Blog

Business & Corporate Law Business Formation

+1 more

Mergers & Acquisitions

What is an acquisition?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An acquisition is when one company buys enough of another company’s shares or assets to gain control, often by purchasing a majority ownership stake. It can be structured as a stock purchase, asset purchase, or merger, and may be friendly or hostile depending on the target’s approval. This article explains how acquisitions work, common deal […]

Read More

Business & Corporate Law Business Law

+1 more

Mergers and Acquisitions

What is a merger?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A merger is when two companies legally combine into one business, typically by one surviving corporation absorbing the other or by forming a new entity. It’s a common way to expand market share, cut costs, or acquire technology and talent, and it can be structured in several legally distinct ways. This article explains what counts […]

Read More

Business Agreements Business Law

+1 more

Contracts

What is a shareholder agreement?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A shareholder agreement is a private contract among a company’s shareholders (and often the company) that sets the rules for ownership, voting, and share transfers. It complements the company’s articles/bylaws by clarifying rights, obligations, and what happens during disputes or major events like funding rounds or exits. This article explains what a shareholder agreement includes, […]

Read More

Business & Corporate Law Corporate Governance

+1 more

Corporate Law

What is piercing the corporate veil?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Piercing the corporate veil is when a court holds a company’s owners or shareholders personally liable for the company’s debts or misconduct, despite the usual liability shield. It’s typically considered in cases involving fraud, undercapitalization, commingling of funds, or failure to follow corporate formalities. This article explains what the doctrine means, the common legal factors […]

Read More

Attorney Ethics & Professional Responsibility Business Law

What is the duty of loyalty?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

The duty of loyalty is a fiduciary obligation requiring a trusted decision-maker to act 100% in the beneficiary’s best interests, not their own. It bars conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and taking secret profits from the relationship. This article explains who owes the duty, common violations, and potential legal remedies. Understanding the Duty of Loyalty The […]

Read More

Attorney Discipline & Licensing Legal Malpractice

+1 more

Professional Responsibility (Legal Ethics)

What is the duty of care?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Duty of care is a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm to others. Courts apply it by asking whether a reasonable person (or professional) would have taken safer steps in the same situation. This article explains the definition, who owes it, common examples, and how it affects negligence claims. Duty […]

Read More

Business Law Contract Law

+1 more

Legal Definitions

What is fiduciary duty?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation requiring a fiduciary to act in the best interests of another person, meeting one of the highest standards of care under law. It applies where trust and confidence are placed in someone like a trustee, attorney, or financial advisor. This article explains fiduciary relationships, core duties, and what counts […]

Read More

Business & Corporate Business Law

+1 more

Corporate Governance

What is a board of directors?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A board of directors is an elected group—typically 3 to 15 members—that governs a corporation on behalf of shareholders. It hires and oversees top executives, sets strategic direction, and approves major decisions while meeting fiduciary duties. This article explains what boards do, how they’re structured, and why they matter. Understanding the Board of Directors A […]

Read More

Business Organizations Corporate Governance

+1 more

Corporate Law

What is corporate bylaws?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Corporate bylaws are a corporation’s written internal rules that govern management, meetings, voting, and decision-making. They outline how directors and officers act, how shareholders meet, and how key actions are approved. This article explains what bylaws cover, how they differ from articles of incorporation, and why they’re essential. Corporate bylaws are the internal rules that […]

Read More

Business Formation Corporate Governance & Compliance

+1 more

Limited Liability Company (LLC) Law

What is an operating agreement?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An operating agreement is a legal contract that sets the rules for how an LLC is owned, managed, and operated. It defines member roles, voting and decision-making, profit and loss allocations, and procedures for major changes or disputes. This article explains what an operating agreement includes, why it matters, and when to create or update […]

Read More

Business Formation Business Law

+1 more

Corporate Law

What is articles of incorporation?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Articles of incorporation are the state-filed formation documents that legally create a corporation as a separate entity. They typically list the corporate name, registered agent, share structure, and incorporator details. This article explains what they are, what they contain, and how filing works by state. Understanding Articles of Incorporation Articles of incorporation are the legal […]

Read More

Business Compliance Business Formation

+1 more

Corporate Governance

What is a registered agent?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A registered agent is a required representative in every state where your business is registered who receives service of process and official government mail. This ensures lawsuits, tax notices, and compliance documents reach your company reliably and on time. This article explains who can serve, why states require one, and how to choose the right […]

Read More