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16 Aug, 2024 by Matt brock
Jared was phenomenal. I’ve had a great experience working with him and his team. I highly recommend using these guys if you find yourself needing an injury attorney. Very happy with my results.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Joshua roldan
31 Jul, 2024 by M c
Happy with my results. Thank you for staying on top of my case and providing updates during everything.
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5.0
7 Reviews
5.0
38 Reviews
11 Jul, 2024 by Jeff
I've worked with Sara off and on over a 10-year period in a challenging and complicated divorce situation. Sara has always been helpful and responsive. She has remained calm and kind even when I wasn't. She has been honest and never gave me false hope or set unrealistic expectations. Instead, she has helped me understand the strengths and weaknesses in my case so I could make informed, clear minded decisions. Sara knows the family court system well and the people involved in the system. She also understands its limitations. The unique thing about Sara is that she's a good person ... and I can't say this about other family law attorneys I've worked with. She has looked out for me and my family's best interests while other family law attorneys I've used always managed to prioritize their financial interests above all else.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Andrew jones
Greg helped me with my BK and was absolutely fantastic in every way. Very honest and helpful, even got a creditor who came back years later to stop harassing me for requests of payment. Was very responsive to everything i asked and had the experience to make the process as stress free as possible. Thank you Greg!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Sonny
Greg restored my faith in the legal system and I would recommend him to anyone/everyone who's recently been in a car accident. I was in an unfortunate accident two weeks ago and was in shock when I called up my car insurance company and was immediately pushed into giving a recorded statement. I felt steamrolled by my insurance company (they are not your ally), especially since they immediately pronounced me 100% at-fault without any defense (and without even letting me know). I needed an expert coach to get me through the process and defend my rights. I started calling attorneys and after 15 calls of bureaucratic rejections I felt defeated. These large legal "corporations" would have a rep answer the phone, punch my info into a computer, and then say, "Sorry, but we don't cover minor accidents". I was literally about to give up (and cry), but then Attorney Hood picked up the phone. Yes... he, the actual attorney, called me back and asked for my full story: what happened, why did I feel cheated, etc. He was compassionate, patient, and infinitely helpful. He started sending me legal terms to use and lawsuits to reference. He took the time to actually show/explain to me my rights. I can't thank you enough Greg! Highly highly recommend!
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10 Aug, 2023 by Jordan kelly
Joel is amazing! Trustworthy, experienced and extremely professional. He has your best interest at heart for sure. I highly recommend his services!!!
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05 Jul, 2023 by Jorge mendoza
Joel bailey was professional from the start to finish . Outcome was great .good job joel
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05 Jul, 2023 by Jt reiman
Excellent experience!! Joel is outstanding, he represented me in a very stressful case, I HIGHLY recommend his services—he is professional, prompt and always available.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Greg
The team at Geiger Law Office was highly professional and great to work with. They were very informative and thorough, giving us confidence in our resulting family Trust.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Kelly
My husband and I had our first trust completed by Brenda and her helpful staff years ago. We needed a complete review and update to our trust and were very happy once again with their service. All details and options were clearly explained to us as and we were given time to discuss and consider each option. All our questions were answered with no surprises at the end. We highly recommend Brenda Geiger and her staff for any estate planning/trust needs.
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03 Jan, 2018 by Debbie
The best thing we did in 2017 was establish our trust. My husband and I were procrastinating because it seemed so overwhelming to us. The Geiger team’s professionalism, organization, and patience made the entire process seem so simple. They helped address everything needed to protect our estate (including property, finances, medical directives, etc.). I highly recommend them to everyone!
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28 Jun, 2023 by Mike
We were in a hurry, and Owen got our living trust completed in record time. He's a rockstar!
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24 Sep, 2022 by Edward
He made the process of setting up a famity trust easy. Very competant and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend.
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11 Jun, 2022 by Harry
Great experience working with Owen and his office while creating a Will and Trust for our family. Communication was precise and very informative, was easy getting answers to all of our questions. Would highly recommend this practice as everyone was very personable and professional. Thanks for all your guidance and services Owen.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Ross peabody
Over the past 15 years, I have had the opportunity to work on cases opposite of George Arvanitis, and also alongside George as co-counsel. I have found him to be resourceful, exceptionally knowledgeable, and willing to fight for his clients for the best outcome. George is professional and trustworthy, and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Christiana garske
If you are looking for an attorney who is very knowledgeable and cares for his clients, he truly has concern and respect for his clients. I highly recommend George Arvanitis. He has great expertise of the law and maintains communication throughout all steps of the case. Very professional.
