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You’ve been served: What to do (and not to do) when your business is sued

When a business is formed as a legal entity, the application process requires the identification of a registered agent, a person or corporation listed with the state Secretary of State as the proper agent for… Read More

An Overview of the Holding Company

Whether you’re relatively new to business or you’re a longtime entrepreneur or investor, you are likely familiar, at least to some degree, with the concept of a holding company. Many entrepreneurs and investors use holding… Read More

The Forrest Firm Gives Back

At the Forrest Firm, we are dedicated to putting people over profits. Our attorneys adhere to a pro bono and volunteerism policy that encourages each full-time employee to participate in pro bono work as well… Read More

New Year, New Branding

To celebrate a new chapter for the Forrest Firm, we’re unveiling our new brand identity. The rapid growth of the firm since our original logo was created in 2010 caused a need for a visual… Read More

Forrest Firm Announces Leadership Team for 2020

Forrest Firm is pleased to announce its new leadership team for 2020. “We have grown faster than I could have ever envisioned since 2014 based on our commitment to client service,” firm founder James… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Named 2020 Super Lawyers

The Forrest Firm is pleased to announce that nine of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the annual ranking of North Carolina attorneys by Super Lawyers magazine. Among the honored attorneys are… Read More

My Land is Worth What!? 2020 Wake County Real Property Tax Reappraisals and Homeowner Rights

by John D. Burns and Jason C. Pfister In January 2020, the Wake County Department of Revenue published the latest reappraisal of the tax value of every parcel of land in the County. It… Read More

Four Forrest Firm Attorneys Named Legal Elite

Forrest Firm is proud to announce that four of the firm’s attorneys have been included in Business North Carolina’s 2020 edition Legal Elite. Those honored this year include Rachel Blunk, Cory… Read More

Department of Labor establishes new rule

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019 the U.S. Department of Labor made a final rule which, among other things, increases the minimum salary threshold required for employees to be classified as “exempt” under the white… Read More

What it means to be a Certified B Corporation®

The most frequent question I get from someone seeing my business card for the first time is: “What’s a B Corp?” On the days when I can shift out of lawyer brain and speak… Read More

Three Tips for Protecting Your Important Legal Paperwork in a Natural Disaster

By Jen Hoverstad Year after year, North Carolina continues to be threatened by and experience serious natural disaster. From earthquakes to raging wildfires, to hurricanes like the 500 year Hurricane Florence to today’s Hurricane… Read More

The IRS is Sending out Letters About Cryptocurrencies. What Should I Do if I Get One?

By Brian Bernhardt and Adam Goldblatt Last month, the IRS began sending letters to taxpayers with cryptocurrency transactions who did not properly report a transaction or entirely failed to report the… Read More

Attorney John Burns and client Magnolia Title prevail at NC Court of Appeals

In an August 6, 2019 published decision, the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a trial court’s dismissal of a lawsuit against Forrest Firm client Magnolia Title Company, LLC and its owner Laura… Read More

Eidson and Murphey Join Forrest Firm

In an effort to ensure that our clients are served thoroughly and efficiently, the Forrest Firm continues to grow over the summer! This month we welcomed Debra Eidson and Nicole Murphey to our Durham and… Read More

The C-Corp Advantage for Startups

There are numerous ways a business can be structured. As the founder of a startup, you need to have a good understanding of your options when setting up your new business. While many startups begin… Read More

New State Law Complicates Short-Term Rental Issue

The waters surrounding proposed regulation of short-term rentals in Raleigh and other North Carolina municipalities got a little murkier last week, as a seemingly simple bill passed both houses of the General Assembly and was… Read More

Andy Jones elected chair of the Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. Board of Trustees

Forrest Firm attorney Andy Jones will be installed as chairman of the board of trustees of Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. effective July 1, 2019. One of the largest social service organizations in Eastern… Read More

Estate Planning Considerations for Same Sex Couples

For many couples, regardless of sexual orientation, the idea of having to decide what to do if their spouse dies can be a tedious and emotional process. With so many resources for heterosexual couples, the… Read More

Third Party Beneficiaries in Development Deals

As any developer knows, it’s always better to try to split the costs of the design and approval of a project than to bear them alone. Developers will typically go through the design and approval… Read More

10 Easy Steps to Protect Your Business When Extending Credit

As a business lawyer, I am often asked how businesses can best ensure that their customers pay outstanding bills in a timely manner. For all but the largest businesses, this is more than a… Read More

