Resources
img t

An Early Expert’s Report Offers a Distinct Advantage

May 10, 2022

In a matter of alleged professional negligence, a complaint cannot be filed without an expert’s report. At one time I viewed this requirement as just one more roadblock to seeking redress against a professional. I still feel that’s somewhat true, but I’ve also personally seen that there is a definite advantage to investing in an…

Read More
img t

An Example of How Having an Attorney Review a Simple Draft Agreement Can Be So…..Worthwhile

May 10, 2022

A longtime friend called for advice earlier this month, and our conversation reminded me how having an attorney review even a simple draft amended legal agreement can be so…. worthwhile. Legal review of draft agreements can be very cost-effective Business people are asked to sign agreements and legal documents on a regular basis. I am…

Read More
img t

Bankruptcy and What it Means for Your Small Business

May 10, 2022

Cities and states are working through the reopening of businesses. And even though federal aid was made available to small businesses, it’s possible that you couldn’t tap into this cash. Or perhaps what you received just isn’t enough to cover the loss of revenue paired with updated working restrictions. We sincerely hope that you’re doing…

Read More
img t

Build Business Success: Hire Only the Best

May 10, 2022

We’ve worked with many a prospective client who was looking to assemble a top flight team to manage a consolidation play or execute an effective roll-up strategy. When it comes to the recruiting space, we can help them find the COO, CFO, investment banker, accounting firm, marketing firm, and perhaps even the administrative assistant for…

Read More
img t

Business Acquisitions: How Much Due Diligence Is Enough?

May 10, 2022

Over the past several decades we have assisted our clients with literally hundreds of business transactions as part of our mergers and acquisitions legal services. Business acquisitions have been more numerous than dispositions, perhaps because we have been fortunate enough to help many serial acquirers buy a business. Certainly asset purchases have been more common than…

Read More
img t

Breaking It Down: The Tenth of the Ten Commandments of Business Acquisitions

May 10, 2022

Our Ten Commandments of Business Acquisitions has been so popular that we have decided to break it down. To briefly discuss each of the Ten Commandments, and its import and impact. The Tenth Commandment: “Be Ready to Adapt” Compromise (or the appearance of compromise) is an essential negotiating skill, and as a prospective buyer you…

Read More
img t

Business Agreements: Reduce it to Writing

May 10, 2022

I’m a relationship type of person. I prefer to deal with people I can trust. My word is my bond. I’d prefer to deal with others whose outlook and approach is the same, and whose word is their bond. Not to be cynical, but even if you are like me, don’t for a minute believe…

Read More
img t

Business Buyers Can Take Advantage of the Very Imperfect Market For Private Businesses

May 10, 2022

We have assisted clients with their acquisition of ongoing businesses for several decades. We have, during that period, assisted with quite literally hundreds of business transactions, including well over 100 acquisitions. While some of our clients have been well-established businesses, we have helped individuals acquire dozens of ongoing businesses. As a general rule, our clients have succeeded with…

Read More
img t

Business Partners in a Stalemate? Try Russian Roulette

May 10, 2022

Here’s a situation that is all too common.  We were approached by a prospective client who owned 50% of a private business. He handled the delivery of the services. The other co-owner – who handled the books – unilaterally decided not to pay their counterpart the agreed-upon salary. Without his expected salary, he would have…

Read More
img t

Business Success Tips from an Unusual Place

May 10, 2022

I picked up an invaluable saying at a recent memorial service. A speaker at the service told us that the deceased used to say “Doing Does It.” One of his favorite sayings. Of course it does! Actions speaks louder than words. A job begun is a job half done. The first yard is the longest yard.…

Read More
img t

Business Valuation: Value is in the Eye of the Beholder

May 10, 2022

Below we have curated three articles to help you understand common business valuation terms, navigate common concerns, and learn about a recent high profile acquisition. Top 10 Business Valuation Terms Courtesy: Skoda Minotti have compiled a top 10 countdown of business valuation definitions to help business owners and attorneys gain a better understanding of key…

Read More
img t

Five Ways Venture Capital Can Hurt Your Startup

May 10, 2022

The venture capital world is often at odds with the goals of young startups – and in some cases, it can lead to their destruction. I recently met a guy I’ll call “Tom.” After 7 years of “blood, sweat, and instant noodles,” Tom built his startup into an exciting enterprise. He raised a hefty round…

Read More
img t

Due Diligence for Acquisition Prospects: Why? and How?

May 10, 2022

Over the past three decades, I have advised clients in literally hundreds of mergers and acquisitions. If there is one thing I have learned from this experience, it is that performing comprehensive due diligence regarding all acquisition prospects is extremely important. Why Perform Due Diligence? First and foremost, to avoid buying businesses that are not…

Read More
img t

Entrepreneurs: It Takes One To Know One

May 10, 2022

Day in and day out, entrepreneurship is at the heart of everything we do. No matter their need, we’re always working on behalf of our clients. And though it’s our pleasure to delight clients with our expertise and affordability, it’s also true that their continued confidence in our abilities is fundamental to the survival and…

Read More
img t

Deal Magnet: One Way to Find Your Ideal Business

May 10, 2022

Over the years, the team at Calkins Law Firm has assisted many aspiring business owners to both find and buy their first business. Some of these aspiring owners know what they are looking for. Others just know that they want to own a business. After many happy pairings, we have some reflections to share. Here…

