Here
are a few topic areas in which we are available to speak. Many are based
on courses we've currently or previously taught. We enjoy opportunities to
speak to trade associations, corporations, managers, chambers of commerce,
and business groups of all kinds. The lengths of the presentations are extremely
flexible, generally ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on
the detail sought by the audience.
Dispute
Resolution & Satisfaction Without Suing: Mediation,
arbitration and other forms of "Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR)" may be just what you need to get what
you deserve without having to go to court. Court can cost time and
money, destroy business relationships, and open to the public otherwise
private matters and trade secrets. ADR can generally get you legal
satisfaction faster, easier, confidentially and "friendlier" than
court battles--if used properly. Learn if it's right for you.
Collecting
Small Debts in Court Without an Attorney: Want to cash in on your long
overdue accounts receivable? You can sue in Magistrate Court (without an
attorney) on claims under $15,000. But be careful: there are a few tricks
you might want to learn first. A primer on Georgia's user-friendly "small
claims" legal system.
Do
We Have a Contract? Many suits are based on this "simple" dispute:
Did we have a contract, and if so, what were the terms? Only certain
contracts must be in writing; most do not. Also, contracts can be
formed by a series of letters, invoices, purchase orders, memoranda,
handwritten notes and even pictures--not merely one, typed, lengthy
document with fancy legalese. Learn the basic elements of every contract
and how to incorporate them into your business practices with ease.
Incorporate
or Not? Choosing a Business Entity: Are you a sole proprietorship
by choice or by accident? In Georgia, two or more persons in a business
enterprise may have unwittingly become partners in the eyes of "the Law."
If you choose to be a partnership or corporation, what kind is best for
your particular business needs? A short course on the pros and cons of various
business forms.
Competition
Law - Is the Playing Field Really Level? Are your rivals and
suppliers "playing fair" or are you facing unlawful trade practices? Can
you be accused of unfair trade practices? Can your employees take your customers
and trade secrets with them when they leave? Are there consumer laws of
which you need to know? A basic primer on antitrust and related "competition
law."
Professional
Liability - Special Powers and Obligations of Corporate Directors
and Officers: Directors and officers of corporations may have special
powers and obligations--and liabilities--of which you may not be aware.
Corporate Law 101 for the busy executive.
Startup
Businesses and the Law - 10 Legal Pearls of Wisdom: Many entrepreneurs
are (unnecessarily) intimidated by "The Law" when they begin a new business.
This presentation outlines a few basic do's and don'ts for the startup business
from an attorney's perspective.
Commercial
Paper for Business Persons & How to Endorse a Check: Some
basic legal concepts in cashing checks, endorsing negotiable instruments,
and ensuring your employees or others do not abscond with your funds.
Selecting,
Managing and Keeping your Lawyer Working For You: Most attorneys
are conscientious and competent advocates. But some are not. And others
are, but need to be educated as to precisely what you expect. A short
course on litigation management, from the large corporation to the
small consumer--including things you should know about the Code of
Ethics by which attorneys are governed.