In the modern business environment, complexities are nearly everywhere you look. There are matters you can barely see – and some you might not even know exist. The legal side of your business can claim responsibility for a lot of these details. At Hoegen & Associates, P.C., in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we go over topics and situations that you probably don’t need a lawyer for … and examples in which we highly recommend one – from getting sued on the grounds of employer discrimination to handling environmental statutes and regulations.
We’re a caring and experienced firm passionate about business law. If you need an attorney, contact us today.
When You Don’t Necessarily Need One
Rather than immediately jumping to a lawyer and costing you and your business money, there are tasks you could perform on your own and with less help. From libraries to credible experts on the internet, there are a wealth of resources you can tap into if you simply need some instruction or guidance. Some tasks or projects you won’t necessarily need a lawyer for include:
- Selecting names for your business and website (you can research trademarked names of organizations through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)
- Applying for an employee identification number
- Applying for licenses and permits that your business might require
- Crafting a buy-sell agreement with partners
- Handling IRS-initiated audits
The items above only scratch the surface. And at the same time, there are items that an attorney can help you tremendously with.
When We Recommend a Lawyer
Some matters can prove too complex or burdensome for a business owner to take on by themselves or without adequate counsel. From getting sued to special allocations to the legal side of property or environmental concerns, it greatly helps to have an experienced lawyer in your corner.
Employee Suing on the Grounds of Discrimination
The subject of employer discrimination contains a robust list of rules and regulations that a business must follow. From state to federal law, there’s simply a lot to navigate. If you get sued, a lawyer can help you understand the correct next steps.
The attorney can assist you with a multitude of topics and areas. Just at the federal level, some of the key ones are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Equal Pay Act of 1963, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, The Civil Rights Act of 1991, which includes monetary damages in cases of intentional discrimination during one’s employment, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, which prohibits employment discrimination based on genetic information about an applicant, employee, or someone formerly employed at the organization.
If you’re an employer in Pennsylvania, our team is well versed in commercial commonwealth law (in addition to federal) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Let us assist you.
Environmental Laws
An experienced lawyer helps ensure that you and your business aren’t walking on eggshells when making your next move or decision. You might have to watch for laws concerning shared waterways, air quality, and more. Let’s say you own a plant, and several facets of nature come into play. At the federal level, a lawyer can help make sure that you’re abiding by The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and others. If you own a company in Pennsylvania, Hoegen & Associates is also deeply knowledgeable in commonwealth regulations and statutes concerning a trove of matters – from water to natural gas.
Government Complaints Filed or Investigations
Local, state, and federal governmental entities can file complaints or investigate whether your business is violating laws. You want a lawyer who knows the statutes and can create a solid legal defense. Knowledge of state and local (Pennsylvania in our case) and federal law and experience are virtually crucial to you and your organization when handling such matters. We highly recommend hiring a trusted attorney.
Proactive Law: Planning Ahead
Anticipation matters. Through proactive law, an attorney can help an organization establish company bylaws or clearer contracts that eliminate a plethora of interpretations – and the disputes that might arise as a result. Additionally, if legal situations still come about, you have a much greater chance of pointing to a good resolution. The map’s already been drawn up, and there’s less confusion.
Hoegen & Associates Offers Trusted Guidance in Business Law
Legal minutiae can create serious burdens for you and your organization. As a law firm that believes in integrity and doing right by the client, there are numerous tasks you can effectively complete with little-to-no help – rather than spending a ton of money on a lawyer. However, once you reach certain scenarios where the complexities and risks are too high, we strongly recommend outside help. A knowledgeable lawyer is trained on such things, from employer-discrimination cases to government investigations to environmental concerns to simply handling bylaws and contracts for less legal storms down the road.
With decades of experience in business law, Hoegen & Associates is here for you. Reach out today.