Should I Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with a Lawyer?
Open any directory, or type in “lawyer near me” in any search engine and you’ll be bombarded with ads and offers for a “free legal consultation” with a qualified legal professional. These advertisements often offer free-of-charge consultations for a specific time frame (“30 minutes”) or specific issue (“work place injury”). They do not become your […]
Which Comes First? State Registration or Federal ID Number?
Did you ever wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg? Similarly, you may have wondered if you should be filing your company with the State or with the Federal Government first? Or perhaps they’re just one and the same? They are not. There is an order which you should follow, but consultants offering […]
California Business Owners: Stop Asking These Interview Questions!
If you’re a small business owner who isn’t accustomed to hiring, you’re probably unaware that many of the common interview questions from “back in the day” are now illegal to ask in California. We’ve divided this article into two sections: the three questions you need to stop asking now, and the three questions you should’ve […]
3 Interview Questions You Didn’t Know Were Illegal
You may prepare legally sound interview questions for your job interview. Maybe you consulted an HR company, asked a mentor for a copy of their interview questions, or purchased a set. However, did you know that the interview does not just consist of the questions you prepared? The interview starts as soon as you speak […]
Should I be worried about Social Security Administration’s “No Match” Letter?
Starting March 2019, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending out letters demanding employers to correct a discrepancy between names and social security numbers. This letter is called a “No Match letter” for short. These “Employer Correction Request Notices” (ECRN) were common before 2012. Under the “Buy American, Hire American” directive, the SSA has […]
The 3 Benefits of Improving Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is important for employees and businesses alike. Without it, chaos takes over and employees tend to trust their employers a whole lot less. Here are three benefits of improving the safety of your workplace. Improved Employee Morale The definition of morale, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of […]
4 Characteristics of Wildly Successful Startups
If you’ve studied successful startups, you might think that what makes a startup take off or remain permanently grounded is just luck–or a fluke. While all startups are unique, and there’s no guaranteeing that one will be a success, there are certain characteristics of startups that help them succeed better. Here we list the characteristics […]
What You Need To Know About Limited Liability Companies (LLC) and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)
In December 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) introduced updates regarding the issuance of Employer Identification Numbers (EIN), or Tax Identification Number (TIN), to Limited Liability Companies (LLC). The rule went into effect in January 2018, however, since the IRS typically offers taxpayers a grace period to transition to the new regulation, the IRS will begin enforcing said changes in May 2019. In this article, we will explain the upcoming changes and how they may affect your application for an EIN.
Is Your Passion a Side Hustle aka Business or Just A Hobby?
While the term “side hustle” has become the new description for “gig” or “moonlighting” for professionals who try to earn an income on the side, the term itself does not mean it’s a business. Why does it matter if it’s a business or not? Why does it matter if your cupcake blog, youtube vlog, or […]
Scheduling a Meeting for Your Startup? 3 Locations to Consider
Startups already have it tough without having to worry about where to meet–those coffee house meetings get expensive after a while. Entrepreneurs have enough on their plate, between gathering financial resources and pitching projects, to have to worry about what address to send people for the next meeting. If you have a startup, you understand […]
California’s Community Property Law and How It Could Affect Your Business
Did you know that California’s community property law could affect your business? Business owners should be aware when selecting their business type to take California’s community property laws into consideration. You do not need to be divorced to be affected by the community property law. What does “community property” law mean? California is a community […]
4 Tools All Startups Need to Start Up Successfully
It’s definitely exciting when you first embark on a new startup. However, like any other business venture, it can be risky. While there is a chance of making a sizable amount of money and becoming financially secure, there is also a chance of going bust. Hence the importance of capitalizing on as many personal tools […]
Can I Deduct Attorneys’ Fees on My 2018 Taxes?
Now that we’re deep into tax season after the 2017 tax reform (The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017), it’s a good time to review whether your attorneys’ fees are tax deductible. Deducting legal fees on your tax return can help offset the high cost of hiring professional legal assistance, sometimes justifying the need for […]
What Should I Bring to My Marriage-based Immigration Interview?
Previously, we wrote about how to prepare for your marriage-based green card beginning from the moment you decide to marry your partner. The question of what should be brought to your marriage-based immigration interview for I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status, and I-751 Application to Remove Conditions of Permanent Residence […]
6 Different Ways Attorneys Charge for Their Legal Services
Hiring a legal professional can be intimidating for the average person. Maybe you’re starting a business and realizing you need some advice. Or you have questions about trademarks or intellectual property in general. Perhaps you’ve been asked to sponsor someone for an employment visa. For whatever reason you’re considering hiring an attorney, a central question on your mind is: “How much is the lawyer going to charge me?” In this article, we break down a couple of the different ways attorneys can charge for their services so that you can be better informed prior to your initial appointment with an attorney.
How to Plan for These 5 Deadly D’s of Business Partnerships
Your partnership may be going along smoothly without a worry in sight. However, it’s important that you and your partner talk about what you would do in the case of certain events. Some of the subjects can be difficult to talk about, but it is better that you are prepared for whatever may happen. Disinterest […]
Satisfying the One Year Abroad Requirement for L-1 Employment Visa
In November 2018, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum on satisfying the one year abroad requirement for L-1 visa beneficiaries. This policy memorandum is internal to the agency and cannot be used to justify a beneficiary’s qualification for L-1 visa (L-1A and L-1B Temporary Intracompany Transferee). Regardless, the policy […]
10 Questions to Ask Your Immigration Legal Professional, Attorney, Paralegal, Accredited Representative
Whether you’re hiring an attorney, a law firm, or a paralegal to assist in preparing and filing your immigration applications and petitions, you’ll want them to take responsibility of your case. At Lum Law Group, many of our clients rely on referrals to find us. Our clients trust their cases are in good hands. Many […]
3 New Changes for H1-B Filers in 2019
Here at Lum Law Group, we have already begun preparing H1-B petitions on behalf of our clients. If you plan on filing this year, do not wait till mid-March (it might be too late!) Contact our office for answers and assistance on filing your H1-B petition this year! On January 31, 2019, DHS has issued […]
3 Things You Can Do to Make Interviewing Job Candidates Easier
While startup founders are well-known for their skills in selling their business, they’re also known for being smart about hiring. Small business owners, especially long-term owners or new entrepreneurs, may not be as hiring savvy. If you’re new to the hiring process, here’s a few strategies you can employ for a more successful interview. Prepare […]
