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20 Jan, 2025 by D j
Mr.Cook provides excellent legal advice and direction. He listens to your needs with a kind and caring demeanor.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Melinda rathjen
I've had nothing but the best experiences with Meridian. Thomas Shumate has helped me with two time-sensitive employment-related matters. I have found the counsel to be extremely helpful, thorough, and timely. I would highly recommend Meridian.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Walter whybrew
18 Dec, 2024 by Ginger woelk
The Nesheiwat Law Group helped me win my personal injury lawsuit. With their help, I was able to successfully negotiate a fair amount for my injuries. I would definitely use them again, and highly recommend them for your needs.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Bryan burt
Daniel is a phenomenal lawyer. I cannot express how well he remains in communication with you personally throughout your legal process from start to finish. His professionalism and Etiquette is top tier! I was beyond grateful for his devotion to my case. I highly recommend hiring Daniel as your lawyer. I’ve hired many and he surpassed them all.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Mary middleton
The Nesheiwat Law Group was compassionate and committed from start to finish on my case. After a major loss, Daniel and Sean were always available during the course of working with my home insurance and handled any hurdles along the way. I am incredibly thankful to have had them in my corner and their support. Highly recommend!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Treanna stewart
Joy was absolutely wonderful. She was empathetic and real. She didn't feed me fairy tales, I knew exactly what I was getting into. I appreciate her counsel and I would recommend her for any parent needing help navigating the legalities of the education system.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mike white
Hiring an attorney many times is a result of unpleasant experiences in life. Mark has twice now guided me through two of those times to successful outcomes. His service is professional, straight forward and gives a feeling of security in the process of law. I hope to not need an attorney again, but I know exactly who will be my first call when and if I need assistance again. Thanks Mark!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Belle myers
We used Todd to update our will and draft other estate documents. The process was very easy. Started with a phone call and Todd was able to pull together everything we'd asked for including a trust. We were able to finalize all the documents in one meeting. I will definitely use Todd's services for any other legal tasks we have.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Thomas cresswell
As a licensed attorney of 46 years, I have met countless attorneys in my lifetime. In all that time, I have not encountered a finer attorney than Parker Brown of Fidelis Law, PLLC. His work is excellent, he is more responsive than any attorney that I've ever worked with, and his fees are more than reasonable. More importantly, Parker is a person of integrity and a sincerely nice guy whom I unqualifiedly trust. I heartily recommend Parker Brown and Fidelis Law.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Andrew wells
Amazing group of people. They are good at what they do, quick to respond, and are always a good sounding board for anything legal.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Christy moberly
Parker Brown at Fidelis assisted our board with updating our bylaws and also created a Conflict of Interest Policy. Parker was professional, thorough and handled all of our needs on a timely basis. I would highly recommend him and Fidelis for governance and board work.
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04 Mar, 2014 by W. mark dixon
As a business owner, having an experienced attorney who can assist with a variety of situations is a must. I highly recommend J. Trent Lehman, as he possesses a combination of superior legal knowledge and a vision for the scope his client’s legal needs. Trent makes himself open and available to his clients nearly 24/7, and remains in constant communication until the matter at hand is resolved. Trent’s professionalism, knowledge, and results that exceed expectations make him someone I turn to as a trusted advisor in all legal matters concerning my business.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Stargaze00
Bennett Wills is extremely compassionate, caring and kind. He took the time to explain things about my case that no one else had. He listened when I talked and that seems rare these days. I would highly recommend Bennett Wills and trust him to handle your case with enthusiasm.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Indrani and gopal
We were dragged in a false rental dispute. At that time we knew nothing about judiciary system. Mr. Bennett Wills, a good and knowledgeable attorney, took our case and led us to a monumental win.
No one wants to be involved in a court case, but when someone accused us falsely and the financial costs were too high, we needed to fight back. Mr. Bennett guided us in every step of the process, comfort me and gave me the peace of mind in stressful situations. My family stood solid, behind us always as well.
