How a Special Litigation Committee Protects Minnesota Companies
Setting up a Special Litigation Committee (“SLC”) is a great way to deal with a conflict of interest in a company. A Special Litigation Committee allows the company to keep control of legal claims and address issues in a way that puts the best interests of the company first. The main idea behind a […]
Continue readingSales Rep Commissions: Employee Legal Rights to Wages in Minnesota
Sale representatives paid on commissions have significant legal rights in Minnesota. This article explains the legal protections available to sales representatives who are employees in Minnesota. To determine your rights, you first need to determine whether you are an independent contractor or employee. If you are an independent contractor (not employee), you may have protections […]
Continue readingAccidental Partnership: Are You in a De Facto Business Partnership?
Table of Contents OverviewStoryLegal AnalysisAdditional Resources Overview This story illustrates how two entrepreneurs can accidently find themselves in a partnership. A partnership doesn’t need to be registered with the state. A partnership can begin whenever two or more people carry on as co-owners a business for profit. Story Amber and Jen discussed opening a business […]
Continue readingThe Contingency Fee Agreement is Relevant When an Attorney is Fired
The Minnesota Supreme Court established an eight-factor test to determine a lawyer’s contingency fee after a client fired the lawyer shortly before settling case. The Court held that, under quantum meruit, the “fee arrangement existing between counsel and the client” is one of the factors. Minnesota’s Contingency Fee Factors for Attorneys The eight factors are time […]
Continue readingCan Minnesota Lawyers Share Legal Fees? Yes.
Yes. Rule 1.5(e) of the Rules of Professional Conduct provides as follows: A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if (1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer or each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation; (2) the client […]
Continue readingSucceeding on Purpose: a Workshop
by Latitude Often CEOs and other leaders want to lead with a purpose greater than profit, but the majority struggle to integrate purpose into their everyday operations. In this workshop, Glenn Deering—Exec. Director of Strategy and Purpose Innovation at Latitude—will lead attendees through interactive exercises that introduce proven ideas and methods for operationalizing a purpose […]
Continue readingFree Renter Legal Help: Lawyers Defend Minnesota Tenant Rights
Here are some outstanding resources for renters (informally referred to as “renters”) and attorneys representing tenants against landlords in Minnesota. Let’s face it, landlords often have the advantage because they select the lease they require of tenants. For example, I regularly represent landlords. However, tenants have some strong law on their side. These resources are […]
Continue readingHow the ‘Business Judgment Rule’ Protects Directors and Officers
If you are an officer or director accused of making a bad decision, the “business judgment rule” is an important defense to understand. Table of Contents Directors and Officers Owe a Duty of CareThe Business Judgment Rule Protects Directors and OfficersThe Disney ExamplePractical Tip for Directors and OfficersDisinterestedInformedBest Interests of the Corporation Directors and Officers […]
Continue readingRegistered Agent: A Physical Office for Your Business
Every Minnesota business needs to have an address on record with the Secretary of State. This is called the registered office. Instead of providing a physical address, you can use a registered agent service. This article explains the details. Table of Contents What a registered office?What is a registered agent Service?What are some options for registered […]
Continue readingThe Torrens Title System Minnesota: The Short Course for Surveyors
August 2009 A surveyor colleague of mine came back from a continuing education class a while ago and said that the lawyer instructor wished out loud that the Torrens system would go away. The lawyer, like some surveyors, did not like dealing with the Torrens system. For many surveyors and lawyers, the Torrens registration system […]
Continue readingIs Real Estate Broker/Agent Fee-Sharing Legal in Minnesota?
Among real estate agents and brokers, some types of referral fees, commissions, and fee sharing are permitted. However, other types of fee sharing are prohibited by Minnesota real estate statutes and regulations. Whether fee-splitting is a “legal commission” or “illegal kickback” depends on the context. Minnesota’s primary authority on sharing real estate agent and broker […]
Continue readingWhat’s at the End of Your Business Name Besides INC or LLC?
When you name your LLC or corporation, you need to decide which entity designation to include at the end. For example, “Angie’s Plumbing” might become “Angie’s Plumbing LLC” to indicate Angie’s Plumbing is a limited liability company. This page lists the entity designations when starting a business in Minnesota. Table of Contents CorporationProfessional CorporationLimited Liability CompanyProfessional […]
Continue readingMinnesota Employment Rights: Where to Get Help
The following material was prepared by the Minnesota Office of Attorney General to assist those seeking legal help for violations of Minnesota employment law. Table of Contents WagesBenefitsPersonnel FilesEmployee or Independent ContractorWorking ConditionsWhistleblower ProtectionEmployment Discrimination Wages Some employees receive less in wages than they expect. This might occur because an employer does not pay for […]
Continue readingReasonable Attorney Fees in Minnesota vs. Lodestar Factors
Throughout the United States, many jurisdictions use the Lodestar factors as a standard to determine whether attorney’s fees are reasonable. The Lodestar standard has been part of the common law, refined by courts over the years. Minnesota’s approach to determining whether attorney’s fees are reasonable generally aligns with the Lodestar factors. Minnesota Standard Minnesota’s approach […]
Continue readingMinnesota Private Attorney General Statute: Get Attorney Fees Back
Table of Contents What is a private attorney general statute?Where is Minnesota’s private attorney general statute?When can attorney’s fees be recovered?Must the public benefit from your case?Will courts consider how much the public will benefit? What is a private attorney general statute? A “private attorney general” statute authorizes a court to award attorney’s fees to […]
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5 Tips to Delegate and Elevate Your Leadership Team
