Filter by

star star star star star
11 Apr, 2024 by Maria banco
Wonderful experience! Would recommend the Knapp Law Firm to anyone that needs to get their legal docs in order.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2023 by Elizabeth catelli
Google Maps
star star star star star
20 Dec, 2019 by Patrick wood
Very pleased with Jeff Knapp and the firm over the years. Very helpful and understanding. They specialize in estate planning and elderlaw.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
16 Dec, 2022 by Agile sr
We were fortunate to have Anand Dash represent our mother for the closing of her house. I can't say enough good things about our experience and how happy we were with him & his firm. I highly recommend him as he was very efficient, kind and immediately reachable for any questions or concerns. Kennedys Law Firm is very lucky to have such a talented and kind attorney!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
06 May, 2019 by Meredith vander wal
Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2017 by Lord sanchez
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
13 May, 2024 by Joseph v. goldy
Chris has been great to work with and I feel very confident when referring clients to him. As a wealth advisor who works with many professionals, I appreciate Chris' responsiveness and care toward the people I send his way, knowing they are in good hands.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2023 by Daniel lane
As a fellow attorney they are my go-to referral for any of my clients who need a civil litigator. Honest and dedicated
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
04 Apr, 2019 by Jose b.
Ron, has helped us to buy and, two years later, to sell our house in Basking Ridge, NJ. All assistance we needed, Ron was there for us. He is reliable and he will stand by your side all the way thru the process. Thank you Ron, and please continue being this great lawyer that you have always been.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 Jan, 2018 by Luke and lauren
If you're buying a home in Central/Northern New Jersey, you cannot have a better legal asset than Ron and his team. They were prompt with important communication, dedicated to making sure we fully understood the process of buying our first home, and were always willing to fight on our behalf. There were a few instances where the seller's team tried to get more money from us or didn't properly follow their agreement, and Ron put a stop to it immediately. Plus, he is very reasonably priced. If you need legal help, consult or hire him immediately.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
12 Dec, 2017 by Bill
Real estate attorney seldom get awarded TV time. The work is mostly behind the scene and, if nothing goes haywire, invisible. Ron is very hardworking and also a steady presence during trying time. Our house got under contract relative quick, but went through a number of twist and turn before closing. Ron was always calm even when our nerve were raw. At our closing day we hit an issue that if not dealt well might postpone the closing. Drawing his vast experience, Ron skillfully solved the issue and we had a clean closing.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
21 Nov, 2017 by Donna
My husband and I greatly appreciated James T. McCarthy’s legal expertise in helping us sell our home in Franklin Township, NJ, in August of 2017. We learned about him through an organization called ARAG. As sellers, Jim made sure we had a solid contract that clearly had our interests covered well. I especially appreciated the clause he wrote regarding the inspection report. It clearly stated what we would and would not do following the home inspection. When other attorneys were involved previously, potential buyers tried to use the inspection report as a vehicle to greatly reduce the selling price of our home. He also threw the ball into the court of the buyer’s attorney on different issues in the contract requiring that the buyer do her own “due diligence.” We were in CA at the time we were selling our home. We appreciated his recommendation not to allow the buyer to move into our home before the closing had been completed. We also were grateful he was able to take care of everything for us at the time of closing in our absence. Prior to hiring Jim, we hired two other lawyers for the sale of our home. Both were recommended by the same realtor we first hired to help us sell our home. The first attorney never showed us any correspondence between him and the buyers' attorney and never kept us informed of any back-and-forth legal discussions. That deal ultimately fell through right before our move to CA. The second attorney she recommended was very hard-edged and felt more like a bully than an attorney representing our interests. Rather than having our back in the transaction, he seemed to be in league with the realtor and neither of them had our interests at heart. Both seemed more interested in their own profits and whatever would be most expedient for them. He did as little as he could and charged us as much as he could. It was a terrible experience. When we got a different realtor, who did an outstanding job of selling our home, we were very cautious about the attorney we wanted to hire to help us sell our home. So Jim, who is very experienced and who wants to genuinely do right by his clients, was a breath of fresh air. Jim is intelligent, responsive and low key. We have learned that so much can go wrong in a real estate transaction. With the second realtor we hired and with Jim on board all went very smoothly and well. I appreciate Jim’s integrity and know he would do his best for clients in any of the areas of law he is involved in. I only wish there were many more attorneys with Jim’s sense of morality and intention to treat his clients the way he would want any of his family members to be treated by others. The world definitely needs many more attorneys like Jim who care about their clients' interests, doing a good job, and who also care about the importance of integrity.
Read more Avvo
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