He was prompt in replying emails, charged by quantum of 6 minutes though! He was discrete, sharp and straight forward from the beginning, later in the discovery sessions, and finally in the deliberations in the court. His way of presenting the case may not be theatrical but very effective. At the end we won, a big one!
We appreciate and thank Bennett for his outstanding service.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Bennet Wills is extremely professional and will fight for his clients. He was hired to deal with a dishonest contractor. I highly recommend him for any all litigation needs.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Julie reed
I cannot recommend Kelli Haas & Associates highly enough! From our first meeting, I felt reassured by their expertise and genuine care for my case. Kelli was incredibly thorough, always kept me informed, and fought tirelessly on my behalf. Kelli went above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, and I’m so grateful for her support. If you’re looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney, look no further!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Marie hilla
I recently had the pleasure of working with Kelli on a business dispute that, at times, felt much more emotional than professional to me. From the beginning, Kelli demonstrated not only her legal expertise but also an incredible ability to navigate the emotionally charged aspects of the case. Her professionalism, compassion, and strategic thinking helped guide me through what was an extremely draining process.
Kelli was always available when I needed her, keeping me informed and offering clear guidance at every step. She fought for my interests with skill and determination, ensuring the best possible outcome. I truly felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely cared about both the case and my well-being.
If you need an attorney who will not only provide excellent legal representation but also be a steady and supportive ally in tough times, I highly recommend Kelli. She’s everything you want in a lawyer—strong, knowledgeable, and compassionate.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Amber tullos
Kelli Haas was wonderful to work with and thoroughly explained things every step of the way. She ensured I understood the pros and cons to my mediation case and provided sound guidance. She is very knowledgeable and focused on providing me with best outcome while minimizing my costs. Kelli is professional and personable and provides a high touch client experience. I highly recommend her.
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28 May, 2019 by Molly
Kent gives up his Saturdays every week to assist and advise Vanderbilt law students at Vanderbilt's free medical clinic. The students gain invaluable experience through working with Kent and watching him work with the diverse clients and their varied legal needs. He devises trainings and opportunities for students to continue to expand their legal knowledge outside the classroom.
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27 May, 2019 by Peter
Kent and I first met when our daughters were playing AYSO soccer. He was/is approachable, engaging, intelligent, and someone you trust almost immediately. For me the measure of a man is how he interacts with his family and Kent sets the bar for all of us. Later when I had a sensitive legal issue, Kent was the first person I called. He was extraordinarily professional yet understanding on a personal level. He seemed to never forget we were husbands and fathers first and foremost. Later Kent advised my wife on some IP matters and again, he was thorough and profoundly human. In this day when professional services providers are so transactional, Kent remains the one setting the bar for competence and compassion. My family and I trust him in all matters from the legally complex to the personally sensitive.
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27 May, 2019 by Emily
Kent has served as our supervising attorney for our school's Medical Legal Partnership over the past year and has done an incredible job educating students about how to interact with clients and what kinds of questions to ask them. He has a great demeanor with clients and knows how to make people feel comfortable while asking the tough questions and getting to the bottom of whatever issue the client is dealing with.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Gina holt
Our business hired Mr. Gilkes to help with collection issues. He has been very attentive, friendly and professional. We have been so pleased, that we have asked him to represent us a several other issues. He takes the time necessary to do a great job, but never makes us feel ignored or forgotten. Absolutely the best collection attorney we have worked with.
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06 Aug, 2016 by Jimmy
I hired him to assist me with several legal matters , he has always been honest, staied in constant contact .He is amazing in court !!!!
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19 Aug, 2022 by Jerry
Unfortunately in small business and partnerships you need an attorney. I was blind sided and called Brian and he expert guided me to a conclusion with my former business partner. We reached a conclusion I was happy with and his fees were VERY reasonable.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Dan
Brian was great to worth with. He is an excellent legal strategist with extremely on-point advice. He helps you keep a cool head in very stressful legal situations. He represented me for nearly two years in two Federal suits and navigated each to a successful close. Everything he said to do was what ultimately worked in the end. I'd recommend him to all of my business associates.
