Business Lawyers Blog

Common Partnership Disputes Among Oregon Business Owners

April 24, 2026 | Sean Badgley

Business partners, whether as members of an LLC, or Directors or Shareholders within a corporation, often find themselves at loggerheads regarding both short-term and long-term objectives. Unfortunately, when partners don’t see eye to eye, they can compromise the success of their venture and increase the risk of litigation. At Structure Law Group, LLP, we regularly represent partners in various disputes and encourage you to contact an Oregon partnership lawyer to discuss the next steps and provide advice to move forward. Below, we look at some of the most common partnership disputes we help resolve.

Disputes Related to Employee Hiring and Retention

As a partnership grows, if often becomes necessary to hire additional staff. This is a critical moment, and one with real consequences. Often, partners disagree about who is the best hire, as well as whether it’s time to let an employee go. For example, some partners seek to hire family members, while others might not believe they are the right choice. Ideally, these business partners executed a clear, written agreement that addresses these questions. Practically speaking, this is often not the case. In such situations often call for deft handling and a diplomatic approach to achieve a workable compromise or final resolution.

Common Legal Mistakes Made By Oregon Small Businesses

April 3, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Starting a small business in Oregon presents a range of legal and operational challenges. While a strong business concept and capable team are important to long-term success, proper legal planning is equally essential. Overlooking key legal requirements or making common compliance mistakes can expose a business to unnecessary risk, regardless of how promising the business plan may be. Below are several legal pitfalls that many small businesses encounter. Businesses facing these issues may benefit from consulting with Structure Law Group and speaking with an Oregon business litigation lawyer.

Choose the Correct Oregon Business Entity

The business entity chosen at formation can have significant legal and financial consequences as the company grows. For example, general partners in a partnership are personally liable for partnership debts, while members of a limited liability company (LLC) typically receive protection from personal liability. Understanding how different business structures allocate risk is an important step when bringing a business idea to market.

Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Restrictions Under the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act

March 20, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Under the Oregon Workforce Fairness Act (OWFA), employers are generally prohibited from entering into agreements with employees that include either a confidentiality provision or a non-disparagement provision. The law aims to empower employees to speak out about discrimination and sexual assault, which the legislature has recognized as being in the public interest. Therefore, employers should avoid including these prohibited provisions in their agreements. Contact the Portland office of Structure Law Group, LLP, for help with understanding your obligations under the law. An Oregon employment law attorney can discuss any potential lawsuits, and our firm can provide confidential advice, and draft settlement or other agreements for use with employees.

Broad Prohibition on These Restrictions

The law does not ban all confidentiality or non-disparagement agreements. Instead, it limits these agreements when they relate to discrimination or sexual assault. A confidentiality agreement cannot stop an employee from discussing or revealing any conduct that counts as discrimination, including sexual assault, whether it happens between employees or between an employee and employer.

California Real Estate Law Developments: What Contractors Should Know in 2026

March 13, 2026 | Mark Manalo

Seven laws took effect in California this year that will affect the construction industry. Contractors must stay updated on these changes and create procedures to ensure compliance. The state of California is increasing its oversight of the construction sector, giving the Attorney General the authority to file enforcement actions and requiring the industry to notify consumers of their right to cancel a contract by email. Any violation of these regulations could jeopardize your license.

Below, our Los Angeles construction attorneys review the most significant changes.

Attorney General Enforcement of Contractors State Licensing Board Penalties

Differences Between Defending Claims with BOLI and the Circuit Courts

February 20, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Employers who are sued by an employee might end up either defending themselves in an administrative action before the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) or in Oregon circuit courts. The objective is the same: you’ll want to present the facts in the light most favorable to the employer.

However, defending a case before BOLI differs in important ways from litigating in Oregon courts. To discuss your situation with an Oregon business litigation attorney, contact Structure Law Group, LLP. We work to protect our clients’ reputations and enforce their rights in any forum.

What Is BOLI?

Compliance with the Oregon Family Leave Act

February 6, 2026 | Jackie Ford

The Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) grants eligible employees job-protected leave for specific family, medical, and safe-leave reasons. For employers, understanding these rules is an essential part of maintaining compliant and consistent workplace practices. While penalties can arise from misapplying the law, most issues are preventable with clear policies and timely guidance.

If you have questions about your obligations or how OFLA applies to particular situations, the Oregon employment attorneys at Structure Law Group can help. This article provides a general overview, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your company’s specific needs.

Is Your Company Covered?

New Texas Employment Laws in 2026

January 30, 2026 | Cassandra Santos

The Texas legislature has enacted several important laws in the summer and fall of 2025 that will go into effect in 2026.

Texas business owners and HR professionals are advised to stay up to date on these new regulations, as they may directly impact your company’s compliance responsibilities. For guidance on how these changes affect your organization, contact Structure Law Group. An Austin employment law attorney can answer your specific questions and help ensure your business remains in full compliance.

Texas HB 149 Regulates Artificial Intelligence

New Oregon Employment Laws in 2026

January 23, 2026 | Jackie Ford

The Oregon Legislature has enacted several new labor and employment laws taking effect in 2026. Employers should stay alert to ensure ongoing compliance with these changes. Below is an overview of some of the most significant new employment laws and how they may impact businesses. Because these laws can create potential liability for employers, Structure Law Group’s Portland, Oregon employment lawyers are available to advise businesses, answer questions, and provide guidance if your company wants to stay compliant or is facing employment-related disputes or litigation.

Wage Transparency Law: SB 906

In May, Oregon enacted SB 906, a payroll transparency law that takes effect on January 1, 2026. Under this law, employers must provide new hires with clear, written information explaining how compensation is calculated, what deductions may apply, and how to interpret their paystubs.

Texas Mergers and Acquisitions: Understanding the Difference

January 16, 2026 | Structure Law Group, LLP

As businesses in Texas grow, many consider mergers or acquisitions to scale up their operations. While these terms are frequently used together, they represent different legal processes. Understanding the distinction between a merger and an acquisition is crucial for any business, as each has its benefits and potential pitfalls. This knowledge helps make informed decisions on appropriately utilizing them for business growth.

Mergers

A merger occurs when two (or more) companies reach a mutual agreement to create a new legal entity that combines all parties’ assets, liabilities, and business operations. The post-merger entity often uses a different name than the pre-merger companies, even if it is just a combination of their names. For example, one of the most notable mergers in Texas history was that of Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation, which formed ExxonMobil in 1998. At the time, it was the largest merger in U.S. history.

New California Employment Laws in 2026

January 9, 2026 | Rakesh Ramde

California employers will see several important changes to state employment laws beginning in 2026. Recent legislative updates affect a wide range of workplace issues, including paid leave, wage protections, and the terms permitted in employment agreements. Understanding these developments early allows businesses to plan ahead and update their policies with minimal disruption.

Below is an overview prepared by Structure Law Group’s California employment law attorneys in our Los Angeles and Silicon Valley offices.

Paid Leave for Crime Victims (California AB 406)