I’m embarking on a fresh legal journey as of January 1, 2021 by starting a new firm that will include my son Paul and a previous associate Erin Jajtner whom many of you may remember. My new firm will be called Brownlie Legal. This all started when my son Paul asked me if I would be prepared to train him as an attorney under the Washington (State) Bar Association’s practical law clerk program, which lasts for four years, and as a proud father, I couldn't resist.
Read MoreThere are a number of erudite commentators who are predicting the demise of the legal profession in light of the commoditization and outsourcing trends. It’s all part of eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain. So do lawyers provide anything of value, or has their shelf-life just expired? Well, I think lawyers still have a part to play, but of course, I’m biased; it’s what I do.
Read MoreEver wondered what that high-priced lawyer actually does in the office? Well here’s your chance to find out (of course, I am making the bold assumption that there may be someone out there who has such an interest, and it definitely doesn’t include my kids, whose eyes glaze over after a few seconds of explanation).
Read MoreThe two legal entities that most people choose from here in Washington are the corporation and the limited liability company (or LLC). The choice always boils down to many factors, not the least of which is tax. Small business owners generally want to minimize taxes, which points to using either a corporation that qualifies for “S-corporation” status or an LLC.
Read MoreYou would be amazed at the number of people who ask me what my practice area is, and immediately after I tell them, they ask me a legal question (about say divorce) that has absolutely nothing to do with my area of expertise (business)
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