In starting a family business, you hear and read about unexpected changes in family structure that leave outsiders or even family members not originally in the company with unintended control.

Recently, Tulsi Gabbard received starkly contrasting receptions in Florida and now in Washington, D.C.

 Gabbard, who transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party and is now Donald Trump’s nominee for director of National Intelligence, visited Fort Lauderdale last year, where she was warmly welcomed.

Cash is king and business owners know that harsh reality more than most since oftentimes businesses run into cash crunches at certain times of the year. When that happens sometimes traditional lenders such as banks are not an option and businesses need to reach out to merchant cash advance companies (MCAs). As MCAs grow in popularity, there is concern about an increase in companies claiming to negotiate MCA terms on behalf of business owners.

Artificial intelligence (AI) undoubtedly has the potential to enhance attorneys’ work product. But AI cannot replace attorneys, at least not at this juncture.

Murphy’s Law—“if anything can go wrong, it will”—rears its ugly head at the least opportune times. AI is in its relative infancy. Too much could go wrong with this emerging technology to risk a potentially painful and expensive legal outcome.

In 2020, Hammocks board President Marglli Gallego allegedly suggested that Monica Ghilardi should get paid for her work as the homeowners association’s treasurer.

But there was a problem. Because Florida law says HOA board members are volunteers prohibited from receiving compensation, a workaround was needed. 

In 1984, as a 20-year-old first-time voter and newly naturalized citizen, I was elated by the landslide victory of Ronald Reagan. Not knowing the significance of this at the time, in retrospect it is clear: Ronald Reagan’s presidency was a defining moment in my lifetime.

Can – and should – employers establish restrictions on political speech and activities at work during an already contentious 2024 election campaign in a deeply divided country?

The law and common sense say “yes” – and “maybe” – depending on the situation.

Think of a corporate general counsel much like you would your primary care physician. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of your company’s or organization’s legal health.

We all know Murphy’s Law – “if anything can go wrong, it will” – and that it has the tendency to rear its ugly head at the least opportune times. There is altogether too much that can still go wrong with this emerging technology to risk a potentially painful and expensive legal outcome resulting from its limitations.

Perhaps only one assignment in Florida is more difficult and thankless than being a conscientious homeowners’ or condominium association board member today. And that is being a state legislator responsible for threading the needle between minimizing the burdens on good actors and preventing damage from bad actors on boards.

“Murphy’s Law” – “If anything can go wrong, it will” – originated in science but also applies to human relationships, including business dealings.

Even partners or contracting parties with the best relationships and intentions often run into misunderstandings and failures to meet expectations that lead to legal disputes, making it critical to identify, preclude and prepare for highly probable bumps – and barriers – in the road.

Tripp Scott's Matthew Zifrony has recently had an in-depth paper exploring the complexities of property deeds in the state of Florida published in the Nova Law Review.

Coming out of law school, Paul Lopez knew there was only one job for him: trial lawyer. "I didn’t know there was any other kind," he says with a laugh.

Employers who require the execution of nonsolicit and NDA agreements going forward should soberly assess their workforce and determine which employees should be required to enter into any sort of restrictive covenant.

Workday faces an AI lawsuit that's raising questions about HR software responsibility and liability in AI-driven recruitment. A federal judge is considering a dismissal motion.

This month features a conversation with Tanya Bower, a director at the law firm Tripp Scott.

Are people who work with your business “independent contractors” or “employees?” The answer can be like the Florida weather: if you don’t like it, wait five minutes — or its business equivalent.

It’s a situation common to almost any work environment: An employee thinks a boss has made a boneheaded call, and it suddenly leads to an ugly confrontation.

This month features a conversation with Stephanie Mazzola, a director at the law firm Tripp Scott.

This month features a conversation with Paul Lopez, COO of the law firm Tripp Scott.