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Breaking Down the Elements of a Contract
Contracts are the backbone of business. Whether you’re signing a lease, negotiating a vendor agreement, or onboarding a new client, contracts define the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. But what exactly makes a contract legally enforceable—and what are all those dense sections lawyers include? Here’s a plain-English guide to the core elements of a contract and the technical parts you’ll commonly see in written agreements.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 223 min read


Understanding Motions for Summary Judgment
Litigation can feel overwhelming. Between discovery, motions, and the possibility of trial, many business owners wonder how disputes actually get resolved in court. One of the most important tools in modern litigation is the motion for summary judgment. It can end a case—or a major part of it—before trial ever begins.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 173 min read


Exclusion from Federal Healthcare Programs: Consequences and How to Appeal
For healthcare providers, suppliers, and businesses, few penalties are as devastating as exclusion from Federal healthcare programs. When the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) excludes an individual or entity, they are barred from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs. This not only cuts off a vital revenue stream but can also damage reputation and cripple operations.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 154 min read


Information Blocking Enforcement is Finally Here – What “Actors” Should Know
After years of regulatory developments, enforcement is finally on the horizon for information blocking. On September 3, 2025, the U.S....
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 94 min read


The DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group: What Founders and Healthcare Businesses Need to Know
In 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new False Claims Act (FCA) Working Group (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/doj-hhs-false-claims-act-working-group). This collaborative initiative brings together prosecutors, regulators, and investigators from across the federal government to aggressively pursue fraud, waste, and abuse in federal healthcare programs.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 53 min read


Wrongful Termination in New York: A Practical Playbook for SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), one of the most sensitive and risky employment issues is termination. Firing an employee may be necessary for performance, restructuring, or misconduct. But when the employee believes they were fired for an unlawful reason, it can quickly lead to a wrongful termination claim. These lawsuits are not only costly—they can also damage reputation and employee morale.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 43 min read


Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Suits: What SMBs Need to Know
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), lawsuits involving discrimination, harassment, or retaliation are among the most damaging. They don’t just create financial exposure—they can severely harm reputation, employee morale, and client trust. In New York, where both state and city laws impose some of the broadest worker protections in the nation, SMBs must be especially vigilant.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Sep 14 min read


Wage and Hour Claims: A Growing Risk for SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), one of the most common—and costly—employment disputes comes in the form of wage and hour claims. These disputes often fly under the radar until they snowball into lawsuits, regulatory investigations, or even class actions. With federal, New York State, and New York City laws all in play, the risks are significant.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Aug 314 min read


Guarding the Crown Jewels: Trade Secrets Litigation and What SMBs Need to Know
For many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), trade secrets are the “crown jewels” of the company—the formulas, client lists, processes, or know-how that provide a competitive edge. Unlike patents or trademarks, trade secrets aren’t registered with the government. Their protection depends on keeping them confidential. But when secrets leak—especially through departing employees or competitors—litigation often follows. Here’s what business owners need to know about trade sec
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Aug 272 min read


When Competitors Cross the Line: Intellectual Property Disputes for SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), intellectual property (IP) can be one of the most valuable assets. Your brand name, logo,...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Aug 252 min read


Employment Non-Competes in New York: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
Non-compete agreements—contracts that restrict an employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business after leaving their job—have long been a staple of employment law. For decades, employers used them to protect trade secrets, customer relationships, and investments in employee training. But in New York, and across the country, the legal landscape around employment non-competes is changing fast.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Aug 193 min read


Commercial Non-Competes in New York: Are They Enforceable?
For years, non-compete agreements have been a go-to tool for businesses trying to protect their competitive edge. Employers use them to...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Aug 193 min read


When Business Partners Turn Adversaries: Preventing and Resolving Internal Conflicts
Disputes between co-founders, shareholders, or LLC members are among the most disruptive legal problems a business can face. They can stall growth, divide teams, destroy trust, and even lead to dissolution or litigation.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 313 min read


What to Do When a Vendor or Client Breaches Your Contract or Agreement
Contracts are supposed to give business relationships clarity and structure—but when a vendor misses deadlines or a client refuses to pay, things can get messy fast. Whether it’s a supplier delivering defective goods or a customer ghosting you on a big invoice, a breach of contract can hit your operations and your bottom line hard. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in that position—and how to handle it without escalating into an expensive lawsuit too quickly.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 312 min read


10 Smart Questions to Ask During a Legal Consultation
Hiring an attorney is a major decision—one that can shape the outcome of your case or business issue. Whether you're facing litigation,...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


Enforcing Your Copyright: What Creators and Businesses Need to Know
Copyright protects original works of authorship—from songs and software to photos and marketing copy. Whether you're a solo creator or a growing business, knowing how to enforce your copyright is essential to preserving the value of your work and protecting your competitive edge.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


How Pre-Litigation Discovery Can Help Identify the Right Defendant
Pre-litigation discovery is a process that allows a potential plaintiff to obtain evidence before filing a lawsuit. Its goal is to identify the right defendant or to preserve key evidence that may be lost over time. Courts can authorize limited discovery—like subpoenas to third parties or depositions—if you can show that it's necessary to establish the identity of a defendant or to support a future claim.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


What to Do When the Government Comes Knocking
It’s a moment no business owner wants: a federal agent at the door, a subpoena in hand, or a call from in-house counsel announcing an internal audit that could reveal serious problems. Whether it’s the Department of Justice, the SEC, a state attorney general, or simply your own compliance team uncovering red flags, knowing what to do next is critical.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


Understanding “Pain and Suffering” Damages
Understanding “Pain and Suffering” Damages - What they mean, how they're calculated, and why they matter in personal injury cases.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 232 min read


How Can My Business Collect on Payment?
A practical guide to recovering what you’re owed—without burning bridges.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 223 min read
Asked and Answered: A Law Blog
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