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26 Jul, 2023 by John romaker
I am a California attorney. I have known George Arvanitis for thirty-four years. I appreciate his great skill and see his work ethic as extraordinary. George is knowledgeable. He is honest. And George is an exceptional communicator. His cross-examinations and closing arguments are legendary. I refer my clients’ personal injury cases to George, because he handles those cases skillfully. George reported his progress on my referred cases to my clients and me. Therefore, I know the care he takes to provide the best outcome possible for his clients. If I ever need the services of a personal injury attorney, I will call George. I most highly recommend George to any person needing a personal injury attorney.
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24 Feb, 2018 by Larry
We needed to create a trust so our estate could be passed seamlessly to our children when we are gone. We hired Clinton Crosser based on recommendations from our friends. He is impressively experienced and knowledgeable in this area of law. An added bonus is his patience and his delightful personality. Covering all the bases to create a bullet-proof trust is anything but simple, no matter what the on-line ads may say. Crosser law is thorough and meticulous about careful preparation and correction of any errors that may be found. All needed documents such as grant deeds are identified, and Crosser law recovered these for us when missing, filed necessary papers with the county, and gave detailed instructions and forms for us to take to our banks, stock brokers, etc. He gave us a big, well organized binder ("The Blue Monster") with all relevant documents and instructions, including detailed instructions for our kids to follow as successor trustees. All this for a reasonable price. Bravo!
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14 Jan, 2018 by Joe
My wife and I put off creating a will and family trust for quite some time, fearing that the process would be time consuming and complex. Clinton took the time to teach us about wills and trusts and why we needed both. He was a pleasure to work with and made the entire process quick and easy. I have already referred him to friends and family.
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07 Jan, 2018 by Brenda
Me Crosser helped ed my husband and I with setting up our living trust. It was something we had needed to do for a long time and had been putting of. Me Crosser helped us think about the decisions we needed to make and really worked with us to explain all of the details. It was such a blessing that he was able to guide us through the entire process. I highly recommend his services for anyone that needs to do estate planning because he can explain things in simple terms and help you make the really tough decisions.
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17 Oct, 2013 by Mike
Scott represented myself and one of my clients in a landlord tenant lawsuit that was quite involved and potentially very damaging. He guided us to a satisfactory resolution. During the several month process, we found him to be very approachable, spoke to us in language that we could understand but was very aggressive in our defense. I have since called on Scott for help in many other smaller issues and recommend him whole heartedly.
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17 Oct, 2013 by Jerry
Scott has handled legal matters of a wide ranging variety for our family and our businesses for 15 years. He's formed LLCs, corporations and DBAs for us and advised us quite skillfully on issues of personal and estate liability. Throughout our association, he has been caring, concerned and conscientious. We've always felt as though we're his only clients. We would (and have) enthusiastically recommend Scott as a very fine practitioner of law. We've always felt very "safe" with him in our corner.
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17 Oct, 2013 by Jaime
I'm shocked to read **any** negative reviews about Scott Miller. He has been my attorney for over 10 years. I first hired him to help me with a real estate rental matter with a rental property I leased. Although it was small claims, he helped me prepare and win my case and I got all my deposit back and successfully fought off the landlord attorney. Immediately following that I bought a home that had major mold problems and was very complicated. Scott was fully prepared and helped me throughout the entire two year ordeal. Thanks to Scott, that matter was ultimately successfully settled with the prior owners. My last big case was in another state. Scott helped me by interviewing attorneys in that state and helped me hire the right guy. He was just as good as Scott and that one was also successful. Scott stayed on top of that attorney, too, to make sure that the case was moving along with integrity. Scott has consistently demonstrated integrity, honesty and excellent, thorough customer service. He also helped me save money by delegating work that I could do instead of a paralegal. His billing has always been correct and fair. I have recommended Scott to many people and I will continue to recommend him. He's a great attorney that I completely trust.
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23 Jan, 2015 by Beth
We have relied on Mr. Sunseri for many years. From initial incorporation as an LLC , to lease negotiations, to Coastal Commision land use issues, through tenant default and more. Steve is knowledgable, thinks stratigically, and is most responsive with a genuine interest in our business. He listens carefully and considers our concerns before recommending action. When considering litigation, Steve provided a realistic budget. He is a valuable asset to our business.
