had left. Looked out the peephole. O SHIT! Frustrated thief fires shot into middle of door and kills the kid. O SHIT again.
Look people, don’t do that! Don’t put yourselves in harm’s way like that. Stay away from the damn door. Call someone to check the hallway or something. Wait, be patient. You can outwait the thief. Really. But be careful!
Although your accountant will prepare and file your business tax returns each year, your lawyer should know how to register your business for federal and state tax identification numbers, and understand the tax consequences of the more basic business transactions in which your business will engage. Furthermore, your lawyer will be able to advise you on the best way to maximize tax shelters legally.
