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20 Sep, 2022 by Joel patterson
Michael Short did an amazing job on very short notice creating an Idaho lateral ditch water users association for a new subdivision in Gem county. He guided us through the whole process. We will be using Michael and Barker Rosholt & Simpson LLP again for numerous other legal services related to our subdivision.
Thanks Michael
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19 Jul, 2019 by Kersti kennedy
Brooke is the best. She is professional, competent, and caring. She also uses real time reporting, so you can see a very accurate transcript as you are conducting or defending the deposition. Rough transcripts are available by email immediately. Brooke is intelligent, too, and your transcripts will be top notch!
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19 Jul, 2019 by Warren dowdle
I have used Tuckers for nearly 20 years for all my depositions and video conferencing needs. They are the BEST!! Annie and Dave make everything easy and efficient. And Brooke Bohr is the best court reporter in the valley, hands down.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Nicole h
I've used Tucker & Associates for years and they are always top notch. They are timely, accurate and professional. I return to them because they are dependable and I know I can count on them do do a great job.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Kersti kennedy
Brooke is the best. She is professional, competent, and caring. She also uses real time reporting, so you can see a very accurate transcript as you are conducting or defending the deposition. Rough transcripts are available by email immediately. Brooke is intelligent, too, and your transcripts will be top notch!
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19 Jul, 2019 by Warren dowdle
I have used Tuckers for nearly 20 years for all my depositions and video conferencing needs. They are the BEST!! Annie and Dave make everything easy and efficient. And Brooke Bohr is the best court reporter in the valley, hands down.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Nicole h
I've used Tucker & Associates for years and they are always top notch. They are timely, accurate and professional. I return to them because they are dependable and I know I can count on them do do a great job.
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19 Aug, 2022 by Dave ficks
I have had the opportunity work both Thomas and Jordan on a number of matters - resolving issues with my late mother's estate; our own estate planning; a property development negotiation; exploring the idea of starting a 501(c)3 non-profit; and ultimately forming a for-profit LLC. In every case I have received clear, objective guidance, and they have helped me understand the issues. When they've needed to research issues they have done so quickly and with incredible follow up. Moreover, this is a group on very kind and empathetic people, and that's not just the attorneys, but also their support staff -- Tess has some of the best follow-up skills out there, and is very friendly and professional. And to add to that, the firm also supports various non-profit causes. I am confident using Atkins Law as my law firm on both personal / family and business matters. Highly recommend!!
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03 Sep, 2021 by Mark petersen
Thomas helped me with a relatively complicated tax situation and I am completely satisfied. He responsive, knowledgeable, professional and proficient. There are not many lawyers in the valley that know tax issues as well as Thomas. If you’ve got tax problems, you will want him in your corner.
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06 Aug, 2021 by Nora o'brien
Thomas is knowledgeable, timely, and professional; I recommend him highly.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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25 Sep, 2024 by Kristina d
Craig Swapp & Associates go above and beyond for the Spokane area. We are so thankful for their continued support.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike phillps
Tj Phillips
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kim haney
Cassandra is extremely helpful answered any and all of my questions! I highly recommend Craig Swapp
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18 Sep, 2024 by King wai loke
Excellent and professional service. We just leave it to the hands of them and they took care of business efficiently. Will definitely recommend them to friends and family!
Appreciate your help once again!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Junior romero
12 Sep, 2024 by Ashley boulter
If I could leave less than 1 star I would..... I DO NOT recommend using brian........ He took my money, wasn't really interested in helping me or trying to fight for me I found out more things from google and people around me than I did from my lawyer..... he wanted me to take the first plea deal just told me I was guilty in every conversation. When I got new representation he didn't give me a single penny back. Save your money get a different lawyer
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10 Mar, 2024 by Todd
Ryan Henson and Millie Ibarra with Bevis, Thiry, Henson & Katz helped our family with a sensitive family law matter. They were patient, kind and available to answer our many questions. They guided us through the unknown and complexities of the legal system. They helped us understand the criminal proceedings and how best to engage with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. They were strong advocates for our daughter and grandson. Ryan was open with his communication and helped us be prepared for each step through the lengthy legal proceedings. Millie was there to help us understand with dedicated ongoing, open communication. Phil and Krista also provided their views and assisted when needed. They are an excellent, dedicates team. We highly recommend them when you need a strong advocate with experience.
Todd and Pamela Christensen
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23 Sep, 2019 by Bill
My wife and I hired Mr. Henson regarding a criminal case. He was on top of everything throughout the entire process. He has a broad field of legal knowledge.
Ryan is a very understanding, and carrying attorney. We have a lot of respect for him and are very grateful for his service. I would recommend Mr. Henson without hesitation.
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11 Apr, 2019 by Dan
Spent the time with me when I needed help understanding the process. Would recommend him to anyone needing family law!
