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Law firms Slaughter and May have posted an autumn trainee retention score of 82%, while Clifford Chance has posted an autumn trainee retention score of 70%.

Slaughter and May have confirmed it will retain 37 of its 45 trainees due to qualify next month. 43 of the firm’s trainees decided to go through the application process, with 42 receiving an offer and 37 of these choosing to accept. Slaughter and May’s newly qualified lawyers will begin their careers on a salary of £100k

Clifford Chance provides approximately 95 training contracts each year. From a qualifying cohort of 53, the firm has reported that 37 would be staying on in permanent roles. Clifford Chance made 42 offers, having received 47 applications. However, the firm’s result is down from its 88% spring score which saw Clifford Chance retain 38 of its 43 final seat trainees.

Following the news that the Ministry of Justice is seeking to increase probate fees for both professional and non-professional applicants in England and Wales, Louise Garrett, Associate at Hunters Law LLP, examines the criticisms that the proposals have received.

The 2019 proposals put forward by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in respect of probate fees being increased depending on the value of the estate were met with fierce criticism. The headline figures were certainly dramatic with suggestions of fees reaching £6,000 for estates worth over £2,000,000. With this in mind, the recent consultation published by the MoJ might expect a more positive response due to its focus on all users paying the same fee for the same service.

The consultation, published on 8 July, proposes a flat fee of £273 for both professional and individual probate applications, with estates worth less than £5,000 continuing to be exempt. The objective is to remove the unjustified discrepancy between differing fees being charged for the same service. Currently, the fees for individual and professional applicants are £215 and £155 respectively.

The consultation seeks to bring the probate fee structure into alignment with HM Treasury’s Handbook Managing Public Money which states "different groups of customers should not be charged different amounts for a service costing the same". Indeed, with the emergence of a digital service now available for individual and professional applicants alike, the disparity between the costs of processing both types of applications are forced into the spotlight as the service arguably becomes more streamlined.

Criticism of the consultation so far would appear to be more focused on probate fees not being increased at all given the current delays. The Law Society of England and Wales says  "plans to hike fees for probate applications are unwelcome particularly when grieving relatives are suffering because the service is still subject to significant delays" and The Telegraph reported over the weekend that "the plan has been criticised by Conservative backbenchers, who argue it penalises grieving relatives for what is already a poor service". 

The consultation is open until 23 September 2021 and, subject to its outcome, if the new fee structure is introduced in early 2022, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will be under pressure to demonstrate that the probate service has substantially improved. 

Probate practitioners will already be aware of the changes that have taken place over the last year or so with it now being a requirement for all applications, where there is a will, to be made online. Optimists might expect the ongoing improvements to the digital service to result in a more efficient application process for both professional and individual applicants. That said, any applicant will need to ensure they follow HMCTS guidance to give themselves the best chance of their matter being processed in a timely manner. For both types of applicant, the value of the estate will need to be reported and if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due, submit an IHT account to HM Revenue & Customs 20 working days before applying for probate.

Whilst an individual applicant will still need to have the original death certificate or an interim death certificate for the deceased's estate, it is worth noting that the requirement to send a death certificate of any pre-deceased executors has ended for both individual and professional applicants. 

Probate practitioners should be aware that improvements are being made to MyHMCTS. Users are being encouraged to check their MyHMCTS dashboard to either submit cases or read the guidance on deleting unsubmitted cases for those that are no longer valid. Any applications that are not submitted before 19 August will not be able to progress and a new application will need to be created.

You can compare the reviews of thousands of restaurants and the star rating of products on Amazon– yet there’s no standard way to compare the services of all UK law firms. Here, Bernadette Bennett, head of legal at Moneypenny shares why reviews are so valuable and how firms must avoid putting the cart before the horse.

To protect and grow client revenues and cater for the shifting demands of legal consumers – firms find themselves needing to put greater focus on the client experience. In a world where ‘shared experiences’ fill the internet – legal firms must acknowledge the power of the customer and their feedback – for the opportunities they create, and the risks they present.

Both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Legal Services Board (LSB) are heavily invested in addressing this issue and looking at ways to empower consumers to engage with the market, help them make informed choices about the quality, cost and accessibility of providers and ensure easier access to legal services.

The drivers for this are almost certainly the shift in the way consumers expect to source a legal professional.  The prevalence of digital channels is in part responsible – helped by Covid driving us all online – and we now expect the same level of experience, accessibility and choice from our professional partners, as we do the big brands we buy from.  There’s less loyalty, more price sensitivity and greater choice from market disruptors – but limited comparative information on which legal consumers can make informed decisions.  

