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29 Apr, 2015 by Ddsydney
Shanika is a knowledgeable attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients. Not only does she assist her clients with their legal and business needs, she also assists them by connecting them to investors for their financing needs. Shanika's vast network of business contacts is her greatest asset in creating synergy for all client relationships to promote business development.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Greg
Shanika was able to gain significant funds for us from a multi-billion dollar entity quickly and economically. The entity did not want to make payment, and Shanika applied the appropriate pressure to make the collection effort happen.
I have experience over my 30 years of business experience with five of the largest law firms in Seattle. The quality of her work equals or is better than all of them without the price of a high rise view of Puget Sound.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Sid
I first met Shanika at an event for startup companies at Bellevue City Hall and was immediately impressed with the amount of passion she obviously has towards fostering business growth. She was hands on in providing information to the community on the front lines. Unlike most law firms I worked with in the past, she alone was on the business battlefield (if you will) hashing out structural support.
Since then I have made it a point to have her informed on my business dealings and have brainstormed many projects with her present. She has personally went through all the Corporate forms with me, skyped, and even helped give support in phone conferences.
I remember a specific time our company was throwing an event (again at Bellevue City Hall) and my videographer couldn't attend. She asked me where he was and I explained the situation. Sure enough by the time I got home she had forwarded me a Dropbox file full of pictures she and others had taken.
I would recommend any size company to contact her for an informative, professional, and hard working result.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Anton
Joseph Creed was extremely responsive and accommodating to my needs. He was the second attorney I worked with and working with him was a breeze. Definitely recommend and I would work with him again any time. Thank you, Mr. Creed!
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11 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Joseph Creed. He helped me through my divorce. He was very knowledgeable through the whole process. What I appreciated most about Jo was how responsive he was. He answered phone calls and emails in a very timely manner and kept me informed. I had many questions throughout the divorce and he was quick to give me clear answers. This has been a painful personal experience for me but Jo put my mind at ease with all of the legal aspects.
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17 Aug, 2012 by Ruben
For the last 8 years he has represented us in all matters related to Real Estate. Buying, selling, preparing leases, in our commercial real estate investments. We are extremely pleased with his services and hope to continue this relationship for a long time.
Aside from this he is a warm, friendly, human being.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Julie
My brothers and I inherited the mineral rights and wind power rights from land my parents owned in North Dakota. Zach setup our LLC in WA and filed it in ND. He worked directly with a lawyer in ND and the wind energy company to ensure that all of the rights were moved over from my parents' trust to the new LLC.
Everything went smoothly! I highly recommend Zach and would be happy to work with him again.
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06 Jun, 2015 by Julie
I've been wanting to get my affairs in order for awhile...but didn't know where to start. Zach was a tremendous help. He asked me to complete a questionnaire and then met with me to review my estate and wishes. In a few weeks, Zach drafted my will, health directive, POA and Medical POA. They were perfect!
He also recommended that I file my documents with King County records -- I didn't even know that was an option, but I'm going to file them next week.
Zach is smart, trustworthy, patient and kind. I couldn't be more pleased with the process. He made estate planning a great experience. I highly recommend him!
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21 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Easy to work with, explained the process, guided me along, accomodated my changes, kept me informed, and delivered promptly with reasonable charges. Thank you!
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04 Mar, 2016 by Sarah
Like a lot of people over the last few years, the loss of a job and unexpected hospital bills took their toll on us financially. We had the pleasure of working with Jesse and his superb team, probably longer than most. This was a very difficult decision that weighed on me for a very long time before we finally decided to proceed with bankruptcy. The whole process was relatively quick and very painless, not the emotional roller coaster I had imagined. From the first consult to the very brief time we had in court, all of our questions were answered and handled very professionally. I would highly recommend Mr. Valdez and his office if you have to navigate through this complicated process, or even other business needs!
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12 May, 2010 by Brandon
Jesse went far beyond what I expected from a lawyer. He did his research, kept us informed and our morale up during the lengthy process. He was reasonable with his payment schedule and made accommodations when we had problems. He is a good man and a great lawyer.
