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23 Feb, 2016 by Kathy and floyd
After retaining Dewitt, Ross and Stevens for a previous legal matter, we felt confident returning for help with a serious accident involving life threatening injuries. Howard Schoenfeld exhibited professional expertise, outstanding legal knowledge and persistent diligence that obtained the maximum settlement for us. The kindness and frequent communication from Howard and Vicki Schmidt was greatly appreciated. Howard has our trust and profound gratitude.
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27 Feb, 2015 by Douglas
Howard Schoenfeld brings his many years of experience to bear on the matters he handles. He is a calm and deliberate presence. Howard is aware that litigation can be expensive and time-consuming—and does everything in his power to deliver good results in a cost-effective way. He will not waste your time or money. A very able lawyer.
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06 Aug, 2013 by Theodore
I am an international German businessman who was looking for a litigator in Waukesha County. I was referred to Attorney Schoenfeld through another international company where I had prior business relations. My company had sent $500,000 worth of product to a large manufacturing company in Wisconsin and after receipt of the product the company failed to pay for the product or return the product. I hired Attorney Schoenfeld to file a Complaint. Howard has a very direct, clear-cut, non-rubbish type of approach to business. I not only received a good upshot but I learned a few things from Howard on the art and craft of negotiating.
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13 May, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife quit her job and her employer withheld her final paycheck, requesting that she come into sign paperwork she was not legally obligated to before handing over the check and then lying to the Department of Workforce Development and claiming she had kept keys. We contacted Scott and he was able to litigate our case effectively, reaching a settlement for twice what was owed and then successfully motioning for legal fees to be paid by my wife's former employer. Throughout the process, he was professional and communicative. Echoing the other review on here, if you were not paid by an employer, Scott will help you get paid.
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06 Apr, 2019 by Peter
I was not paid by my employer, and thought I was never going to get paid for work I did. Looked around for employment law attorneys and Scott Luzi took my case. He was able to get the wages paid to me that I deserved with an additional penalty for refusing to pay me initially. If an employer refuses to pay you, contact Scott Luzi. He will stand up for you and make sure you’re paid for your work.
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13 May, 2019 by Imran
I had the pleasure of working with Dustin McMahon, one of the newer attorneys of this law firm. He was very professional and helped me sort out my ticket immediately. He gave me the assurance that it would be handled with utmost priority as well as gave me periodic updates regarding the issue. I will definitely be working with Dustin and this firm again!
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07 Mar, 2019 by Jordan
Dustin assisted me with a traffic violation and I have nothing but great things to say about him. His knowledge of the situation and explanation of the process each step of the way were reassuring. He was positive during each interaction and was professional. He handled everything quickly and efficiently and I am thankful for that as well. I would highly recommend him for any of your legal needs.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kami
James is such an honest guy! He is very professional and helpful. I highly recommend him ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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08 Nov, 2022 by Tieg
If you need honest legal advice, solid follow through and a fantastic legal representative James Shaw is your man. I am so impressed with his dedication, professionalism and how timely and accurate James represented me and my situation. I spoke with so many other law offices and the moment James started helping me I had full trust in his ability to get it done. Thank you James for taking me on and helping me with my situation which seemed like it was never never ending. Hire James — you won’t be disappointed!
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28 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Jake Schwei came highly recommended to me by a high profile trial attorney. Within the first five minutes of my initial consultation, I knew why he was so highly recommended. Jake asked very pointed questions and took incredibly thorough notes. I could immediately tell that he was willing to be as aggressive as needed in order to keep me as whole as possible after my divorce was complete. He never backed down in the negotiation process and never gave me even a small shred of doubt.
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25 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I am an attorney who went throught a very difficult and contentious divorce. Jake was there for me, and handled my situation with respect and competent, aggressive representation. Ultimately, he was instrumental in brokering a resolution that all parties could live with. I am glad that I chose to work with him.
