Does an Employee Handbook Create a Contractual Obligation?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Employment Law

Every business with at least one employee should have an employee handbook, sometimes also called an employee manual or code of conduct, setting out the company’s policies and rules and the laws applicable to the employment relationship. It establishes the expectations in the relationship and enables employers to deal with similar situations consistently. Typically, employers do not intend for the …

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Employment Eligibility Verification: What You Need to Know about the I-9

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Employment and Labor Law

Immigration isn’t just a hot topic in the news—it has real impact on employers. All employers, including small businesses, are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification for every person they hire to work inside the U.S. for pay or any other type of compensation. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties. What Is the …

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Ag Law In the Field: Advice for Potential Law Students

Rincker LawPodcasts

Hear me give law school advice along side other great agriculture lawyers in Episode 53 of Ag Law in the Field.  I’m a subscriber on iTunes – I recommend subscribing so you don’t miss a beat. I also recently posted a YouTube video for college students here.  I also have videos for inspiring ag lawyers for other age groups on …

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Episode 12 of Ag Law Today: Farm Dissolution

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law

Not only do we handle actual divorces here at Rincker Law but we also handle business divorces.  Hear me talk farm business dissolutions with Robert Moore on Ag Law Today here. I’m passionate about prenups with marriages and businesses alike.  Hear about the dissolution process and some tips on how to make it go easier. Share this Article

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Episode 11 of Ag Law Today: Farm Succession Planning

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law

Hear me speak with the one and only Prof. Shannon Ferrell on one of my favorite topics… passing the farm to the next generation.  It’s on YouTube here.  You can also subscribe on iTunes. Share this Article

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Record Keeping for Your Business: What’s Required?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Employment and Labor Law

Whether you are just starting up a new company or have a business that has been in operation for a while, good record keeping is an essential part of running your business. You are responsible for establishing an effective system to store and maintain your business records whether your small business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Some …

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LLC Operating Agreement: Is a Non-Compete Clause Necessary?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

You and several friends start a new business and decide to operate it as a limited liability company (LLC). Now that you’ve completed the  first step—choosing a business entity—it is now important to prepare an operating agreement. The operating agreement is a contract which governs the operations of the LLC and sets forth the arrangements made among the members, including …

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What Every You Need to Know about IRS Form 1099: Reporting and Requirements

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

If your business made or received payments to independent contractors and entities (other than compensation to your employees) during the calendar year, it’s likely you must file an information return called a Form 1099 with the IRS. You may also need to send a copy of the form directly to the recipient of the payments. Being aware of and meeting …

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Keynote Speech: The Cattle Business Really is a Family Business

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law, Food & Ag Organizations, Food & Ag Policy, Speaking Engagements

I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker last night to the Knox County Beef Association, a county affiliate of the Illinois Beef Association.  What a crowd they had for their annual meeting — exciting to witness and be a part of.  My keynote focused on family and its importance to the beef industry. You can read it here. …

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Don’t Let Change Wreck Your Business: The Buy-Sell Agreement

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

Divorce. An unexpected death, disability, or retirement. An irreconcilable dispute. These triggering events may put your successful, stable business into a tailspin. Luckily, a buy-sell agreement can help you and your business be better prepared to handle these events. What is a Buy-Sell Agreement? A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding agreement between co-owners of a business that controls what …

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Estate Planning and the Millennial Mindset

Rincker LawEstate Planning, Food & Ag Law

I was quoted in this publication by the Illinois Soybean Association on estate planning and the millennial mindset.  Check it out and let me know if you agree! Share this Article

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Episode 10 of Ag Law Today: National Agriculture Law Center

Rincker LawAg Law Today, Podcasts

I interviewed Beth Rumley from The National Agriculture Law Center in this week’s Ag Law Today podcast.  You can listen to the recording on YouTube here or on iTunes. A lot of agriculture producers and lawyers forget that this fantastic resource is available to them.  I am obsessed with their online Reading Rooms and have been known to nerd out …

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