So why could greater use of online reviews be so important for the legal industry?

Reviews provide proof. They provide transparency of quality, capability, price and its people. Reviews take some of the ‘unknowns’ out of purchasing decisions and make us feel informed – as if we have the inside track.  They help us to compare, make an educated choice and put our trust in that decision.  Despite reviews being prevalent across almost every other sector, reticence about their widespread use abounds in law firms. Concerns about the damage negative (and even fake) reviews could have on reputation and revenue, the parity and nature of metrics, the costs involved with review, collation and display as well as the role of regulators and DCTs, are all widely discussed. The move to actively encouraging reviews will represent an important step-change for legal firms. It marks a shift from legal firms being seen as untouchable, to becoming accessible, accountable and client-orientated. 

Cart before the horse?

As the LSB and SRA grapple with the specifics of how to support online reviews – it raises a more pertinent question for legal firms. Could they allay their concerns if they started to put greater focus on the customer experience?

Research from Lexis Nexis tells us that 80% of legal firms think their client care is excellent, yet only 40% of clients agree which would suggest that online reviews would not be as favourable as firms think. Legal firms should concern themselves with how they deliver excellent customer care – and importantly, if and when things go wrong, how they provide restitution to deliver the best outcome for everyone. Reviews are merely a record of that experience. To focus solely on those is to put the cart before the horse.

Shifting the focus to customer care

Increasing the likelihood of positive reviews relies on understanding the customer journey – from the first telephone call or email right through to case resolution. By looking at each client touch point in turn, as well as the timescales involved with case management, it is possible to identify where service excels (and you’ll get praise) and where there are problems that might escalate to partner level complaints and bad reviews. 

SRA data from 2019/20 shows that delays (18%), failure to advise (13%) and excessive costs (12%) are the main sources of unhappy legal clients. Delays often manifest as waiting too long for a call back, insufficient proactive communication, lack of information and poor message taking – all issues which can be rectified easily when there is an appetite for improvement. Occupying the customers’ shoes will help legal firms to pre-empt the move to online reviews. Service quality is cited as one of the more ‘directly observable elements for customers by the LSB, so it will be commented on.

Accessibility is another holy grail the industry is searching for; the challenge is to ensure accessibility is geared to the client, rather than to the firm’s convenience. If clients need increasingly out-of-hours support, firms must follow suit and at present, 30% of firms don't offer call handling outside of the 9-5. No one expects their solicitor to be available 247 – but extended opening hours, out-of hours-message taking and greater use of digital comms channels such as websites, social media and live chat provide an effective way to meet changing expectations around accessibility and availability, and to ‘get ahead’ with improved customer care.

Answering questions is integral to customer care and improving accessibility. Many client questions stem from a lack of understanding or familiarity with the procurement of legal services. Acknowledging this and building it into marketing activities can help to take the ‘scare’ out of buying decisions. FAQs on websites,  cost breakdowns, case studies, jargon busters and pop-up live chat windows to answer queries there and then, all achieve this goal and show customers that you are willing to help. If legal firms accept their role in educating and engaging the consumer, they have the potential to deliver much smoother and more positive client journeys.

Although much of the conversation about legal transparency is focused on pricing and quality – it can also be used to refer to brand authenticity and a firm’s willingness to be held to account. Negative reviews are what the industry fears but, when handled properly they needn’t be so damaging. Responding in a friendly human tone (rather than sounding like a formal corporation), showing that you are willing to make restitution and where you need to make improvements can bring balance to poor reviews. I recently spoke to conveyancing consultant and founder of CY Training Works Clare Yates, who summed this issue up perfectly. She said: “Clients have to wear it when they disappoint and be sure to improve on it for next time.”

Plaudits mean revenue

Reviews are intended to help people make more informed choices and therefore firms to win more work. So what happens when a prospective client acts on a positive review and reaches out – perhaps via email, a live chat function or google click to call? Quite simply, they must be met with an equally positive first impression – something that addressing the customer journey, accessibility, education and transparency will ensure. Anything less fails to capitalise fully on the power of a good review.

Whether the legal industry will proceed with digital comparison tools (DCTs) or a regulator-commissioned model won’t be known for some time yet, but legal firms can and should act now.    Those that interrogate their service levels and look at the client experience as a whole, especially how their people communicate and deliver client care, can get ahead and ensure that when reviews happen, they make a positive contribution to business development, revenue growth and brand reputation.