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19 Jan, 2015 by Jon
Mr. Sunseri has been a great go-to resource in assisting with several business matters from lease negotiation, disputes with landlords, buyer/seller rights and responsibilities, on and on.
He is just a phone call/email away to quickly and knowledgeably respond to questions and issues with realistic solutions and advice that has helped us numerous times to get past challenges that we have been faced with.
I cannot more highly recommend.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Dr kari
I have had the opportunity to work with Mr Sunseri on several different legal matters over the last few years. In all the matters he and his firm have been exceptional to work with. They are prompt and efficient in their communication and truly have the best interest of their client in mind. I was fortunate that all of my legal issues ended positively with their help. I would highly recommend Stephen Sunseri and will continue to use his services for all my legal needs.
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22 May, 2017 by Mavis hill
was first referred to Tara Cheever when my wife and I were looking for an Attorney who could educate and assist us in crafting a Living Trust. It was super important to us as an Aunt and Uncle to ensure that we effectively handed off, to the next generation of our family, the businesses and properties that we had created and acquired for them. Our experience with Tara during this process was enjoyable, enlightening and resulted in fulfilling all of our criteria.
Fast forward 3 years later and Tara has become my legal counsel for both my Art and Farm companies. Since then she has helped me maneuver a bad business partnership, create new business entities, purchase multiple unique properties, while providing ongoing legal consultation for other areas of need.
There is nothing more priceless to a small business than having excellent and affordable legal representation. Tara will continue to get my business and my referral.
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20 May, 2017 by Flavoredlayers farms
I was first referred to Tara Cheever when my wife and I were looking for an Attorney who could educate and assist us in crafting a Living Trust. It was super important to us as an Aunt and Uncle to ensure that we effectively handed off, to the next generation of our family, the businesses and properties that we had created and acquired for them. Our experience with Tara during this process was enjoyable, enlightening and resulted in fulfilling all of our criteria.
Fast forward 3 years later and Tara has become my legal point person for both my Art and Farm companies. Since then she has helped me maneuver a bad business partnership, create new business entities, purchase multiple unique properties, while providing ongoing legal consultation for other areas of need.
There is nothing more priceless to a small business than having excellent and affordable legal representation. Tara will continue to get my business and my referral.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Max
Tara has put together my family trust she had worked for me off and on for 5 or 6 years she is very efficient she knows what she's doing I would recommend her hundred percent and she is very pretty
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01 Feb, 2022 by Alex k
I had an issue with a contractor that could not be resolved without an experienced attorney. I contacted Brian and have to say from the get go he was very knowledgeable, clear, upfront, and above all honest. He knows exactly what to do and how to go about it. I have never seen better emails and letters written then by him. The way he communicated to the contractor and to me could not have been better. If you want the most reliable, best, and honest attorney you can find then look no further then Brian Andrews. Also very fair on his fees. 10/10 experience.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Geof
Brian is as good as it gets. He took charge of my case and stayed on top of it to the end. He was the only lawyer who was able to do what I wanted and succeeded in defeating the opposition. He even helped me in another completely different case I was involved in without even asking him to do so. I highly recommend Brian who is my lawyer and my friend.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Michael
Mr Andrews and his excellent staff, took on a difficult wrongful foreclosure and breach of contract case versus the banking industry for me. The Complaint was multifaceted and Brian's diligence, work, and presentation have been superbly on the mark. He and staff have remained resilient and passionate, in their continued pursuit of my best interests and a just outcome, despite favoritism towards the banks.
There have been no false expectations., and I could not ask for any level of performance, greater than what I have received. Brian Andrews is an asset to our community, and worthy of a long career ...
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11 Dec, 2023 by William h.
I found my self in a very difficult position financially due to a bank that made mistakes funding the SBC loan I was approved for. Mr. Zarcone stepped in and did so much more that what was expected to help my family and I. Of course, outcomes are important. But what is equally, if not more important, is knowing that everything was done that could have been done in your case. Mr. Zarcone. cared so much about the our situation, that after our dealings where done, he helped draft a letter to our representatives bringing attention to the issue in the hopes that other families with small businesses don't get treated they way we did. If you think about it, this is not only a good deed of a kind person...but selfless in that it could negatively affect the number of potential clients available to him. What mattered to Mr. Zarcone is that we had qualified and diligent representation. I thank him for that.
