26 02, 2020

Panic or Plan? How Businesses Can Respond to Uncertainty

February 26th, 2020|

As Americans watch developments of a global health crisis, panicky but vague news headlines abound from a variety of sources: The Center for Disease Control’s Nancy Messonnier, “this might be bad,” the World Health Organization began with “if it hits us...” and the Washington Post declaring “the outbreak appears inevitable.” “...if you start planning does it mean you’re panicking?” Discussion about emergency planning for hospitals, schools, and community events have begun. But what if you

10 02, 2020

How Non-Profits Are Winning the NIMBY War

February 10th, 2020|

By Attorney Robert Pellegrini If you wanted to build a neighborhood church or school in mid-20th century Massachusetts, town officials would likely reject your application and refer to the local zoning bylaws. Back then, projects involving charitable, non-profit and/or other uses that enhanced societal causes (by providing necessary education and services) took a back seat to traditional options such as residential housing developments.   "This little known exemption can make or break your

7 02, 2020

Can Your Title Issue Be Easily Resolved?

February 7th, 2020|

By Michelle Bessette Oliveira     When you purchase or sell real estate in Massachusetts, there's a good chance that the purchase and sale agreement contained a version of the following statement:   Any matter of practice arising under or relating to this Agreement which is the subject of a title standard or a practice of the Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association ("REBA") at the time for delivery of the deed shall be

22 01, 2020

Lis Pendens in Massachusetts : What Is It and How Does It Work?

January 22nd, 2020|

By John Zuccaro During a recent conversation with a real estate agent, I was asked about a "lis pendens," and details about its legal implications. I explained that, in short, it is essentially a type of “lien” on the property telling the world that a lawsuit is pending concerning the ownership or title to a parcel of land.   If a lis pendens has been granted "ex-parte," you can move to dissolve it

28 10, 2019

High Security: What RMDs Need To Know When Securing Their Site

October 28th, 2019|

RMDs can add security enforcement regulations to the list of requirements set by the Commonwealth, which became mandatory after medical marijuana sales were approved in 2013.  Due to a growing risk of theft and vandalism that could increase crime rates, RMDs must demonstrate that their security measures are up to snuff. As a requirement, all RMDs must coordinate with local enforcement regarding panic alarms, providing hours of operation, after-hours contact information and access to RMD

10 09, 2019

How to Use Peer-to-Peer Loans to Fund Your Small Business

September 10th, 2019|

PK Boston is Featured in US NEWS! August 14, 2019 What Is Peer-to-Peer Lending? With a typical small-business loan, you are borrowing money from a lender such as a bank, credit union or financing company that offers business loans. Individuals and institutions such as investment banks fund P2P loans. The loans are completed through a P2P lending platform, which acts as a middleman between borrower and lender. The advantage for the investor is that the money you

22 05, 2019

Top Small Business Question #9: Did You Hire An Employee or an “Independent Contractor”?

May 22nd, 2019|Tags: , , |

It’s a decision that our business clients often need to make when structuring their business, just like a corporate book or shareholder agreement. You’d be amazed how many folks don’t realize the disadvantages of mistakenly classifying an “Independent Contractor” as an employee. This mistake can cost thousands and even be considered criminal - so it’s important to get it right.  Not only can the state fine you for the misclassification but, the employee will have