I’d like to thank the Small Business Development Center of Duquesne University for having me speak recently at the “Venture Into Entrepreneurship” program. The program helps new and aspiring business owners begin on the right foot, and the multi-day class covers everything from legal issues, incorporation, taxes and other topics […]
Magistrate and Arbitration Claims in Pennsylvania
By Julian Neiser on G+ One of the most frequent questions I receive from clients (and some lawyers) involves the differences between the different civil court “levels” in Pennsylvania and how they all connect. In summary, a case valued at less than $12,000 can go to “trial” at three different […]
Pittsburgh Business Attorney Julian Neiser to Present Litigation Seminar
By Julian Neiser on G+ Pittsburgh business and construction attorney Julian Neiser will be presenting a seminar for the National Business Institute on “Advanced Trial Tactics” on April 30, 2015. Attorney Neiser will be presenting sections on effective cross examinations, handling expert witnesses, and use of technology at trial. This […]
Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law
By Julian Neiser on G+ Selling a home is a major milestone that can mark the end of a long and time-consuming process for everyone involved. However, without full disclosure — prior to closing — of problems with a home, the buyer and seller could find themselves at odds long […]
Default Judgments in Pennsylvania
By Julian Neiser on G+ I’ve been seeing a rash of judgments taken by default against small businesses. This means that a lawsuit was filed, no response or defense was made and a judgment was taken without a fight. Then, months — and even years — later, clients need to […]
Employment Law Tips for Small Businesses
By Julian Neiser on G+ Employment costs are usually among the largest for businesses of all sizes. Employment issues also can be among the most problematic, invasive and disruptive — whether the business has two employees or 500. Many small-and-mid-size businesses leave themselves open to employment-related problems by not taking […]
You’ve Incorporated. Now What?
By Julian Neiser on G+ Incorporation alone isn’t enough to protect your assets or prevent personal liability. As with everything, there are rules and exceptions. It’s true that incorporation is mandatory for most businesses. In most circumstances, incorporation will create a complete barrier between your personal and business finances. Sometimes, […]
What is an "Outside" General Counsel?
Many companies would be well served with an in-house attorney. However, this is a luxury most small businesses cannot afford. This is a short blurb about how the relationship can work and be structured. I’ve served as general counsel and have been the attorney of record for a many businesses […]
The Prompt Payment Act: Know the Rules
Pennsylvania law permits contractors and subcontractors to recover interest and attorney fees if they aren’t paid on time. Actually, the law doesn’t just permit these penalties — it mandates them under certain circumstances. And there are tricky requirements and payment milestones imposed by this law. This law (fully named the […]
Don’t get stiffed…
Few people actually go into a business transaction with the intention of not paying the other side. But sometimes things happen, and it’s not uncommon for one business to “stiff” another because of a change in circumstances. There is an untold number of things that can kill cash flow and […]