Here are three common legal issues faced by businesses. The key is to protect your business before things become a problem.

1. It's important to make sure that your human resources department and legal professionals are ready to handle issues should they arise when it comes to workplace discrimination and harassment. Hold on to résumés to show that you hire the most qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.  Have your HR department hold regular trainings so your management team and employees are familiar with discrimination and harassment policies and ethics.  Firing those who violate these policies can be crucial.

2. If a group of dissatisfied customers decided to band together and file a class action lawsuit against your company, the damage could be irreparable. Stay on top of customer issues by taking care of problems as they arise, continually asking for feedback and even positive reviews, when applicable, to maintain your personal and online reputation.

3. Should contract or other business disputes arise with employees or other business associates, it's a good idea to have a legal team to back you up. Good communication and ethics in daily business will also help avoid many, if not all, of these situations.