Most business owners think legal problems start in a courtroom.
According to attorney Shavon Smith, they usually start much earlier.
In this episode of Stack & Startup Baltimore, Jason Sherwood sits down with Shavon J. Smith of The SJS Law Firm to discuss why legal issues often begin as operational issues, contract gaps, documentation failures, and communication breakdowns.
We discuss:
• Why founders wait too long to involve legal counsel
• Partnership agreements and business risk
• Contracts, documentation, and dispute prevention
• Operational systems that reduce legal exposure
• Scaling a business without creating unnecessary risk
• AI, technology, and legal workflows
• Building a stronger business foundation before problems appear
Whether you are a founder, entrepreneur, consultant, or small business owner, this conversation offers practical insights into protecting your business before expensive problems arise.
Connect with Shavon Smith:
Website:
https://www.thesjslawfirm.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shavon-j-smith-1115051/
Stack & Startup Baltimore explores the people, businesses, technology, and ideas shaping Baltimore and Maryland's business community.

Stack & Startup is a Baltimore-based business podcast focused on real conversations about building, running, and growing companies in Maryland.

If you’re serious about improving how your business operates—from technology to decision-making—follow the show for practical, experience-driven insights.

Watch and connect:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StackStartupBaltimore
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-sherwood/

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