If you’re running EOS® (the Entrepreneur’s Operating System) in your business, you have experienced firsthand how beneficial it can be to your company’s growth. Like all learning tools and systems, to really gain strong traction, the challenge lies in supporting your team on the ground level with the day-to-day execution and implementation of EOS principles. […]
Continue readingMinnesota Charity Law: Guide for Nonprofit Board of Directors
Table of Contents Guide for Charity Board MembersIntroductionTo Exercise the Proper Duty of Care1. Active Participation2. Committees3. Board Actions4. Minutes of Meetings5. Books and Records6. Accurate Record Keeping7. Charitable Assets8. Resources9. InvestigationsTo Exercise the Duty of Loyalty1. Conflicts of Interest2. Written Policy3. Loans4. Corporate Opportunity5. Internal Revenue CodeTo Exercise the Duty of Obedience:1. State and […]
Continue readingOverview of Minnesota Nonprofit Law
Minnesota nonprofit organizations are governed by the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act, Minn. Stat. ch. 317A. A nonprofit corporation’s purpose and activities must serve the organization’s mission to benefit the public, and may not be operated to profit other persons or entities. Table of Contents Tax-Exempt Status of NonprofitsNonprofit GovernanceKey Laws for Minnesota NonprofitsAdditional Resources Tax-Exempt Status […]
Continue readingFree Private Meeting Room Spaces in the Twin Cities
Whether you are a real estate agent, solo attorney, or consultant, you often need a private room outside your home to meet with clients. Fortunately, the Twin Cities business community and library systems offer a variety of places for you to meet with your clients and potential clients. Highlights include certain coffee shop locations with […]
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Accidents and Personal Injury
When you have been hurt in an accident, life can be overwhelming. You probably have medical bills. You may have a damaged car, truck, or motorcycle. You might miss work because of your injury. The stress, anxiety, and pain may also affect your performance at work, relationships at home, and other lifestyle activities. Sadly, insurance […]
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Are clickwrap or browsewrap contracts enforceable?
Table of Contents Are Online “Click to Accept” Agreements Valid?How Clickwraps and Browsewraps Are UsedCautionary TalesBrowsewrap AgreementsClickwrap AgreementsEndnotes Are Online “Click to Accept” Agreements Valid? This is an archived copy of an article that originally appeared in Communications Lawyer, published by the ABA in January, 2015. From the Chair: “Click Here to Accept the Terms of […]
Continue readingHow is a Social Club Taxed? IRS Guidance on 501(c)(7)
Table of Contents IntroductionTraditional vs. Nontraditional ActivitiesFACTSSituation 1: Situation 2: LAW AND ANALYSISCONCLUSIONSTimber SalesTraditional or Nontraditional?TIM-BERRRRRRRR! – Will Exempt Status Fall?Reinvestment OptionAdvertising IncomeBackgroundAllocation of Advertising ExpensesDiscriminatory Social Clubs – IRC 501(i) Introduction Social clubs are exempt from federal income tax under IRC 501(a) as organizations described in IRC 501(c)(7) if they are “organized for pleasure, recreation, […]
Continue readingPaying Minimum Wage & Overtime to Home Care Workers: How to Follow FLSA Rules
The following article explains minimum wage and overtime issues related to home care works, including FLSA rules that apply to employees. Table of Contents Minimum wageOvertime payHours WorkedRecordkeepingConsequences of not complying with the FLSA Minimum wage As of early 2016, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. That means any worker who is covered by the […]
Continue readingCryptocurrency Tax FAQ: Your Bitcoin Income vs. the IRS
The following FAQ addresses common questions about when cryptocurrencies are taxed and whether conversions between cryptocurrencies qualify as like-kind exchanges. Table of Contents Is transferring funds between cryptocurrencies taxable?Is a cryptocurrency conversion a like-kind exchange?Does the IRS View Cryptocurrencies as Money or Investment Property?Does the IRS Provide Tax Guidance on Taxing Cryptocurrencies?What Was the IRS’s First Position […]
Continue readingSteps After Filing a Federal Trademark Registration Application
After you file an application for a federal trademark registration, you need to wait for the USPTO to begin processing. The entire process usually takes 9-12 months but can take longer if complications or “office actions” arise. This article explains the steps that an application for a federal trademark follows. Table of Contents USPTO Reviews […]
Continue readingGetting an EIN: Personal Service Corporation vs. S Corp
This article is for people wondering whether to select “S Corporation” or “Personal Service Corporation” when applying for an EIN on the IRS.gov website. Let’s assume you are in the process of setting up an S corporation to provide professional services (e.g. law firm or chiropractic office), and now you need an EIN number. You visit […]
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Religious Clothing and Attire at Work: Legal Tips
This article answers questions about how federal employment discrimination law applies to religious dress and grooming practices, and what steps employers can take to meet their legal responsibilities in this area. Examples of religious dress and grooming practices include wearing religious clothing or articles (e.g., a Muslim hijab (headscarf), a Sikh turban, or a Christian […]
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How to Avoid Religious Discrimination in Your Company
Religious discrimination affects all faiths: Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and more. Employers have liability for their policies and procedures related to how each employee’s religion affects work. Below are best practices for employers and managers in the United States. Table of Contents Disparate Treatment Based on ReligionEmployer Best PracticesReligious HarassmentEmployer Best PracticesEmployee Best PracticesReasonable […]
Continue readingAsset Protection Trust
An asset protection trust is a type of trust designed for the purpose of protecting your assets. This type of trust involves a number of legal techniques to protect assets from specific types of threats. When drafted properly, an asset protection trust can provide the following benefits: ensure funds are not used for substance abuse or […]
Continue readingDealing with Employee Xenophobia in Your Business
Xenophobia is simply fear of foreigners. Conflict abroad often increases xenophobia in the workplace. This fear may manifest itself in different ways among your employees: distrust, anxiety, or discrimination. On the surface, xenophobia can seriously affect your company’s culture. It can also get your company in legal trouble. For example, the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sued […]
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