Hart Kienle Pentecost

08/31/2026

Huge news for small business owners! FinCEN has permanently ended the beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act for U.S. companies. See how this regulatory rollback impacts your business here.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0603

08/24/2026

Registering a business involves key decisions on entity structure, state qualifications, and federal compliance requirements like FinCEN beneficial ownership reporting. Protect your assets from day one with proper legal preparation. https://www.sba.gov/counseling/launch-your-business/ -permits

08/17/2026

Using copyrighted photos, music, or videos for business marketing usually requires permission from the content creator. While fair use rules allow limited use of protected materials for education or commentary, commercial promotions rarely qualify. Simply tagging or giving credit to the original creator is not enough to protect your business.

Our best expert advice on how to grow your business — from attracting new customers to keeping existing customers happy and having the capital to do it.

08/10/2026

Contracts are legally binding agreements that protect both sides when making deals or doing business. Understanding basic terms like mutual agreement, clear obligations, and fair value helps ensure everyone’s rights are respected. Knowing what makes a contract valid helps ensure that both parties uphold their promises.

Understanding contract law is essential for creating enforceable agreements, avoiding disputes, and protecting your business in today’s legal landscape.

08/07/2026

Hart Kienle Pentecost was proud to sponsor today's State of the County Luncheon at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. It was a pleasure connecting with fellow business and community leaders while hearing valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges shaping Orange County's future. Thank you to everyone who made this outstanding event possible.

08/03/2026

Choosing the right structure for a business helps separate personal assets from company liabilities. Well-drafted agreements with partners, vendors, and clients ensure everyone understands their obligations while protecting what you build. Knowing these basic legal responsibilities early on creates a solid foundation for long-term stability.

Business lawyers help with contracts, business structure, compliance, and legal risks. They save money by preventing costly mistakes before they happen.

07/27/2026

Establishing and building business credit requires creating a legal entity, obtaining trade credit, and consistently paying vendors on time or early. Consulting a business attorney can help you structure your entity properly and protect your personal liability while building corporate credit.

Business credit signals to lenders and vendors about your company’s ability to borrow money and pay its financial obligations. Learn what it is and how to build it.

07/22/2026

Federal Court of Australia Rules in Favor of HKP Client, Rebel Wilson

Hart Kienle Pentecost represents actress Rebel Wilson in a defamation action in California arising from the highly publicized dispute surrounding the film The Deb. In a significant companion proceeding, the Federal Court of Australia recently entered judgment in favor of Ms. Wilson in MacInnes v. Wilson [2026] FCA 957, rejecting the plaintiff's defamation claims.

As part of HKP's representation, Partner Allyson Thompson traveled to Australia to assist Ms. Wilson and her Australian counsel during the trial proceedings, which included helping coordinate strategy across the related international litigation. The favorable ruling marks an important development in the broader dispute as Hart Kienle Pentecost continues to zealously represent Ms. Wilson in the related California action.

07/20/2026

Properly closing, selling, or transferring a business requires navigating complex state dissolutions, tax filings, and asset valuations. Consulting a business attorney ensures you draft a legally binding sales agreement, protect your personal assets, and successfully avoid lingering liabilities.

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07/14/2026

Five Years in a Row! We're honored to share that Hart Kienle Pentecost has once again been named one of the Orange County Business Journal's Best Places to Work, our fifth consecutive year receiving this recognition!

This award is especially meaningful because it's based on employee feedback. It reflects the culture we've built together and the incredible people who make HKP such a great place to work.

To every member of our team: thank you for your dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. This recognition belongs to all of you. Here's to celebrating five years and continuing to build a workplace we're proud to call home.