The Small Business Contracts Coach

Epizode

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  Operating Agreements in Texas: What Protects You When Business Partners Disagree 21.08.2026 17min

  In this episode of the Small Business Contracts Coach, host Lisa Mosbey welcomes attorney Darryl Shaper from the Fixed Fee Law Firm to discuss the intricacies of operating agreements for Texas entrepreneurs. Darryl emphasizes the importance of these agreements in setting the terms and conditions for running a limited liability company (LLC). He highlights the need for thoughtful drafting to avoid future conflicts among business partners, particularly in areas like decision-making, profit distribution, and partner exits. Darryl shares practical advice on structuring voting rights, resolving deadlocks, and setting up buyout provisions to ensure smooth business operations. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how a well-crafted operating agreement can protect their business interests and facilitate long-term success.
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  Service Agreements for Small Businesses: Payment Terms, Scope Creep, and Getting Paid 24.07.2026 17min

  In this episode of Small Business Contracts Coach, attorney Darryl Shaper from the Fixed Fee Law Firm joins host Lisa Mosbey to discuss the intricacies of service agreements for Texas small businesses. They delve into the importance of clear payment terms and scope definitions to prevent cash flow issues and conflicts. Darryl emphasizes the necessity of upfront deposits, especially when dealing with new clients or large corporations with extended payment terms. He also advises on including stop work provisions and avoiding milestone payments to mitigate disputes. The conversation highlights the significance of precise language in contracts to avoid ambiguity, particularly in scope of work and termination provisions. Listeners will gain practical insights into crafting robust service agreements that safeguard their business interests and foster healthy client relationships.
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  AI in Contractor and Service Agreements: Who’s Responsible for the Output? 26.06.2026 21min

  In this episode of The Small Business Contracts Coach, host Sean O’Connor is joined by attorneys Darryl Shaper and Gil Melman to explore the impact of AI on business agreements. They delve into how AI is increasingly used in contractor and service agreements, and the implications for liability and risk management. Darryl and Gil discuss the importance of including specific clauses in contracts to address AI use, such as confidentiality and quality assurance. They also highlight the trend of clients using AI to draft initial contract versions and the potential pitfalls of this approach. The conversation offers practical insights for businesses on how to effectively integrate AI into their contractual processes while safeguarding their interests. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on crafting agreements that reflect the realities of AI-driven work environments.
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  Using AI in Your Business: Who Owns the Output and What Are You Risking? 29.05.2026 20min

  In this episode of Small Business Contracts Coach, host Sean O’Connor is joined by Attorney Darryl Shaper and Gil Melman, founding partner of BT Attorney’s Law Firm, to explore the integration of AI in small businesses. They discuss the current landscape of AI usage, highlighting both authorized and unauthorized applications within companies. The conversation delves into the challenges businesses face in establishing guidelines and policies to manage AI use effectively. Darryl and Gil share insights on the potential risks of over-reliance on AI, including ownership issues and the importance of maintaining human oversight. They emphasize the need for businesses to develop clear policies that incorporate AI responsibly while leveraging its benefits. The episode provides valuable guidance for small business owners on how to navigate the complexities of AI, ensuring its use enhances rather than hinders their operations.
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  NDAs for Small Businesses: When You Need One 01.05.2026 13min

  Attorney Darryl Shaper sheds light on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), clarifying when they are essential and when they fall short. NDAs are dissected as tools for safeguarding confidential information, emphasizing their overuse and limited enforceability. Darryl navigates scenarios where NDAs are crucial, demystifying their real-world impact and the importance of mutual agreements for fair protection.
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  Independent Contractor Agreements in Texas: Avoiding Expensive Classification Mistakes 03.04.2026 19min

  In this episode of the Small Business Contracts Coach, Attorney Darryl Shaper dives into the nuances of independent contractor agreements in Texas. Darryl sheds light on the key differences between independent contractors and employees, common gray areas that lead to misclassification issues, and essential clauses to include in contractor agreements. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, ownership rights, and dispute resolution strategies to protect small businesses from costly legal challenges.
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  Buying & Selling a Small Business 06.03.2026 19min

  Attorney Darryl Shaper of the fixed fee law firm PLLC shares valuable insights on the process of buying and selling small businesses in Texas. From the role of brokers to valuation considerations and key terms in purchase agreements, Darryl provides essential guidance for entrepreneurs navigating these transactions.
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  Master Service Agreements and Statements of Work: Who Owns What, Who Owes What 06.02.2026 19min

  Attorney Darryl Shaper delves into the crucial differences between Master Service Agreements (MSA) and Statements of Work (SOW) in contracts. He emphasizes the significance of clarity in intellectual property ownership, termination provisions, and limitation of liability. By breaking down the core issues settled in an MSA, Darryl offers actionable insights for small business owners navigating client relationships and contract negotiations.
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  LLC 101 in Texas: Formation, Operating Agreements, and Common Mistakes 09.01.2026 20min

  Attorney Darryl Shaper discusses the essential steps for forming an LLC in Texas, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right state for registration and avoiding common mistakes like co-mingling personal and business assets. He highlights the significance of operating agreements in governing internal business operations and managing potential disputes between partners.
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  The Key Legal Documents You Really Need: A Fixed-Fee Framework for Small Businesses 26.12.2025 19min

  Attorney Darryl Shaper discusses the essential legal documents crucial for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal assets, forming limited liability companies, and establishing clear contracts with customers and contractors. From LLC formation to service agreements, Darryl provides valuable insights on legal strategies for small business owners.