Can You Work for a Company After Suing? Legal Considerations to Weigh

The Essential Guide to Legal Aid in Canton, Ohio

What You Need to Know About Legal Aid

For the residents of Canton, Ohio, the meaning of legal aid may not be immediately clear. In essence, legal aid is a term used to refer to a variety of services that are offered at various levels throughout government and private legal institutions to help those who might have difficulty affording a lawyer to provide legal advice or representation in court. While it has a specific definition, this term encapsulates a variety of organizations, including some that are funded by the Legal Services Corporation, or LSC.
These legal aid organizations strive to fulfill the golden rule of access to justice: that everyone should be treated equally in the eyes of the law, regardless of their income or social standing. The U.S. Constitution states that justice is meant to be available to everyone , and legal aid strives to balance the scales of justice, providing free legal advice, representation and aid to those with little to no financial means to pursue legal matters on their own.
Access to justice is especially important for low-income citizens and families, as many of them may find themselves in difficult legal situations that make it hard to pay the bills or even put food on the table. Legal aid plays a beneficial role in our society in ensuring that access to justice exists for all, with non-profits like The Legal Aid Society of Canton providing essential services that every citizen should have the right to.
Understanding legal aid and its benefits to you is crucial when exploring your options for legal counsel. For those interested in access to justice in Canton, free legal aid consultations could be just a call away.

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Agreement Cancellation Defined

Contract cancellation? The very idea seems to be a contradiction. How can you enter into an agreement all while knowing that you can easily cancel it at any time? That’s where agreement cancellation comes in. Instead of really canceling the agreement, you’re going through the process of cancelling, and in turn, terminating the contract. Following all of the right procedures will ensure an effective agreement cancellation without much pushback from other parties.
It’s smart to be careful, however. In the heat of the moment, you may cancel an agreement that you realize you need later — a contract or employment agreement that is vital to the growth of your business. While some agreements have dissolution procedures in place, other agreements may not. So when do you go about agreement cancellation and when can you legally do so?
Agreement cancellation is a remedy available to both parties of a contract if one of them is not meeting their end of the deal. The damage resulting from that unfulfilled contract is called breach of contract, and it’s a frequent business solution. To cancel the agreement , the aggrieved party sends an agreement cancellation letter and the agreement is henceforth terminated.
But why would anyone need to cancel the contract at all? Well, as briefed above, canceling an agreement without reason presents a problem. But when a certain party isn’t upholding their end of the bargain, it isn’t uncommon to fire a letter off to call out these issues. When the aggrieved party does this, it opens the door to either resolve the issues or absolve themselves from the contract.
Legal Issues Associated with Agreement Cancellation:
Agreement cancellation isn’t a total walk in the park. Companies can use it for their own protection and it’s important for you to realize that some contracts contain clauses that don’t allow for it. For example, agreements under seal will not allow cancellation because they are sealed until delivered.
If you’re considering agreement cancellation, research the agreement and request certain data that has not been provided. A case-by-case solution is needed to determine whether agreement cancellation is right for your company.

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Navigating Contract Governance: Key Information and Guidelines

A Quick Guide to Contract Governance

Any lawyer who has worked in-house or engaged in significant commercial disputes knows that the quality of contracting is driven by ‘governance’ – the structure, authority and processes in place to ensure that contracts are entered into and performed effectively. From reviewing complex contracts relating to the sale of businesses to drafting outsourcing agreements and acting for clients in relation to supply chain disputes, the issue of governance (particularly at an enterprise level) is always at the forefront. Contracts are governed by the terms of the contract between the parties as well as any applicable legislation. Contract governance takes that a step further by considering how effective practices can be used to develop compliant and legally robust contractual relationships. Contract governance encompasses the policies, procedures, processes and organisational structures which operate at a strategic level. It refers not to the individual terms of contracts but rather the overarching framework within which organisations operate when entering and performing contracts. Contract governance ensures that: The aim is to develop a strong culture of compliance across an organisation which permeates throughout an organisation and shines through in the way in which it contracts with other organisations . Policies and procedures that form part of an organisation’s contractual governance can vary from simple check-lists to comprehensive systems designed to track the contract a company is entering into right from the initial stages of bid/tendering through to ensuring that governance is being undertaken throughout the life-time of the contract. The term ‘contract governance’ is often used by organisations and lawyers to encompass specific processes or policies when exchanging contracts or to describe the approach taken to contracting at a high level. However, the application of the term can differ from one organisation to another. Contract governance therefore may not always mean the same thing to everyone and a common understanding of what contract governance means in a particular context is key. End to end scales and contract governance is based on the notion of ‘accountability’ and that those who have responsibility for performance are the same people who understand the key commercial and legal issues at play and those who are responsible for managing risk. That is enhanced by ensuring that the accountability is captured through clear governance structures.

