Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business
by Fred S. Steingold
In a nutshell
By Fred S. Steingold (Nolo Press, multiple editions), this is a practical reference covering the everyday legal basics small business owners need: choosing a business structure, contracts, employment law, leases, and liability.
Overview
Fred S. Steingold, an attorney, has written Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business for Nolo Press through many editions, offering plain-English legal guidance tailored to small business owners rather than lawyers.
Key Ideas
- Choosing the right legal structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship) affects liability and taxes significantly.
- Written contracts protect both sides and should cover key terms clearly upfront.
- Employment law basics (classification, discrimination, termination) carry real legal risk if ignored.
- Leases and insurance require careful reading before signing.
- Intellectual property basics (trademarks, copyrights) are often overlooked by small businesses.
Best For
Non-lawyer founders who need a plain-English reference to the legal basics of running a small business.
Reference
Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business — publisher / official page. Summary adapted from the Awesome Startup Books collection.
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