It sounds obvious, but Chris Clark sees it constantly: contracts that name the wrong company, or don't identify a party clearly enough to find it later. Here's how to get the parties right.

In this episode:

• Use each party's exact legal name, including the entity type (Inc., LLC, and so on).
• Add the state of organization and an address so there's no confusion about which entity you're dealing with.
• An incorrectly identified party can make it harder to enforce the contract, or give someone a reason to challenge it.

The takeaway: Before you sign, check that every party is named exactly as it appears in the Secretary of State's records, with its state and entity type.

About the host: Chris Clark is the founder of CLARK.LAW, a business and intellectual property law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you'd like to speak with an attorney about a contract, learn about our Contract Law services at https://clark.law/contract-law/ or contact us at https://clark.law/contact/

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This podcast provides general information only and is not legal advice. Listening does not create an attorney-client relationship.

It seems like a no-brainer, but plenty of early-stage businesses run through a personal account. Chris Clark explains why a separate business bank account matters from day one.

In this episode:

• Limited liability works because your company is legally separate from you.
• Mixing personal and business money undermines that separation.
• Commingling doesn't automatically destroy your liability protection, but it can make it easier for creditors to challenge it.

The takeaway: Open a business bank account before you take your first dollar; it's one of the simplest ways to protect your personal assets.

About the host: Chris Clark is the founder of CLARK.LAW, a business and intellectual property law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you'd like to speak with an attorney about structuring, protecting, or funding your business, learn about our Corporate & Business Law services at https://clark.law/corporate-business-law/ or contact us at https://clark.law/contact/

Follow CLARK.LAW on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

This podcast provides general information only and is not legal advice. Listening does not create an attorney-client relationship.

When your business gets pulled into a dispute, who do you call and what should you do first? Andy Lax shares practical advice on finding the right lawyer, talking budget early, and getting your paperwork in order.

In this episode:

• Networking is often the best way to find the right litigator: you likely know someone who knows someone.
• Talk about budget up front. A realistic price tag can change how hard you want to fight, especially over a small amount.
• Get organized and give your lawyer everything. In one case Andy handled, the key document was a sticky note inside a file folder.

The takeaway: Before you decide how hard to fight, ask what the fight will cost, then hand your lawyer every scrap of paper you have.

About the guest: Andy Lax is an attorney with Forrest Firm. Learn more at forrestfirm.com.

If you'd like to speak with an attorney about a business dispute, learn about our Fractional General Counsel services at https://clark.law/fractional-general-counsel/ or contact us at https://clark.law/contact/

Follow CLARK.LAW on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

This podcast provides general information only and is not legal advice. Listening does not create an attorney-client relationship. Guests' views are their own.