Ten years ago, I wrote an article called the 10 Greatest Legal Mistakes in Business …. and how to avoid them. It became an eBook and then a CD.

When a client asked for a “Number 7”, I had visions of a legal mistake franchise along the lines of a Chinese takeaway.

Revisiting the 10 Greatest legal mistakes in business, I have decided to add one more.

 Mistake 11.    Don’t leave the money on the table.

In poker, as in marriage and small business, there comes a time when someone makes a grab for the money in the centre of the table. 

In marriage, it is your spouse clearing out the contents of the joint bank account giving the money to her (or his) lover who promptly squanders it. 

In business, when you fall out with your business partner he or she will divert deposits and move the contents of the business bank account to another account under your partner’s control. This stops you from grabbing the money and gives your partner the upper hand in the negotiations ending your relationship. 

If you (or a friend) has made a legal mistake which you believe should rank in the top 10 (or 11) please visit the Law & Disorder Facebook page to share your experience.