Business Law Battle Plan for Entrepreneurs: Protect Your Company from Lawyers, Lawsuits, and Legal Disasters

by: Marjorie Jobe

Published by: Jobe Publishing Company

Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali

It should be noted at the outset that this book is not a substitute for an attorney or an accountant. The underlying premise is that following the rules and doing what is right (both legally and ethically) is not enough to keep companies – even small companies – from lawsuits. Some may take exception to the implied certainty of being part of a lawsuit, but that discussion is beyond the scope of this book.

After the introductory chapter, the book outlines standard business practices of lawyers and accountants, and provides tips on how to pick one. The next group of chapters focuses on government entities investigating a business: how government entities obtain the authorization for investigating a business, rights of the business under investigation, and how to conduct oneself when being investigated. The group of chapters after that covers the types of corporations, how changes in one’s personal life (e.g., divorce) can impact the business, and the types of insurance that businesses generally considered acquiring. Contracts, cases and intellectual property are covered after that. Then human resources issues are covered, followed by preparing for trial. Each chapter ends with a chapter summary titled “Points to Consider,” case studies, a set of questions, and resources, both web and print.

The book is comprehensive in scope, but not in depth – its objective is to provide an overview. I found the book to be at odds with itself: On the one hand recommending that a business seek the services of an attorney, while on the other promoting the text as providing the business owner with adequate tools and strategies for making legal decisions (hence dispensing with the services of an attorney). It’s as if the message of the text does not align with the promotion of the book.

The book could be improved if the chapters were grouped in sections for easier reference. The text is double spaced and the pages have generous margins making it easier to write notes while reading. The web resources I checked are (thankfully) active. As an overview of business law, it is a great book.

NOTE: The author is an active and experienced attorney who represents businesses/owners. She has experience in courts of all levels and has participated in multiple major jury trials, civil and criminal. She also taught Business Law to upper level students in the College of Business at the University of Texas – El Paso.

Armchair Interviews says: As an overview, this is a good book for business owners.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MarjorieJobe.com