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Creating a Cohabitation Agreement: Essential Advice and Templates

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

When couples who are not married choose to live together, they may decide to enter into a living together contract. These agreements are also referred to as premarital agreements, cohabitation agreements, or marriage contracts, and serve to protect each person’s rights, property, and financial interests. A living together contract truly defines the nature of the relationship for legal purposes, and can be useful in a number of circumstances.
For example, a contract can detail the rights and responsibilities of each partner if the relationship should end. Domestic disputes are a common cause of litigation, and can result in expensive court intervention. When a couple has a legal agreement that outlines what is expected of each person, there is often no reason for going to court. A living together contract can also include requirements regarding children. More states have passed laws that strip non-married parents of parental rights over biological children . Those individuals who are raising children in a cohabitating relationship can use a contract to ensure that their rights and interests are protected.
Legal issues can also arise when one partner owns all property, but the other has contributed to the upkeep of that property. Those who need legal protection for property investments may also want to consider entering into a cohabitation contract. For example, suppose a couple purchases a home together, but when they separate only one partner is legally entitled to the house. A living together contract that names specific conditions for the sale or buyout of the other person’s share can prevent disputes and a lengthy court battle.
As more and more couples choose not to marry, it is critical for those individuals to understand their legal rights. A living together contract is an excellent way to protect those rights, as well as property investments, financial interests, and children.

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What to Include in a Security Guard Contract

What Is a Security Guard Contract?

Security guard contracts fall under the category of service contracts within the fold of business contracts. Wholly separate from the purchase of goods or products, service contracts are agreements between a buyer and a seller for the performance or construction of some kind of service.
Defining the nature of the agreement and the responsibilities of each party to the contract are key to the arrangement. What both parties must be sure to do – and not do – are laid out in great detail in a security guard contract.
Much like other business contracts, a security guard contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties for the purpose of laying out the terms of an undertaking that will benefit them both.
While a seller or service provider agrees to provide something of value to the buyer , the buyer agrees to pay a certain amount of money and/or other compensation in exchange for that product or service. This entire transaction, legally speaking, falls under the umbrella of business law and is protected by the original contract.
Not only do service contracts fall into this category, but the same can be said of security guard contracts, which are one type of business service contract.
Although the contents of security guard contracts may vary from one to the next, there are some basic components that will always be included.
Each contract contains the following basic elements:
All of these details help to not only establish the terms of the contract but also help both parties determine what to expect from the other and who exactly is responsible for any given aspect of the arrangement.

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Overview of West Virginia Labor Laws

Understanding labor laws in West Virginia is vital for both employers and employees. For employers, labor laws provide guidance on the legal obligations and rights of employers. Specifically, most labor laws place requirements on employers regarding the employment relationship. Failing to comply with these laws can be costly to employers because employees can seek recourse for violations. For employees, a labor law violation can mean lost wages and benefits. For example , a LGBT employee facing discrimination in the workplace can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and obtain relief if the claim is substantiated.
Labor laws are generally divided into five categories: hours and days of work, minimum wage, equal pay, child labor and overtime. In addition to these, there are also specific laws governing hiring and termination. In West Virginia, the primary law governing minimum wage and overtime pay is the West Virginia Minimum Wage and Accountability Act. The Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor also governs many aspects of employment law, which complement the state laws.

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Helpful Free Legal Resources for Not-For-Profit Organizations

Not-For-Profit Law

The legal landscape for non-profit organizations can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. Non-profits often do not have the benefit of in-house counsel and can fall behind on developing and maintaining a legal foundation that protects corporate and public interests.
Often, new and existing non-profits will start their journey by becoming tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and filing for state tax exemption. Generally, this process goes smoothly but can be a year or longer in process before all applicable tax-exempt status is obtained. It is therefore the best option in most circumstances to begin the incorporation process with an attorney who has experience in non-profit law in order to get the process started out on the right foot.
After a non-profit is established and initial tax-exempt status is obtained, either through federal or state , the legal issues begin to shift into other areas including establishing and maintaining good governance and compliance practices, entering into contracts and agreements, and hiring employees. These four areas contain major and smaller legal issues that non-profit organizations need to address, some on an annual basis, including but not limited to the following:
 Board composition and by-laws,
 Conflicts of interest,
 Related party issues,
 Other policies,
 990s (federal and state),
 Financial reporting,
 Fundraising laws,
 Employment issues, and
 Grants and contracts.
When taking a pro-active and preventative approach to legal matters, an organization can easily and effectively address some of these issues with cost of compliance in mind and will be protecting the organization from a negative event down the line.

