12 WARNING SIGNS YOU’RE HEADED FOR A LAWSUIT WITH YOUR PARTNER JEFFREY H. LERMAN
“freeloading” partner. It is never too late to add
venture while the other is only interested in a part-
glue to the relationship. Evaluate what you have to
time commitment? These are just some of the
offer. Be a good partner. Blow your partner away
philosophical differences that can make your
with the value you bring to the table.
venture a powder keg ready to ignite at the first
bump in the road. Discuss these and all other
#12:
Material Philosophical Differences
relevant points upfront. The longer you wait, the
more likely it that your differences will erupt into a
On The Business
lawsuit.
Any good relationship should include a candid,
comprehensive
discussion
of
“big
picture”
CONCLUSION
philosophies about the subject of the venture. Is
one of you a workaholic while the other a creative
The odds of making it in business are hard enough.
spirit that hates structure? Is one of you striving to
There is no need to increase those odds by taking
go national while the other is happy being local?
the completely unnecessary risk of joining forces
Does one of you believe it is OK to “push the
with a partner without paying attention to the above
envelope” on business ethics while the other feels
simple warning signs. If it is too late and you are
it is important to go by the book on everything?
already in a dispute, our office also handles
Does one of you want to make this a full-time plus
litigation.
Jeffrey H. Lerman
Jeffrey H. Lerman is Managing Partner of Lerman Law Partners, LLP (telephone: 415-454-0455;
website: http://www.realestateinvestorlaw.com). Mr. Lerman's credentials include being the 2007
President of the Marin County Bar Association, Chair of the California State Bar Real Estate Litigation
Section, Chair of the Marin County Bar Real Property Section, Director of the Marin County Bar
Association, General Counsel for two national real estate syndication companies, a lawyer, investor
and real estate broker. Mr. Lerman specializes in acquisitions and sales, entity formation,
syndications, commercial leases, loan documents, construction documents, loan work-outs, and
litigation involving each of these areas as well as unfair business practices litigation. Mr. Lerman has
been featured as a real estate expert on the national and local television news programs (including
"Fox News", CBS News and NBC News), radio, newspapers and is a sought-after speaker on various
real estate and litigation topics.