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11 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I worked with Mr. Valdez on a variety of our business' contracts in addition to a small litigation matter. He handled all aspects of our business with knowledge and respect.
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29 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I consulted with Seema to take second opinion in my immigration case with a unique scenario. Seema was very knowledgeable and helpful to provide her understanding and recommendation based on her expertise on US immigration laws. In future, if needed, I would hire or recommend Seema for immigration needs.
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19 Apr, 2016 by John
Seema helped me find the correct information I need to bring a young man from S. Africa to the US for needed medical surgery. I want to sponsor him so he could have the treatment of the bone cancer in his shoulder at the UW.
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15 Sep, 2015 by Susanta
I consulted Seema for few mundane to not-so-silly questions about various rules around EAD, H4 etc couple of months back.
She also provided some insights and options into the H4, EAD with respect to executive order.
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13 Apr, 2018 by Stefne
I met Brandon and his team about a year ago as I was interviewing lawyers for a lawsuit. Brandon was honest with me from day 1, before they ever collected a penny from me. He will tell me if it's not worth it to pursue something or if I will not get the results I desired through legal action, even if it didn't contribute to their bottom line. He is my go to guy for all legal matters not only because he is knowledgeable, sharp, and responsive but he truly cares and goes above and beyond.
In addition, he has a great support team behind him. Not only partner lawyers when there is a case/question outside of his expertise but also great paralegals that are always on top of things and super friendly. Brandon, Mark K, Mark N and Greg has made the legal aspect of my life much more streamlined and give me peace of mind when I am out doing business!
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31 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Brandon Wayman with MDK Law has been representing me for the past two years. As a result of his excellence, I not only won every motion, I was the prevailing party with a landslide victory. Wayman has a passion for the legal system and it's obvious the moment you meet him that he prides himself on excellence and offering the best legal advice possible. In the two years that Brandon represented me he was never wrong with his professional opinion or legal advice. I found Brandon Wayman to be a proficient, stellar and consummate advocate on my behalf.
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09 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Having been married to an attorney I know how important it is to find the right attorney to represent you. I have been working with Brandon for over a year now and he is probably the most intelligent attorney I have ever encountered. Brandon has been spot on correct in all aspects of my case. He is extremely focused, fierce, timely, savvy and the list goes on. Brandon is an amazing attorney with an incredible memory and if he can take your case, you will find he is consistent, quick to assess a situation and move on it, take your calls, calm your nerves and most important of all he will WIN!
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07 Feb, 2011 by Bryan
Rick has been my attorney for well over a dozen years for several of my businesses. I have found him to not only have a great legal mind, but also real-world common sense. I have, and do, highly recommend his services. He has successfully guided me and my businesses from filing for a business license through the successful negotiation and the sale of several businesses. He is thorough, knowledgeable, and a true pleasure to work with.
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16 Dec, 2010 by Sree
Rick got us started when we were an early stage startup. Was patient to go through and address our needs even though we didn't have much affordability. Got us connected to the right partners over time. Gave us good and practical counsel. I highly recommend him.
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16 Dec, 2010 by Gail
Rick has been our business attorney going on 10 years and we feel very happy and comfortable with this relationship. Rick is available to help us out with any of our business concerns that tend to arise periodically with staffing, lease negotiations, our corporate franchisor relationship, etc..
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27 Feb, 2018 by Kirsten
Seth did our Will and Trust. He was professional, friendly and took the time to explain the process to us. He has been responsive when we have had questions. He has provided advice to us on multiple occasions.
I would recommend Seth for your Estate planning needs.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Keri
My husband and I worked with Seth on our Estate Planning and were amazed at how easy the process was. By asking all of the right questions and explaining every step to us Seth was able to extract all of the information needed to give us the best plan for our family. I only wish we had met with Seth 10 years ago!
I would highly recommend him as a kind, trustworthy and dedicated resource.
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14 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Great experience! Like most, I was very hesitant to pull the trigger to hire an attorney to draft a Will and supplemental documents. Seth made the process very easy, his prices were great, and he was super responsive. I highly recommend his services.
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21 Dec, 2015 by Helen
Jennifer Sohn performed complex estate planning for my husband and I. She was highly knowledge (especially with the tax implications), professional and very personable. Made a difficult process seamless. Would highly recommend her to for anyone needing estate planning.