Announcing the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group at Forrest Firm. “Our attorneys have long represented transportation and logistics clients on a variety of legal issues,” noted… Read More

Eight Forrest Firm Attorneys Join Flywheel Course on Protecting Startups

Davidson’s Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Eight Forrest Firm attorneys have joined forces with Flywheel Coworking, Wake Forest University School of Law, and Davidson’s Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship… Read More

Lessons Learned from Maternity Leave

Leslie Lasher is an employment law attorney with the Forrest Firm. Earlier this year, she had her second child and took 12 weeks of maternity leave. In April, Leslie returned to the firm with… Read More

Attorney June Allison Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney June Allison to the firm’s Charlotte office. June Allison The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Governance in North Carolina

By Virginia Pleasants and Brian Bernhardt At the Forrest Firm, we often work with faith-based organizations, certified B Corporations, and mission-driven businesses. The largest segment of these types of businesses are those… Read More

Attorney Ashley Johnson Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Ashley Johnson in an of counsel role in the firm’s Raleigh office. Ashley Johnson The Forrest… Read More

Attorney Travis Albea Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Travis Albea to the firm’s Wilmington office. Travis Albea The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Compliance in North Carolina

Forrest Firm Attorneys Serve NC on NCBF’s 4ALL Service Day

Multiple Forrest Firm attorneys throughout North Carolina provided the public with free legal information and referral resources during the North Carolina Bar Association’s annual 4ALL Service Day on March 1. Attorneys Jen Hoverstad… Read More

Attorney Melvin Davis Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Melvin Davis to the firm’s Durham office. Melvin Davis The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Understanding Joint Ventures: An Alternative to M&A

As our economy evolves and more companies specialize with niche approaches to the marketplace, many entrepreneurs are pursuing joint ventures (“JVs”). Although typically associated with large corporations, JVs can be effective structures for small-to-medium sized… Read More

Funding Your Company: Convertible Notes

For many early stage companies seeking to raise capital to fund their operations, the conversation often revolves around “how much equity must we give up.” This point leads to awkward discussions regarding valuation at a… Read More

Attorney Heather Benjamin Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Heather Benjamin as of counsel to the firm’s Durham office. Heather Benjamin The Forrest Firm is… Read More

Attorney Beth Stanfield Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Beth Stanfield to the firm’s Wilmington office. Beth Stanfield The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors NCCU Ignite Case Competition

Next weekend, one lucky group of bright undergraduate students will receive a potentially life-changing opportunity: to impress industry professionals and gain real-world experience in a two-day case competition and hackathon. The North Carolina Central… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Starting Your Nonprofit in North Carolina

Forrest Firm Sponsors NC State’s 2019 Lulu eGames, Fields and Gravatt to Judge

The Forrest Firm is proud to announce its sponsorship of North Carolina State University’s 2019 Lulu eGames, the university’s largest startup competition. Taking place during the school’s 2019 spring semester, the Lulu eGames includes two… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Bradley Moderates B Corp Panel at MountainBizWorks

The Forrest Firm’s Martha Bradley will moderate a panel on the process of becoming a certified B Corporation next week at Asheville’s MountainBizWorks. Martha Bradley The B Corp panel will feature representatives from different corners… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Ovies Hosts Collider Lunch & Learn on Brand Building

On Tuesday, February 12, the Forrest Firm’s Kelli Ovies will be the latest of the firm’s attorneys to host a lunch and learn event at Asheville’s hub for climate entrepreneurship, The Collider. Joining Ovies… Read More

Forrest Firm Joins Forces with Collective Hustle, SoGal for Charlotte Tax and Beers Event

The Forrest Firm is supporting an innovative collaboration in Charlotte next week, joining venture platform SoGal and Queen City entrepreneurship network Collective Hustle for an educational event for startups. “Discuss Business… Read More

Attorney Sonya Rikhye Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Sonya Rikhye to the firm’s Asheville office. The Forrest Firm is a provider of legal services… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Named to 2019 Super Lawyers

The Forrest Firm is pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys have earned recognition in the annual ranking of North Carolina attorneys by Super Lawyers magazine. Among the honored attorneys are Monica Webb-Shackleford, Kelli… Read More

Mind the New Rules Governing Partnership Audits

In coming months, partnerships (and limited liability companies taxed as partnerships) will begin filing tax returns which are, for the first time, subject to the new partnership audit rules Congress established in 2015. These… Read More

Attorney Patrick Lineberry Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Patrick Lineberry to the firm’s Greensboro office. The Forrest Firm is a provider of… Read More

Forrest Firm Announces Addition of Attorney Brian Bernhardt

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of Brian Bernhardt, an attorney with over 20 years’ experience in tax and litigation matters, to the firm’s… Read More

Do We Need to Update Your Estate Plan Strategy?

