Legal Notes
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
Sarbanes-Oxley (or "SOX") is a federal law which places financial reporting and corporate governance requirements on publicly traded companies to protect investors from corporate accounting fraud. Requirements include management of conflicts of interest, independent auditing and accounting, corporate executive responsibility for financial reporting, and related provisions. SOX does not affect private companies such as closely held corporations or LLC's, but even these companies can benefit from following some of the practices SOX mandates:
- Establish financial reporting controls.
- Hire a credible accounting firm and a separate auditor to review company books.
- Implement a Conflict of Interest Policy and have owners and officers sign it.
- Provide protection for whistleblowers.
- Establish a Security Policy that includes both physical and cyber security protocols.
- Implement a Document Retention Plan.
- Be prepared--and able--to disclose to owners substantial changes in the company's financial condition or operations.
- Never alter, destroy, conceal or falsify company records to obstruct a legal investigation.
For more guidance on strengthening your financial reporting and corporate governance practices, consult with your attorney--and your accountant.
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News from A.S. Robinson & Associates, PLLC
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Happy 5th Anniversary!
This winter A.S. Robinson & Associates, PLLC celebrates five years of providing legal services to growing area companies and start-up ventures. Since 2005 the firm has delivered personalized, professional counseling on issues involving business transactions, civil litigation, trademarks, patents, taxation, real property and environmental compliance, resulting in improved business operations, increased asset valuation and reduced liability exposure for clients.
As firm Principal, Angela Robinson takes an entrepreneurial approach to legal counseling and ensures that all clients understand the legal issues affecting their businesses. Moreover, Angela and her team stick by clients as they implement appropriate responses to every opportunity presented and any problem confronted. This might entail pushing for more favorable terms in a contract, avoiding a litigation threat, developing sound corporate governance practices or implementing 21st century branding strategies. In all cases, a client's success is a firm accomplishment.
Angela is motivated by the growth clients have experienced since 2005 and appreciates each one for choosing the firm. She credits a high client retention rate to the firm's dedication to customer service, and thanks the many individuals and organizations as well as firm staff members who have been supportive of these efforts. She believes 2011 is going to be a great year for everyone!
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HUSL 8th Annual Intellectual Property Law Seminar
HUSL 8th Annual Intellectual Property Law Seminar
Thursday & Friday
March 10-11, 2011
Howard University School of Law
2900 Van Ness Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Come and hear CAFC, ITC, and district court judges, in-house counsels of major corporations, USPTO leaders, and leading practitioners on significant IP developments. Planned topics include:
● Copyright developments in music licensing.
● Trademark bullying - fact or fiction?
● Latest developments at the CAFC, including Therasense and inequitable conduct.
Click here or visit www.iipsj.org for more details.
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