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06 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
I've worked with many attorneys in the past regarding various business matters and Jennifer Sohn stands out as the best. Knowledge, efficient, effective.
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28 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
She had a wealth of knowledge and advice on my business transaction and was extremely efficient in getting the deal done. In many aspects, she went the extra mile to make the transaction smoother. She is very precise and meticulous in her work. I appreciated all of her legal and non-legal business advice. Further, her bilingual ability was exceptional - extremely fluent in both Korean and English. I would recommend her to anyone needing legal advice on business-related matters.
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05 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I did my wife immigration with team of Miss Cao and Cathy. They are doing pretty good job and very patient to help us until my wife got the immigration Visa. Very professional and nice team working.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Xiaoli
Found Lani by googling Seattle immigration attorney. I called their office to ask about my case. The guy answered my call was nice and helpful although he said he couldn't give me any legal advice about my case cause he is not a attorney. I understand that and he did consulted Lani about my case and returned my calls. Scheduled a consultation with Lani. She reviewed my files and gave me some very professional advice. Overall, it was a very helpful meeting and I would recommend Lani Cao to my friends who need professional legal helps.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Weiyou
Mrs. Cao is a really nice lawyer. In our meeting, she is very patient and helpful to hear my story and give me suggestions. After the meeting, we contacted frequently and she would reply my email promptly. In addition, she often gave me professional advice and kept me calm and confident before the hearing. Apart from that, considering my language ability, she recommended an excellent interpreter for me before attending the hearing. She is the best lawyer I met.
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09 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Liam is "one of the few".
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08 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I worked with Liam when he was a partner at Preston Gates and I was at Microsoft then Expedia. Now I work with him as GC of Zillow. Liam is a joy to work with and has broad skills that include gov't affairs and hr, in addition to traditional lawyer stuff.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Liam Lavery is the General Counsel at my company, Zillow.com.
He is an exceptional lawyer. He has a broad range of knowledge including employment law, IP, general corporate and various other areas.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Ned
Chris did a wondeful job in handling my divorce and went out of his way to do some follow up advice for free just recently and it was 20 years later.
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28 May, 2014 by Anonymous
He helped us with my mothers estate. There were no hidden costs and fees, he was very up front regarding what it would take and how we needed to go about it from the get go. I new NOTHING about estate planning before I met him and he took the time to make sure I understood what I want, and also what I didn't. He didn't speek to me in lawyer language, he spoke to me simply and directly so that I could understand everything that was being done. All though it was not cheap, but what lawyer ever is, he made it as painless as possible for our family.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Owen
It was many years ago Chris represented me and I see he hasn't gotten reviews yet on this site. That's a shame, because he's one of the best, most honest and caring attorneys I've ever had the pleasure to know. I felt like he was my "partner" in my legal efforts, he truly had my best interests at heart.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Travis
It was great to work with Koby. She's approachable, down to earth and practical with her recommendations. Helped me convert an entity and did an important contract review for me.
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03 May, 2021 by Sherronda
We are grateful to have the counsel of Ms. Wilbanks. Wilbanks is very responsive to all inquires and requests for meetings. No question is too elementary, she explains concepts well and will ensures her clients have a clear understanding. She also looks at all potential scenarios to a problem and gives feedback to allow the client to make the best educated decision.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Robert
Working with Koby on starting-up a craft distillery, has been a wonderful learning experience. Her approach has always been (since day one) direct & honest, to the point. Koby is able to explain legalities and contractual concepts in layman's terms to make them applicable to what we actually want to do: make rum. She has always provided feedback in a timely manner (even just to given indication on when a certain task will be completed). I look forward to continuing to work with Koby as we turn our start-up project into business reality.