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24 Nov, 2019 by Pieter matthew olimerick
21 Feb, 2019 by Jason
Alex was very knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the entire experience! We had issues with the SBA trying to pursue loan deficiencies that had been foreclosed on. Alex was able to jump through all their hoops to successfully negotiate multiple offers in compromise for pennies on the dollar - thank you Alex!
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05 Dec, 2016 by Steve
I've used Stephen numerous times over the past 10 years on a variety of complex business transactions. The breath of his experience and his intuitive ability to read people has made him an invaluable resource. I always consult with Stephen before any new business adventure, and recommend him without reservation.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Richard
"Stephen J. Laskero is an excellent attorney. He has done an excellent job mastering the facts, the financials, and the marketing of numerous complex projects involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. On each occasion, his business acumen, knowledge of the law, and his ability to persuade participants on both sides of the transaction have been remarkable. I recommend him to anyone looking for an intelligent, persuasive and hardworking attorney."
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07 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Stephen J. Laskero is an excellent attorney and an honest and truthful advocate. I retained him several years ago to help me build my business, draft contracts and negotiate transactions. He has represented my company domestically and internationally. He works very well with my international lawyers, their staffs and my colleagues and is very well respected by all my associates. I have trusted him to manage millions of dollars in transactions and not a penny has ever been misplaced. He has a rare combination of legal skills, intelligence and business acumen. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking intelligent, persuasive and aggressive representation.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Scott
Over the past five years I have used Ken Cariffe regarding many different legal matters. As one who has worked with attorney's over the past 31 years I can with out a doubt state that Ken Cariffe has demonstrated a firm grasp of our needs and expectations.
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26 Aug, 2010 by Claudine
I have worked with Ken Cariffe on numerous issues and he has always done a wonderful job.
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17 Aug, 2010 by Jonathan
Very responsive and helpful. Had a clear understanding of my issues and worked on alternatives to address my goals. He clearly explained the law affecting my issues and was very fair with billing.
Also, the staff was very friendly and professional. I felt like I was in good hands.
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24 Nov, 2019 by Pieter matthew olimerick
07 Dec, 2017 by Docscotty2001
Ms Hersch has helped me with various issues over the past several years. She is honest and has the highest ethics. Besides being highly competent what I really love about her is that she really cares about me. She makes that clear in the way that she listens and takes time to arrive at the very best approach to solve the problems I set before her. I would never want to use anyone else. She is the best.
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29 Oct, 2010 by Frank
Jack assisted me witih a contract dispute that has now been settled for $52,000
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24 Mar, 2017 by Sam
I have hired Adam on several occasions with various services for my business. He has been professional throughout the entire process. He listens to my desired outcome and helps shape a plan that allows me to be successful and have the best possible outcome.
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25 Apr, 2016 by Anna b.
I worked with Adams, He is very professional and responsive to my questions/ concerns, and did not broke my bank. in fact, encourage me and help out with my legal situation twice. I am so grateful and appreciative of His legal expertise. i highly recommended.
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09 May, 2012 by Melissa
Mr. Felderstein is familiar with the laws and is able to apply this knowledge when determining how to approach your situation. He is able to communicate persuasively and clearly your desired outcome. Specifically, he looked over many of our contracts to make sure that they were legal and binding. We have been really happy and look forward to doing business with Mr. Felderstein the future.
Interesting Fact: He was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas.
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09 May, 2012 by Ellen
Mr. Felderstein (he likes to be called Brian) listens to my needs and delivers. He really knows the law and takes the time to explain it to me. He gives me options and explains the impact of each option. I trust him with all my legal needs.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Bradley
I would recommend the services of Dominick Severance without rearvation. More so than any lawyer I have worked with, he was capable I helping me understand the larger chess board. As the song goes you need to know when to hold em and know when to fold em. Dominick was able to helped me understand how a settlement in my case was a far better approach than a hail mary case. Not only did I learn a great deal about this case but I learned in this future how to more critically analyze contracts to ensure I don't relinqhish rights if damages occur. Although I am hoping I will not have any further conflict, I will certainly reach out to Dominick Severance if I ever am in need of legal services in this arena.
