Small business owners are regularly confronted by a bewildering array of legal questions and problems. Ignoring them can lead to disaster -- but with lawyers typically charging $200-$300 an hour, calling one to answer routine legal questions can be a fast track to the poorhouse. Fortunately, you have a better alternative. "Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business" clearly explains the practical and legal information you need to: raise start-up money choose between a sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC get licenses and permits buy or sell a business or franchise negotiate a favorable lease insure your business hire independent contractors safely understand small business tax rules pick and protect a good name resolve legal disputes adopt the best customer policies enter into strong contracts cope with financial problems The new edition updates relevant legal and tax information, such as state drug and alcohol testing laws, environmental regulations, and restrictions on home businesses, as well as provides practical advice on topics such as current trends in raising start-up money, purchasing insurance, and extending credit.