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20 Aug, 2024 by Anthony gutierrez
I got into a car accident and Madison and sally were the sweetest and answered any questions I had. They always called me to let me know what was going on. Thank you guys for helping me out!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Brayan gutierrez
Madison was excellent she made it easy to understand everything and she was on top of everything this is the best firm to go.
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14 May, 2024 by Ryan nicholson
The augers are the best in the business. I was injured and they got me a great settlement in a timely manner. If I’m ever injured again, they will be the first people I call.
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05 Oct, 2019 by Rick
Very professional, very knowledgeable and wonderful to work with in dealing with an embarrassing and difficult situation. Rod always answered my questions in a timely manner.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Cheryl
A few years ago Rod and his team resolved a student loan issue quickly & efficiently. He is most knowledgeable and doesn't waste time. He & his wife and staff were a pleasure to work with as well. Highly Recommend!
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26 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
This is a brief but very well deserved "THANK YOU" to Rod Kight, and to Ashley Poteet-Kight, of Kight Law Office, PC in Asheville, NC. About two to three years ago I began to have panic attacks regarding credit card debt that I was finding increasingly difficult to manage. My husband and I had moved to North Carolina from many successful years in Florida, and he felt it was retirement time. I had not quite planned on a sudden move like this but thought I would find a new job and pay off the credit card debt we had. Unfortunately, work is not readily available in the mountains and instead of paying off, the debt began to increase. I knew I had to do something and I began researching bankruptcy as a last resort. I soon learned I needed the help of an expert and so I turned my efforts to finding someone I could trust and feel I could bare my soul to in order to try and sort out my options. My husband wanted no part of a bankruptcy so I took that path alone, but with the critical help of Kight Law Office. I can't thank them enough for all the help and guidance and compassion I received in sorting out what needed to be done. In a matter of a few months Rod was able to have all my unsecured debts resolved and I felt I could breath again. Ashley was always just a phone call away whenever I had questions or concerns and she was so knowledgeable and calm, it was like therapy for my anxiety. For anyone needing help with legal matters, credit issues and bankruptcy, I highly recommend the law office of KIGHT! They are top notch professionals and will ease your mind and body of the stress and embarrassment associated with matters so personal and overwhelming. Take my word for it, you won't be sorry if you pick up the phone and make an appointment with Kight Law Office!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Barbara
April and Rachel are wonderful: great service!
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02 Feb, 2024 by Heather lyons
Martin Law has assisted my family and I over the years. I appreciate the staff and am very grateful for the guidance they have also provided with each transaction. They are a big part of me and my families decisions in regards to real estate and the related documentation necessary. I have referred and continue to refer others to the firm with much confidence.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Darknluvly g
09 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke with Steve on numerous occasions concerning a legal issue. He was able to collect my fragmented, loosely connected dates and facts, then strategize with me on a winning game plan.
I had a loose idea of what information I needed to present, but Steve helped me make it a powerful, cohesive narrative to present. He showed me which facts needed spotlighting and which were peripheral and supportive, at best.
God forbid you have to deal with the mess I had to but, if you do, you'd do well to choose Mr. Jackson. I was extremely glad Steve was there to walk me through the dark maze of legalese, explain the details in a way I could understand and connect with, then help me prepare a sound plan.
I'm tellin' you. You'd do well to go with Steve. Unless you like rolling the dice on your own that is...
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09 Nov, 2015 by Jim
Competent and very professional, Steve took the time to understand our needs and recommend an estate plan tailored to our needs. I would not hesitate to recommend Steve.
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27 Oct, 2015 by Walter
Great - Understanding and Professional. Asked questions about our needs and came up with what we asked for. Wouldn't go anywheres else for Estate Planning. Would recommend highly.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Adrienne
He is honest, ethical and has real empathy for his clients. He always made me calm no matter how stressful the situation
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15 Sep, 2017 by Richard
I cannot say enough about the superb professional support I have received for my dental practice from Mr. Brad Stark and The Fisher Stark law firm.. Brad and Perry are not only highly skilled attorneys, but they offer a warm and caring attitude that I have not found in many attorneys. They've not only shown great interest and concern for our legal matters, but they have always responded to our needs very quickly, with great efficiency, and with success. I strongly recommend the law firm of Fisher Stark, and look forward to their future support.