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21 May, 2019 by Kiel
Was ver knowledgeable about setting up a Trust to be able to purchase suppressors. Had good suggestions on what to do and the best way to use it.
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07 May, 2019 by Anonymous
My experience was very good. There was plenty of time for questions and clarification. No rush.
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22 Apr, 2019 by Isabella
Jeremy assisted me with setting up my business and doing a private placement memo to get funding. He was meticulous in his attention to detail and working through my concerns in a very professional and personal way. At the end of it all I got more than I expected and will keep him in the loop as we grow.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Tiffanie spencer
Lyman is an awesome attorney. His team is great too! He negotiated for me and really helped me fix a bad situation. He was so prompt and was a life saver! Thanks so much Lyman!
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31 May, 2023 by Dave stoddard
Belnap provided effective business documents in excellent turnaround time. Was refreshingly accessible.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Carolyn jackson
Lyman Belnap and his associates helped us with a business matter. Lyman was thorough, knowledgeable, professional, and quick to respond. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dawson westfall
Stephanie is an amazing attorney! Very knowledgeable and sees the case through to the best of her clients needs.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Laurel traynowicz
Edwina Elcox is THE defense attorney I use and recommend. Ms. Elcox knows the legal and judicial systems thoroughly. Her experiences both a prosecutor and a defense attorney mean that you have the wisdom and backing of a seasoned attorney who will guide you through the process with YOUR legal rights and YOUR best interests at the forefront. She won’t BS you. Her honest assessment of the facts is invaluable. Trust her. And relax. She’s got this so you don’t have to be a Google wannabe lawyer.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Art waldon
26 Apr, 2024 by Mike weems
Extremely professional, expert advice and the best service! If you or your business are in the market for legal services look no further than Matthew and his amazing staff.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Nathan johnston
The team at Taylor Law is a great group of people, very professional and fun to work with. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a lawyer for anything business related.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Benjamin anders
I had an absolutely wonderful experience having a consult with this law firm. The gentleman I spoke with was highly knowledgeable, with a keen legal mind and great emotional intelligence. He helped me to better generally understand how Idaho law governs the process I am interested in, gave great practical advice about the ins and out of what retaining Taylor law would be like, and was a genuinely compassionate and kindhearted person. I can tell from this call that Taylor law is one of the best forms in the Treasure Valley. Retaining them will place great resources and knowledge at one’s fingertips. I believe anyone would receive an organized service from sharp legal minds at this firm.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Darin
Was referred to Trout to handle a very simple order to show cause. Fee churning in my opinion with two attorneys doing the work of one.
Should have been a bill for no more than $10,000 in my opinion and I received a bill for $21,000 for a very basic order to show cause. When I questioned them about the large bill, they agreed to discount 10% but $19,000 is still about double what this should have cost in my opinion.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Margaret
Kim Trout is an outstanding attorney. He worked tirelessly with us on our case for ten tough months. He was amazingly knowledgeable, calm and supportive. He and his paralegal extraordinaire, Kevin, were patient, thorough and professional. We have nothing but the highest praise for this remarkable legal team.
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28 Feb, 2015 by David
The only mistake that has ever been made with regards to Trout Law's service is not getting them involved earlier. With that, I'm not talking only in times of what may be seen as, "trouble", I'm speaking to any business start or evolution that occurs in my business ventures where I want to go in with as much wisdom as possible for the benefit of all parties involved.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Gregg anderson
I have know Ann for years. She helped our family out greatly!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Ismael mercado
Ann Shepard is an amazing lawyer she helped me and my family with family law she worth everything and then some I will be forever grateful to her
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16 Mar, 2023 by Rick link
Honest ,hard working lawyers,Andy Waldera is a great asset to any irrigation entity.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Gregg anderson
I have know Ann for years. She helped our family out greatly!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Ismael mercado
Ann Shepard is an amazing lawyer she helped me and my family with family law she worth everything and then some I will be forever grateful to her
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16 Mar, 2023 by Rick link
Honest ,hard working lawyers,Andy Waldera is a great asset to any irrigation entity.
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30 Oct, 2023 by C greenfield
UPDATE after Steve Wieland RESPONSE:
Steve Wieland, your response provides even more support in what a horrible attorney you are.
Let's address your fabrications (lies):
1. The judge gave us an award of $50.00 NOT the Million plus we had asked for!
2. We were NOT awarded any Punitive Damages!
3. We asked for attorney fees that added to over $200,000.00, we were only awarded approximately $58,000.00 for the “Timber Trespass” issue as you did NOT win any of our damages as you did NOT provide any experts at trial!