Bernadette Bennett is the head of Moneypenny’s 95-strong legal team, which is one of the leading outsourced communication provider’s largest and most in-demand departments.  Bernadette has overseen the onboarding of hundreds of law firms for outsourced switchboard and live chat services in recent years, including 70 of the Top 200 UK law firms. An industry expert, Bernadette’s intimate knowledge means she is able to quickly identify the unique needs of all law firms -  from sole practitioners to magic circle firms. 

International US law firm Skadden is to take on a 65,000 square foot office in one of London’s newest skyscrapers. The firm is to relocate its 250-strong London team from its current Canary Wharf office to 22 Bishopsgate late next year. The firm has agreed to a 15-year lease which will allow it to occupy the 38-40th floors of the building.  

22 Bishopsgate, which was completed in December 2020, contains a restaurant and bar, public viewing gallery, food market, gym, and the city’s first “sky wall” climbing window at 125 metres above ground. 

Since the UK government began to lift coronavirus restrictions, AXA IM Alts, the investment management company which developed the London skyscraper, has said it has seen a significant increase in occupier enquiries.

Drunk driving has been an inflammatory issue for decades. Many people have lost their lives in DUI-related driving accidents, but there seem to be few that fully understand the consequences of a DUI conviction. There are about 10,000 DUI-related deaths yearly in the United States. This suggests that there is still a significant number of people who aren’t aware of the long-term effects of a DUI conviction. If more people were aware of how much trouble a DUI conviction would get them into, perhaps they would think twice before driving while intoxicated.

Criminality 

The immediate legal effect arising from a DUI conviction is that the accused will be found in violation of state laws. The penalties that shall be imposed upon the accused can also be aggravated when their negligence causes severe bodily harm or death to other people. 

For reference, the mere act of driving a vehicle while intoxicated is already considered a crime. For first time offenders, fines incidental to a DUI conviction range from $400 to $1,000, and jail time ranges between 48 hours to six months, plus a five-year probationary period.

Loss of Driving Privileges

The state can also suspend or revoke your driver’s license depending on the extenuating circumstances of the accident. Some states do offer hardship licenses to violators, but these pseudo-licenses are severely limited in their validity. These licenses allow bearers to drive a vehicle only under certain conditions. For example, a hardship license is only valid when the bearer uses the car to get to work or school. The license will be deemed non-functional if the bearer uses the car for a purpose other than what is agreed upon.

Long-Term Financial Liabilities

After paying fines, damages, court fees, and lawyer fees, those with a DUI conviction will also have to pay for long-term medical treatment of claimants. A DUI conviction can cost anywhere between $13,000 to $27,000 in total.

A DUI conviction can also hurt your chances of getting a job, and applying for loans and mortgages, which drastically limits your financial options for big purchases. This is because DUI convicts are assumed to be high-risk clients, not just in terms of their ability to repay loans, but also because of the assumption that they are likely to find themselves in another accident. It’s also for this same reason that people who have a DUI conviction will also have higher auto insurance premiums.

Mental Health Effects

Car accidents have adverse psychological effects on most people, especially when there’s a wrongful death involved. This is especially difficult for people who know that they caused the accident. They are very likely to develop post-traumatic disorder, panic attacks, insomnia, and depression. They may also experience a degree of social isolation and guilt, which make it harder to recover from the aforementioned psychological conditions.

A DUI conviction is a serious matter that will have a lasting effect on a person’s quality of life. It’s for this reason that people hire seasoned lawyers like the ones on this  DUI Driver Defense Team to help them avoid harsher penalties, even on difficult cases. This should also serve as a reminder that one responsible decision can avert all these problems.

A lawsuit loan, also known as lawsuit funding and pre-settlement funding, is essentially a cash advance on money you are likely to receive through a legal settlement. If you have been involved in an accident that sees you unable to earn a living or pay your bills, a lawsuit loan may be how you avoid financial difficulties while waiting to receive your compensation. There are plenty of lawsuit loan lenders out there, but not all of them are going to be suitable for your needs. The following tips may assist with picking one that has your best interests in mind. 