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07 Oct, 2016 by Chris
Mr Stark assisted me with my injury lawsuit. I found him to be extremely attentive and helpful. He took to the time to get to know me, not just my case. Admittedly I was a bit intimidated talking to a lawyer but he was very down to earth and helped me understand all the legal jargon I didn't really understand. He explained my options and laid out clearly what I could expect throughout the process which really helped settle my nervousness. I am very thankful that I chose Mr. Stark and would certainly recommend him if you are seeking an attorney.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Amy
Very personable and thorough attorney who did a unique will and trust for us. The horses can rest assured that their lifestyle can continue uninterrupted!
Extremely detailed and well documented.
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07 Mar, 2016 by Annette
After a very difficult year and 5,000 mile relocation to NC with my two small children, I was very nervous about my financial future and protecting my children's future. Peter facilitated this transition and guided me through the estate planning process. It was a relaxing and very professional atmosphere. Peter pointed out other aspects of financial planning that I had not even considered and put me in touch with several other professional associates. The process went very quickly. Directions were complete and thorough. I look forward to a long relationship with this firm.
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19 Oct, 2015 by Annabelle
In the handling of my estate and personal legal concerns Peter McGuire has suggested different courses of action, and explained each in a manner that is understandable. Within the direction I decided upon, my concerns were addressed, the consequences of each course of action explained, and the final documents have been prepared promptly. P
ayment was not accepted or asked for until I was satisfied.
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29 Jan, 2023 by Donna
My husband and I are very pleased with the Estate Planning services provided by Heather Strobel. She is very professional, well organized and was very patient with us. She guided us through the entire process to finalize our estate planning documents. She pointed out important elements of an estate plan and the decisions that carefully needed to be made. She demonstrates enthusiasm, diligence, trustworthiness and has an awesome personality. My husband and I highly recommend Heather Strobel!
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28 Mar, 2020 by Jr
My family's association with Mrs. Strobel is one of complete satisfaction. She brings to the table levels of professionalism and expertise unequaled in her field. We strongly recommend her services to everyone seeking legal representation.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Thomas
I've know Ms. Stobel for some time. I had the privilege of being her real estate broker back some time ago. I always knew that Shannon and I would need to make sure our affairs were in order. That time came and Heather was the only Estate Planning attorney I would consider. I do business with people I know and trust. I trust Ms. Strobel with all our estate planning needs for my family. My mother and sister also hired Ms. Strobel for their estate needs too. You'd be fortunate to be able to work with her! Thank you for all the help and the peace of mind... especially in these times.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Morgan
Patrick Twisdale is a highly knowledgeable and professional attorney. I would recommend Patrick for any of your business law needs.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Ian
Mr. Twisdale is an exceptional attorney that always provides clear and useful legal counsel regarding intellectual property and business questions I have.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Keith
Excellent attorney very educated, in the rule of law won my three cases look no further for a excellent attorney. I will use him again in the future if I need to. Patrick Twisdale did a great job. I couldn’t be happier.
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11 Apr, 2017 by Doug
First time divorcee... What a difficult experience. I chose Katherine's firm because she was incredibly astute - immediately understood my primary goal was to have a civilized dissolution of my marriage. Life is way too short to get caught up in years of turmoil, hatred and ugliness for the sake of money... but that's just me. Regardless, Katherine was always right on point, doing her job to protect me and my future interests, while not "stirring the pot" in a negative way. I would fully trust her to execute an equally ugly, contentious legal matter because I always felt as though she was right on top of things, and more importantly on top of the law. All I can say is that I can't recommend her more highly... And don't forget the rest of the team, this isn't a "one woman show" - Tahani and others had been right in the midst and always on top of things, pleasant to work with and timely in every way. Honestly, I don't write reviews (often), but I absolutely needed to share my positive experience with people who might otherwise make a terrible decision with a horrible troll of a lawyer - and trust me, they're out there.... so go with someone that won't drag you down into their world... stays on top with the high road, while still making sure you come out the way you want.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Katherine is smart, knows the law, and is both tenacious and fair. I was involved in litigation in another state and hired Katherine to represent me in NC. I shared legal documents from the other lawyer with her and she found a huge mistake in his draft settlement offer that would have cost me a tremendous amount. After that, I had her look at everything and she steered me through very tough negotiations with a deft and tough approach that resulted in a good settlement for me. She is the best lawyer I've ever hired.
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29 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Katherine has represented me beyond my expectations. Katherine follows the rules, she files documents on time, she is efficient, trustworthy, knowledgeable and very helpful. In court Katherine is courteous and professional, informed , prepared and on time.. I could not have wished for better representation .
