Ask Jade July 2025 Mid-Year Legal Check In

Your Business Legal Mid-Year Audit

By Jade Carpenter, WESOS Attorney | July 2025

As we enter the second half of the year, it’s time to ask yourself: Is your business legally protected and positioned for growth? A mid-year legal check-in is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) steps you can take to safeguard everything you’ve worked so hard to build.

“If your business has grown since January, your legal needs have too.”

‍

Why Mid-Year Legal Check-Ins Matter

Most entrepreneurs are laser-focused on growth, sales, and strategy—and legal often becomes a “set it and forget it” task. But legal protections are not static. As your business evolves, so do the risks and responsibilities that come with it. A mid-year legal audit helps you catch and correct issues before they become costly mistakes.

‍

Are Your Contracts Airtight?

Start by reviewing your contracts. Look for these key questions:

• Are payment terms, termination clauses, and deliverables clearly stated?
• Have you updated contracts to reflect any changes in your business or new laws?
• Do they reflect your current service offerings, pricing, or client terms?

Remember: contracts are your frontline defense. Any weak links can put your business at risk.

‍

Have You Filed All Required Annual Reports and Fees?

Every state has specific deadlines for filing annual reports and paying business entity fees—especially for LLCs and corporations. Missing these can result in:

• Late fees
• Loss of good standing
• Administrative dissolution of your entity

Also, make sure you know: Who is your Registered Agent? This person or service is your official point of contact with the state. Keeping this current is essential for compliance.

‍

Are You Properly Protected Against Liability?

Legal protection is more than just documents on file—it’s about reducing exposure to risk.

Here’s what to review:

• Liability Insurance – Is your policy up to date? Does it cover your current business size, activities, and revenue?
• Business Structure – Are your LLC or corporation records maintained? Is your corporate veil intact to shield your personal assets?
• Intellectual Property – Do you have trademarks, copyrights, or proprietary materials that need registration?
• Employee Policies – If you have employees or contractors, ensure you have clear agreements, up-to-date HR policies, and (if required) workers’ comp coverage.

‍

Join Me in Skokie This August

I’ll be speaking at Sara Jane Sparkle’s WESOS chapter meeting on:

🗓 Tuesday, August 11th
🕖 7–9pm
📍 Skokie, IL

Topic: The Legal Glow-Up: How to Upgrade Your Business Protections Before Q4 Hits

We’ll go even deeper into the legal tools and updates you need to finish the year strong—and secure.

If this checklist raised any red flags for your business, don’t wait. Legal gaps are fixable—but only if you catch them in time. If you need help reviewing contracts, filing reports, or updating your protections, I’m here to support your success.

‍

Let’s make sure your business is legally ready for whatever comes next.

‍