Ask Your Attorney

Before you compare lawsuit loans to narrow down your options, ask your attorney for their opinion on the best lawsuit loan lenders. They likely have some experience working with several companies and may have recommendations on those to consider, those to avoid, and the best lawsuit loans directory to look at. Your attorney may even be able to negotiate competitive terms with lenders, which may give you peace of mind when you’re facing financial uncertainty from costly personal injuries

Look At Interest Rates

Interest rates don’t have to be the only thing you consider when choosing a lawsuit loan lender, but they’re certainly worth examining. Many companies list the interest rates on their websites, but some also quote a rate once they have evaluated your case. 

If you are unsure what the interest rate of a specific company is, you may be able to get a general idea by making contact. You may also find they are more than happy to give you a ballpark figure, such as minimum to maximum. 

Consider Application Fees

Not every lender you make contact with will be one to automatically accept your case and give you the money you need before receiving damages. Some require you to undergo a free application process, while others may charge you for an application. Before you decide on the best lender for your needs, make sure you’re aware of any of those hidden fees that may be applicable. 

Compare and Leverage Quotes

If you have shopped around and looked at several different possible lenders, consider asking for quotes from all those who appear to be trustworthy and reputable. By doing so, you may be able to use each quote as leverage to get the best deal possible. Even though this can take some time to do, the labour is worth it if you can save several hundred or thousands of dollars. 

Confirm Payment Arrangement

When you narrow down your options and find a lender you’re happy with, confirm your payment arrangement. This can involve making sure you won’t be paying any more than your settlement amount and nothing at all if you lose your case. 

Most lawsuit loan companies offer the attractive arrangement of not having to pay back your loan if you fail to win your case. However, that doesn’t mean all do, so getting confirmation can be imperative. 

Lawsuit loans are popular options for people who have no way of covering their bills while waiting for their personal injury settlement to come through. As there are likely several companies near you offering such lending arrangements, it can be worth considering this information above before you decide. 

Getting injured due to any factor, whether at work, while driving, or at a public or private place, can be very frustrating. Apart from the physical pain, it can also be emotionally and financially draining for you to go through the aftermath of an injury, especially if it wasn’t your fault. In this article, you can find out how to get rightfully compensated after getting injured.

Contact An Attorney

Some people believe that they can handle legal matters without having any legal consultation or representation. This might work in minor cases, but it is difficult to get the compensation you rightfully deserve if you don’t have legal representation. There are many different types of compensation lawyers to help you in your case. It is best if you contact a workcover lawyer right away if your injury was work-related. You could look for an accident lawyer if your injury were the result of an accident. One major reason why you need a lawyer is to avoid getting manipulated. Your lawyer perfectly understands your duties and rights from a legal standpoint. They also understand the law very well, making it more challenging for the guilty party to manipulate you into believing that you don’t deserve compensation or one that is much lower than what you actually deserve.

Seek Medical Care

Your health should be your number one concern. Quite frequently, people tend to ignore their pain and choose not to seek medical help. Even if you believe that your injuries are minor and can heal on their own, you must seek medical care as soon as you’re injured. In cases where you were in any type of accident, but you can’t seem to feel any kind of pain anywhere, it is better to get checked out anyway as there may be a possibility of internal bleeding. Whenever your injury is confirmed, make sure you get a hospital report explaining your injury and its cause. To get compensation from the party responsible for your injury, you must have a report confirming both your injury and that the cause was that party’s fault.

Know Your Rights 

When seeking compensation, you must understand what you’re entitled to receive. The party at fault has to cover any financial damages or losses that were a result of the accident. They should cover your medical bills, your salary for the period you may not be working for, your lawyer’s expenses, and any damaged assets. These are all in addition to extra money for you as compensation. It is important that you know your rights because the party at fault will definitely try to come to you behind your lawyer’s back with shady deals that are much less than what you actually deserve. Make sure to run any deals you get by your lawyer first.

If you’ve been injured and aren’t really sure what comes next, this simple guide is enough to help you make the right decisions and take the necessary steps to get your rights. It is very important to make copies of the hospital report and any other legal paperwork and to keep the original documents somewhere safe. Make sure that you get enough rest to heal quickly so you can get back on your feet in no time.

US District Judge Kevin Castel said Fairstein had plausibly alleged defamation as to five scenes from the series, including that she coerced confessions, withheld evidence, and conducted a racially discriminatory police roundup of young men in Harlem. The judge said that the average viewer could conclude that these five scenes have a basis in fact, rather than simply reflecting the creators’ outlook on controversial historical events. The judge also said that Fairstein could pursue defamation claims against the series’ director, Ava DuVernay, and its writer and producer, Attica Locke. However, some other claims were dismissed. 

Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service, has said it will continue to vigorously defend the miniseries, claiming it is confident that it will prevail against Fairstein’s remaining claims.  

Fairstein was in charge of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in 1989 when a white female jogger, later named as Trisha Meili, was beaten and raped in Central Park. The attack led to the conviction of five male Black or Hispanic teenagers, who spent 5 to 13 years in prison before being exonerated in 2002 when another man confessed to committing the attack. A $41 million civil settlement was reached in 2014 with New York City, which did not admit any wrongdoing.

Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a life-changing and traumatic event. Accidents often cause physical injuries, mental health problems and financial repercussions. It is widely recognised that some road users are more at risk than others. More specifically, the danger is more significant to motorcyclists and cyclists than it is to motorists. Despite more cars on the roads than motorbikes, cars have a visible presence and interior protection. Perhaps more significant is that should an accident occur, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death. Victims must receive compensation to help them recover from their injuries and claim back any financial losses they may have endured.

Motorbike Accident Claims is a solicitor firm dedicated to this specific area of law. Run by R. James Hutcheon Solicitors, the firm offers advice and support for motorcyclists and cyclists that have been involved in road accidents due to someone else’s dangerous or reckless actions. Motorbike Accident Claims have provided us with this editorial piece that looks at the dangers faced by motorcyclists. They will examine the latest road accident statistics and give some tips on how motorcyclists can protect themselves.

A Summary of the Latest UK Road Accident Statistics

In the UK, the Government’s Department for Transport coordinates the gathering and release of vital accident data. A report is released every year which outlines key road accident and safety statistics based on police data. The latest completed report was released in September 2020 and covers accidents on British roads during 2019.

In 2019, there were 1,752 deaths on British roads, a very slight decrease of 2% compared to the previous year. Generally speaking, this figure has remained stable over the last seven years. While motorists account for 42% (736) of the death figures, this is to be expected given that 80% of people using the roads drive a car. In comparison, 19% (336) of the deaths were motorcyclists, and 6% (100) were cyclists. Despite only making up a small part of road traffic, deaths to motorcycle and pedal bike riders are considerably high.

The fatality rate per billion passenger miles is another valuable statistic showing how certain road users are more vulnerable. In 2019, the fatality rate per billion passenger miles was 104.6 for motorcyclists, 29 for cyclists and 1.6 for motorists. The rate for motorcyclists stands at an alarming figure that is significantly higher than any other group. This statistic suggests that if you ride a motorbike, you are 65 times more likely to suffer a fatal accident than someone who drives a car.

While there is nothing worse than losing a loved one, a fatal accident can be more peaceful than enduring life-long damage for road accident victims. Surviving an accident may lead to severe injuries and financial issues, which is why it’s just as important to focus on the casualty statistics. In 2019, the causality rate per billion passenger miles was 5,061 for motorcyclists, 4,891 for cyclists and 195 for motorists. In the next section, we will go into more detail about why vulnerable user groups are more at danger when it comes to severe injuries.

Why Are Motorcyclists & Cyclists Most at Danger?

If the above statistics tell us anything, it is that motorcyclists and cyclists are far more at risk on the roads than anyone else. This analysis is the case for both fatal accidents and accidents involving serious injury. One of the biggest reasons risk is heightened is that, unlike motorists, they don’t have interior protection to cushion impact. Car drivers are more secure due to their internal environment, and that they can benefit from advanced safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags. A relatively straightforward rear-end collision may be enough to knock a motorcyclist or cyclist off their bike. In this example, the victim may suffer injuries from the resulting fall or from getting trapped.

Another substantial reason why motorcyclists and cyclists are more likely to suffer a serious accident is that they are more challenging to see. Vehicles such as cars, busses and lorries have blind spots, and several accidents happen because drivers fail to see motorcyclists or cyclists before making a manoeuvre. Their visible presence is reduced even further at night or during poor weather conditions. Motorbikes and pedal bikes only have two wheels, which further complicates matters. Uneven surfaces, potholes and slippery roads can cause a rider to lose control and crash.

How Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves

Unfortunately, there are no guaranteed methods for preventing accidents, especially when many risks are external, such as motorists and poor road surfaces. However, motorcyclists can take a few measures to increase their protection against an accident and, even more importantly, prevent themselves from sustaining severe life-changing injuries.

