Buying out a business partner can become a costly dispute over valuation, control, contributions, and payment terms. Learn why partner buyouts are so difficult, what a strong buy sell agreement should address, and why every owner should carefully consider whether a business partner is truly necessary.
Continue Reading The Best Time to Question a Business Partnership is at the Beginning
Business owners in 2026 face growing legal complexity. Contract disputes, ownership conflicts, economic/tariff pressures, and the rising use of AI-generated contracts are creating new risks. The businesses that avoid costly disputes tend to address these issues before they become problems.
Running a business has always involved risk. What is different in 2026 is how quickly
I have sat across the table from hundreds of business owners who all say some version of the same thing: “I did not think this would become a problem.” That sentence usually comes right before a costly fix that could have been avoided with a little planning.
From the perspective of a business lawyer, most
As a business lawyer, I am often asked a version of the same question, usually after a client’s voice drops a notch.
“How is this going to turn out?”
It is a fair question. Lawsuits often feel make-or-break because they threaten time, money, reputation, and focus all at once. Most business owners are not afraid
Twenty years ago, Rush on Business began with a simple and deliberate goal: make the law understandable for everyday business owners. At the time, I took a chance on the idea that openly sharing clear, practical legal guidance through a blog could genuinely help people and, in doing so, build meaningful client relationships. I never
Sometimes, the law doesn’t come down to pages of statutes or hours of courtroom drama.
Sometimes, it comes down to one word.
We had a case like that. And honestly—it was a blast to argue.
Our client worked for a marketing company. He applied for a job that had been publicly posted. Nothing secret.
At first, everything was great.
You built something from scratch with a friend, family member, or business partner. You split the responsibilities. You shared the risks. You dreamed big.
But now, things are not so great.
There is tension over money. (Ironically often when success occurs). Disagreements over direction. One person thinks they are doing
A business owner walks in with a pitch. He wants to “sell” you a piece of his company. The idea sounds solid. The opportunity feels right. You shake hands, cut the check, and walk away thinking you just became a business owner.
Then reality hits.
Nothing is in writing. No contract. No terms. No guarantees.
Starting a business isn’t for everyone.
Here are five of the top qualities I have noticed in my most successful business clients.
Your ability to endure punches—and keep swinging—is your most valuable asset. The market will test your patience, your stamina, and your confidence. If you crumble at the first sign of difficulty
Franchising is booming.
Private equity firms are snapping up franchisors faster than ever. Recently, we have seen Jersey Mike’s secure a massive $8 billion private equity deal and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers now reportedly exploring a sale. The stakes are high, the money is flowing, and the pace of change is staggering.
But