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26 Jun, 2020 by Mattie
When my business partner died suddenly, I wasn't sure what I had to do legally to change the business and wrap up the details. Mr. Winton guided me every step of the way to take care of old business matters and start a new business entity. He also contacted me regularly and kept me on task so I didn't let anything fall through the cracks. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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16 Apr, 2016 by Robert
Mr. Lightsey has represented our business for several years. He has conducted 100% of our businesses legal needs and we would not consider working for anyone else. Mr. Lightsey has a thorough understanding of the law and we are extremely happy with his services which have included the creation of our corporation and ongoing legal counsel as needed. We emphatically recommend Lightsey Law!
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27 Jan, 2015 by Tony rose
To Whom it may Concern:
I have been involved with the administration of Five Estates in the last few years.
Russ and his Associates have been the Best Lawyers I have encountered in my duties as
an Executor. I was so pleased with his work that I am now using him as my Attorney and
he will be handling the administration of my Estate when I die.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Rebecca white
Julie Moss of The Blair Law Firm assisted us in revising our legal documents. She was very thoughtful, thorough and responsive. I highly recommend this firm to anyone needing estate planning assistance.
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20 Nov, 2021 by Steve griffin
Our experience with Julie Moss was exceptional. She took as much time as needed to explained the details of our documents and to answer any questions we had. Her advice regarding our estate and power of attorney documents was invaluable.
Dr. Steven A. Griffin
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27 Aug, 2020 by Cgfreck foundation
Wonderful, caring, & intelligent people! Very affordable and Rebecca Blair gets the job done!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Rebecca white
Julie Moss of The Blair Law Firm assisted us in revising our legal documents. She was very thoughtful, thorough and responsive. I highly recommend this firm to anyone needing estate planning assistance.
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20 Nov, 2021 by Steve griffin
Our experience with Julie Moss was exceptional. She took as much time as needed to explained the details of our documents and to answer any questions we had. Her advice regarding our estate and power of attorney documents was invaluable.
Dr. Steven A. Griffin
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27 Aug, 2020 by Cgfreck foundation
Wonderful, caring, & intelligent people! Very affordable and Rebecca Blair gets the job done!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
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03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
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03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
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03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
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21 Nov, 2024 by John lathers
Every individual I dealt with was professional and able to assist me in a positive manner. They were very customer or should I say client motivated. All my questions were responded to with direct details that gave me positive feelings about what I was dealing with in the case. Outstanding experience and I would hire them again without a doubt. I recommend them without hesitation!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Cristopher avendaño
Excelente servicio de Haydee , muy amable
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10 Aug, 2023 by Anthony johnson
04 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Todd Cole for ANY legal need. I have never needed an attorney before, and he represented me with great integrity in a complex business matter. I was treated like family from the first introduction throughout the whole process. He truly cared about my case, concerns, and budget. He and his staff were transparent and communicated often so there was never any guessing about the process, timeline or billing.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Brandon
I'm a lawyer practicing in Canada, and I had a client who needed advice on a matter governed by Tennessee law. I hired Todd's firm on their behalf. Todd gave my client excellent and timely advice about the risks, options, and next steps, and with his help we were able to get a positive result quickly and efficiently.
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16 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a phone meeting with Todd within about 24 hours of first reaching out. He was straightforward and helped me understand everything that was going to happen. He was prompt with everything he did including all communication. I can’t thank him or recommend him enough for his help!
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20 Jan, 2025 by D j
Mr.Cook provides excellent legal advice and direction. He listens to your needs with a kind and caring demeanor.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Melinda rathjen
I've had nothing but the best experiences with Meridian. Thomas Shumate has helped me with two time-sensitive employment-related matters. I have found the counsel to be extremely helpful, thorough, and timely. I would highly recommend Meridian.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Walter whybrew
20 Jan, 2025 by D j
Mr.Cook provides excellent legal advice and direction. He listens to your needs with a kind and caring demeanor.
Read more
07 Dec, 2024 by Melinda rathjen
I've had nothing but the best experiences with Meridian. Thomas Shumate has helped me with two time-sensitive employment-related matters. I have found the counsel to be extremely helpful, thorough, and timely. I would highly recommend Meridian.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Walter whybrew
20 Jan, 2025 by D j
Mr.Cook provides excellent legal advice and direction. He listens to your needs with a kind and caring demeanor.
