5 Key Legal Templates for Your Business

To protect your business, it is important to have the proper documentation in place at all times. There are a variety of legal documents that will need to be created, but starting from scratch every time a new document is needed can take a great deal of time and lead to unnecessary expenses. However, failing to include the correct terms in a legal document may cause significant problems in the future. By drafting multiple types of templates that address different areas of business law, you can make sure your needs will be met in the documents you create, and you can ensure that all applicable laws are being followed correctly. 

Legal Templates You May Need

By using templates, you can make sure documentation is easy to find when needed and that the agreements you create will be fair while protecting your interests. Some templates that may provide value for your business include:

• Meeting minutes – Depending on how your business is structured, you may be required to keep minutes at certain types of business meetings. Following a standard format for these minutes will ensure that the proper information is recorded. Minutes can detail the topics discussed, the decisions made, and the actions taken during or immediately following a meeting. They can also record who was in attendance at a meeting and how different people voted when making decisions.
• Job offer letters and employment agreements – Official job offers to candidates for employment can record important information, including the planned start date, the terms of payment, and a description of the person’s expected duties. When an employee starts working, they may sign an agreement that formalizes their obligations and expectations and minimizes the possibility of employment-related disputes in the future.
• Service contracts – A business that provides services to clients may create contracts detailing the scope of the services that will be provided, the amount that will be paid for this work, and the duration of the agreement.
• Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements – Agreements with employees, contractors, vendors, suppliers, or partners can ensure that confidential and proprietary information will not be disclosed to others, protecting against the theft of trade secrets or other actions that could harm the business. Employees or contractors may also be required to sign agreements prohibiting them from directly competing with the business in a certain geographic area within a certain time period after they stop working with the company.
• Memorandum of understanding – When business partners make agreements between themselves or with outside parties, they may wish to make sure everyone involved will have an understanding of the terms of their agreement without entering into a formal contract. This type of document can address these issues without legally binding the parties to its terms.

Contact Our Naperville Business Documents Attorney

As you look at what types of documents will meet the needs of your business, you will want to work with a legal professional who can help you draft the proper templates. By creating documents that will address the laws that apply to you and provide you with the protection you need, you can be prepared to address or avoid legal issues in the future. To learn how the Gierach Law Firm can help you create the documents and templates you need, contact our DuPage County business contracts lawyer at 630-756-1160.

Sources:

Entrepreneur

Northeastern University