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02 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Cory came highly recommended to me. I'd heard that he was a near legend miracle worker in the courtroom (a repeated D.U.I case that might have ended up really bad, he made really right.) . But I"d never needed a D.U.I. fixed. However! Crazy things can happen when you least expect it--a police officer going through your purse and finding EXACTLY the wrong thing for instance. Thank heaven's there is someone like Cory to step up and saved me. he is so easy to talk to and fair in his charges. I would ay, you can;t do better in Asheville. Thanks so much, Cory.
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05 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
This was my first time getting into to trouble, and while it was a minor charge it was still a scary and stressful time. Corey made me feel better the moment I spoke to him and made me feel confident in how things were going to turn out. He was quick to get back into contact even for this very minor charge. Corey ended up having everything dismissed in the most professional way. Thank you Corey!
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04 Nov, 2015 by Thomas
Robert, (Corey), has helped us with two incidents involving my college-age daughters. In both cases, he was polite, prompt, and successful in obtaining a fair resolution. He has a way of calming the anxiety during the period leading up to the decision, maintaining perspective and using tact and humor to keep everyone focused and on track. A true professional at all levels!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Joe schmo
21 Aug, 2020 by Joe cole
03 Oct, 2019 by Cyndy ebert
Ms. Vardiman is caring but thorough; kind but straight forward and no nonsense. Extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend her for any of your family issues
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12 Dec, 2023 by Joe schmo
21 Aug, 2020 by Joe cole
03 Oct, 2019 by Cyndy ebert
Ms. Vardiman is caring but thorough; kind but straight forward and no nonsense. Extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend her for any of your family issues
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06 Nov, 2013 by Leonard bard iii
This attorney did the estate planning for my family. She was fast, efficient, and very pleasant to work with. I was impressed with her knowledge of how to manage assets with a non-traditional family structure.
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20 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Over many decades, I've dealt with a number of attorneys. Eva Clement has a level of integrity and genius I've never run across in the profession.
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18 May, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney was amazing! She was brillant, professional, and creative. She was responsive to all of my concerns and kept me informed during my negotiation process.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Mark
I first meet with Perry Fisher more than 10 years ago to handle a problem I was having with a company that owed me a great deal of money. The manner in which Mr Fisher handled this matter made me realize that he isn't just an ordinary attorney. He was extremely skillful, has tremendous finesse and had fantastic empathy for the nervousness I was experiencing as we entered the deposition for this case. Mr Fisher helped me get a financial result that was much better than I ever anticipated.
A few years later, he and I went into battle with another company that tried to cheat me out of a great deal of money. Again, everything went better than I ever expected do to Mr. Fisher's skill and empathy.
Mr. Fisher continues to handle all the legal matters for my business.
I can't say enough good things about Perry Fisher and Brad Stark and the entire staff at Fisher Stark, P.A. in Asheville, NC.
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05 Apr, 2017 by John
I was in a life critical crash caused by an out of state driver. Perry and his office staff were amazing to work with. Both he and his assistants not only returned my emails in a timely manner they also returned my calls. Perrys expertise and knowledge turned my grave situation into a manageable process with an outcome I was satisfied with.
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20 Oct, 2014 by Erik
Having worked with half a dozen attorneys in my life for various business matters, I can tell you that the negotiation, deposition, and litigation skills of Perry Fisher and Brad Stark are the best I have ever experienced.
This past year, our internet business was dealing with a Copyright Infringement and Breach of Contract that severely impacted our company. I interviewed many attorneys in North Carolina, but none had the level of proficiency with online business or IP that Fisher Stark Cash had. Perry and Brad are extremely knowledgeable about business law and contract tort and hold the proper experience and foresight to handle potential issues in a complex case. They reviewed my business contracts thoroughly, assessed the situation from all angles, and guided me through negotiations and pre-trial to help us regain control. With Perry at the helm, our final settlement recovered all our losses and then some.
Their small firm proved to offer personal service with the mastery and experience to handle highly-charged cases. I highly recommend Fisher Stark Cash.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Nate
Katherine was extremely professional and caring in our first meeting. She made me feel at peace and quickly put together a plan of action. We were able to negotiate our contract and settle our case in just a few weeks. I don't know what we would have done without her expertise and help. I would highly recommend hiring Katherine for your legal needs.
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07 Oct, 2016 by Susan
As General Counsel of an Asheville company, I've enjoyed working with Katie Pomroy on significant litigation. Katie is very attentive, caring more about providing good and effective legal services than the bottom line. She translates complex legal concepts into plain English, and is an excellent writer. I plan to use Katie's legal services again.
