EP 116 - In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, exposes the harsh truth behind representing yourself in court. Many business owners think they’re saving money by skipping legal representation — but the reality is, it can cost them everything. Rich walks you through the hidden dangers of going “pro se,” from missed deadlines and procedural errors to personal liability and devastating judgments. Learn why even smart, experienced business owners lose cases they could have won — and what you can do to avoid becoming one of them. You’ll discover: Why representing yourself is riskier than you think. The procedural and evidentiary traps that destroy cases. How judges perceive self-represented litigants. The real financial and emotional costs of “saving money.” How to work effectively with an attorney and protect your business. Whether you’re in the middle of a dispute or just want to protect yourself before it happens, this episode is a must-listen for every serious business owner. 📞 How to Contact Rich Sierra @RichardSierra 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com 📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL 📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra 🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra 📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL 💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s 📘 Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them - Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinessideas #floridaattorney #businesslawyer #familybusiness #floridalawfirm #legalservices #businessideas Welcome to the Florida Small Business Legal Center YouTube Channel! Rich Sierra, with a robust background as both a business owner and a legal advisor, heads the Florida Small Business Legal Center. His dual experience uniquely positions him to empathetically and effectively handle the multifaceted legal challenges faced by small business owners. Detailed Service Offerings Breach of Contract Litigation: Rich Sierra represents clients in disputes arising from breached agreements, ensuring protection of their rights and seeking remedies that align with their business objectives. Franchise Disputes: He addresses conflicts between franchisees and franchisors, covering issues from contractual compliance to operational management, ensuring that the franchisor-franchisee relationship is legally sound. Shareholder and Partnership Disputes: Rich offers mediation and litigation strategies to resolve disputes within business partnerships and corporations, focusing on outcomes that aim to preserve business relationships and company integrity. Business Transactions: His experience extends to guiding clients through the complexities of buying or selling businesses, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and closing transactions. In-house Counsel Services: For businesses that require ongoing legal oversight, Rich provides in-house counsel services, offering legal assistance from operational compliance to strategic business planning. Real Estate Litigation: He tackles legal disputes involving property, from lease issues to ownership disputes, helping clients manage their commercial real estate holdings effectively. Commercial Lease Review: Rich assists in negotiating and reviewing commercial leases, ensuring that the terms are favorable and protect his clients’ business interests. Approach to Legal Services At the heart of Rich Sierra’s practice is a commitment to accessibility and understanding. He recognizes the pressures and challenges faced by small business owners and offers legal services that are not only effective but also empathetic. His approach involves clear communication, strategic planning, and transparent billing practices to ensure that small businesses can access high-quality legal support without undue financial burden. Rich Sierra is also the acclaimed author of "Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them." This book serves as an essential guide for entrepreneurs and business owners, addressing common pitfalls in the business world and providing practical strategies to avoid costly legal errors. The book is widely accessible, available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in local bookstores. This publication reflects Rich's dedication to empowering business owners with the knowledge to protect their ventures legally. Media Presence and Podcast Beyond his legal practice and authorship, Rich Sierra extends his educational outreach through his role as the host of the "Business SOS! Podcast." This platform allows him to connect with a broader audience, providing listeners with valuable insights into business law, interviews with industry experts, and tips on navigating complex legal landscapes. The podcast is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others, making it easy for business owners to access vital legal knowledge on the go.
