A recent California case has sparked debate on whether arbitration clauses contained in employee handbooks are enforceable. In this case, the court refused to grant the employer's petition for arbitration in part because the arbitration provision was one of numerous policies in the employee handbook, the provision was not highlighted for employees, and the language in the provision did not expressly advise employees that they were waiving their right to a judicial forum. (Sparks v. Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services (2012) 207 Cal.App 4th 1151).

Selling a business can be one of the most financially significant decisions a businessperson makes.  Businesses are sold for a variety of reasons (retirement, liquidity needs, change of business direction, etc.).  Whatever the reason, such a decision should be made only after careful consideration, due diligence and, frankly, soul-searching.  Here are some things which every seller of a business should consider.

Navigato & Battin is pleased to announce that Stephanie Sciarani has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Stephanie will focus on civil litigation and corporate governance. Stephanie comes from a background in business, earning a Bachelors of Science in Finance with an emphasis in accounting and economic policy from the University of Nevada, Reno. Stephanie’s interest in small businesses was sparked at a young age when her father opened his own business. She pursued her entrepreneurial passion by working as an intern for the Nevada Small Business Development Center. In her position, Stephanie assisted start-ups and small businesses with various needs such as business plans, marketing concepts, investor meetings and financial statements.

Last year Congress passed The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. The most widely publicized aspect of the JOBS Act allows for startup companies to sell stock over the internet via a platform called crowdfunding.