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Checklist for Hiring Your First NY Employee

May 23, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Two businessmen speaking with a businesswoman and shaking hands with her as they offer her a job.

For many startups and businesses, hiring your first employees can be an anxious process. Hopefully, this checklist will help entrepreneurs get past the initial hurdles and feel more confident moving forward.

The Ultimate Checklist for Hiring Your First Employee in New York is in chronological order to the extent that some things need to be done before others, but the exact order doesn’t always matter. Do what you can as soon as you can to ensure you comply with federal and state requirements.

Do I Need a Certificate of Authority to Do Business in NYC?

Apr 13, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Certificate of Authority. A close up of startup employees reviewing figures and paperwork with a tablet and laptop.

New York State’s Department of Taxation and Finance issues Certificates of Authority to businesses which authorize them to collect sales tax from customers. This also allows them to honor the tax-exempt status of non-profit agencies with whom they do business. You might be wondering when and if you need a Certificate of Authority for your startup or business to do business in New York City; especially if you are a foreign (whether U.S. or international) entity.

What to know about the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

Apr 1, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Updated June 8, 2020 [previous update April 3, 2020]

The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) released its Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) guidance, which, via The CARES Act, authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. This blog post gives a summary of the guidance.

Everything You Need to Know About The California AB5 Law

Mar 27, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Toyota Prius offering rides for UBER and LYFT in San Francisco Bay Area. These companies will be affected by the AB5 law.

California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), signed into law by the state’s governor in September of 2019, went into effect on January 1, 2020. Informally referred to as the “Gig Worker” bill, AB5 means some big changes for contractors and companies who use them. This blog will offer a broad overview of AB5, its current status, potential complications you might face, and some examples of ways California businesses and other businesses have responded to the new law.

When Key Man Insurance Becomes Worth the Cost

Mar 16, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

A puzzle piece with a blue silhouette on it that stands out amongst the others. Representative of key man insurance.

The tragic loss of a key employee due to an incapacitating illness or accident can have a devastating impact on your startup or small business. One of the best ways to ensure your company is protected against this kind of tragic loss is through a Key Man insurance policy. Stabilizing the company financially during tough times can make all the difference in how quickly your business recovers.

8 Potential Legal Problems in Esports

Mar 11, 2020 Adam Blaier, Esq.

A team of esports players sitting at a table competing in an esports competition.

Back when video games first rolled out in homes all over the world, multiplayer gaming was severely limited. With the introduction of the internet and online multiplayer capabilities, people could compete in massive competitions involving dozens or even hundreds of players. As a result of this global competition and interconnectivity, the esports industry was born.