[samsamsam]

I have been working on a potential business and one of the people (call him Jason) who I thought would be a good partner is showing signs of flakiness. He does have a ton of leads and likes to talk. I think he fills a key role but he isn't the greatest team player. But I have known for about a year, so I know what I am getting vs a total stranger.

There are two other partners and I plan on giving them the same equity. Jason would get a sales commission. I am going to make everyone sign a buyout clause. I have not figured the dollar amount yet. I see this as a way to exert pressure if Jason does not keep plugging away. If things go great I won't complain, but if he starts slacking, I would be pissed that he was still making money off my idea and money invested.

A friend of mine was saying that even though he signs it and I buy him out, he can cry about how unfair it is, etc. and sue over it. But he hasn't done anything special so far, he has done things that I could have done if I took the time to do it. His value is really in his contacts and salesmanship.

Any advice or do you know if a person can sue even though you have a contract with a dollar amount? I know anyone can use, but sue with a reasonable chance of winning? This would be in California.

I'd be open to another structure (like a larger commission and no equity but this dude is pretty sensitive (as I have learned lately). I could just be asshole and give him nothing, since he has not done much yet, but that still opens a can of worms and isn't cool. I am just thinking of the best way to protect myself in the event he just sucks or slacks too much.

Thanks so much for your time.