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14 Jun, 2021 by Joe
I was referred to Attorney Weatherby by a friend. I have no family but I wanted to leave a separate parcel of land with a garage to a neighbor and my home across the street to a friend. I was procrastinating and dreading the process. Attorney Weatherby was able to provide a draft of the plan as we spoke and shortly after receiving a few missing pieces of information. He also made sure that I had a living will, POA, advanced designation of conservator, etc. He was very thorough and very nowledgeable.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Frances
I worked with Hank Weatherby after a general practice attorney I hired had made substantial errors when advising me on a family member's Medicaid spenddown. The nursing home had threatened to take my home away at one point! Hank took over, unraveled the extremely tangled knot, and provided me with answers and peace of mind. Hank then worked with me on my estate plan to clearly explain all the options I had which were unique to me- there were no fill-in-the-blanks documents. Hank's comprehensive approach to planning and his innovative Lifebridge plan ensures that my estate documents are up to date and are relevant to my life circumstances.
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04 Jan, 2011 by Rona
My husband and I engaged Hank Weatherby's services last year to help us plan for our children and grandchildren. As this is my second marriage and the third for my husband, with children from each marriage, we had thought this would be a very stressful process. Hank immediately put us at ease. He provided helpful materials that helped us formulate our goals. He provided practical examples and explanations for legal concepts that would otherwise have been difficult to understand. We had been avoiding this task for several years. Hank guided us through every step of the process and made what had been an overwhelmingly complex matter seem straight-forward and understandable. He never imposed his personal views. Rather, he helped us understand our wishes (which we really hadn't thought through before) and then implemented them. We've been delighted with the outcome and the ongoing communications and support. Hank is proactive and always accessible to answer questions. Had we known how painless he would make the process, we would never have procrastinated. We highly recommend his services
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18 Mar, 2015 by Gerard
Recently Marc worked on a case I had at Superior Court and I was delighted with the resolution that Marc was able to achieve on my behalf. Marc did due diligence that was beyond what I expected when I first meet in his office to review the issue. He or one of the staff members from his office went to the location where I was arrested and reviewed the facts as I told him at our meeting in his office. I was surprised at the effort on his part to help my case. As a result of his efforts my case was dismissed at Superior Court. I asked Marc for help because I was hoping to minimize the damage from the issue and was delighted he was able to get the results that were achieved on my behalf. He is a man of his word. It was a pleasure dealing with Marc and I would recommend his service. He did all he said he was going to do and more than expected.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Marc is very professional and efficient. Marc represented me in disputing a CT speeding ticket with a very favorable result.
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05 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Atty Rispoli is incredibly knowledgeable. He asks pertinent questions to identify key factors, give sound advice and he finds solutions through out-of-the-box thinking. His goal is to protect his clients. As a person, he is of the highest integrity and trustworthiness.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I retained this attorney to represent a relative at trial and right after I handed over thousands in retain-age, she refused to speak to me stating that I was not her client. Suggested we wait to go to trial, months go by, not one financial statement and 2 weeks before trial I am informed that the money was used up within a couple of months and if I did not come up with thousands more, my relative would not be represented at trial! Very unethical and unprofessional!
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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.

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