Michel and Associates, P.C.

You Should Download FindLaw’s Free Guide to Hiring

cmichel — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:43:15 +0000

Are you planning on hiring some new employees? There’s a lot to consider besides qualifications these days. Chief among them is your own potential legal exposure. But don’t worry. FindLaw is here to help. Download our latest free guide ” The FindLaw Guide to Hiring ” It’ll help you piece together what you, as an employer, can and can’t do during the hiring process. The guide summarizes many of the complex in-depth employment law articles available on FindLaw. Rather than wade through the countless pages of text, our new guide quickly answers common hiring questions, like: What questions can be asked during an interview? How far can an employee background check go? What kind of pre-employment tests can be given? Are criminal record searches and drug screenings allowed? The guide gives you fast and simple explanations to these questions and many more. And if you’re curious to find out more about a particular topic, head on over to the hiring process section on FindLaw . There, you’ll be able to find detailed answers to all your hiring questions, including the differences between contractors and employees, as well as tips on employment contract writing. You’ll also be able to connect with local labor lawyers in your area if you’re in need of more specialized help. In need of a faster response to your employment queries? Check out FindLaw Answers . You’ll be able to post your own questions on interviewing, hiring, best practices, and so forth on our forum. You can also search through the many answered questions asked by other users. While the downed economy definitely makes this an employer’s market, make sure you check out FindLaw’s free guide to hiring. It could help you keep a lawsuit from accidentally falling on your lap. Related Resources: The FindLaw Guide to Hiring: Your Rights During the Application Process (Free PDF Download) Browse Labor Lawyers by Location (FindLaw) Chic NYC Salon Hit With Discrimination Lawsuit (FindLaw’s Law & Daily Life) How to Spot 5 Common Resume Lies (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)

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You Should Download FindLaw’s Free Guide to Hiring

How to (Legally) Start a Homemade Food Business

cmichel — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:57:34 +0000

When it comes to food, many people usually have one specialty they believe they make better than anyone else. But making the jump to selling it isn’t as easy as just having a good product. Whether it’s a sandwich or Beef Wellington, figuring out how to start a homemade food business is not without its legal risks. So before you start investing in your own homemade food start-up, consider looking into the following issues first. 1) Check the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s Regulations Regardless of the type of food you’re planning to sell, the first step is making sure you’re in compliance with federal laws. The FDA has set a number of regulations regarding the production, packaging, labeling, and distribution of food. A good place to start is by looking through the various FDA compliance manuals . It’s a good chunk of reading, but understanding it will keep you from being shut down. It’s especially important if you’re planning to make your food at home and not in a factory. Regulations in this area can be particularly specific. 2) Check Your State and Local Laws The next step is ensuring you do everything by the book under your state-specific local laws . Finding out which rules apply to your homemade food business can be cumbersome. But it’s important to get it right if you want to stay in business. Areas to watch out for are licensing and health and safety requirements. 3) Incorporate Your Business Incorporating your company is important because it’ll help protect you from becoming personally liable for any lawsuits that might be filed. When it comes to selling food, legal action is always a looming threat. Becoming a LLC or privately held corporation is likely best for most small businesses, but read up on your options to figure what’s right for you. 4) Get Insurance Starting a homemade food business without insurance is just as crazy as not checking your applicable laws first. Much like with incorporation, insurance will provide you with a financial safety net should the worst happen. From your home or factory being burned down to getting sued, being insured will help keep you running and out of the poor house. Many insurance companies offer specialized policies for food businesses, so shop around for the best deal. 5) Consult an Attorney The legal pitfalls in figuring out how to start a homemade food business are countless. While some people can easily wade through the rules, others might need a little help. Don’t be scared to consult a lawyer if you fall into the latter category. Related Resources: Choosing a Legal Structure for Your Business (FindLaw) Checklist: Starting a Corporation (FindLaw) Starting a Small Business (FindLaw) The Small Business Tax Deduction: What You Should Know (FindLaw) Tips for a Successful Small Business (FindLaw)

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How to (Legally) Start a Homemade Food Business

Editorial: The death penalty costs taxpayers more than life in the klink

jruano — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:43:13 +0000

Pocono Record (Pennsylvania) – May 17, 2012 What a shame that Pennsylvania still has the death penalty. However people feel about the moral justification for execution, it means taxpayers must pay through the nose for people like …

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Editorial: The death penalty costs taxpayers more than life in the klink

Lawyer challenges ban from public defender’s office – Skilled attorney’s fee too high for system

jruano — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:11:25 +0000

By Bruce Vielmetti of the Journal Sentinel May 16, 2012 A Milwaukee lawyer says he has been unfairly banned from taking on cases for the state public defender’s office, despite high-quality work with good results for …

Indigenous group and NGO establish crucial corridor in vanishing Atlantic Forest