I am excited to announce that the Sullivan & Ward law firm will publish its Iowa Law Blog beginning in mid to late August.  The firm’s law blog will cover general legal issues inlcuding the following areas of law:

  • Utility and electric cooperative law;
  • Business law;
  • Trusts and estates;
  • Family law;
  • Real Estate law;
  • Trial &

Yesterday I had an interesting discussion with one of my buddies.  He is an executive with a Fortune 500 company out-of-state and he was expressing his frustration with lawyers – actually his own lawyers.  He just got off the phone with one of his outside counsel when I called.  After talking with him for less than 30 seconds I

I am hoping you will provide me with some input.  What do you think are the top legal issues facing small businesses today?

My general sense is that employee/human resource issues rank high.  If you are a small business owner, what keeps you up at night from a legal perspective?  If you are a lawyer

Are you interested in a business franchise opportunity?  It seems as though more and more Iowans are choosing franchises as an option rather than starting businesses on their own.  It is extremely to important to conduct due diligence and check out franchisors thoroughly. 

Inc.com has an excellent Guide on Buying a Franchise.  Topics covered

I read an excellent article by Adam Siegelhiem of Stark & Stark concerning Restrictive Covenant Agreements for Franchises.  Although his post is intended for franchises it is advisable for any business to consider restrictive covenant agreements for their employees.

Somewhat surprisingly, many of the small business owners I talk with are reluctant to enter

The owner of the North Grand Mall in Ames, GK Development, Inc., is holding a franchise expo this Friday and Saturday.  A number of franchising and business experts will give presentations including successful franchisees from Central Iowa.  The expo is designed to allow franchises and potential entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with one another and