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27 Jun, 2015 by John
Meriam is a pleasure to work with. She gives competent, legal representation and remains very aware of the client's best interest. The thing I appreciate most is how aware Meriam of the impact of her billable hours on a company. She worked hard to get to a good end result with a minimum of billable hours - a trate I have not always experienced from other attornies. .
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06 Jun, 2021 by Brandon
I contacted Michael for assistance with a child custody case. I am a Senior IT professional who resides in a remote area and was looking for an Attorney who was familiar working remote/over the internet and had extensive experience in family law and was IT savvy. What made me decide to choose Michael? Well see for yourself at his website at www.rivercityattorney.com For me Michael was the perfect fit! He was a Court appointed Minors counsel, was comfortable working with long distance clients via internet, and was the Chair of Technology section of the Sacramento Co. Bar for 3 years! I felt very confident after reading his credentials I was approaching the Attorney I needed! I was not wrong! He is very patient, honest, caring, responsive, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional. He was aggressive in representation and negotiation of my case, top notch skills! He is a straight shooter and was up front about what I needed to do on my own part and when it needed to be accomplished. He supported and guided me every step of the way through a very stressful and difficult situation and made it clear the details of the case were of the utmost importance. He helped me obtain clarity on what was needed as the case progressed and was not lax on providing digital copies of any documents needed. Michael does not outsource any work to paralegals or secretaries which was a plus for me as any communications I had with Michael were from him, and were prompt. If you find yourself in a situation requiring legal representation I highly recommend Mr. Michael Crosson! I can't say enough good things about him in this review. If you are looking and find yourself on the fence, don't hesitate, contact him!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Josie
A friend suggested I hire Michael to help with a custody case. My ex and I really didn't see eye to eye on anything and we went round and round trying to deal with it ourselves. Finally I had enough and was ready to go to court. Michael was very knowledgeable about family law and listened to my issues. He gave me my options and we discussed the best to handle my situation in detail. After mediation and court I was happy with the results. He was prepared and professional. My bill was a little higher than I expected, but not unfair. It was well worth it to have more peace now. Thanks Michael!
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19 Oct, 2010 by Esteban
I hired Michael Crosson after the first lawyer that I hired did absolutley nothing for me. Michael is very knowledgeable about handling divorce cases. He kept me informed of all of the procedures that I needed to do on my part, and in the end the case whent in my favor. He is approachable, easy to get along with, and will keep you updated on your progress.
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30 Oct, 2009 by Lonnie
Fred did a good job of keeping me informed of my options while giving me appropriate advice. He's a heck of a nice guy and a straight shooter. He even likes tennis and is a runner. I'd recommend him anytime.
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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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