Contracts & Commercial Agreements Articles

What Is an LLC? A Virginia Business Owner’s Guide to Limited Liability Companies

Starting a business in Virginia requires more than filing paperwork. The legal decisions you make in the first 90 days affect liability protection, tax treatment, enforceability of contracts, intellectual property ownership, and long-term exit flexibility. If you are forming a Virginia LLC or launching a new company, use this checklist to build a legally sound foundation.

Virginia LLC Formation Checklist: 7 Legal Steps Every Startup Must Take in the First 90 Days

Virginia LLC Formation Checklist: 7 Legal Steps Every Startup Must Take in the First 90 Days

Starting a business in Virginia requires more than filing paperwork. The legal decisions you make in the first 90 days affect liability protection, tax treatment, enforceability of contracts, intellectual property ownership, and long-term exit flexibility. If you are forming a Virginia LLC or launching a new company, use this checklist to build a legally sound foundation.

$10,000 Mistake? What Virginia’s New Non-Compete Law Means for Your Business

$10,000 Mistake? What Virginia’s New Non-Compete Law Means for Your Business

Effective July 1, 2025, Virginia business owners must comply with a new law that expands restrictions on non-compete agreements. Previously, Virginia banned including, enforcing, or threatening to enforce non-compete clauses for “low-wage employees,” defined as an employee making less than $1,463.10 per week, or $76,081.20 per year in 2025.

Business Owner Liabilities in Corporate Agreements

Business Owner Liabilities in Corporate Agreements

Running a business comes with a multitude of responsibilities and risks. Business owners are not only responsible for their company’s success but also navigating legal challenges that can arise. Sometimes, a business owner’s worst nightmare arises because a plaintiff attempts to “pierce the corporate veil” and hold the owner personally liable for actions of the business. A recent case highlights the importance of understanding how a business owner’s behavior can influence whether they are personally liability for the debts of their business.

Your Business is Compliant—But What About Your Vendors? Legal Liability for Third-Party Mistakes

Your Business is Compliant—But What About Your Vendors? Legal Liability for Third-Party Mistakes

Many business owners take great care to ensure they comply with all relevant laws and regulations, from data protection to environmental standards. However, vendors and third-party service providers often handle sensitive data, perform essential business functions, or supply critical components. Even if your business follows the law, your vendors’ mistakes could still create legal liability for you.

Virginia Consumer Protection Act Updates: Key Changes for Small Business Compliance

Virginia Consumer Protection Act Updates: Key Changes for Small Business Compliance

The Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA) has recently undergone significant revisions, impacting how small businesses manage consumer transactions, especially regarding automatic renewals and continuous services. These amendments introduce new requirements to prevent deceptive practices and enhance transparency in consumer agreements.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classification Under the FLSA Final Rule

Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classification Under the FLSA Final Rule

Virginia employers are in an unenviable position when it comes to understanding whether they should classify people working for the company as either employees or independent contractors. The Final Rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) aims to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) using a six-factor economic reality test.