Strategies to Enhance Your Success By Cory Howes Estate planning is complex and continually evolving. That’s why our team is committed to staying up-to-date on the newest and best strategies that can be… Read More

Five Critical Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Sadly, most Americans are indifferent to estate planning – at best – or completely ignore the issue – at worst. When it comes to estate planning, however, there are just some mistakes that you… Read More

How to Manage Your Basis “Step Up”

If you or someone you know has received an inheritance, it is important for you to understand how to manage your basis “step up.” A “step up” in basis is the adjustment of the… Read More

Three Key Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney

Being the new year, now is a great time to revisit (or create) your estate plan. If something were to happen to you this year, there’s no better gift for your family than to… Read More

Forrest Firm Named to Inaugural RealLeaders 100 Top Impact Companies

Fresh off a recertification of its certified B corporation status, the Forrest Firm has earned selection to the inaugural listing of the 100 Top Impact Companies from RealLeaders magazine. The RealLeaders 100 Top Impact… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Wolfe Named to Triad Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

The Triad Business Journal has named Jeff Wolfe of the Forrest Firm’s Winston-Salem office to its “40 Under 40” listing of young leaders in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. To… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Earn 2019 Legal Elite Honors

Business North Carolina has named eight Forrest Firm attorneys to its 2019 list of the state’s Legal Elite. The 2019 Forrest Firm honorees are James Forrest, Leslie Lasher, Cory Howes, Rachel Blunk, John… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors American Underground End-of-Year Celebration

The Forrest Firm is proud to support longtime partner American Underground’s 2018 End-of-Year Celebration, happening next week in downtown Durham. This year’s celebration, which welcomes AU members, city and startup leaders, media, and the… Read More

Food & Beverage Wage and Hour Alert: DOL Scraps 80/20 Rule, Clarifies Concept of Tipped Work

Earlier this month, the US Department of Labor rescinded the Obama administration’s guidance which was known as the “80/20 Rule” and clarified its stance on how employers should properly compensate tipped employees, most prevalent… Read More

Forrest Firm Named to Best Law Firms List by US News, Best Lawyers

The Forrest Firm recently earned its first nationwide recognition for excellence, as US News and World Report, in conjunction with Best Lawyers magazine, released their 2019 “Best Law Firms” rankings. Collaborating for the… Read More

The Music Modernization Act: A Deeper Dive

In my last post, I gave a high-level overview of the recently-passed Music Modernization Act (MMA), new federal legislation that has the potential to revolutionize music copyrights and at a minimum, harmonizes our archaic… Read More

Forrest Firm Announces 2018 Social Impact Challenge Winners

After careful consideration of dozens of impressive candidates, the Forrest Firm is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2018 Social Impact Challenge, a celebration of North Carolina non-profits, faith-based organizations, and mission-driven businesses. Read More

OSHA Issues Clarification Memo on Incentive Programs and Post-Accident Testing

By Leslie Lasher Over the past few years, I have often received questions regarding whether an employer can perform a post-accident drug or alcohol test in light of a 2016 Occupational Safety… Read More

The Music Modernization Act: The Basics

On October 11, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Music Modernization Act (MMA) into law (H.R. 1551). This new law, at over 60 pages, is one of the largest reforms to copyright law in… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors Techstars Triad Startup Weekend, Pleasants to Serve as Coach

The Forrest Firm will sponsor the upcoming Techstars Triad Startup Weekend in Winston-Salem, as part of its ongoing commitment to support the work of North Carolina entrepreneurs and investors. Triad Startup Weekend… Read More

Attorney Virginia Pleasants Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Virginia Pleasants to its Winston-Salem office. Now in its eighth year of operation, the Forrest… Read More

Kids and Investors Aren’t the Only Options: Rewarding Your Employees By Giving Them the Business

Retiring from your business can spark some tough decisions. To ensure that what you have built continues, there needs to be a succession plan. Some business owners have spent years grooming a child or… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Assist NC Residents with Hurricane Florence Disaster Recovery

Monica Webb-Shackleford and Keith Richardson of the Forrest Firm’s Raleigh office joined the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Wilmington on October 26 for a day of providing pro bono legal counsel to survivors of… Read More

How an Estate Planning Letter of Intent Can Help Your Family

Estate planning is an important task that everyone should undertake, as it helps to protect your family and loved one’s financial future. But estate planning can do much more than focus on finances. It… Read More

A Friendly Reminder: Are Your Employees Receiving Time Off to Vote?