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In-Depth Look at Bowen Law Group

About Bowen Law Group

Bowen Law Group was founded in 2002 by Gerald Bowen. Gerald Bowen is an experienced estate planning and probate attorney who has lived in Southern Utah for his whole life. Gerald has decades of experience working in the Utah court system and understands how to get things done for you.
Gerald worked in the Washington County Clerk’s Office before he graduated from Brigham Young University. After graduating, he began working at the Washington County Attorney’s Office prosecuting criminals who had committed crimes in Southern Utah. After several years at the Washington County Attorney’s Office , he went to work as a lawyer for a number of different law firms. While learning many different areas of the law, he also gained valuable insight into how to run a law practice efficiently, as he helped to open two different law firms in St. George. After determining that his real passion was helping families plan for the future and helping families after the loss of a loved one, he opened Bowen Law Group to carry on that work.

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Pro Bono Legal Aid Explained

Pro Bono legal services are generally defined as legal work done for no fee. Pro Bono work is undoubtedly a labor of love, and most of us know at least one attorney who is always looking for another pro bono case or two to fill their calendar. This is especially true in matters of family law. Pro Bono generally means "for a public purpose" and the attorneys who volunteer their time do it because their practice allows them choose, and they know that families are hurting. They also know that in every family law matter there are more people affected than just mom and dad and the kids. In Contra Costa County there are organizations like the Justice and Diversity Center (JDC), a program of the Bar Association of San Francisco that coordinates the efforts of lawyers who want to provide pro bono legal services to low income families. The JDC allows high achieving law students to provide free family law services to the underprivileged. They recruit and train law students and pair them with attorneys who want to be sure that lawyers from the Bay Area want to take pro bono cases, and that there is competency in those cases . I have filed fees waivers in countless cases, and sadly I have seen both lawyers and staffs at the courthouse be either frustrated by the process, or rude to self represented litigants. It has been the exception and not the rule to see a family law court clerk or judge who was understanding or even sympathetic to a litigant who is filing papers in pro per (without a lawyer). In the past few years, organizations like the JDC have formed volunteer attorney groups which offer family law equal access services clinics to folks who otherwise could not afford to hire legal help. Help can be found through the weekly Family Law Information clinics which currently meet in Martinez and Pittsburg on a rotating basis. There is also a monthly Family Law Legal Clinics in Brentwood and Concord, where volunteer attorneys provide short 30 minute consultations. There are also Family Law Clinics through Bay Area Legal Aid – Contra Costa, where attorneys help with matters such as divorce, custody and domestic violence restraining orders.

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What You Need to Know About Indiana Golf Carts

While golf carts are primarily used for recreational purposes, they also offer a viable form of transportation in some communities. In fact, Indiana state law permits golf carts to drive on public roadways in designated areas. However, there remain restrictions on where you can legally operate your golf cart in Indiana. Indiana Code Sections 9-13-2-106.5 through 9-13-2-106.8 legislate the use of golf carts on public roadways. These sections define important terms including "highway," "local unit," "local unit ordinance," "motor vehicle," and "utility vehicle." Let’s go over these terms in the context of a golf cart’s ability to travel on Indiana roadways.
Indiana defines "local unit" as a county, municipality, school corporation, or other political subdivision whose territory is located completely or partially within Indiana. "Local unit ordinance" means an ordinance enacted by a local unit in order to regulate the operation of a golf cart on a highway in the local unit. "Utility vehicle" refers to a four (4) wheel motor driven vehicle that: (i) is not manufactured for operation on a highway; and (ii) has an engine cubic capacity of not more than twenty-seven (27) cubic inches or is powered exclusively by electricity . "Highway" means: (i) a public street; (ii) a road; (iii) a road and street; or (iv) any other public way in Indiana that is: (A) maintained by a local unit; and (B) not otherwise designated as or found to be unsuitable for motor vehicles under IC 9-21-9-10.5.
According to Indiana’s definition of "motor vehicle," a golf cart is technically classified as a "motor vehicle" under state law because the definition of motor vehicle includes: (a) a motor driven cycle, a motorcycle, a truck, or a truck tractor that is: (i) normally operated at speeds of more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour; and (ii) was manufactured primarily for use on a highway. In other words, even though golf carts can only reach speeds of about 20 to 25 miles per hour, golf carts are still classified as motor vehicles under state law. Therefore, in most of Indiana, golf carts can only be driven on highways that have been designated as being suitable for operating motor vehicles. In some counties of Indiana, golf carts must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These counties include the following: "County" means a county located in Indiana. Not all counties allow the use of golf carts, and not all golf carts require registration. When driving a golf cart through the county, make sure to comply with its regulations regarding golf carts.

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