Filter by

star star star star star
03 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I met with Ms. Varaich about drafting a will and she was very knowledgeable and explained the difference between a will and trust. She took her time and never rushed me. She listened and answered my questions and seemed sincerely interest in helping me make an informed decision of what I should do next. I recommend her if you need a local attorney.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I was referred to Lori by another attorney and was pleasantly surprised when we finally met. She was very easy to talk to and seemed to have a solid background in business related issues. She took her time to go over options, explain things more than once if needed and was genuinely interested in what I was trying to accomplish. Happy we met and happy we are working together.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2019 by Petar
She is friendly, intelligent, and a pleasure to work with.Looking forward to working with her in the future.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
17 Jun, 2015 by James
My wife and I have engaged Paul as our "land attorney" for more than a decade in developing purchase agreements, structuring conservation easement conveyances and first-offers-of-refusal, and in resolving unlawful detainer and regulatory agency conflicts involving our residential and resource property holdings, respectively. Throughout, Paul has been masterful in assuring that our best interests were represented in all of these transactions. One of Paul's more outstanding characteristics is his calm, focused demeanor and complete lack of invective and crassness in confronting and responding to any untoward situation that was encountered. This is a rare attribute in these days where civility and a problem solving orientation have been relegated to the backseat by the now unfortunate cultural norms of out-of-the-gate aggression and exacerbation. His orientation towards seeking conflict resolution through mediated negotiation, compromise, and consensus building first and reserving the venue of formal litigation as a last choice is exemplary. Conversely, when no other fruitful alternative to court was forthcoming, Paul has been a stalwart advocate in pursuing our position on the matter in question while providing us with a clear assessment of any potentially dubious course we may have sought with respect to a possible unfavorable outcome resulting from that strategy. I would not, nor will not, hesitate in using his service again in the future.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 May, 2024 by Sicsoma
Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Oct, 2023 by Michael koehler
My attorney is Jeff Monsell. I have only good things to say about Jeff and Ryan. Very professional. Not egotistical or rude like most other attorneys. Works hard and has logical plans for resolution. Jeff fixed the mistakes of my previous attorneys, got the 50/50 visitation with my daughter and reduced my support payment to $0 per month. Jeff Monsell is the ONLY family law attorney worth hiring in Humboldt County!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Mar, 2023 by Mari r (vamperilla)
Absolutely loved working with them! Jeffery Monsell was my lawyer and he did an amazing job helping me get a favorable outcome. I greatly appreciate all he has done for me and my family. Would definitely recommend and will use their services again if needed
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
05 May, 2024 by Sicsoma
Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Oct, 2023 by Michael koehler
My attorney is Jeff Monsell. I have only good things to say about Jeff and Ryan. Very professional. Not egotistical or rude like most other attorneys. Works hard and has logical plans for resolution. Jeff fixed the mistakes of my previous attorneys, got the 50/50 visitation with my daughter and reduced my support payment to $0 per month. Jeff Monsell is the ONLY family law attorney worth hiring in Humboldt County!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Mar, 2023 by Mari r (vamperilla)
Absolutely loved working with them! Jeffery Monsell was my lawyer and he did an amazing job helping me get a favorable outcome. I greatly appreciate all he has done for me and my family. Would definitely recommend and will use their services again if needed
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Business Lawyer Can Do for You

A business lawyer provides critical legal guidance and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Whether you are forming a new company, drafting contracts, or navigating complex regulations, a business attorney ensures you are legally protected and operating within the law. They can also help prevent legal disputes or represent you in negotiations, transactions, or lawsuits that arise during the course of business operations.

Business lawyers have expertise in areas such as business formation, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. They ensure that your business is compliant with relevant laws and help mitigate risks that could threaten your company's success.

When Should I Hire a Business Lawyer?

Hiring a business lawyer is essential at various stages of business development, including:

  • Forming a business: When deciding on the best structure for your company (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), a lawyer can guide you through the registration and compliance process.
  • Drafting contracts: If you need contracts for employees, partners, suppliers, or clients, a lawyer ensures these documents are legally sound and in your best interest.
  • Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions: If you are buying, selling, or dissolving a company, legal counsel is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Compliance and regulatory issues: A lawyer can help navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, or tech.
  • Resolving disputes: Whether it's contract disagreements, intellectual property infringement, or employment issues, a business lawyer helps mediate, negotiate, or litigate on your behalf.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

Business lawyers provide a wide range of services that cater to different legal needs of a business. They can:

  • Help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with employees, suppliers, customers, or business partners.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
  • Advise on tax strategies to minimize your business's tax burden.
  • Assist with intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
  • Handle mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring all legal paperwork is in order.
  • Resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.

How Are Business Lawyers Paid?

Business lawyers typically charge either by the hour or on a flat-fee basis, depending on the complexity of the work. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rates: The lawyer charges based on the time spent working on your case. Rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Flat fees: For certain tasks, such as incorporating a business or drafting a standard contract, a lawyer may offer a flat fee.
  • Retainer: Some businesses may hire a lawyer on retainer, paying a fixed amount each month to have ongoing access to legal services.

The payment structure is often discussed during an initial consultation so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and budget.

How Much Does a Business Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a business lawyer depends on factors such as:

  • The complexity of the legal issue: More complex matters, like mergers or intellectual property disputes, typically cost more than routine tasks like contract drafting.
  • The lawyer's experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in larger cities often charge higher fees.
  • The nature of the billing arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's expertise. Flat fees are usually available for simpler matters like forming an LLC or drafting a standard contract.

It's essential to discuss fee structures upfront to avoid surprises.

Top Questions to Ask a Business Lawyer

Before hiring a business lawyer, ask the following questions during your consultation:

  1. What is your experience with businesses like mine?
    Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry.
  2. What services do you offer?
    Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution.
  3. What are your fees, and how do you bill?
    Get clarity on how you'll be charged - whether by the hour, flat fee, or retainer.
  4. How do you handle conflicts of interest?
    Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business.
  5. Can you provide references from other business clients?
    Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism.
  6. Do you have experience in my specific industry?
    Industry-specific knowledge can be crucial, especially in highly regulated fields like healthcare or finance.

How to Check the Credibility of a Business Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable business lawyer:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for client reviews or testimonials: Online reviews, testimonials, or word of mouth from other business owners can provide insight into the lawyer's reliability and effectiveness.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
  • Check professional memberships: Membership in respected legal organizations (such as the American Bar Association or a local business lawyer association) can signal credibility.
  • Review their website and professional profile: A well-established lawyer typically has a professional website showcasing their areas of expertise, credentials, and case success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a business lawyer, prepare the following:

  • A description of your business and its structure: This will help the lawyer understand your legal needs.
  • Any current contracts or agreements: If you're seeking contract advice, bring copies of existing contracts.
  • A list of legal issues or concerns: Be ready to discuss any potential legal challenges, such as regulatory compliance, disputes, or transactions.
  • Financial documents: If applicable, bring financial records related to the legal matter you're seeking help with.
  • Questions about fees and billing: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s payment structure and fees upfront.

By preparing these materials, you can ensure that your first meeting with a business lawyer is productive and informative.

Scroll to top