texas partnership lawyer

Forming Partnerships, Joint Ventures and Business Entities: Six Key Considerations From a Texas Partnership Lawyer

Failure to put all material terms and conditions of a business venture in writing is fool hardy. Memories fade, circumstances change and businesses encounter unforeseen circumstances. Worse yet, some unscrupulous partners have convenient memories designed to maximize their return at your expense. These six quick tips from a Texas partnership lawyer can ensure your fair treatment, instead of an expensive legal battle.

Put it in Writing

Most legal disputes can be avoided if agreements, obligations and responsibilities are confirmed in a writing signed by all parties involved.  If it is promised, obtain confirmation of all the details. It also helps you remember what you agreed to do. Even a short and sweet writing can protect you. For instance, recall the case in Dallas where a partner obtained a $1 million settlement for his equity based on a couple of sentences scrawled on a cocktail napkin.

Certainly, handshake deals and oral agreements result in “I said/they said” frustrating swearing matches like what we saw in the Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Use Plain English and Give Examples

Do not use legal terms or fancy language. Such language may have unintended meanings or connotations to judges, jurors and arbitrators. Use short sentences and simple grade school language.

Additionally, give examples of what is supposed to occur. In other words, “show the math” of how profits, commissions, equity awards, bonuses, or deferred compensation will be treated.

Address all Possible Scenarios of Any Deal or Legal Matter

Will you receive a pro rata payment of bonuses or commissions if you quit, become disabled or are fired? Also, if you are fired without cause, will vesting of stock options or equity accelerate?

What happens if a change in control occurs? Are you indemnified if you are sued for actions you took in the course and scope of your employment; Is D&O or other insurance in place to protect you and your equity investment?

Safeguard All Documents You Send or Receive Regarding Any Legal Issues

Executives or partners are often fired or voted out without warning or when they are out of town. Safeguard a copy of all contracts, correspondence and key documents regarding any legal matters in your house with extra copies in a safe deposit box.

Don’t Use Old Legal Forms

Using a contract, partnership agreement or other legal document as a form that you or a business acquaintance used in another matter because it worked in that situation, is like taking a friend’s expired, prescribed medicine because you think you have the same type of medical ailment.

Consult an Attorney Before Signing Any Agreements

Signing contracts without consulting a business lawyer is like venturing into an African jungle without a guide or self-treating a serious medical condition without seeing a doctor. Before you enter into legal obligations, you need to understand the ramifications of doing so and whether you are getting a good deal, or are exposed to potential liability or other risks. Contact a Texas partnership lawyer, like the ones at Rogge Dunn Group, to minimize the legal risks of forming new business ventures.

Connect with Rogge Dunn here.

View a pdf version of the article:

Rogge Dunn Guest Commentary – D Magazine (03/29/19)

MEDIA

FDA Concedes COVID Shots Trigger Baby Seizures, Re-Recommends Them Anyway
READ MORE
Executive Travel: Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
READ MORE
The Importance Of Giving Back To Community: What Drives Rogge Dunn Group To Improve And Provide Professional Services
READ MORE
LOANDEPOT, CARDINAL SUED OVER ALLEGED DECEPTIVE PRACTICES
READ MORE
HONORING OUR NATION’S HEROES
READ MORE
The Importance of Being Earnest
READ MORE
KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS IN MARCH
READ MORE
Social Media Scrutiny Continue Education Testing Tip and More
READ MORE
Several Developments in January are of Interest to Financial Advisors
READ MORE
Rogge’s Roundup: Several developments in January are of interest to financial advisors — February 16, 2023
READ MORE
Rogge’s Roundup: Social Media Scrutiny, Continuing Education Testing Tip and more – March 15, 2023
READ MORE
Rogge’s Roundup – Key Industry Developments in March
READ MORE
Rogge Dunn Group Relaxes, Ramps Up Team Building During Cancun Weekend
READ MORE
$1.75 million settlement finalized in lawsuit against Collin DA, top county officials
READ MORE
Stifel’s Raiding Suit Against RIA Adds to Pile of High-Stakes Claims
READ MORE
Rogge’s Roundup: Several developments in January are of interest to financial advisors – February 16, 2023
READ MORE

Contact Us Today!

Contact us to learn how we can help answer your legal questions.

FILL OUT FORM