Stephen Ganis Lawyer Profile | FizzLaw

We solve legal problems and counsel on business issues for our clients in Connecticut and New York in a timely and cost-effective manner, using innovative pricing structures for "fee fatigued" clients, particularly startup companies. For startups, we will offer tailored packages, defining scope of work, for advising on business formation/finance, making necessary filing, drafting agreements, assesing intellectual property, website review, drafting basic documents, and phone/email availability.

• Tip: Don’t Discharge an At-Will Employee for a Bad Reason

  This article points out that "at will" employees are not precisely employed at the will of their employer.  It notes that terminating such an employee for a disfavored reason can lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit, which leads to the...

  June 20, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Your Goal is to Grow Your Start-Up Business

  This article provides insights for entrepreneurs who are negotiating strategic alliances (or similar deals) with prospective business partners.  The article suggests focusing on shared customer bases, figuring out how such an alliance can boost...

  June 14, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Entrepreneurship and Startups Are Not Only about Tech Companies

  This article points out that technology startups, although well-publicized, account for a small portion of entrepreneurship in this country.  The article backs up this observation with figures from across the American economy, and then details...

  June 6, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Company Criminal Liability- pt. 3 of Need for General Counsel

  This article continues a series which explains why and how general counsels can help even smaller businesses.  This particular entry focuses on how a general counsel (whether dedicated outside, outsourced, or in-house) can help prevent a...

  May 29, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• What Business Managers Seek from General Counsel

  This article continues a series exploring the roles an outside general counsel can play within a business (especially smaller businesses).  This entry uses the functions performed by in-house general counsels at larger companies (and CEOs'...

  May 23, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Tip: Dispute Resolution for Cross-Border International Contracts

  When entering a contract to memorialize a transaction with a counterparty in a different country, how hsould the parties agree to resolve disputes arising from that contract?  This party weighs in with recommendations on the type of dispute...

  May 15, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Tip: How to Structure Commission Agreements

  This article focuses on commission agreements, with words of wisdom for both employees working on commission and employers paying employees on commission.  The specific advice is that these agreements should be clear about when commissions are...

  May 7, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• All Companies Need a General Counsel–part 1

  This article begins a series which provides the reasons why a general counsel (whether in-house or outside retained) is a must for all companies by focusing on the functions performed by a general counsel.  The article points out where and when...

  May 5, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• SEC Reminder: Red Light on Crowdfunding

  The passage of the JOBS Act was huge news, both among legal practitioners and in publications aimed at the general public.  However, just because the Act's passage was huge news does not mean that its provisions are operative; as this article...

  May 4, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Capture Value of Intellectual Property & Improve Bottom Line

  The intellectual property created by a business and the various individuals working for it can be some of the most valuable assets of the business.  However, as this article explains, ownership of that intellectual property is too often...

  April 17, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Avoid Court-Ordered Dissolution of Your Business; Deadlocked at 50-50

  Too often, when there is 50-50 ownership of a company, there can be a deadlock, and in many States, there are statutory remedies which give a judge little leeway but to order the dissolution of a company, and distribution of its assets.  In this...

  April 9, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• StartUps Entrepreneurs and Their Angels: Some Basic Financing Tips

  Although the newly-enacted  JOBS bill will probably result in some changes in terms of a Company's ability to sell securities to unaccredited investors and to engage in general solicitation to accredited investors, here is a general primer...

  April 9, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Tips on Your Tenant Lease of Retail, Office and Executive Suite Space

  Whether you are a tenant of retail, office, or executive suite space, here are some tips on important lease terms.

  April 9, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Commissions: what happens when your salesman leaves company before vendor payment is made?

  Sales and customers are what makes revenues.  In some instances, a salesman will leave the company prior to the time the vendor makes payments of the purchase order.  This article explores ways in which the sales representative contract...

  April 9, 2012 | Stephen Ganis

• Top Tip for Reducing Legal Expenses

  I find that many small business owners would benefit if they could think through in advance many of the issues that confront the management of the business.  I routinely present a questionnaire in order to provide some focus, particularly if...

  April 11, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

• Internet Defamation: The Facebook Case Is Settled. Now What?

  A Connecticut company fired an employee after the employee posted a comment on facebook disparaging her boss.  In this article, Stephen Ganis takes a look at the implications of the litigation and settlement stemming from this.  As social...

  March 20, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

• Finding Financing for Your Business

  Raising capital for a small business can be difficult.  Banks typically will only lend to mature businesses, venture capital and angels are not available to many companies, and friends and family can only contribute so much money.  In this...

  March 19, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

• Employment Contracts: Some Key Issues for Employees and Employers To Know

  Stephen Ganis outlines issues which often arise under employment contracts.  These issues can negatively affect both the employer and employee, and can lead to litigation which is both costly (for the employer) and career-damaging (for the...

  March 19, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

• Tips for Employees and Employers: Non-Compete Agreements and Enforceability

  Stephen Ganis reviews the enforceability of non-compete agreements in employment contracts under Connecticut and New York law.  These clauses become important when an employee leaves their current job.  The enforceability of specific...

  March 19, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

• Breach of Contract and Getting Paid by a Debtor

  Stephen Ganis explores two very possible scenarios which a small business owner could face.  Both involve bankrupt counterparties and the concepts of preferential transfers.  One scenario which a small business owner can face, according to...

  March 16, 2011 | Stephen Ganis

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