Venn Law Group

06/23/2026

Commercial real estate decisions can have a lasting impact on the success of a business. Whether you are purchasing property, negotiating a lease, developing a site, securing financing, or managing a real estate portfolio, the details matter.

Venn Law Group's Commercial Real Estate practice helps business owners, developers, investors, landlords, and tenants navigate complex transactions with confidence. Our attorneys provide practical guidance on acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, development projects, financing arrangements, title matters, joint ventures, and real estate-related business issues.

Real estate transactions are often among the largest investments a business will make. Having experienced legal counsel involved early can help identify risks, protect your interests, and keep deals moving toward a successful closing.

If you are considering a commercial real estate transaction, contact Venn Law Group to learn how our team can help you achieve your goals. https://ow.ly/Ukhc50ZcST6

06/22/2026

A recent Department of Labor opinion letter highlights an often-overlooked wage and hour issue: how non-discretionary bonus programs can affect overtime obligations.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, many bonus programs require employers to recalculate an employee's regular rate of pay and issue additional overtime compensation. However, the DOL recently clarified that certain bonus structures may satisfy overtime requirements without requiring a retroactive recalculation.

The key factor is how the bonus is designed. Employers should ensure their bonus formulas properly account for both straight-time and overtime earnings and align with DOL guidance. A bonus plan that appears straightforward on paper can create compliance issues if it is not structured or administered correctly.

For business owners, this serves as a reminder that compensation plans should be reviewed carefully. Wage and hour compliance is not limited to payroll practices alone. Incentive programs, bonuses, and commission structures can all have legal implications under federal labor laws. https://ow.ly/fLTB50ZcSSq

Does a quarterly bonus trigger an overtime recalculation? A new DOL opinion letter says it depends on how the bonus is structured – and one approach eliminates the need for retroactive regular rate recalculation.

06/19/2026

This Father's Day weekend, we want to recognize all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who show up with wisdom, patience, support, and the occasional perfectly timed dad joke.

Fathers have a unique way of teaching life's lessons. Some are learned through words, some through example, and some through hearing "because I said so" more times than we can count.

As lawyers, we appreciate anyone who can settle disputes, interpret unclear instructions, and negotiate peace between opposing parties. Dads have been doing that for years.

Wishing all the fathers and father figures a wonderful Father's Day weekend filled with family and laughter.

06/18/2026

make is how the LLC will be taxed.

As this graphic illustrates, LLCs can be taxed in several different ways, including as a disregarded entity, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. Each option comes with its own advantages, limitations, and potential tax implications depending on your business structure, growth plans, ownership model, and long-term goals.

The right choice is not always obvious. A tax election that makes sense for one business may create unnecessary costs or complexity for another. Understanding your options early can help position your business for greater efficiency and fewer surprises down the road.

Venn Law Group helps business owners evaluate entity structures, tax elections, and long-term planning considerations to support both compliance and growth. Contact our team to discuss which approach may be right for your business. https://ow.ly/IZU150ZblIR

06/17/2026

A merger or acquisition can be one of the most significant transactions in the life of a business. The right deal can create new opportunities, accelerate growth, and position a company for long-term success. The wrong deal can create challenges that last for years.

Venn Law Group's Mergers & Acquisitions practice helps business owners, investors, and leadership teams navigate every stage of the transaction process. From due diligence and deal structure to negotiation, documentation, and closing, our attorneys work to identify risks, protect your interests, and keep the transaction moving forward.

Whether you are acquiring a company, preparing your business for sale, bringing on investors, or planning an exit strategy, experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Connect with Venn Law Group to learn how our M&A team can help you approach your next transaction with confidence. https://ow.ly/r9b450ZblIx

06/16/2026

Buying a franchise can offer a proven business model and established brand recognition, but it also comes with significant legal and financial obligations that every prospective owner should understand before signing.

In this new blog, Attorney Eric Bass outlines 11 important considerations for anyone evaluating a franchise opportunity. Topics include franchise agreements, personal guarantees, non-compete restrictions, territory protections, supplier requirements, training obligations, and the importance of carefully reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

One of the most valuable takeaways is the importance of due diligence. Understanding the fees, restrictions, operational requirements, and exit options associated with a franchise can help business owners make more informed decisions and avoid costly surprises down the road.

