In my previous post about AI (specifically, AI large language models or “LLMs”) and its impact on the legal profession, I concluded that the current versions of LLMs would not replace lawyers but could serve as very able assistants. As our friends at Clausebase put it in a recent webinar: AI can take over a […]
Illinois employers take note: Illinois recently joined two other trailblazing states (Maine and Nevada) in requiring employers to provide a minimum amount of paid leave for employees. Thanks to the new Paid Leave for All Workers Act (the “Act”), effective on January 1, 2024, employees working in Illinois (but not Cook County) will earn and […]
“Dilution” is one of the most discussed topics in the startup community. goodcounsel often advises startups on the implications of dilutions. In this post we describe some common scenarios, and explain what happens in terms of dilution.
Some clarification on confusing equity-related terminology Founders often ask us about the meaning of certain equity-related terminology. We thought it would be useful to explain some commonly used (but frequently misunderstood and misused) terms.
Are your terms of use enforceable? In the olden days, customers signed agreements using quill and ink; for many, a handshake sufficed. These days, customers purchase many services and goods online. How do customers give their consent to the terms of their purchases in cyberspace [cue eerie music]? Most of our startup clients require their […]
The behemoth General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the European Economic Area*. By contrast, no federal privacy regulation applies across all U.S. states. A company must comply with regulations of the states in which it does business. As a practical matter, compliance is geared towards the state with the most stringent regulations. Effective January 1, […]
Founders often come to us before they have formed a legal entity, seeking advice about the type of entity to form –usually it is between the two most common entity types, limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations. The type of entity will not determine whether the business succeeds or fails. Still, entity selection merits consideration. […]
I’ve been keeping up on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 story/debacle, which has many fascinating aspects to it, among them: how a storied company like Boeing, whose brand is entirely dependent on the perception of safety, could sacrifice safety for short-term gain, and what happens when regulators can no longer keep up with the companies […]
Just about everyone can relate to the challenge of trying to get work done in the face of an endless torrent of emails and the expectations of constant availability and immediate response. Yet the reality is that this situation is incompatible with completing work that requires extended focus (which is to say, most work). We […]