UBC News

Common Legal Mistakes In Small Businesses, Explained By Atlanta Consultant

Episode Summary

Most Atlanta entrepreneurs make costly legal errors that threaten their business survival. Learn which common mistakes expose you to lawsuits, employment claims, and contract disputes before they happen. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kelly-jackson-king-31522b11b/

Episode Notes

You started your Atlanta business to build something amazing, not to become a legal expert. But here's the reality check nobody talks about—43% of small businesses will face a lawsuit, and most could have prevented it with basic legal knowledge. Let me paint a picture that might sound familiar. Sarah runs a successful marketing agency in Buckhead. She's crushing it with clients, growing her team, and everything looks perfect. Then one morning, she opens an envelope containing a lawsuit from a former employee claiming discrimination. The legal fees alone could shut down her business. This happens more often than you'd think. Employment law violations represent the biggest legal threat to Atlanta small businesses. Simple mistakes like asking the wrong interview questions, failing to document performance issues, or mishandling terminations can trigger expensive lawsuits that destroy profitable companies. Contract problems rank second on the list of business killers. Too many entrepreneurs operate on handshake deals or use generic contracts downloaded from the internet. When disputes arise—and they will—poorly written agreements offer zero protection. Clients refuse to pay, vendors deliver substandard work, or partnerships dissolve into bitter legal battles. Intellectual property theft creates another massive vulnerability. Competitors copy your marketing materials, steal your processes, or infringe on your brand elements. Without proper trademark and copyright protection, you have limited legal recourse when someone steals your hard work. Here's what successful business owners understand: legal protection isn't about avoiding lawyers—it's about preventing problems before they start. Smart entrepreneurs establish clear contracts, implement proper employment policies, and protect their intellectual property from day one. Estate planning often gets overlooked until it's too late. Business owners need succession plans that protect both personal and business assets. When key owners die or become disabled, unprepared businesses often collapse, leaving families with worthless enterprises instead of valuable legacies. The good news? Most legal problems are completely preventable with proper guidance. Legal service plans provide ongoing access to professional advice without the traditional hourly billing that prices out small businesses. These subscription models let you ask questions as they arise rather than waiting for crisis situations. Legal professionals specializing in small business protection understand the unique challenges Atlanta entrepreneurs face. They focus on education and prevention rather than crisis management, helping business owners build strong legal foundations while focusing on growth. Don't let preventable legal mistakes destroy everything you've built. Visit the link in the description to connect with Dr. Kelly Jackson King and learn how affordable legal protection can safeguard your business and your family's future. JK CONSULTING, LLC City: Suwanee Address: 7778 McGinnis Ferry Road #275 Website: https://linktr.ee/askdrkelly?fbclid=pazxh0bgnhzw0cmteaaaeozc1j-nlrrnx4y3al1la9qf3iqlpcr9ndvkouwraizy2bnow4f33zn3ihcg_aem_vow0dhu1jklpez74htgvpq