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AdobeStock_209431934-300x200In 2025, Texas employers will face several key updates to employment laws that could significantly affect workplace policies. While Texas maintains its reputation as a business-friendly state with fewer regulations, new legislation at the state and federal levels aims to address employee rights, workplace safety, and wage issues. Below are the key updates for 2025 that Texas employers need to consider.

1. Paid Family Leave Developments

Texas does not currently have state-mandated paid leave laws. However, employers should stay informed about federal changes that could affect their businesses. The current administration and Congress have been debating the possibility of a federal paid family and medical leave program, which could require Texas employers to provide paid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.

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AdobeStock_238503198-300x200July 1, 2024, marks an important deadline for nearly all businesses in California. The new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, SB553, goes into effect, aiming to enhance safety measures in the workplace. Here’s what you need to know:

What Does SB553 Entail?

SB553 mandates that all California businesses create and implement a comprehensive written plan which addresses various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, prevention strategies, incident response protocols, and employee training.

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AdobeStock_194331054-300x200Every  business depends on contracts, and businesses in Texas are no exception. Whether discussing a simple purchase order or executing a more complex merger or acquisition, a contract sets forth the essential terms by which two parties exchange something of value. And while there is a certain romantic notion that contracts require “nothing more than a handshake”, if you are dealing with a complex transaction, it is generally best to work with a qualified contract lawyer. The Texas business transaction attorneys at Structure Law Group can assist you with various contracts that affect your business.

What Is a Contract?

In its simplest form, a contract is a legally enforceable promise. A contract requires some form of consideration by both sides. For example, if you agree to help your friend move in exchange for $100, that is a simple contract. In the context of a larger Texas business, however, a contract can involve obtaining insurance, working out a deal with a vendor, establishing employment terms for key employees, and even selling or acquiring a business.

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AdobeStock_321021088-300x200When a business in Texas is either establishing its first location is looking to upgrade to a bigger space, a commercial lease is often something requiring a business owner’s signature and can be tricky to navigate. You should work with a Texas business attorney to be sure that you are getting the best offer for all of your immediate and long-term needs.

It is important for business owners to understand that commercial tenants often do not have the same rights as residential tenants. For this reason, legal representation is highly advisable because many commercial leases will be seeking long-term arrangements that can involve significant cost concerns.

Common Commercial Lease Questions to Ask

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AdobeStock_359775405-300x200Tenants across America have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the eviction moratoriums have focused on residential leases, in order to keep Californians home and healthy during these dangerous times. Small business owners have also been granted some eviction protections. Regardless of your business size, you might be surprised to learn just how much leverage you have in your commercial lease. Below are three critical strategies that can help your business try to remain financially healthy during and in the wake of the coronavirus.

Renew Your Current Lease

Businesses that are on relatively strong financial footing, and whose leases are expiring in the next six to eighteen months, may find themselves with greater leverage to negotiate renewal terms. Landlords are hesitant to lease to new tenants (who they may not be able to evict). With the U.S. economy is in downturn and the economic future uncertain, landlords are also worried about their future rental prospects. In such conditions, commercial tenants who have remained in good financial health and standing with their current landlord will be well-positioned to negotiate lease renewals with favorable terms.

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AdobeStock_332772649-300x200In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has agreed to disburse Emergency Economic Injury Grants of up to $10,000 to companies experiencing financial struggles.  Small business owners that apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan are eligible to receive the grants, which do not need to be repaid.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that provide crucial economic support to businesses dealing with loss of revenue due to COVID-19.

Companies that apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan will be provided immediate economic relief by the $10,000 economic injury grant.  Sole proprietors, landlords, vendors and self-employed contractors are all considered small businesses eligible to apply for the disaster loan.

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AdobeStock_292580187-e1576014509781-300x183A partnership is like a marriage. It takes effective communication to meet mutual goals. You can avoid many partnership disputes by creating a clear operating agreement before the partnership starts doing business. The experienced San Jose business attorneys at Structure Law Group can help you avoid unnecessary partnership disputes. By executing a clear, binding, and specific partnership agreement, you can save time and expense that ultimately hurts your business. Call (408) 441-7500 to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled San Jose business lawyers. We have helped many Northern California businesses create effective operating agreements.

How to Create an Effective Operating Agreement

There are several important steps to follow in order to create an agreement that will effectively resolve disputes in future business transactions:

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partnerships-vs-llcs-300x200When starting a new business, it is important to know what type of business entity will best protect you and your investors. The wrong entity selection could expose your business to unnecessary legal liability and tax liability. Let an experienced business formation attorney advise you on the best way to protect your new business. Call Structure Law Group at (408) 441-7500. Our experienced Silicon Valley business lawyers can help you mitigate your liability and risks to keep your new business profitable.

What to Consider When Deciding Between a Partnership and an LLC

There are many factors that can affect your choice of business entity. Here are just a few of the many important things to consider:

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debt-collecting-300x201Effective business owners know that all assets and liabilities must be properly managed. Debts owed to a business are assets, and if these debts are not repaid, the asset is mismanaged. A business debt collection attorney can help your business realize the full value of your debt assets. Call Structure Law Group at (408) 441-7500. Our experienced Silicon Valley business lawyers can help your business explore all options for collecting debt and execute the strategies that are right for you.

Debt Recovery Strategies

Experian recently released a list of their recommended debt collection strategies. They include:

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AdobeStock_274449599-300x199Launching a startup is an exciting time for entrepreneurs. There are many people involved in many processes that could make or break your business. During this time, your intellectual property (IP) can be exposed to many different people and businesses. It is important to protect it from theft and unlicensed usage. At Structure Law Group, our experienced Silicon Valley startup attorneys know how to protect your legal interests in IP at all stages of business formation. Call 408-441-7500 to schedule your consultation with a lawyer.

The Reasons Entrepreneurs Don’t Protect Their Intellectual Property

Forbes recently reported on some of the most common reasons entrepreneurs fail to protect their property:

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