Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business
Stephen Fishman, J.D.
Nolo

I don’t mind paying a lawyer, but I only want to do it when it’s absolutely necessary.

That’s why I have several NOLO books in my library.

If you’re thinking about starting or already operate a small business, or if you’re a solo operator and think of yourself more as a freelancer, you should own Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business by Stephen Fishman, J.D.

This book covers all of the legal aspects of being in business and more, written in plain, everyday language that anyone can understand. It’s well-organized with a comprehensive table of contents and index so it’s easy to find what you need. And skimming the contents may trigger an awareness of issues you need to deal with that you hadn’t thought about.

Just a few of the chapter headings:

  • Which Legal Form is Best for Your Business?
  • Naming Your Business and Products
  • Licenses and Permits
  • Tax Basics for the Small Business
  • Raising Money for Your Business
  • Franchises: How Not to Get Burned
  • Employees and Independent Contractors
  • Legal Requirements for Dealing with Customers
  • Extending Credit and Getting Paid
  • Small Business Contracts

Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business Nolo has a companion page on its website that provides information on legal developments that affect the contents of the book.

While it doesn’t replace the need for a lawyer (and in some places recommends that you consult one), Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business can reduce your legal expenses because it will make you a smarter consumer of legal services. For example, you can use Fishman’s information to draw up your own documents (contracts, agreements, filings, etc.) then take those drafts to a lawyer for a final review, which will cost far less than asking the lawyer to do everything.

There’s no rah-rah, motivation, how-to-make-millions stuff in this legal guide. But if you use the information to create a legally sound organization and avoid mistakes due to ignorance, you’ll have a much better chance of long-term success than if you fly by the seat of your pants and clean up messes after you make them.

Jacquelyn Lynn
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