Read More
img t

Guns or Shovels? Rethinking The Standard Approach to Litigation

May 10, 2022

At Calkins Law Firm we firmly believe in data-driven legal methods. We like to fully understand a case before bringing a suit – no surprises are good surprises. But not every legal professional operates this way. Liability and Legal Action Years ago, a personal experience brought home the importance of digging for facts. A high-profile…

Read More
img t

Co-Founders’ Agreement Defined – Vital to a Startup’s Success

May 10, 2022

Going into a startup, co-founders are often excited, motivated, and ready to tackle whatever might come. But as time wears on and struggles arise, it is easy to lose zeal. Beginning a new business involves many risks, and disagreements can creep in under the stress of financial strain and exhaustion. At Calkins Law Firm we were…

Read More
img t

Contingency Fee Cases for Business Related Litigation

May 10, 2022

Selecting Contingency Cases As we evaluate potential cases that folks bring our way, we want to be sure that each contingency fee case fits certain criteria to facilitate the all-around best outcome.  First, cases must be business-related. This way they relate to and effectively leverage our expertise and experience in business law. This means that…

Read More
img t

Conflicts of Interest: Our Approach

May 10, 2022

Why It Matters We hear the term thrown around a lot, but what is a conflict of interest anyway? In this context it’s a situation that arises when a lawyer is faced with offering legal advice to multiple parties that are somehow interconnected and often opposing. Or the lawyer’s own interests might enter into the…

Read More
img t

Case Study: Why You Should Approach Arbitration Like It’s Litigation

May 10, 2022

I recently worked with an out-of-state client who is a graphic designer. My client, we’ll call her Jane, worked as an independent contractor for a large manufacturer of gift items, such as mugs and t-shirts. This company, we’ll call them The Company, had filed an arbitration demand seeking to terminate its relationship with her. The…

Read More
img t

Buying a Business: No Substitute for Due Diligence

May 10, 2022

While Representations, Warranties and Indemnification are Essential in an Purchase Agreement, There’s No Substitute for Thorough Due Diligence When Buying a Business When you buy a used car do you rely exclusively on the seller’s warranty or do you have the vehicle checked out by your mechanic before buying it? I always prefer to have…

Read More
img t

How Do We Define Value and Fairness? It’s up to the Client

May 10, 2022

Not too long ago a client called to ask about a bill they received. They inquired as to whether the invoice was correct, and made it clear that they had expected to pay less. On our end, everything was squared. The client called and asked us to assist with a matter and a couple of…

Read More
img t

Explore Settlement of Commercial Litigation Early On

May 10, 2022

Yes! Explore Settlement of Commercial Litigation Early On and Repeatedly Thereafter Recently a client who CLF’s team of attorneys is representing in connection with a lawsuit with respect to one of his businesses and a former employee of that business asked us whether we thought we should explore settlement of the lawsuit. Several of the…

Read More
img t

How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse When Buying a Business

May 10, 2022

While Representations, Warranties and Indemnification are Essential in an Purchase Agreement, There’s No Substitute for Thorough Due Diligence When Buying a Business When you buy a used car do you rely exclusively on the seller’s warranty, or do you have the vehicle checked out by your mechanic before buying it? I always prefer to have…

Read More
img t

How to Avoid Commercial Litigation

May 10, 2022

Avoid Commercial Litigation, or Be Prepared For It, By Carefully Documenting All Incidents While commercial litigation is wonderful business for our new model law firm, we will always do our level best to assist clients to avoid controversies, or at least resolve them short of litigation. Carefully keep records to be prepared if commercial litigation ever…

Read More
img t

How to Get the Upper Hand on Business Acquisitions

May 10, 2022

Superior Information Can Give the Prospective Acquirer the Upper Hand in Negotiating a Business Acquisition We were asked recently, “What is it that gives one party the upper hand in negotiating a business acquisition?” Is it “attitude,” or “touch,” or “feel”? Is it, perhaps, bravado, bluster, false pretense? Decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions…

Read More
img t

How We Determine a Realistic Settlement

May 10, 2022

At Calkins Law Firm, our client’s best interest is always top of mind. This is especially true when it comes to determining a fair and realistic settlement. We research claims and draft demand letters with this express purpose in view.  In fact, before we even agree to pursue a claim on a client’s behalf, we…

Read More
img t

Hurry Up and Wait – The Importance of Patience

May 10, 2022

We’ve said it before: procrastination is no formula for success, whether in business or business law. But there’s certainly no shortage of procrastinators out there in the business law arena.  Business owners often don’t want to invest in the time and support of a business law attorney. The typical business owner would often prefer to…

Read More
img t

If your trial lawyer says “don’t worry,” worry.

May 10, 2022

Without divulging confidence, I am aware of a recent case where the defendant’s trial lawyer told him that he had absolutely nothing to worry about. The plaintiff’s arguments were both false and inherently unbelievable, so the defense attorney said that they did not need to be taken seriously or defended against. I am here to…

Read More
img t

I’m an Attorney, but I’d Never Represent Myself

May 10, 2022

I’ve been at my law practice for a while now. After the years of requisite training in law school–where I excelled in work that involved civil procedure, evidence, federal courts, etc.–I then spent two years working fulltime as a clerk for a federal judge. Having now practiced law for over 30 years, I’ve been near…

Read More

Ready to find out more?

Drop us a line today for a free quote!

Let's Discuss Your Situation

Contact us today to set up a consultation about your needs.

 

Fields marked with an * are required