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13 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I consulted Ms. Makker for a contract dispute for a house I was intending to purchase earlier this year. Unfortunately, the deal fell through and I was going to lose about $400,000 in earnest money because the contract was a standard commercial contract and was terribly drafted. With Ms. Makker's guidance and help, I was able to get a lot of it back. I had consulted other experienced lawyers in the area and they were misinterpreting the statues and contract and told me I did not have much of a chance. However, Ms. Makker was able to get this correctly and in a timely manner. I was e-mailing her every day multiple times and she responded each time with such a complete and though response whether it was a weekend or a holiday. She made sure I was calm and understanding the process and steps. She went a step further and send me her own guide on what to look for in contracts and what terms to look out for as I look to purchase another home. Pooja! Thank you so much. You are such an asset to the legal community and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.
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07 Aug, 2021 by Noam c.
I have known Ms. Makker since her time in San Diego. I am glad I was able to connect with her again in Washington. I had a complicated estate with with my mother-in-law being a non-resident of the USA. Ms. Makker not only helped us with the taxation aspect but also with the estate aspect. Her experience and her ability to break down legal concepts in a manner that is easy to understand is just outstanding.
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24 Feb, 2019 by Michele
Lana really helped my family with my brothers tax situation. He worked in Saudi Arabia and had some difficult tax issues after he passed. She worked very hard with complete diligence to figure out and fix all issues. She was very professional and with empathy for our family. It’s been 8 years and I will always be grateful to her.
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13 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Lana just bailed me out with a huge potential problem with the IRS. She gets results, she tries to keep things affordable for her clients, and she knows the IRS. If you have a problem I would highly recommend this very skilled lawyer.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Kavita
We hired Michael to set up our wills. I had tried doing it myself in the past with online forms but it was too time consuming to do it and I wasn't sure if all grounds were being covered. Michael was great to work with. We met with him for one hour and went over our plans - he made recommendations and guided us to think about options we hadn't considered. Within a few days he had our wills ready for review. We had another meeting scheduled to sign it and that was it. Very easy. It did not take much of our time. And the end result is a will we are comfortable with.
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12 Mar, 2013 by Marty
We own a business and Michael has provided the expertise to keep us on track for 15 years. He also created a living will for my wife and myself. We were so pleased with the document that my father had Michael's office generate one for him.
We can't say enough for the quality and personal attention we receive each time he provides legal assistance.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Ortiz was extremely helpful and diligent during our will updating procedure. He explained items to us that we had not been aware of prior and was also very timely and thorough during this process. We were extremely pleased with our experience dealing with him directly as well as dealing with his office staff. We would definitely use him for any of our future needs and would also highly recommend him.
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30 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
I have used these attorneys as well as referring 3 friends now. All of us have been highly impressed by their professionalism, knowledge and integrity. They do not overcharge and are more than fair with costs and services. Genuine caring!!
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27 Jan, 2017 by Juliana
As General Counsel of our firm, I engaged Mark to represent us in a matter that was unique and completely outside of our regular course of business. The deal was also beyond my professional legal expertise and range. Adding to all of this, I was operating with a very limited budget. Mark was incredible. Not only was he erudite, accessible and highly responsive but he equipped me with every tool I needed to close the deal on my own. His detailed briefings outlined all of the risks, the boilerplate and customary terms in the deal agreements and the pros/cons of each decision point. His work product was essentially a negotiation map which I've kept in my form files as a valuable resource for future deals. To me, the measure of truly great outside legal counsel is whether he or she teaches me to catch my own fish. Mark absolutely does that. Moreover, he did all of this well within his original estimate and our budget and was a complete pleasure to work with. He is a consummate professional whom I gladly recommend to others.
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16 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
It was a pleasure working with Mark. He was not only a consummate professional, but also had a tremendous grasp of the issues and is well respected in the industry. I needed someone representing me who knew his way around the state bureaucracy and Mark definitely did. Very thankful to him for his representation and competence.
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08 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Keith was referred by a good friend of mine and he has worked with me on numerous projects. He is brilliant, creative, has made and saved me a great deal of money and is a pleasure to work with. I believe that he truly enjoys what he does and it shows in the quality of his work. He may be overkill for small, straightforward contracts but I wouldn't hire anyone else for business or securities work.
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11 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Keith was an excellent corporate attorney for the software startup where I previously worked. He had the knowledge and resources you would expect from a big firm, yet he truly understands how to help an emerging company grow. He looked for ways to be more efficient and kept costs under our budget. Keith and Davis Wright Tremaine served our company well through good times and bad, and I always trusted the advice and guidance he provided.
