Category Archives: business practice

Most Frequently Requested Legal Issues Explained

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

In almost two decades of questions from the public at large, I have determined the top five issues people have that compel them to contact an attorney, & created a video for each. 5. Injuries. The public at large is concerned as it should be about what to do if injured. The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the facts and circumstances of your injury. We created a general video to talk about the large umbrella called “tort” law. What might be a tort and what may not be a tort? Could you have a claim? We recommend before contacting an attorney, if you are unsure, think about safety. Did someone fail to keep premises safe? You may already know the area of tort such as an automobile accident or a slip and fall. But what about a child who jumps on an oil rig and his leg … Continue reading →

Happy Father’s Day: Good Good Father

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

Strong male figures are important in any person’s life. For many, this figure is a child’s father, but for others, it may be a step parent, sibling, teacher, boss, friend, co-worker, other male figure, or even God, as aptly sung in Good Good Father. This is a perfect day to express gratitude for those influences. This Father’s Day 2016 we want to celebrate “Good Good Fathers” and good men everywhere — which includes all those men who put forth solid effort! I see two issues that perplex many of today’s fathers. The first is how to prepare their children for the future economically. The second is how to have successful relationships. It is no longer enough to just teach your child to get an education and a good job. No longer are large publicly traded employers employee focused. They are primarily investor focused. This fundamental shift is apparent in age … Continue reading →

The Psychology of Litigation: Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

Going to court can bring out stress. People do not always behave their best and it is usually one of the worst periods in a person’s life. Whether your lawsuit is against a formerspouse, employer, business partner, or another, it is not unusual for the pressure to push someone into an uncharacteristic mental state. This is what our blog series on the “Psychology of Litigation” addresses. Major stress factors in life include emotionally charged situations or big life changes. This includes Litigation. (See Holmes and Rahe’s (1967) Social Readjustment Ratings Scale here). Litigants should be prepared for the mental stress of Litigation and ready to run the Litigation course long term, if necessary. How different people deal with situational distress caused by litigation can be affected by whether they have a mental condition – diagnosed or not. If mentally healthy people suffer such distress, then imagine the different types of reactions … Continue reading →

The End… of Your Business Partnership

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

The End …. of Your Business Partnership Breaking up is hard to do. Like marriages, business relationships sometimes break up. When ending a business relationship there are several questions you will need to answer: 1. What type of business is it? How is it formed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State? Or, is it a a partnership? Limited or General? ex: Limited Liability Company (LLC); C Corporation; Sub Chapter S Corporation; Partnership; Limited Partnership, Etc. 2. Do you have a written agreement or formation document? -If YES: Review that agreement with an attorney and make a plan for how to proceed. -If NO: There may be default statutes in place that effect your type of business organization on how to handle a break up. 3. Do all parties agree with the accounting, and is it up to date? -If NO: A plan to do this is required. 4. Is your business breakup amicable? -If … Continue reading →

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: A Golden Rule Resource

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma “LASO” is an organization whose mission is “making equal justice for all a reality.” Established in 2001, as a result of the merger of Legal Aid Services of Western and Eastern Oklahoma, LASO is a registered nonprofit that provides civil legal assistance to low income individuals across Oklahoma. If an individual qualifies, they are not charged for any of the services provided by LASO. Funding for the services provided by Legal Aid come from the Legal Services Corporation, the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, 15 United Way or United Fund organizations, as well as generous donations from attorneys, firms, business, and individuals throughout Oklahoma. Those donations can be in the form of funds or the legal time provided by the attorney at no cost to you if LASO approves you for services. In most cases, many attorneys work pro … Continue reading →

How to Choose a Lawyer Video

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

The first video I made several years ago is called “How to Choose A Lawyer.” Here is what I said which still applies.  First, you want to make sure that your attorney is qualified. Second, you want to see if you like the attorney’s personality and if you think they’re a good match for you. Third, you want to look at their business practices and procedures. Fourth, you want to have a feeling you can trust your attorney to do the right thing for you when you aren’t there. ARE THEY QUALIFIED? Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult and maybe overwhelming experience. There are so many choices and so many options. Of course you want your attorney to be qualified. You need to have an attorney who is qualified in the area of law, that your issue is in. Try to know and try to understand what area of law it is … Continue reading →

Tips for Development of Company Policies

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

The first policy, as a business owner to write is a policy about when your employees will be paid and what they need to do to be paid. As a new company, you may want to investigate concerns such as privacy, confidentiality and non-compete agreements. However, these are tricky under state laws and especially, in employment-at-will states. You will need a very experienced lawyer to properly address these legal issues with you as well as your legal ramifications versus internal protection protocols you may need to develop. As a company gains experience, it should revise its policies one to two times per year based on the circumstances and situations they experience that may be different from what was originally anticipated when the first policies were written. As a company is blessed with longevity, every five years it should revisit its policies in light of developing and new technologies and changing … Continue reading →

Starting a New Business for Beginners!

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

     Recently, I shot a video called “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” It is about the end of business relationships. However, everyone on my team wanted me to shoot a video on how to start a business instead! Starting a new business is such an area of intrigue for so many. Instead of shooting a video on on how to start a new business at this time, I wrote this blog on it. Maybe I will make a video later, too!    There are many articles, meetings, education classes, and self help books. Resources abound. But, in the most simple, purest, and essential form, I will tell you here the best advice for starting your own business. This advice is based on my experience, education, countless business consultations, management, and litigation on business start ups and partnerships disputes. It is not hard advice and most of it is … Continue reading →

How To Prepare For A Lawsuit

Tracy A. Cinocca Posted on by

In almost any contested domestic matter, you will need to prepare the following items: A List Of Potential Witnesses Include their contact information and anticipated testimony. If you have identified more than one witness who can testify about the same thing, then indicate which one you think would be best and why. Some cases are simple and only require the testimony of one or both parties—in many divorces this is the case. The Court appreciates if you are respectful of their time and do not unnecessarily duplicate witness testimony unless critical. Initially, however, do not be shy on identifying everyone who may have knowledge about issues in your case.

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