A couple of years ago, around this time, I posted about the ins and outs of whether employees are entitled to time off to vote. Once again, we’re coming up on an election, and… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors Wilmington’s Cucalorus Festival

The Forrest Firm is proud to sponsor the upcoming Cucalorus Festival in Wilmington. The festival will run from November 7 – 11 at multiple venues across the Port City. What started in… Read More

Retirement Planning for Business Owners

For many employees, saving for retirement is usually a matter of simply participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan and perhaps opening an IRA for some extra savings. When you’re the owner of a business,… Read More

If You Can’t Be an Inspiration, at Least Be a Cautionary Tale

A recent case should be a heads-up to employers who receive ADA requests for part-time hours as a “reasonable accommodation.” In Hostettler v. College of Wooster, decided earlier this summer, the Sixth Circuit… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors Asheville’s [Food + Beverage] Collider Conference

The Forrest Firm is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the first [Food + Beverage] Collider, a conference on climate resilience in the food and beverage industry, hosted by the Collider, a hub for… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Blunk to Speak at Boutique Brand Retreat

Rachel Blunk, business attorney at the Forrest Firm’s Greensboro office, will be a guest speaker at the Boutique Brand Retreat for Triad-area women entrepreneurs. The Boutique Brand Retreat, hosted by Marissa Monroe Studio and… Read More

Client Spotlight: Urban Axes

On October 9, Stu Jones, along with his three business partners, are bringing their Urban Axes phenomenon to downtown Durham’s Geer Street entertainment district. At Urban Axes, first launched a couple of years ago… Read More

NCBA Young Lawyers Division Coordinates Disaster Legal Services Effort

In the wake of Hurricane Florence’s destruction, the citizens of North Carolina will need all the help they can get with recovering from this historic natural disaster. The attorneys of the North Carolina Bar… Read More

Back-To-School Preparation: Not Just About the School Supplies

Use This Time to Revisit The Parts of Your Estate Plan That Impact Your Children Most By Cory Howes With all the considerations about your children’s wellbeing weighing on your mind from day to… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Gravatt and NCBA Publish NC Disaster Recovery Guide

As Hurricane Florence affects North Carolina, Forrest Firm attorney Lyle Gravatt volunteered to assist the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division with its efforts to coordinate disaster legal services in the state. The NC… Read More

How to Successfully Make a “Large” Gift to Your Children or Grandchildren

What constitutes a “large” gift can be relative to the donor’s and recipient’s perceptions. If you are considering giving cash or property to someone, a little bit of planning can really help avoid negative… Read More

Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know

By Cory Howes Cryptocurrencies have been making headlines in the last couple of years, with more and more investors wanting in on these digital currencies. Cryptocurrencies are attractive to some because they are unregulated,… Read More

Trademarks and Copyrights: The Basics

As an intellectual property attorney, I naturally field a lot of questions about trademarks and copyrights from entrepreneurs, business owners, non-profit executives, inventors, and artists. There’s… Read More

Forrest Firm 2018 Social Impact Challenge: Meet the Judges

Earlier this month, we announced the start of our third annual Social Impact Challenge (formerly known as the Non-Profit Challenge), a showcase for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and mission-driven businesses in North Carolina. This… Read More

Client Spotlight: Health Coach CEO

Justin Thomas is one of those people unafraid to change in his pursuit of servant leadership, living his faith, and helping others to grow. Thomas is perhaps best known in Triangle business circles as… Read More

Burns Named to 2019 Best Lawyers in America List

Best Lawyers, a peer review publication, has named the Forrest Firm’s John Burns to its annual “Best Lawyers in America” list for 2019, in the litigation category. Mr. Burns, who joined the Forrest Firm… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Goldblatt, Bradley Host Lunch and Learn on Startup Equity at Asheville’s Collider