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30 Nov, 2015 by Sheri
I'm likely one of the pickiest people out there due to past experience handling parental issues with lawyers in other states. 90% of the time, I had to correct mistakes from lawyers with an excellent reputation to lawyers who too late appeared to be missing some brain cells. This was through about four lawyers I hired and fired.
When we moved to Asheville, we searched unsuccessfully for a Trust lawyer some years ago. We gave up until we got a recommendation this year. Our work needed to be done and lawyers tend to make me nervous due to their inadequacies in past encounters.
When we met with Ms. Burt, I tried to trip her on her knowledge (as we did with another lawyer we interviewed and knew we wouldn't go to her as her knowledge was very limited). I was unable to find errors in Ms. Burt's documents. She's extremely knowledgeable, professional, and personable. I've already recommended her to friends and I do not take recommending lawyers lightly.
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29 Jun, 2014 by Randy
April assisted with the formation of my new PLLC. She seemed very knowledgeable in the matter, was always prompt to respond to questions I had, and kept me fully informed throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking to form a new legal entity.
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27 Jun, 2019 by Renoo
"We hired Gregory Johnson for an encroachment/legal dispute. We searched for the best representation to get a highly stressful situation resolved. Greg came highly recommended by another attorney we consulted. He treated us with respect and handled our case professionally and economically. He knows real estate backward and forward and is an excellent litigator and mediator. His assistant Debbie Donnelly was also very responsive and helpful. We really appreciated his time and attention to our case. We are so thankful and he is the best!"
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14 Feb, 2010 by Sharon
Switched to Mr Dungan from another lawyer, and had excellent professional service from his staff and him. Just want to say thanks.
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12 Dec, 2016 by Sandra
This office of Reed Law Firm handles multiple closings for my Real Estate business. I am consistently impressed by the responsiveness, kindness and diligence of the staff. Phone calls and emails answered promptly.
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18 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Smuckler assisted my company with a very difficult employment matter. He acted on a very timely and cost sensitive basis. His advice was spot on and perfectly molded for our business expectations.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Jerry detz
Very thorough and explained potential situations very clearly. I entered with questions and I left as a client. Highly recommend Peter and his staff.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Tom brettingen
Professional, prepared, thorough. Excellent experience.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Bob richmond
Very thorough, professional and personalized. Would recommend to anyone!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Gabriel scafidi
I have been pleased with Jessica Walter's services thus far in handling my son's custody case. She seems thorough, looks for every angle she can, and has many years working with the judge overseeing our case.
Get ready to pay though. Half of my retainer deposit was depleted before the case was even seen! That's mostly just because there's a lot of prep and foot work involved though.
At no fault of hers, the trial got delayed twice and finally got scheduled on my daughter's birthday. Well I was, understandably, livid. The court's excuse was the approaching holiday and that they are moving over to a new virtual system, which meant they would shut down for a couple months.
I have to hand it to Debbie, Jessica's assistant, for how she handled this. She was very pleasant, dispute my ill mood about the situation, and they were able to get the hearing moved to another day. They only turn 5 once and I am ever greatful they were able to fix this.
My family thanks you all down a Jessica Walter's office! Check them out for your custody or divorce needs!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Eden trejo (edeliciouss)
We had the pleasure and luck of working with Patrick to sell our home.
Patrick was always on time, and always made time to address our questions or concerns in a timely manner. He always made sure that we were properly informed and satisfied with every step of the process.
He recommended that we used a concierge to get the house sold for a more smooth transaction, since we didn’t have enough time to handle the process by ourselves.
The concierge (Zoom Casa) worked with us to get the house in shape to be sold. They did all of the work getting the contractors and arranging every service needed. It was a smooth and profitable transaction.
We would work with Patrick again without doubt, and we would do the same with the concierge. Thank you!!
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10 Feb, 2024 by Martha blevins
i find your messages most interesting. I am not in the frame of mind to sell, I do enjoy your keeping me in the loop of available homes and land. I would need a 3 bedroom, with a bonus room for my cloth and yarn. NO BASEMENT unless it is finished. I am very private right now and if I sold itwould have to be likewise 3-5 ac.
Hope you get alot of calls, you are one of the best !
