Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD

As more practices are acquired by larger companies, are veterinary consolidators undertaking "legal" restraint of trade? Let's roll the dice and find out.

Poorly written agreements are all too common, so a well-devised contract is cause for celebration. Before you sign your name on the dotted line (or ask someone else to do so), consider these exceptional provisions benefitting both the associate and the practice.

Once upon a time, veterinary practices were owned by veterinarians. Then other interested parties came along ...

If you're thinking of retiring or selling your practice, Dr. Christopher Allen has some words of advice on making sure you set up your 'baby' to have a happy new life on its own.

Noncompete terms are the gifts that keep on giving well after you leave a veterinary practice. If youre hoping to get out of yours, heres a picture of how that could goas well as some words of advice.

Imagine you decide to leave your veterinary practice and your coworker wants to follow. If you arent careful, you could end up in court.

Just like the transcontinental railroad transformed the American West, our profession is experiencing changes the likes of which it's never seen before.

If youre ever disciplined by your state veterinary board, dont make your nightmare worse by neglecting your licenses in other states.

Creating a working partnership with a generalist can open the door to a career path you may not have considered.

New veterinary talent wants noncompete language that wont be unfairly burdensome. Employers want noncompete language that will hold up in court. Could a laddered noncompete serve both interests?

If youre an associate veterinarian, your new employment contract is worth a careful readso dont let the transition team pressure you into a quick turnaround.

A nondisparagement clause might keep that toxic team member you fired from badmouthing your veterinary practice all over social mediaif its legally enforceable.

Lets get to know what these documents are, how they can help and why they might benefit your practice (and your wallet).

Subtleties in wording can mean everything when addressing breach of contract situations. Learn from these examples given by Dr. Allen.

A well-thought-out letter of intent, much like an engagement proposal, can be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Lessons learned from my visit to the real-life Ricks Caf from the classic film Casablanca can help you get what you want out of a veterinary employment contractwhether youre the boss or the associate.

Avoid violating anti-discrimination laws the same way you avoid malpractice claims.

Increasingly complex legislation means veterinarians must be extra-vigilant in their drug management practices.

Dr. Christopher J. Allen draws parallels between buying an apartment in Manhattan and buying a minority share in a veterinary clinic to illustrate why both need to be approached with caution.

They may sound good, but certain clauses in your employment agreement might have zero legal enforceability.

When it comes to your professional negotiations, bark less, purr more.

You can confront todays economic challenges AND remain optimistic about the veterinary field at the same time. Here are 3 tips to help you thrive.

A discussion of DVM responsibility regarding medical records, veterinarian-client-patient relationships and narcotics.

In order to find out whether or not there's chemistry between a veterinary practice owner and a newly-hired associate, you need to walk a fine line.

" And I have no clue what they mean." A veterinary attorney helps break the code on these verbose legal documents.

When it comes to veterinary compensation contracts, associates need a 360-degree view before signing on the dotted line.

Three times you need to watch for signs of a legal storm on the horizon.

Your professional reputation can be just as fragile as a socialites honor in the 10th century salons of Paris. Protect yourself.

Hard questions smart associates ask themselves when ownership is changing hands.

First step? Dont panic. When a veterinary investigator comes calling, keep your emotions in check and lawyer up.