Always Equip Protective Gear

It sounds like an obvious point, but it’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to get a bit too lazy, especially if they are going on a short trip. Just because you’ve not been involved in an accident yet doesn’t mean that you should let up your guard. You should always equip protective gear every time you take to the roads. An approved safety helmet should be a priority to protect against head or brain injuries and shield your face from wind, rain, and debris. Full body gear, such as leather or denim pants and jackets, will cushion impact should you crash. Riding gloves are recommended to make sure you operate a firm grip.

Wear Reflective Clothing

One of the biggest risks you face is not being seen. That’s why it’s recommended for motorcyclists to wear clothing with reflective features. You can even go the extra mile and buy reflective accessories that can be fitted to the motorbike. Reflective markings will help keep you visible at all times, especially when it’s dark outside, or the weather is poor. 

Anticipate & Prepare

A lot of accidents can usually be prevented when the rider is concentrated and prepared for any scenario. This tip may sound easier said than done, but whenever you are out riding, pay close attention to everything happening around you. Maintain a reasonable distance between other vehicles and position yourself in the view of other drivers, especially when stopping at traffic lights.

Keep Your Cool

Motorcyclists and cyclists do have somewhat of a notorious reputation among motorists. You have a right to use the road as much as anyone as long as you follow the rules. No matter how good you ride, there will be times when car drivers act disrespectful and aggressive towards you. If this happens, keep your cool and don’t ride to their bait. If someone is driving dangerously or recklessly or appears distracted, keep your distance from them and let them pass ahead of you.

They don’t call it the land of opportunity for nothing. If you’ve already expanded into the global market, chances are you’ve considered expanding to the United States. You may be surprised to learn about the legal issues you need to address when expanding into the US. This hiccup doesn’t mean giving up on the American dream though. Here are eight legal issues to consider when you’re expanding into the US. 

1. How to expand your business into the USA

With fifty states to choose from, foreign business owners can be overwhelmed by different business regulations. Building a physical location is a massive headache: local ordinances, property taxes, and utility arrangements might have you pulling out your hair. Luckily, the American ethos is all about finding new ways to do things. Instead of opening a brick-and-mortar store, foreign enterprises can find success using a virtual officeWith a virtual office, you won’t have to worry about building codes, real estate financing, rent, or utilities with a virtual office. You can let the virtual office staff manage your mail, phone calls, and faxes. With the headache and cost of a physical office out of the way, you can focus on other parts of your expansion. 

2. Know the rules and regulations regarding employees

If you’re opening a new location, even a virtual one, you’ll need talent. Employment regulations vary by country, and in the US, they may vary by state as well. Human resources departments need to be aware of all tax and payroll regulations to avoid expensive fines further down the line.

3. Choose the correct business structure

Choosing the wrong legal structure for your business might cost you dearly, especially once you start selling products or services to consumers. Federal laws protect consumers in their country, not yours, and businesses that don’t have the structure to keep up with various consumer laws can put themselves at risk.

4. Follow rules when offering incentives

Local laws dictate the rules when it comes to employee incentives. If you offer stock options, you might run into trouble with employees in overseas locations. Incentives can be more costly than they’re worth for employees who live in places with strict tax codes. Foreign businesses should familiarise themselves with local tax codes regarding stock options and other employee incentives like signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Otherwise, your gifts might turn into curses for hardworking employees.

5. Registering intellectual property

Foreign businesses with unique intellectual property like trademarks and patents should review how that property functions in the US. Some protections won’t follow you across oceans into new markets. If the property is valuable, businesses should take legal action to make sure it’s protected in the US. 

6. Handling disputes with employees and customers

If you’re not prepared for a dispute, it could wreck your expansion before it starts. Prior to expanding, businesses should talk to their attorneys about disputes they’ve had in the past. Being proactive about potential problems can help you keep them in control and protect your reputation in a new American market.  

7. Localising contracts

Foreign businesses need to ensure their contracts are localised, especially if they sell to consumers. In the US, most customers speak English, so contracts should be written in English and use US legal terms. The easier your contracts are to understand, the more watertight evidence they’ll be if you encounter any legal trouble. 

8. Understand local and federal taxes

Uncle Sam takes his cut from all of us, so moving into the US can be difficult for foreign businesses unfamiliar with federal, state, and local tax codes. Working closely with an attorney and accountant that understands the various tax codes makes it easier for foreign businesses to avoid fines from an angry IRS accounting. 

In Summary

Expanding into the US is a complicated process for foreign businesses. You shouldn’t be discouraged, though. After a little help from lawyers and other resources, there’ll be a place in the land of the free waiting for you. 

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