Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals and Dynamics
*Partnered Up* delves into the intricate world of business law, deals, and dynamics, offering practical insights and expert advice for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to navigate the complexities of partnerships.
Episodes

Apr 9, 2026
Apr 9, 2026
15 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Partnered Up, Business Law, Deals and Dynamics* Jeff Fink delves into the crucial but often overlooked topic of buy-sell agreements in business ownership. He explains how these agreements work, why they are essential, and the common pitfalls to avoid, offering valuable insights for business owners facing this challenge.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:20 – Explaining buy-sell agreements
04:45 – Triggers for reviewing buy-sell terms
08:10 – Common breakdown areas in buy-sell provisions
11:30 – Tax implications and structuring concerns
15:45 – Real-life example of a complex buy-sell scenario
19:10 – Impact of poorly designed agreements on disputes
22:30 – Strategies for crafting effective buy-sell agreements
About the Show:
*Partnered Up, Business Law, Deals and Dynamics* provides expert advice and insights on legal matters related to business partnerships, deals, and dynamics. Join Jeff Fink as he navigates the complexities of business law to help entrepreneurs protect their interests and plan for the future effectively.

Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
14 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of *Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals, and Dynamics* Jeff discusses the common scenarios where one business partner wants to exit while the other wishes to continue, exploring the reasons behind such imbalances and the potential consequences. From mismatched expectations to changing business environments, Jeff sheds light on the complexities that can arise in partnerships and emphasizes the importance of having clear operating agreements in place to address exit strategies effectively.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Reasons for imbalances in business partnerships03:45 – Impact of mismatched expectations05:20 – Addressing imbalance through operating agreements07:10 – Consequences of lacking clear exit paths09:05 – Negotiating solutions in partnership disputes11:20 – Escalating factors in partnership standoffs13:45 – The role of emotional intelligence in exit conversations15:30 – Seeking third-party advice for navigating partnership challenges
About the Show:*Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals, and Dynamics* provides valuable insights into the legal aspects of business partnerships, offering guidance on formation, growth, and dispute resolution for closely held companies. Join Jeff as he delves into the intricacies of partnership dynamics and strategies for maintaining successful business relationships.

Mar 12, 2026
Mar 12, 2026
14 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of *Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals, and Dynamics* attorney Jeff Fink delves into the complexities of deadlock clauses in closely held businesses. He highlights how disagreements on critical decisions like business sales and strategies can lead to deadlocks, often exacerbated by control issues and personal dynamics among partners. Jeff also shares insights on common deadlock resolution mechanisms such as mediation, tiebreakers, mandatory sales, and the infamous "Texas shootout." Through real-life examples, he underscores the importance of proactive communication and well-defined agreements to prevent deadlock impasses, offering valuable guidance for navigating partnership challenges.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Types of decisions triggering deadlocks03:45 – Examples of deadlock scenarios06:20 – Resolution mechanisms: Mediation, tiebreakers, and more09:15 – Impact of emotions and personal dynamics on deadlock resolution11:45 – Consequences of ineffective deadlock provisions14:00 – Paths to resolution: Negotiation, litigation, and withdrawal16:30 – Precautionary conversations for preventing deadlocks
About the Show:*Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals, and Dynamics* explores the intricate dynamics of business partnerships, offering insights on legal strategies, deal-making, and operational challenges. Hosted by Jeff Fink, a seasoned attorney at Coren Lichtenstein LLP, the podcast provides valuable guidance for business owners and partners on navigating complex partnership issues. Tune in for practical advice and in-depth discussions on sustaining successful business collaborations.

Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals, and Dynamics*, attorney Jeff Fink delves into the complexities of control in business settings. From who makes day-to-day decisions to strategic calls, Jeff highlights how real-life control often differs from what's outlined in legal documents. He emphasizes the importance of clarifying ownership, profit-sharing, and decision-making authority to avoid conflicts down the road.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Discrepancies between legal documents and real-life control
04:45 – Understanding ownership, profit sharing, and decision-making authority
08:15 – Interactions of voting rights, management structure, and day-to-day authority
11:20 – Challenges when partners overlook initial control discussions
14:00 – Factors escalating conflicts over control
17:40 – Strategies to calm conflicts and promote effective communication
21:10 – Precautionary steps for business owners to prevent control disputes
About the Show:
*Partnered Up: Business Law, Deals and Dynamics* explores the intricate dynamics of business partnerships, offering insights on legal strategies, deal-making, and operational challenges. Hosted by Jeff Fink, a seasoned attorney at Coren Lichtenstein LLP, the podcast provides valuable guidance for business owners and partners on navigating complex partnership issues. Tune in for practical advice and in-depth discussions on sustaining successful business collaborations.

Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
16 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Partnered Up*, Jeff Fink, a Partner at Coren Lichtenstein LLP, discusses how to identify early warning signs that a business partnership may be heading towards conflict. Drawing from real-life examples, Jeff highlights the importance of recognizing key indicators such as imbalance in contributions, lack of clear responsibilities, and divergent perceptions of fairness. He emphasizes the need for open communication and defining rules early on to prevent partnership breakdowns.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Identifying signs of trouble in a business partnership
03:45 – Balancing effort and reward in partnerships
05:20 – Defining clear responsibilities to avoid conflicts
07:10 – Recognizing the need for formal agreements in partnerships
09:05 – Leveraging diversity in management for stronger decisions
11:15 – Addressing authority issues without escalating conflicts
13:40 – Recognizing red flags indicating serious partnership issues
15:25 – Taking productive steps to address partnership problems
17:50 – Knowing when to consider an amicable split in partnerships
About the Show:
*Partnered Up* explores the intricate dynamics of business partnerships, offering insights and advice on navigating challenges and fostering successful collaborations. Join Jeff Fink as he delves into the nuances of partnership management and strategies for sustaining healthy business relationships.

Jan 29, 2026
Jan 29, 2026
15 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Partnered Up*, attorney Jeff Fink discusses the complexities of dividing profits within law firms. He shares insights on why partner compensation discussions can spark tension and explores different models of income distribution. Fink highlights the impact of firm culture on profit-sharing strategies and offers advice on fostering trust among partners.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Strain in Profit Division
03:45 – Challenges in Law Firm Compensation
06:20 – The Role of Founding Partners
08:55 – Compensation Committee Dynamics
11:10 – Individual-Based Income Allocation
13:45 – Fixed Share Equal Partner Model
16:30 – Balancing Flexibility and Predictability
18:50 – Rebuilding Trust in Profit Sharing
About the Show:
*Partnered Up* delves into the intricate dynamics of business law, deals, and partnerships. Join attorney Jeff Fink as he unravels the nuances of legal structures, negotiations, and relationship management in the business world.

Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
11 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Partnered Up, Business Law, Deals and Dynamics*, Jeff Fink, a Partner at Coren Lichtenstein LLP, delves into the concept of fiduciary duties in business relationships. He shares real-life stories illustrating how breaches of fiduciary duty can have severe consequences for business partners. Jeff explains the importance of putting the other party's interests first and acting carefully to protect those interests, highlighting the duty of care and duty of loyalty in fiduciary relationships.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Stories of breaches of fiduciary duty
03:45 – Definition of fiduciary duty
05:20 – Differentiating duty of care and duty of loyalty
07:10 – Examples of breaches and consequences
09:45 – Variances in fiduciary duties across states
11:30 – Balancing flexibility and protection in agreements
13:15 – Maintaining fiduciary duties day to day
15:00 – Closing remarks
About the Show:
*Partnered Up, Business Law, Deals and Dynamics* is a podcast hosted by legal expert Jeff Fink, focusing on providing insights and guidance for business owners and partners on navigating complex legal issues in the corporate world. Join Jeff as he shares valuable expertise on business law, deals, and dynamics to help listeners make informed decisions in their professional endeavors.

Jan 1, 2026
Jan 1, 2026
10 min
Episode Summary:Exploring the essence of successful business partnerships, Jeff Fink, Partner at Coren Lichtenstein LLP, shares insights on how strategic collaborations can drive sustainable growth. From real-life examples to defining partnerships beyond ownership, Jeff delves into the critical factors that determine fruitful partnerships for small and mid-size businesses.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Story of a profitable joint venture03:15 – The impact of strategic alliances on small businesses04:45 – Defining partnerships for long-term success06:20 – Knowing when to bring in a partner08:10 – Factors influencing partnership failures09:45 – Balancing legal structure and human dynamics in partnerships11:20 – Steps to evaluate the right strategic partnership
About the Show:*Partnered Up* delves into the intricate world of business law, deals, and dynamics, offering practical insights and expert advice for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to navigate the complexities of partnerships.








