Amanda Hayes

Attorney

Amanda Hayes is a practicing attorney serving clients in the U.S. and abroad on business and trademark matters. She also works as a freelance writer, contributing articles on small business law for Nolo.com.

Legal career. Amanda has founded two firms, located in North Carolina and Massachusetts. At her firms, she has worked on a range of cases, including in the areas of business formation, licensing, trademark and intellectual property, nonprofit, and real estate.

Credentials. Amanda is a double Tar Heel, earning her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She has passed the bar exams in North Carolina and Massachusetts, and currently practices in both states.

Business law. Amanda has served and collaborated with many companies, from small businesses to large enterprises, in a variety of industries. She considers the best part of writing about small business topics to be helping the people behind the company—often entrepreneurs pursuing a lifelong dream—set up a strong operating foundation so they can focus on what they love most. You can learn more about Amanda's law practice at ideasPLUS LLC


Articles By Amanda Hayes

How to Form a Partnership
You don't have to file any paperwork to establish a partnership -- you can create a partnership simply by agreeing to go into business with another person.
What Is a Partnership?
A partnership is a business with more than one owner that has not filed papers with the state to become a corporation or LLC (limited liability company).
Trademark Class 35: Advertising and Business Services
Trademark Class 35 includes services for advertising, business management, administration, and office functions.
Selling Your Business: A Guide to the Due Diligence Process
Are you selling your business? This article will walk you through the due diligence process.
7 Steps to Dissolving an LLC
You've decided to wind down your business, but you need to take care of several important steps to limit your liability for lawsuits and government fees.
Legal Guide to Gross Commercial Leases
If you’re starting a new business, expanding, or moving locations, you’ll likely need to find a space to set up shop. After touring a few places, you settle on the perfect location and you’re ready to start talks with the landlord about signing a lease. For most business owners, the landlord will
How to Start a Corporation in 7 Steps
If you've sorted through the many types of business structures and decided to start a corporation, you're
Choosing a Business Name FAQ
How to choose and register a successful business name.
What to Do If a Client Won't Pay
Sooner or later most independent business owners find themselves facing down a client who hasn’t paid up. Use this step-by-step method when clients don’t or won’t pay you.
Fair Use Defense: When Can You Use Another Owner's Trademark Without Permission?
“Fair use” is a legal doctrine that lets people copy or otherwise use other people’s intellectual property without permission under certain circumstances. You might be familiar with the fair use defense for copyright, but not everyone knows that the defense also applies to trademark law. Under