One of a small business owner’s primary goals is frequently asset protection. Small business owners are often wisely counseled not to “get into bed” with a potential business partner without conducting proper due diligence. The financial consequences should there be a fall-out in the business relationship or failure of the business could be devastating.

Ben Franklin’s famous quote, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” seems to get tossed around more this time of year than any other. As individuals and businesses scramble to gather and review tax records and prepare returns, promises are made that “next year we will be more organized!” One of the best ways to get organized, manage expectations, meet deadlines, and operate efficiently is to reduce responsibilities to writing. Using tools such as checklists, worksheets, questionnaires, and memoranda can help attorneys and their clients communicate effectively and stay on the same page.

 What’s in a name? Sometimes plenty, which is one reason why the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 2187, the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act. The move follows years of discussion regarding whether the existing definition of “accredited investor” should be amended. As passed by the House, the bill retains the name but broadens the existing definition of “accredited investor” to include two additional categories of individuals able to meet the definition notwithstanding their net worth or income level.