Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a method of resolving a dispute between parties in lieu of litigation. Two of the most common ADR methods are arbitration and mediation. It is important to understand the difference between arbitration and mediation, in…
In today’s age, contracts and other legal documents are commonly circulated through electronic devices. This has led to the increased use of electronic signatures (commonly referred to as e-signatures) to sign these documents. Understanding the value of e-signatures, as well…
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) is the authoritative body for the licensing of general contractors in the State of North Carolina. In the course of a construction project, contractors can behave in a manner that is…
Since the end of the “Great Recession,” business bankruptcies have decreased to the point where many businesses which extend credit may find themselves with new employees who have never experienced a bankruptcy. While the economy in North Carolina remains strong,…
We are proud to announce an addition to our firm. Zachary Layne recently took his oath and joins us as an associate attorney. Zachary holds an undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of North Carolina - Chapel…
` Starting and opening a business is an exciting time for all involved. One of the most important aspects of opening a business involves deciding exactly what type of legal entity the business will be. Two of the more common…
Over the past several weeks, a phenomenon from the late-1990’s and early-2000’s has returned to our radar – the debt consolidator. These businesses offer their services to individuals and small businesses who find themselves bombarded by collection calls. They sell…
Fraudulent orders are becoming an increasing problem in the electronic age. The link attached takes you to an FBI update on how to protect your company. As you may note, much of this started in trying to scam defense contractors…
The various local media outlets do a good job of covering activity on Jones Street, but with over 1000 bills introduced in this legislative session, it is truly impossible for them to cover everything. If you or your company hold…
It is with profound sadness and a great sense of loss that the law firm of Hannah Sheridan & Cochran announces the passing of our friend and law partner, Paul A. Sheridan. Paul ended his struggle with brain cancer on…
Effective Monday, October 1, 2018, additions passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2017 kicked in. These changes deal exclusively with the Lien Agent aspects of the lien law and are designed in part to try to improve the…
One frequent question we receive is whether you can recoup your attorneys’ fees spent pursuing or defending a lawsuit. The well-established rule in North Carolina is that each party bears its own costs of litigation, unless a statute specifically awards…
The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently took up the issue of construction defects in the case of Cannizzaro v. Set in Stone, Inc., COA18-594, 19 February 2019 (unpublished). Plaintiff, Ms. Cannizzaro, contracted with Defendant, Set in Stone, Inc., to…
North Carolina’s federal appellate circuit court issued a 2017 employment law decision which is causing ripple effects in the construction industry concerning the way general contractors structure their subcontractor relationships. In Salinas v. Commercial Interiors, the 4th Circuit issued a…
By now, many who receive the HSC newsletter are aware that 2018 proved to be a year of challenges and transitions for this law firm. We weathered those storms and are working through 2019 with a positive outlook about the…