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25 Apr, 2016 by Dave
Kim and David helped me apply for E2 visa. I was recently grated my visa. I am very impressed with their knowledge and ability of what they can pull off. they have a very precise understanding of how the USCIS rules and laws govern in this Country. They were able to advise me on what the USCIS is looking from me, and what kinds of documents will justify my request for the visa. It is kind of hard to keep this short, but i strongly recommend these people and their skills.
Thanks
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27 Aug, 2015 by Tee
Kim made it pretty simple and easy for me to get E -2 visa. Comparing to other attorneys, his fees are very affardoble. Very reliable person. I am recomending him to my friends and will recommend him to anyone who needs any immigration help.
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01 Sep, 2015 by Yohei
I've known Neal Black in a working capacity for over a decade as a business & corporate development executive and have directly retained his counsel for the last 6 years. Simply put, he is the most trusted and knowledgeable attorney I've had the honor of working with. From high profile Hollywood licensing deals to multi-million dollar video game publishing engagements, Mr. Black has a vast and deep wheelhouse. Since my first engagement with Mr. Black I have looked to secure his advisory services at every company I've been employed at, and was the first port of call when founding my own venture two years ago. I can not recommend Neal Black highly enough.
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31 Aug, 2015 by Bruce
We've worked with Neal for about 6 years now. He is very strong in many areas and the type of lawyer that is happy to refer you outside of his domain. He's extremely responsive and my only concern is that this positive review will grow his business to the point I will have to give up my hours for someone else..
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06 May, 2015 by Chris
Tim was always eager to explain and guide us through what would have been a very stressful situation..He responded quickly to all our questions and concerns.
I will use him for all my legal needs.
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17 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I've known Tim since the late 1960's and he has handled all my legal needs since he was licensed.
I've never hesitated to refer Tim to friends or family, for legal, tax, estate planning, or accounting advice.
He was always at the top of his class, and continues to have a keen mind.
His tax and accounting background are a great mix.
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15 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
I have retained a number of attorneys for both personal and business
needs. for over fifty years Gregory Lucas has been the finest attorney I
have used.
He Is an excellent listner and repeats backs how he understand what you tell him or ask him, to ensure he fully understands your questions or comments. He then gives his advise or comments on the Issue you have retained him for In easy understandable layman terms.
He is not bashful to tell you that you may not understand a law or not like that you may be wrong or want to expect what you think is what you would like.
He Is very detailed and Is very well versed in the law or problem that you need his advise on and does not give you a quick answer you might not like to hear with out a complete review of the law or the problem you bring him.
His fees are fair and he does not waste time or try to drag an Issue out to build his retirement income like many lawyers I have used.
He quickly starts working on your Issues and keeps you updated as needed.
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06 Sep, 2011 by Alfred
Excellent advice, spent lots of time educating us in intricacies and most of his time he did not charge us for it.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Donaldson is extremely knowledgable in REal Estate law. He is responsive, thorough, and an excellent court attorney wehn the occasion arises.
He is a full-service R/E attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in all phases.
Cannot recommend highly enough.
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17 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
As our general counsel, Ryan has been instrumental in guiding our company through all of the trials and tribulations of a startup technology company (financing, contract negotiations, Board relations, etc.) His expertise is matched only by his integrity.
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25 Jun, 2018 by Robbie marok
Informative, diligent legal advice. Sunny was so helpful in our case. Thank you!!
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07 Mar, 2019 by James
Bret drafted an equity incentive plan for employee ownership of startup companies. His drafting was thoughtful, quick, and helped move our project forward significantly.
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18 May, 2015 by Judith
i appreciate how Mrs. Merrill listened to my concerns and made sure that they were incorporated into my documents. She is very empathetic and it was easy to talk to her. I will highly recommend Mrs. Merrill.
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14 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Scott is a highly knowledgable bankruptcy lawyer. Reasonable fees. Extremely adept at negotiating with corporate entities (Mortgage companies, banks, etc.).
Used him for both Ch. 7 & 13 and would use him again (hopefully not!)
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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.