Read more
07 Dec, 2024 by Melinda rathjen
I've had nothing but the best experiences with Meridian. Thomas Shumate has helped me with two time-sensitive employment-related matters. I have found the counsel to be extremely helpful, thorough, and timely. I would highly recommend Meridian.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Walter whybrew
29 Jun, 2010 by Satisfied man
I hired Ed Turnley to represent me in a criminal defense case for an assault charge. He came highly recommended to me by a bail bondsman I met in a chance meeting (the bondsman was not involved in my case btw, I met him at a restraunt). Am I ever glad I hired Ed! He is very smart, reasonable and worked me out a great deal! I highly recommend him to anyone! His number is 615-969-7749. There are bigger names in Nashville, but few better attorneys than Ed Turnley.
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28 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Deanna Raih for an employment situation in Massachusetts about nine years ago that, because of her knowledge and advice, was resolved way beyond my expectations without having to resort to a courtroom. When I had a less serious, yet still troubling, situation a few months ago, I tracked her down to Tennessee., where she now practices, and used her for several phone consultations. She's wise, compassionate and professional. Most importantly, she's a very tough, strong advocate to have on your side.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Eli perkins
Francis is a fantastic attorney and very detail oriented. He provided excellent counsel and was always responsive and timely. Highly recommend!
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29 May, 2024 by John lavender
As a 23+ year mortgage loan officer veteran and real estate agent that has worked with 1,000's of clients with divorce variables trying to either refinance or purchase a home during or after divorce, Francis King was a true professional throughout the entirety of the process! Whereas many attorneys I have had to work with on behalf of some many clients were subpar only hurting my clients situation and/or keeping them from moving on with their lives! This was absolutely not the case with Mr. King! If you are looking for someone to look out for your future well being, enjoy working with Francis King! You will not regret it!
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08 May, 2024 by Nate winters
Francis was great to work with !! He always returned calls and emails, promptly. Divorce is tough, but Francis kept all the guess work out by keeping me informed of my rights and doing what’s best for me and my kids. My divorce ended without mediation or having to go to court. I would highly recommend Francis.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Harlene dy
I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Ashley Walter and the entire team, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. From the very start, they were attentive, thorough, and clearly explained the legal process to me, ensuring I understood every step. Their expertise and commitment to my case were evident, and it was clear they genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we reached a successful resolution, and I felt supported the entire way. If you’re looking for an attorney who is not only skilled but also compassionate and responsive, I highly recommend HMC Civil Rights. They made what could have been a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Thank you so much again and God bless.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Julia calvery
They worked hard on my case and my issues were resolved!
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28 Feb, 2024 by Christine minton
The ENTIRE HMC Civil Rights team, especially Heather and Erica, have been a huge blessing! They fought hard for me, and never once made me feel like I was just "another number" to them. They were there for me every step of the way, and made sure I got what I deserved! I would recommend them again and again for anyone who has been discriminated against or mistreated by an employer for something out of their control. This is, BY FAR, the best team in Middle Tennessee, and I'm so grateful for all their hard work and guidance in my case!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
Read more
29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Cody ferrell
From the first phone call with John, we were instilled with a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability to handle our case. During the court hearing he was professional, well prepared, and calm. He was the best representation we could have asked for. If I am ever in the need of legal council again I know who to go to.
Read more
29 Sep, 2024 by Lamar gaines
After recently retiring my wife and I were blindsided with our first ever lawsuit. Can’t say enough about how helpful John and Katie were while we were navigating this issue. Would certainly recommend Belcher Sykes Harrington and their staff for guidance in a host of legal matters.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by George wilson
John Belcher came highly recommended to me for representation, and I cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough here. He was considerate, thorough, competent, and thoughtful in every matter. His firm, including Elizabeth Sykes and Joel Stampley, is the epitome of professional and punctual. I would not hesitate to use Belcher, Sykes, Harrington, PLLC again.
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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.