Franchising can be a rewarding path to business ownership, but it is important to understand exactly what you are agreeing to before making the investment.

Read the full blog to learn what every prospective franchise owner should know before taking the next step. https://ow.ly/Oe1n50ZblI9

Considering buying a franchise? Attorney Eric Bass shares 11 essential tips every prospective franchisee should know before signing a franchise agreement and investing in a franchise business.

06/15/2026

A recent federal court ruling has removed a significant cost barrier for employers seeking to hire H-1B workers, striking down the $100,000 fee that had been imposed on new visa petitions.

The decision could have important implications for businesses that rely on specialized talent, particularly in industries facing ongoing workforce shortages. Employers who paused hiring plans or delayed sponsorship efforts because of the fee may now be reevaluating those decisions.

At the same time, uncertainty remains. Another federal court reached a different conclusion on the same issue, and additional appeals are expected. As a result, employers should continue monitoring developments while carefully evaluating workforce planning and immigration strategies.

For business owners, this serves as a reminder that employment and workforce decisions are often shaped by evolving legal and regulatory changes. Staying informed can help businesses respond more effectively when those changes create new opportunities or challenges. https://ow.ly/1KHo50ZblHX

U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston struck down the fee imposed on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling it was an unauthorized tax that Congress never

06/08/2026

Signing a commercial lease is one of the most important financial and operational decisions a growing business can make, yet many tenants do not fully understand the long-term obligations hidden in the details.

In this video, commercial real estate attorney Edward Woodall breaks down several key lease provisions business owners should review carefully before signing, including rent structures, TICAM charges, late payment terms, and lease extension options.

The discussion also highlights how certain lease structures, particularly net and triple net leases, can significantly affect a tenant’s financial exposure over time. Renewal language, rent escalations, and maintenance obligations can all impact the future flexibility and stability of a business.

For business owners expanding into new space or opening additional locations, understanding the lease before signing is critical.

Watch the full video to learn more about the commercial lease terms that can have the biggest impact on your business. https://ow.ly/9YaS50Z6JY4

Before you sign a , you should read it carefully and understa...

06/05/2026

The Department of Labor recently issued new guidance addressing overtime exemptions and compensation practices under the Fair Labor Standards Act, providing important insight for employers managing complex workforce structures.

One key takeaway from the guidance is that exempt employees may still perform some nonexempt duties during the same workweek without automatically losing their exempt status, provided their primary duty remains exempt work. The guidance also addresses bonus structures and overtime calculations, reinforcing how important it is for employers to structure compensation programs carefully and consistently.

For business owners, this is a reminder that wage and hour compliance can become complicated quickly, especially when employees perform multiple roles or receive incentive-based compensation. Small classification or payroll mistakes can create significant legal and financial exposure over time.

As employment laws continue to evolve, businesses should regularly review exemption classifications, bonus structures, and payroll practices to ensure they align with current guidance and regulations. https://ow.ly/gmPx50Z6JRE

DOL has addressed overtime calculation issues several times since the relaunch of its opinion letter program in mid-2025.

06/04/2026

Many business owners wait until there is a problem to call an attorney. Venn Law Group’s General Counsel practice is designed to help businesses stay ahead of issues before they become costly disputes or operational challenges.

Having trusted legal counsel involved in ongoing business decisions can help companies navigate contracts, employment matters, risk management, governance, growth strategies, and day-to-day operational questions with greater confidence and clarity.

For growing businesses, legal strategy is not just about reacting to problems. It is about building stronger systems, protecting the business as it evolves, and making informed decisions along the way.

Venn Law Group works alongside business owners as a long-term legal partner, providing practical guidance that supports both operations and growth.

Connect with Venn Law Group to learn how our General Counsel services can support your business. https://vennlawgroup.com/practice-areas/general-counsel/

Many businesses overlook the value of having an experienced attorney “on-call” to provide legal guidance. Venn Law Group can help.