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09 Sep, 2024 by Lynne wible - bollhoefer
Can't go wrong with Waffle House comfort food. Always fresh, hot and tasty. Highly recommend the pecan waffle!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Brandon bailey
25 Jul, 2024 by Allen montana
19 Jul, 2024 by Peggy crowe
Amita Peltz was the perfect choice to handle my will and other related legal documents. She was thorough and very helpful with my various questions. I have also used Sarah Bowman for real estate closings. She has always been the one that dug deep for areas that many closing attorneys might have missed or bypassed. Worley & Peltz are my go-to attorneys. You owe it to yourself for them to be yours as well.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Patsy o'donnell
I have been a client of Worley & Peltz for several years and I am always extremely satisfied with their expertise. Amita drew up my last will and I know that she gave me great advice when I didn't even know what I wanted to do. She is so very patient and understanding. Jason has worked with me on commercial real estate and that has been a wonderful experience, as well.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Mike pease
Great service! A very personable experience! Would highly recommend this Law Firm!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Jerry detz
Very thorough and explained potential situations very clearly. I entered with questions and I left as a client. Highly recommend Peter and his staff.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Tom brettingen
Professional, prepared, thorough. Excellent experience.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Bob richmond
Very thorough, professional and personalized. Would recommend to anyone!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anthony gutierrez
I got into a car accident and Madison and sally were the sweetest and answered any questions I had. They always called me to let me know what was going on. Thank you guys for helping me out!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Brayan gutierrez
Madison was excellent she made it easy to understand everything and she was on top of everything this is the best firm to go.
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21 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Mark to represent me in child custody case. He took 3,000 dollars from me, and never showed up for any of the court dates. He was contacted multiple times by phone, text, and email, and never returned my calls. His website has been taken down, and no one can get in contact with him. Apparently, he has been doing this too others reading past post.
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4.4
13 Reviews
4.7
39 Reviews
27 Aug, 2024 by Nicholas ivers
I have used Mr.Dow multiple times across many years his prices are 100% Reasonable and came out with the favor of the courts on my side every time. He’s very calm and reassuring in the most stressful situations. He’s the best criminal defense lawyer in Asheville.
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19 Jun, 2024 by James parris
Honestly the most professional and efficient lawyer i have ever met. He does exactly what he says he is going to and his results are beyond impressive. Couldn't recommend a better Lawyer.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Robert
His morality gets in the way of trying to get your case dismissed. He will tell you one thing and a week later a totally different story. Then, he will deny what he told you in the first place.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nicholas ivers
I have used Mr.Dow multiple times across many years his prices are 100% Reasonable and came out with the favor of the courts on my side every time. He’s very calm and reassuring in the most stressful situations. He’s the best criminal defense lawyer in Asheville.
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19 Jun, 2024 by James parris
Honestly the most professional and efficient lawyer i have ever met. He does exactly what he says he is going to and his results are beyond impressive. Couldn't recommend a better Lawyer.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Robert
His morality gets in the way of trying to get your case dismissed. He will tell you one thing and a week later a totally different story. Then, he will deny what he told you in the first place.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nicholas ivers
I have used Mr.Dow multiple times across many years his prices are 100% Reasonable and came out with the favor of the courts on my side every time. He’s very calm and reassuring in the most stressful situations. He’s the best criminal defense lawyer in Asheville.
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19 Jun, 2024 by James parris
Honestly the most professional and efficient lawyer i have ever met. He does exactly what he says he is going to and his results are beyond impressive. Couldn't recommend a better Lawyer.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Robert
His morality gets in the way of trying to get your case dismissed. He will tell you one thing and a week later a totally different story. Then, he will deny what he told you in the first place.
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27 Aug, 2024 by J d
The team generally responded quickly to emails. I incurred late payment penalties (one month for one account, two months for the other) due to not being provided accurate payment projections despite providing all information to the firm in February. Ultimately, the filing felt unnecessarily stressful and rushed. Consultation with other firms to review those filings revealed errors and omissions which will require filing amended returns.
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17 Aug, 2023 by Svetik “wildlife” f
GMG provided invaluable help in resolving my tax return issues. I had a very complicated tax return involving estate and much more and I was getting late. I was suggested by a tax law firm to contact GMG and I am glad I did. Lynn Wilson was an absolute lifesaver, as she was knowledgeable and detail-oriented in her approach to my case. Her expertise and attention to detail was remarkable and I would highly recommend GMG and Lynn Wilson to anyone needing help with their taxes.
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31 Oct, 2022 by Mr a
Very knowledgeable group of accountants and tax professionals. Highly recommend them to businesses and individuals alike!
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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:
-
What is your experience with businesses like mine?
Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry. -
What services do you offer?
Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution. -
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. -
How do you handle conflicts of interest?
Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business. -
Can you provide references from other business clients?
Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism. -
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.
