The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Law

by Constance E. Bagley, Craig E. Dauchy

This book contains 17 chapters that follow the progression of a start-up business and anticipate its legal concerns through the stages of growth up to an initial public offering. The new edition integrates e-commerce and international issues where appropriate. This text is appropriate at both the undergraduate and graduate level for those courses that cover legal issues and entrepreneurs. Depending on the course, it could be used as either a core text or a supplement.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Law, Startup, Nonfiction, Legal

730 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 1997

Reviews

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Stars because it’s slightly old and outdated. But it was actually quite readable and interesting—even for those with no real interest in the topic. After all, this is the way that the world goes round…


🎶🎵
That's the way that the world goes 'round
You're up one day, the next you're down
It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown
That's the way that the world goes 'round

I was sitting in the bathtub, counting my toes
When the radiator broke, water all froze
I got stuck in the ice without my clothes
Naked as the eyes of a clown

I was crying, "Ice cubes", hoping I'd croak
When the sun come through the window, the ice all broke
I stood up and laughed, thought it was a joke
That's the way that the world goes 'round

That's the way that the world goes 'round
You're up one day, the next you're down
It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown
That's the way that the world goes 'round
🎵🎶

[Jessica Hatchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and a fantastic resource to anyone who is interested in knowing anything about business law. I love this book! It's an awesome resource that I will ALWAYS keep on my bookshelf. It's really a must have for any businessperson.

[Yvonne English · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was used as a textbook for one of my grad school classes, and I often recommend it to entrepreneurs who are starting out. It's a clear and concise explanation of business law from the founder's perspective. There are plenty of examples and case studies to help the reader to grasp the concepts. It's the most approachable and user-friendly business law reference out there!

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great intro to law and what to pay attention to as a business person. Easy to follow and comprehend.

[H. R.]

the first and only helpful law book I’ve read for corporate/transactional practice

[Channah]

Read for class spring 2025

[Fredrik Storflor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Few examples good examples and lack of experience in startups. Appears to be a common business lawyer writing about startups. I would like to much more about what founders should worry about from investors. What should be in the charter, shareholders agreement. Drag, tag along rights etc.

[Yevgeniy Brikman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone starting a business. This book contains a solid introduction to just about all the common legal and business issues you need to be aware of. Despite having worked at startups for years and having done a fair bit of research on my own, I was amazed by how much I still didn't know (and didn't know that I didn't know).

The book is comprehensive and works both as an introductory read and a reference manual. It manages to strike a good balance between being technically (and legally) accurate, but still fairly readable. It's not exactly exciting reading, but still far better than trying to work your way through actual legal documents. There are tons of real-world examples ("from the trenches") and a single hypothetical example that is developed throughout the book, both of which are very helpful in seeing how the laws work in practice. The only downside is that this book makes you realize how complex some of these laws are and that, despite reading this book, you'll still need to consult with a lawyer. But at least now you know what to ask.

[David Usharauli · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many people to be a successful entrepreneur or the owner of their own business is a big accomplishments. And it is. But it is very tough. Though US has a very high ranking in "ease" of "starting business", after reading good part of this book I am not so sure about validity of it anymore.

I read 3rd edition in this series, published in 2007. These series have a good reputation for providing accessible and easy to digest information about almost every step of entrepreneurial endeavor.

I do find it quite easy to read. One really good thing about these series is that the authors provide the real "business" world examples for each topic.

In my view, these series will be very useful for someone who plans to start business or occupies executive position in any private company.

posted by David Usharauli

http://davidusharaulibookidealist.blo...

[Dan Gambetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome reference book for anyone who wants to start up a biz. Highly recommended.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is: THE Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law. Very well done.

I would give it 5 stars, however it is a reference book and doesn't exactly inspire.

[Katypies]

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law by Constance E. Bagley (2002)

[Pz]

pretty straightforward and easy to read. a nice synopsis of a lot of really boring stuff. enjoy the 'from the trenches' type stories

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every entrepreneur should read this book (preferably before starting a company).

[Jaret Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good legal read but beyond 'startup' scope for those who might be curious.

[Samira Alhassan]

just abt to read so allow me to finish

[Marcin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great but it assumes the US is the only place where business is conducted.

[Joseph]

I have 2nd edition