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06 May, 2016 by Joseph
A close friend of ours passed away unexpectedly which was when my wife and I realized we didn't have any of our affairs in order. Being a very frugal person I thought I could get one of those "do it yourself" estate plan packets until I realized the complexity of it. So my wife and I decided to find a true expert to handle this extremely important task for us and through a mutual friend we were referred to the Heieck Law Center. Attorney Carrie Heieck is very knowledgeable and professional and walked us through the process of understanding our options and deciding upon a living trust, powers of attorney and health care directives. I feel a great sense of relief knowing that when I pass, my wife and children will be provided for.
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12 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I asked a question regarding a weed abatement problem I was having with Weed Abatement here in Yucaipa, Ca. Linda Sue Loftin gave me a suggestion about going to a City Council meeting to see if they could help. Something I had not thought of. I did that this past Mon., 10/10/11 & was referred to someone in the Community Development Dept. & he spoke to someone in Weed Abatement & was able to get my $100 penalty removed. All thanks to Ms. Loftin.
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04 Jul, 2012 by Raul
I have known Doug for over 4 years and I would highly recommend him. I encountered a number of problems with my construction business due to the recession. Doug not only helped me out of trouble I found myself in but helped me get back on track. He is a great attorney and a great businessman.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Rob
I asked my lawyer friend who I should talk to about a business issue, and he sent me to Mr. Houston saying he didn't know of a better lawyer. At least for me, this turned out to be the case. Not only was Mr. Houston knowledgeable, he told me the best most cost effective way to handle my problem, even though it meant he wasn't really going to make anything. Just a stellar experience all the way around - highly recommended.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
From day one, Mr. Clinnin was very honest and straight forward. I was able to trust him with my case and knew he would get the best settlement possible. He is honest and a humble human being. He was looking out for my best interest. He is not your typical attorney. His calm persona and attitude made this process a whole lot smoother. We settled out with more than what I was expecting and all my bills were paid and then some! I definitely recommend him to anyone that is looking for a hard working and honest attorney.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Vic
Negeen is an outstanding lawyer who helped me manage my ex-wife's outrageous demands and obtain relative ease of mind by taking the burden off of me with a custody battle of my daughter. Negeen was my lawyer and was key to my numerous wins in family court. She is a pitbull and goes in for the win once everything has been put in place. She has my highest recommendation.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Jeff
I had to sue to dissolve a partnership, and Daniel Watts was a huge help. He responded to emails and phone calls immediately, kept me updated, and answered my questions in language I could understand. I recommend him.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. David Balfour is an amazing, trustworthy, aggressive, hard working, thorough and meticulous attorney. I have used his legal advice for a medical board Matter. I am a physician practicing in California and have found him to be the best when it comes to administrative law. He is very responsive and responsible lawyer. Do yourself a big favor and hire Mr. Belfour if you have an administrative matter. I even got a good feedback from one expert that worked with him. He is the best
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05 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Spicker was responsible for my bankruptcy case. She seemed very confident in her approach and her work and efforts solved my problems with credit harassment by banks.
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19 Apr, 2011 by Shawn
Outstanding service! Attorney Craig Correll has been instrumental in our company's sucess. He is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of trademark law. Our company is primarily in licensing and we will not commit to any deal unless Mr. Correll has first reviewed it and given his approval.
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15 May, 2015 by Zoe
It is rare to come across an attorney who has both emotional intelligence and legal intelligence. I am grateful to have found Ariel - she strategically helped us through a sticky situation and was insightful and intelligent. We will continue to use her for our business. We know that good attorneys are difficult to find!
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31 Aug, 2023 by Ross peabody
Over the past 15 years, I have had the opportunity to work on cases opposite of George Arvanitis, and also alongside George as co-counsel. I have found him to be resourceful, exceptionally knowledgeable, and willing to fight for his clients for the best outcome. George is professional and trustworthy, and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Christiana garske
If you are looking for an attorney who is very knowledgeable and cares for his clients, he truly has concern and respect for his clients. I highly recommend George Arvanitis. He has great expertise of the law and maintains communication throughout all steps of the case. Very professional.
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26 Jul, 2023 by John romaker
I am a California attorney. I have known George Arvanitis for thirty-four years. I appreciate his great skill and see his work ethic as extraordinary. George is knowledgeable. He is honest. And George is an exceptional communicator. His cross-examinations and closing arguments are legendary. I refer my clients’ personal injury cases to George, because he handles those cases skillfully. George reported his progress on my referred cases to my clients and me. Therefore, I know the care he takes to provide the best outcome possible for his clients. If I ever need the services of a personal injury attorney, I will call George. I most highly recommend George to any person needing a personal injury attorney.
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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.
