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Don't Get Sued, Get Smart

A Small Business Pocket Guide to Avoiding Employment Law Landmines

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Don't Get Sued, Get Smart

By: Diane Faulkner
Narrated by: Diane Faulkner
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Summary
Small-business owners don’t know what they don’t know about employment law. And that’s a problem. The majority of businesses in the United States are small businesses; they make up 99.3 percent of all firms, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Of those, 36 to 53 percent are sued each year because they unknowingly violate employment law.

HR compliance and employment law expert Diane Faulkner has witnessed many glaring mistakes by well-meaning small-business owners. She has seen how simple things like providing comp time rather than paying overtime or telling employees they can’t talk about their wages can get an owner sued, not only by individuals, but by local, state, and federal government agencies. It’s sad and oh-so-avoidable. In this handy guide, as a small business owner, you will learn where you can risk running afoul of the most commonly broken laws and how easily – and even innocently – this often happens. Then, learn what each law actually says and what your responsibilities are so you can avoid the legal landmines that lie ahead.©2026 Diane Faulkner (P)2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Business Development & Entrepreneurship Small Business
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Critic Reviews

"Diane’s book is perfect for small business owners—who often don’t know what they don’t know. Even HR professionals are sure to learn from this easy-to-read book!" (David Miklas)
"In my HR consulting work, I've seen too many well-meaning small business owners suffer devastating financial consequences simply because they were ignorant of employment laws. Don’t Get Sued, Get Smart brilliantly explains how to avoid the pitfalls that have crippled small businesses. It’s a must-read for every small business owner I work with. It’s like having an expensive HR consultant on speed dial." (Danielle M. Venderosa, SPHR, SHRM-SCP)
"Diane is my go-to for anything HR. She breaks down complicated topics clearly. She’s sharp, and she knows how to protect business owners before things become a problem.

Diane knows the laws. She knows the industry... and she gives the kind of advice that helps you breathe easier because you know you’re protected. Her new book will help small business owners rest easy." (Zelda Greenberg)
"In Don’t Get Sued, Get Smart, Diane brings her passionate, deeply experienced HR background to small-business owners in a way that is both easy to understand and immediately useful. With decades of hands-on insight across industries, she breaks down the complexities of employment law with empathy, clarity, and a sharp eye for the details many owners overlook. Her knowledgeable, story-driven approach helps readers feel informed, not intimidated, so they can confidently navigate the laws that govern having employees. This book is a must-read for any business owner ready to protect their company, support their team, and get smarter about the rules that impact their success." (Tracey Phillips)
"Diane’s expertise is unmatched, and her quick guidance has spared my company and me countless hours of digging for answers. Time is money. Don’t Get Sued, Get Smart is easily one of the most worthwhile investments of your time that you can make.” It is a great reference book to have when you need answers NOW." (Kim Stanley, LUTCF, CLTC)
Starting with onboarding and managing people, this book condenses employment law issues into bite-sized pieces and offers thoughtful guidance. Small-business owners and those thinking of joining their ranks will find this a fresh, useful, easy-to-read guide to understanding employment law scenarios and when to seek guidance.
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