On August 21, the Forrest Firm will present a lunch and learn event, A Smaller Piece of the Pie Is Better Than No Pie at All, at the Collider, a hub… Read More

Forrest Firm Launches 2018 Social Impact Challenge

Update: due to the impact on our state from Hurricane Florence, the Forrest Firm is extending the submission deadline for this year’s Social Impact Challenge to October 10, 2018 with the winners announcement slated… Read More

Wanee, Bradley Host Lunch and Learn on Angel Investment at Asheville’s Collider

Next week, the Forrest Firm will present a lunch and learn event, Legal Considerations for Startups Seeking Capital from Angel Investors, at the Collider, a hub for climate entrepreneurs in Asheville. Martha Bradley, who… Read More

Keeping the Peace after You’re Gone

Planning With an Aim Towards Building Unity By Cory Howes A contested will or trust can wreak havoc on families. The conflict can result in possibly irreparable resentment and loss of familial communication. Old… Read More

Forrest Firm Durham Office Moves to American Tobacco Campus

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the relocation of its Durham office to the American Tobacco Campus (ATC). Now in its eighth year of operation, the Forrest… Read More

Why Not Just Create Your Own Estate Planning Documents Yourself?

There are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself legal documents, including company formation, contracts, and even estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and… Read More

Home Sweet Mountain Home: Forrest Firm Joins Asheville’s Collider

The Forrest Firm is excited to launch its new Asheville office this summer at The Collider, a nonprofit innovation center and coworking space dedicated to fostering business-centric climate change solutions. Our newest… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Richardson Participates in Wake County Bar’s Lunch with a Lawyer Program

Forrest Firm attorney and recent North Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy graduate Keith Richardson joined multiple area lawyers for the Wake County Bar Association’s annual Lunch with a Lawyer Program. Each… Read More

Joint Tenancy Pitfalls: The ‘Simple’ Fix that Can Leave Your Family Broke

There are many ways to own your assets. When you die, it’s only natural that you want your family to share in the bounty of your hard work. To simplify the transfer process and… Read More

Attorney Kelli Ovies Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Kelli Ovies to the firm’s Raleigh office. Now in its eighth year of operation, the Forrest… Read More

Planning for the Financial Future of a Troubled Adult Child

Your Three-Step Guide to Creating an Informed Estate Plan Are you concerned about any of your adult children? Estate planning can pose extra challenges for families with adult children struggling with addiction, marital issues,… Read More

Steps For Starting the End-of-Life Conversation

No one wants to discuss death and dying. And yet, it’s a critical time in everyone’s life and one for which we know we need to prepare. While many people have the desire to… Read More

Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance after Your Divorce

Beth’s divorce from her husband was recently finalized. Her most valuable assets are her retirement plan at work and her life insurance policy. She updated the beneficiary designations on both to be her two… Read More

Supreme Court Bolsters Local Tax Enforcement with South Dakota v Wayfair Ruling

In a very recent ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States made its first major movement on taxation of goods purchased from internet retailers since 1992, effectively casting aside its previous position. In… Read More

NC General Assembly Expands 529 Education Savings Plans to K-12 Schooling

In response to provisions included in the U.S. Congress’s federal budget bill, passed into law in December, the North Carolina General Assembly has expanded the state’s qualified tuition plan, also known as a 529… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Honored at NCBA’s Young Lawyers Division Annual Meeting

Blunk Installed as YLD Chair, Bradley Takes Everett Award, Richardson Finishes NCBA Leadership Academy Multiple Forrest Firm attorneys earned recognition at the North Carolina Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Wilmington last week. The North… Read More

Attorney Valerie Bateman Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Valerie Bateman. Now in its eighth year of operation, the Forrest Firm is a… Read More

Attorney Martha Bradley Joins Forrest Firm; Opens Asheville Office in the Collider

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Martha Bradley and the opening of its Asheville office. Now in its eighth year of… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Gravatt to Serve at IPLI Copyright & Trademark Boot Camp

Forrest Firm intellectual property attorney Lyle Gravatt will serve as an attorney facilitator at the upcoming Copyright & Trademark Boot Camp, an event sponsored by the Intellectual Property Law Institute at North Carolina Central… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Gravatt to Appear on Focus on Business

On June 5, intellectual property attorney Lyle Gravatt of the Forrest Firm will appear on the Triangle-area radio show, Focus on Business. An educational hour for business owners and executives, Focus on Business is hosted by one… Read More

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