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27 May, 2021 by Sophia brunke
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25 Jul, 2019 by Zoahs cousin
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09 May, 2018 by Tim
I hired Attorney Barker for a lengthy and complicated public records case against a Wisconsin municipal government. Our argument in favor of release was mostly untested by the courts, but the municipality settled with us before trial because after reading her briefs and responses, it was obvious April was the better attorney.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Mathew mayes
This lawyer firmly believes that those without financial means should endure hardship. $4,000 retainer fee. $400 an hour for consultations. Shame. Edit: quippy comment from greedy lawyer suggests that I overstated the consultation. It's like $375. The law shrouds itself in secrecy behind the greed of lawyers creating different tiers of justice for those without means. You are a public servant, not a ruler.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Haylee h
Karyn is so helpful and so knowledgeable. I'm so happy I was referred over to her. With so many lawyers out there it seems, she is the real deal. I'd recommend her to anyone, even if you have what you think is a simple case. Hire her, because it can turn to complex in a day. Not only is she great at what she does, but she is truly caring for you as a person and wants what is best for you.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Judy ellington
Dan was very helpful in explaining the various aspects of wills, revocable and nonrevocabke trusts. He spent well over an hour with us gratis initially. He is clearly knowledgeable in the field of elder law and guided us in both making decisions re: our various choices and completing necessary paper work. John and I heartily recommd Dan as a competent, caring and knowledgeable agent in the field of elder law! Judy and John Ellington.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Pauline liske
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02 Oct, 2023 by Dean langenfeld
If you are thinking of enrolling in Legalshield and are in Wisconsin, don't bother. By far the worst experience I have ever had with legal counsel. Jaques Mann was condescending from the start. I spent an hour loading all the information into the legalshield system on what are needs were and what ADVICE we were looking for. He started the call by sending an automated text from legalshield saying I'd hear from an attorney shortly. He called 30 seconds later, with only 10 minutes left in the window I was given that they would call. (called at 1:50pm I was told I would hear from them between 11am and 2pm). He started the call asking what he could do for me and clearly had read none of the data I had posted. There was severe echo on the call which he blamed on me. He then proceeded he could only talk to my wife about the issue, even though at this point I was looking for advice, which all other attorneys I have spoken to about this issue were happy to provide me LEGAL ADVICE. Also, I had my wife next to me on speaker phone, but he wasn't listening to me at all. Condescending and refused to listen. He was probably annoyed he had to do a LegalShield "Consult" to begin with. Now they are deleting my Google Reviews, which I will simply keep reposting. Net/net I was prepared to give them a retainer and contract them for their services based on LegalShield for a family matter, but my family needs someone who will listen and not condescend. We will be seeking a refund from LegalShield and looking for counsel elsewhere.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Levi froke
Affordable , pragmatic, and candid
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28 Aug, 2024 by William daniel
Jason was excellent! He answered all of our questions, was patient with us old folks, and explained everything so we could understand! We highly recommend this group as one which cares.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Kristine ryan
Called in May and spoke to Tyler. He said he would call me back and let me know how they wanted to proceed - he didn't call. Called 7/15 to ask if they could help. He never let me finish one sentence. Kept interupting me and then literally slammed the phone down on me - called back to ask him why and he yelled again. Made me cry.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Judith ladwig
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melissa impens
Attorney Luzi came recommended by another attorney attorney that I have used successfully. Unfortunately, after leaving voicemails for Attorney Luzi, every day for 3 days, Attorney Luzi couldn't find the time to return my calls. My recommendation is to look elsewhere, as Attorney Luzi doesn't appear interested in new cases.
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27 Nov, 2023 by David
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19 Sep, 2023 by Mbk
David and the team did an amazing job. Walcheske & Luzi vastly outperformed my previous representation, and it was less costly. Lawyers are the worst, but I can't say enough good things about David. Thank you!!!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Jul “jae” pro-jordan
Workers are nice and respectful, get the manager on the phone and they talk down to you, yell, not listen..... I always feel so horrible after talking to a manager. 😞
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16 Apr, 2024 by Richard fiske
If you happen to find yourself with collection debt that is placed with Rausch Sturm, try asking for Leah Tafoya. She was easy to work with and put in the effort to help get the debt settlement offer that worked best for me. Glad to have this behind me!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Osbaldo acosta
Leah was awesome she helped me out and made everything easy !
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08 Apr, 2023 by Becky
Your husband tom used to come to a bar I worked at. Now his name is coming up on my phone alot in emails and other things. Please ask him if he is trying to contact me. If so please tell him my email address. Thank you Becky Stein
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08 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Unfortunately there were high expectations and they were not met by Mr. Sharkey. Very professional, but limited knowledge and not very intuitive. Spent more time than needed discussing him personally and getting charged for it. The invoice contained redundant information/items. It was very detailed, however quite a few grey areas that said the same thing. Biggest disappointment was two-fold: First, had to explain situations 3 to 4 times before comprehension and while the expectation for Mr Sharkey was set on day 1 in terms of what was needed, he did not meet that expectation. And note,,,the expectation or what was asked of Mr Sharkey does not have any relation to the outcome of the issue. One other note: After releasing Mr Sharkey and notifying the other party being dealt with - their response was: "We understand" I think that speaks volumes. End result: Overcharged and disappointed.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Do your self a favor and don't hire this attorney and his assistant. They will take u a your families inheritance . Soak it all up before you get it !!!
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29 Mar, 2017 by John bowles
Ms. Bates seems to have a lack of professional courtesy to respond to a matter which has had a direct impact on my life. Guess she is too good.
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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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