Ser & Associates Blog
How To Grow Your Business Through Government Contracting and Minority Certification
Learn how to grow your business through government contracting and minority certification with Lillian A. Ser, Esq., Founder and Managing Attorney of Ser & Associates.
A Guide to 3 Basic Types of Commercial Leases
If you’ve decided to go into business for yourself and need a space from which to run your new enterprise, it’s important to understand what types of commercial leases you will be offered. These agreements are a long-term commitment and can cost you a significant...
3 Common Zoning Problems
Purchasing real estate for your business is an exciting process. It is also a way to increase the value of your business. However, before signing on the dotted line or as part of your due diligence, make sure that the property you are buying or leasing allows for the...
5 Tips for Negotiating Business Contracts
One of the key responsibilities of running a business is having the skills to handle complex business transactions and securing the best contracts and deals for your company. Below we discuss some of our best tips for negotiating favorable terms. 1. Be prepared We...
An Overview of the Due Diligence Period in a Commercial Real Estate Transaction
If you’re in the middle of a commercial real estate transaction, there are a lot of things you need to do. One of these things is called due diligence, and it is an essential and comprehensive stage of any commercial real estate transaction. It’s actually so important...
Understanding the Difference Between Copyrights and Trademarks
Intellectual property (IP) encompasses some of your business’ most valuable assets. From patents and trade secrets to copyrights and trademarks, there are several different categories that your IP can fall under, and it’s important that you are familiar with them all....
A Quick Guide to Real Estate Deeds
The process of buying and selling real estate is complex and can be daunting for everyone, particularly for those who are dealing with their first transaction. It can get confusing because there are a lot of things you need to be aware of during the process, both for...
Starting a Business: The Importance of a Strong Operating/Shareholder’s Agreement
If you’re in the process of starting a business, then you already know that there are a lot of things you have to think about. From figuring out the type of entity to use to working harmoniously with your partners and raising funds, it’s easy to want to skip the...
Buying a Home? Caveat Emptor!
So, you’ve found your dream house, in your favorite neighborhood, nearest to your favorite pizza joint. And, most importantly, it’s in your budget. Long story short - you’ve fallen in love with the house and all you can picture is you in that house, floating in the...
Negotiating a Commercial Lease? Follow These 5 Tips for Better Success!
Leasing a piece of property can be a stressful process particularly if you are trying to find the right space for your business. A lot of people think that there isn’t any room for negotiating rent, particularly when the landlord is the one calling all the shots....
My General Counsel® – The Business Owner’s Way of Lawyering Up!
Typically, small to mid-size businesses deal with legal challenges as they arise, rather than working to avoid them in the first place. In other words, they move forward with contracts without any legal representation whatsoever. Enter into partnerships without the...
Mediation vs. Litigation: The Pros and Cons
If you find yourself facing a legal dispute of any kind, then you’re sure to want to have it resolved as quickly and positively as possible. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a legal dispute can go nowhere fast, turning more adversarial and more expensive by...