Angela De La Housaye, founder of the Walnut Creek commercial litigation firm, De La Housaye & Associates, will speak on business and legal issues confronting builders and contractors during a difficult economy at the upcoming Contra Costa County Builder's Exchange Business Expo April 9. Ms. De La Housaye's talk, "Running Your Business from Contracts to Collections, will address the key areas where contractors and builders frequently encounter legal challenges.
The one-day Expo takes place at the Contra Costa Builders Exchange at 2440 Stanwell Drive, Concord. Ms. De La Housaye will speak at 2PM. Contractors, suppliers and service providers to the construction industry attend the annual expo.
"At all times, but especially during an economic slowdown, it is crucial for independent business people such as builders and contractors to understand the legal aspects of running their businesses so they can be most effective, develop strong contracts and understand the rights and responsibilities regarding collecting funds, explained Ms. De La Housaye. "I want the Expo attendees to come away with an understanding of the legal considerations that can affect how they run their businesses.
De La Housaye will discuss some of the basics that employers should know to prevent a lawsuit, including the importance of proper drafting of contracts and agreements and having the proper business entity, whether a corporation or other type of organization.
Also included in the talk will be a discussion of the strategies for determining an employee from a contractor and what employers need to know once a worker is identified as an employee. Many laws apply that the employer is assumed to know and adhere to, such as those concerning overtime, breaks, minimum wage, meal periods, and health and safety regulations, as examples.
"Understanding the nuances of the differences between contractors and employees is critical to a business, and is frequently confused by employers, explained De La Housaye. "Business owners are responsible for properly distinguishing between the two types of workers or they risk possibly serious consequences with potential employees and with the California Labor Board.
De La Housaye & Associates is a growing practice with offices in Walnut Creek, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The firm provides clients small-firm attention with large-firm expertise. With a thriving commercial litigation practice, the firm handles larger corporate matters such as corporate compliance, succession plans, and mergers and acquisitions. The attorneys and legal professionals at the firm have extensive legal experience and deliver personalized and dedicated attention to their clients. For more information, visit De La Housaye & Associates at www.delahousayelaw.com or call 925-944-3300.
For more information on the Contra Costa Builders Exchange, visit www.ccbx.com.
For other inquiries, contact Erica Zeidenberg, Hot Tomato Marketing, at 925-631-0553.