4. We did NOT get any Court Costs or equitable relief awarded!
5. We LOST our easement that had been in the family for 120 plus years thanks to your incompetence!
6. You kept our piddly $7062.60 the judge gave us for the 50 plus trees that were stolen from us! (We should have won a lot more)
7. We sued you for malpractice and your insurance company agreed to settle with us to which you were given the remaining amount of your fraudulent fees!
8. We did NOT want to settle our Fraud Claim and Malpractice claim against you, but our attorney demanded it as our expert witness we were utilizing to sue you for malpractice had worked in the same law firm as you and a conflict of interest arose!
Shame on you Steve for continuing to defraud the public! All of this is public record for all to see! Everyone who seeks the truth will see that you are a liar!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Mo haws
I'm not a client; I'm Daniel, Steve, and Jaren's peer. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this firm to clients I am unable to serve due to conflicts or because their matter is outside my realm of knowledge. In my experience, the attorneys at Mooney Wieland Warren are passionate, professional, ethical, tenacious, and zealous advocates for their clients. Anyone looking for competent legal representation would be in great hands with this firm.
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30 Aug, 2023 by C g
After reading attorney Steven Wieland’s bio, where he proclaims; “Winning at trial in a real-estate easement dispute involving a large lakefront commercial-development property in Northern Idaho” Well, I (the Trust manager) just had to respond!
The Trust originally filed a lawsuit against two entities in Kootenai County Idaho, regarding an easement issue, illegal timber trespass, trespass, and other issues in October 2018, after sustaining millions of dollars in damages to their 120-year-old farmland, which included defendants building an illegal road on their property, and cutting down approximately seventy (70) one hundred (100) plus foot tall trees that can never be replaced.
I reached out to Steve Wieland in January 2020, after our first attorney quit prior to Trial (Scheduled for early March 2020), wherein Steve proclaimed that he was an “Expert on land issues, especially easements, and was an experienced trial attorney.”
In Steve’s first three weeks, Steve charged the Trust approximately $18,000.00 primarily for reading through the case notes I had provided.
Steve also charged the Trust ridiculous fees to research how he would represent the Trust, even though he had stated that he was an “Expert” on the issues being litigated. Steve later jokingly stated that he didn’t think the Trust would pay him that much…REALLY…what choice did the Trust have! They were desperate and it was too late to find anyone else and Steve took advantage of this fact.
The next couple of weeks, Steve charged even more outrageous charges for “…reviewing the case and strategy on how to win” instead of getting discovery completed, finding experts, preparing for a continuance, etc…
At the first hearing Steve was unprepared and failed to procure a continuance for trial.
The Trust desperately needed to disclose expert witnesses in order to win their damages. Steve failed to obtain any experts and failed to disclose the ones I had procured on behalf of the Trust, even though the judge allowed him time to submit them.
The attorney who drafted the Trust original easement even met with Steve prior to trial to provide ideas on trial strategy regarding the illegitimate amended easement document (presented by defendants) in question as it was obvious that said amended easement had been manipulated and changed from its original format. Steve missed the opportunity to utilize “Failure of the Meeting of Minds” as one example to rid said bogus amended easement.
The Trust was unable to secure a large damage amount at Trial as NO EXPERTS were retained to prove the loss in damages to their property.
Steve had attempted to utilize his wife, Jaren, and even brought her with him for a vacation (at the Trust expense) in beautiful North Idaho where the two of them spent a great deal of time in the local pubs instead of adequately preparing for trial! Steve later charged the Trust approximately $30,000.00 plus in attorney fees on behalf of his wife who did absolutely NOTHING!
During trial, Steve did not properly cross defendants witness, Sandy Young aka VERDIS, who the Trust believed had forged the amended easement document that was being disputed.
The Trust was not awarded the million plus in damages to their property and only received the minimal amount of $50 dollars from the judge because Steve had never procured any expert witnesses to testify at Trial as to the extent of damages!
Steve eventually sought almost $200,000.00 in attorney fees and costs for doing very little paperwork, and absolutely nothing to help the case!
We hired another attorney to appeal.
A monkey in a suit could have won the case with the overwhelming evidence I had provided to Steve to ensure a win!
It was a no-brainer!
The Trust eventually pursued legal malpractice against Steve Wieland
So, before you consider hiring Steve Wieland (I would run for my life), make sure you have him put everything in writing and that he actually knows the subject matter you need legal assistance with!
SEE RESPONSE!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Maria aleman
09 Oct, 2024 by Eric
I don’t recommend
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03 Oct, 2024 by Jordan gardner
Aaron is the only criminal defense attorney I send my friends and family too. He is exactly who you need if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Days mae
Attorney Patrick walker will fight for you, speak up for you, even when dealing with the most difficult people and attorney’s.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Matt thrailkill
Bret is an incredible lawyer can't recommend him highly enough. He was competent & reassuring from the start. He is also considerate to not waste time on things that are not needed thus keeping your costs down as much as possible. He took very good care of my case & fought hard for me getting a great result!!
