Your assignment: Take a time machine back to the point at which the three partners are planning on opening the restaurant. At this point you do not know that A.J. will be a disaster or that the place will wind up failing. Everyone is enthusiastic. But lawyers and knowledgeable business people understand that although we do not know exactly what problems will occur, we know the kinds of problems that might occur.

Your final assignment is to advise these three partners as they set up their business. You are not giving legal advice, you are simply using what you have learned to counsel three real people (who should of course also talk to a lawyer) to help them avoid problems and give them a greater chance of success. The following are some of the questions sophisticated business people and lawyers should ask at this early stage. Each one of our six sessions has taught you some valuable things. Put them to use in helping these guys avoid the disaster that is waiting to fall on their heads.