Blog
Finding the Right Attorney
When I introduce myself as an attorney, the first question I usually get is do you do __x__? If __x__ is not something I do, the next question is often how do I find a good lawyer or do you know any good lawyers that do __x__? I always offer to help connect people with the right lawyer for their ...
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Classifying Workers: Independent Contractor or Employee?
In between the flow of head-shaking news stories over the past few weeks, you may have seen something about Uber’s recent issues in California. A court in the Golden State recently issued a ruling requiring Uber to reclassify it’s drivers as employees (instead of independent contractors). While this has no impact on your small business here in Pennsylvania, it’s still ...
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Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Path to Expungement in Pennsylvania
Living with a criminal record can feel like a sentence to life as a second class citizen. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There is a path to expungement for everyone. The key is understanding that path, and putting the pieces in place to get there as soon as possible. This post provides an overview of expungement eligibility ...
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Choosing the Best Structure for Your New Business
Choosing the Best Structure for Your New Business By: M. Zane Johnson, Esq. When it comes to career choices, there’s nothing more exciting than starting a new business. Whether you’re striking out on your own or teaming up with a group of friends, turning a good idea into a successful business is an amazing feeling. However, before you can secure ...
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Saving Time, Money and Relationships Through Mediation
Saving Time, Money, and Relationships Through Mediation When a dispute arises, people often turn to courts for a resolution. More often than not, they are disappointed by what they find. Litigation — the process of taking legal action — is a headache. It is expensive, time consuming, and the outcome is rarely satisfying. Furthermore, the adversarial nature of the process ...
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Need a Second Chance? Now’s the Time to Apply For a Pardon in Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one has a past criminal conviction, you understand that when you have a record you never truly get a second-chance. No matter how long ago it occurred or how much you have grown since, many people will judge you based solely on your worst mistake. As a result, you lose out on opportunities to better ...
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A Basic Intro To Intellectual Property
I often get questions from people about protecting intellectual property (IP). I am not an IP attorney. However, I do know the difference between the four types of IP protection. So, I decided to pen a post explaining the basics of intellectual property. First, let me start by defining intellectual property. A piece of intellectual property is a creative work ...
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News for Pennsylvania Renters: Evictions Set to Restart in PA as Philadelphia Rental Assistance Program Gears Up for Phase 2
Back in March, the coronavirus pandemic brought life to a standstill. As we emerge from the initial shock of having our lives turned upside down, many families are struggling to hold it together. This is particularly true for many residential tenants. Across the country eviction moratoriums are coming to an end, and an estimated 6.7 million households are facing eviction. ...
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Why Your Pennsylvania LLC Needs a Written Operating Agreement
Limited Liability Corporations, or LLCs, are one of the most popular entities for new businesses. It is not hard to understand why. LLCs combine the liability protection of a corporation with the available tax structure of a partnership. Additionally, they give business owners freedom to setup and manage their company however they like, with few restrictions. The key to the ...
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Now Might Be The Perfect Time To Start Your Pennsylvania Small Business
It may seem counterintuitive, but now might be the perfect time to start your Pennsylvania small business. In the last few months, we have experienced massive events that will have a lasting impact on our country. It is important to acknowledge that these changes have resulted in tragedy for many. However, I am an optimist. Therefore, in this post I ...
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Getting The Most Out Of DIY Legal Forms
Do-It-Yourself legal form providers such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer seem to grow more popular with each passing day. It’s not difficult to understand why. Who doesn’t like the idea of a simple, accessible, and affordable solution? Many attorneys frown upon the use of DIY legal forms. However, I think their emergence is a good thing. They provide consumers with ...
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COVID-19 and Your Legal Rights
It’s becoming cliché, but we are in uncertain times. So much has changed over the past two months. At times its hard to keep track of how these changes will impact us moving forward. Recently, Managing Attorney Zane Johnson teamed-up with The Community Health Training Alliance and Attorney Mary Chicorelli, Executive Director of Equal Access Legal Services, to provide some ...
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Community Lawyering Webinar
MZA Legal Managing Attorney, Zane Johnson, will present a free webinar on February 5th, 2020 at 12pm, in partnership with Philadelphia FIGHT. The webinar covers the emergence of community lawyering as an approach to addressing the unmet need for legal solutions. The presentation starts with an introduction to what lawyers do and their theoretical role in society in relation to ...
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Attorney Zane Johnson on DayBreak with WURD
Zane Johnson, Esq., Founder and Managing Attorney of MZA Legal (formerly known as M. Zane and Associates), joins Daybreak on WURD Radio with host Hello Helanah. Watch as he shares what motivated him to start his own law firm, and discusses his vision for the future of affordable legal services. Check out our About page to learn more about Zane, ...
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