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01 Apr, 2024 by Daniel crump
Used for my end of life planning. Courteous, punctual, affordable and very helpful. I would highly recommend.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Days mae
Attorney Patrick walker will fight for you, speak up for you, even when dealing with the most difficult people and attorney’s.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Matt thrailkill
Bret is an incredible lawyer can't recommend him highly enough. He was competent & reassuring from the start. He is also considerate to not waste time on things that are not needed thus keeping your costs down as much as possible. He took very good care of my case & fought hard for me getting a great result!!
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01 Apr, 2024 by Daniel crump
Used for my end of life planning. Courteous, punctual, affordable and very helpful. I would highly recommend.
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14 Jun, 2021 by Honor dupree
He is the best! He is always willing to answer my questions & finds the best solution for me! I will always call him 1st if I need a lawyer again.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Ryan k
29 Oct, 2020 by Aj
Wasn't really appreciating the attitude that I received. Cant think of a reason why an attorney would deny your case as well recommend a different attorney.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Logan ercanbrack
Went in for a consultation and was cut short simply because I said the defendant has a history of actions and the attorney stated he won’t get in the middle of it even if I pay. What a joke
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08 Aug, 2024 by Shelby clark
Attorney Fulcher Koontz was a pleasure to work with through a tense probate issue. Her guidance and confidence was comforting throughout the process.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Vern lattin
Always friendly and professional, as well as prompt and thorough. Will not hesitate to use Johnson May again.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Logan ercanbrack
Went in for a consultation and was cut short simply because I said the defendant has a history of actions and the attorney stated he won’t get in the middle of it even if I pay. What a joke
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08 Aug, 2024 by Shelby clark
Attorney Fulcher Koontz was a pleasure to work with through a tense probate issue. Her guidance and confidence was comforting throughout the process.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Vern lattin
Always friendly and professional, as well as prompt and thorough. Will not hesitate to use Johnson May again.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ben deleon
I was referred to Pat Kershisnik through lawpoint for a free consultation offered through my job's employee assistance program. I recieved an email from a representative asking for a date/time to talk with Mr. Kershisnik. I replied back that I was available Friday, July 26th at 11:30 am for a phone consultation. After confirming the date and time they said that Pat would be calling me at that time. I did not recieve a call from Pat until 12:35pm, over an hour later. He left me a VM stating that he was scheduled to talk to me. I called him back about 10 minutes later and told him he was an hour late calling me, and instead of apologizing or explaining that maybe there was a scheduling error, he proceeded to get mad at me and told me I could find someone else to work with and hung up on me. I called him right back and started to tell him that I did not appreciate him hanging up on me and that he should not be treating potential clients that way. He then proceeded to start over talking me and telling me that if I didnt want his help then to find someone else and hung up on me a second time. At this point I had given up on calling him back but wanted to share my experience incase someone was looking to hire him. I am going through the worse time of my life with a divorce and custody looming over me and this is how Mr. Kershisnik treated me. I dont know if he was having a bad day or what, but I have never been treated so mispoorly by any company or organization such as Kershisnik Law, PLLC.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jalayne dancy
Called with a very quick question and got hung up on! No thank you. I can't even imagine doing that to somebody.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jen taylor
Kershisnik Law was great at helping me through a difficult time and process.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ben deleon
I was referred to Pat Kershisnik through lawpoint for a free consultation offered through my job's employee assistance program. I recieved an email from a representative asking for a date/time to talk with Mr. Kershisnik. I replied back that I was available Friday, July 26th at 11:30 am for a phone consultation. After confirming the date and time they said that Pat would be calling me at that time. I did not recieve a call from Pat until 12:35pm, over an hour later. He left me a VM stating that he was scheduled to talk to me. I called him back about 10 minutes later and told him he was an hour late calling me, and instead of apologizing or explaining that maybe there was a scheduling error, he proceeded to get mad at me and told me I could find someone else to work with and hung up on me. I called him right back and started to tell him that I did not appreciate him hanging up on me and that he should not be treating potential clients that way. He then proceeded to start over talking me and telling me that if I didnt want his help then to find someone else and hung up on me a second time. At this point I had given up on calling him back but wanted to share my experience incase someone was looking to hire him. I am going through the worse time of my life with a divorce and custody looming over me and this is how Mr. Kershisnik treated me. I dont know if he was having a bad day or what, but I have never been treated so mispoorly by any company or organization such as Kershisnik Law, PLLC.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jalayne dancy
Called with a very quick question and got hung up on! No thank you. I can't even imagine doing that to somebody.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jen taylor
Kershisnik Law was great at helping me through a difficult time and process.
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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.
