Alabama Business Lawyer
Since December 2007, Alabama has lost 160,700 jobs with an unemployment rate hovering around 9.3 percent, according to the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama.
Looking further, after a mild recovery in the first part of 2010, the commerce in Alabama is expected to slow, with a net reduction in payroll for both business and manufacturing industries.
Recessionary times are hard on everyone, especially business owners. In Alabama, manufacturing and non-agricultural employment provides vital currency to keep our state solvent and moving forward.
As jobs and commercial enterprise decline, business disputes increase. A contract dispute may spell the end of a business, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. Alabama business attorney Brian Turner offers committed mediation and litigation services to clients affected by business disputes.
Avoiding lawsuits: common business errors
Often, business disputes can be avoided by smart business practices. Experienced Alabama business lawyers counsel clients to consider the following points to avoid costly lawsuits:
- Clarify the bottom line: Regardless of your type of business, contracts are essential in defining agreements you make with other parties for the provision of goods, services, and employment. Many business disputes result due to inadequate documentation. A distribution agreement benefits both manufacturer and distributor, but non-performance by either party will add to the financial detriment of both. Whether you are purchasing equipment, selling goods, developing a construction project, or solidifying a business partnership, use an experienced Alabama business law attorney to draft and vet your documentation prior to signature.
- Avoid employee lawsuits: With an upswing in layoffs and tightening of employee benefits, employers should provide clear, concise language concerning expectations and the relationship between employer and employee from the outset of employment. A well-crafted employee handbook, reviewed by an experienced Alabama business attorney, can assure your business is in compliance with state regulations.
- Protect your property: Business assets can be protected in a number of ways, including insurance, good accounting and taxation practices, and security protocols. Beyond patented and copyrighted material, customer lists, computer programs, trade secrets, and confidential information are also material from which you derive value. Small and medium-sized businesses are especially vulnerable to loss of this material to employees, vendors, or contractors. Consider a well-drafted non-disclosure agreement suited specifically to your intellectual assets.
Help from a skilled business attorney in Alabama
Located in Homewood, THE LAW OFFICES OF BRIAN TURNER provides incisive, dedicated legal services to individual and corporate clients on business and contract disputes and other matters of personal injury, fraud, and family law. When you need experienced, cost-effective legal counsel in Birmingham, or in Alabama, contact us online or call 1-866-322-6196.
