What is a Deposition?

A deposition is a discovery tool wherein a witness is placed under oath and required to respond orally to questions from one or more lawyers. Depositions are frequently requested of parties. Other times, depositions are requested of non-parties who may have knowledge regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding a particular case. If you are not a party to a lawsuit and are asked to provide a deposition, you should not panic, but instead you should determine what information you have and how to best share that information in a way that is minimally invasive to your schedule.

What is a Deed of Trust?

In this session of the Vann Attorneys Video LegalPad, Ian Richardson answers the question, “What is a deed of trust?”

Planning to Resolve Disputes Among Business Partners

Disputes among business partners are common. Some can be resolved amicably, but there are times when a dispute can become disastrous for the business. Having a plan for resolving the inevitable disagreements can help the business move forward more easily and can relieve some of the tension among the partners.

What Constitutes a Contract in North Carolina?

What constitutes a contract and when is a contract formed is a great question to consider. We look at a lot of contracts and issues for our clients surrounding contract questions. Many of our business clients have a great understanding of what a contract is and how it is formed. As we all continue to learn, some facts can change what appears to be a straightforward looking transaction.

When Is The Right Time To Start A Business?

Starting a new business is always a thrilling endeavor filled with excitement, enthusiasm and fear. When to start the new business is always a question business owners often contemplate. When should the owner incorporate the business, what is the economy doing, when is the greatest need for the business, is one time better than another are all questions that business owners ponder.

Protected Settlement Discussions in North Carolina

Often I get phone calls where a potential clients wants to share with me a conversation that they had with a party they are involved in a dispute with. Sometimes, the conversation which is being recounted to me sounds as though it was in the context of settlement. An analysis must then to be done as to what extent, if at all, the conversation might be admissible in a courtroom one day.

Should I File a Lawsuit?

This is a very common question from clients and potential clients. As you may expect, the answer is: it depends. There are many factors to be considered when contemplating litigation. These factors include…

Business Defamation Claims in the Online Era

I frequently receive phone calls from upset business owners who are dealing with either disgruntled employees or customers. In the age of the internet and social media, more often than not, the employee or customer has posted something negative online. Usually the business owner will approach me with some type of working knowledge of North Carolina defamation laws, as their first step after reading the review tends to be performing a Google search on what their legal rights might be. With these types of claims it is important to have a lawyer who views themselves not only as an advocate but also as a counselor and advisor.

Good Advice in Tough Times

I have a friend who is a lawyer in another state. He and I were talking one day and I asked him, “If you were to give any advice to a lawyer representing a client in an active court case, what advice would you give him or her?” He chuckled, thought for a moment, and then gave me some good advice.

The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Your Civil Matter

As you know, for the past several weeks, courthouses and judicial employees across the State have been operating in a limited capacity with regard to court hearings and other judicial proceedings. Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued orders postponing certain court hearings and limiting courthouse activity. Justice Beasley also extended filing and other court-related deadlines to June 1, 2020.

Filing Annual Reports with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office: No Extension Due to Covid-19

Each business incorporated with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office is required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s office each year. The type of business entity will likely determine when the report is actually due to the Secretary of State. If you as a business owner have several incorporated businesses which differ in the type of entity (a corporation, an s-corporation, limited liability company, etc.), your annual reports could be due at different times.

A Written Contract is Always a Good Idea

Given the current state of things, it can be very tempting for individuals and small businesses to want to take on new business ventures or enter into new business deals right now. When entering into any business agreement with any person or entity, new or familiar, we urge you to have a written contract detailing the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Does Antitrust Apply to You and Your Business?

I recently had the privilege of speaking to a business trade association on the topic of antitrust. This topic and discussion reminded me of the importance of how business need to comply with the federal and state laws on antitrust. The antitrust law, federal and state, are designed to protect the public.

Attorney’s Fees in Lien Enforcement Actions

“Can I recover my attorney’s fees?” is a question we often receive at the outset of litigation. The general rule in North Carolina is that each party is responsible for its own attorney’s fees, unless the contract or a statute provides otherwise.

We Demanded Payment, Now What?

Clients often come to us for help recovering money owed on various contracts, agreements, payments, services and products. Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend sending a letter to the debtor to demand payment of the total balance owed. Sometimes, debtors (or their attorneys) respond to the demand letter, the line of communication continues, and we can work toward a resolution of the matter.