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28 Jun, 2017 by Annemarie
Michael Terkanian is an excellent lawyer; he is extremely patient and explains unknown legal terms in great detail. He answers questions in a timely manner and truly works to ensure his clients' success. I very highly recommend his services!
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26 Jun, 2017 by Chilee
When a credit card company unlawfully (and unexpectedly) seized all my accounts and assets I thought that I was done for. I was referred to Michael the same day. He took on my case, researched and prepared without hesitation. The next day Michael showed up to court - prepared with a great strategy and won my case! Resulting in my assets returned to me in full. I will always be grateful for his due diligence, and dedication to my case. I've worked with countless lawyers, especially in the past year and Michael has been the only attorney to show up, communicate his strategy with me and deliver with flying colors! He is definitely the attorney for any job.
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23 Jun, 2017 by Shayna
I launched my company 18 months ago and Mike has been a major part of its success. He was not only extremely knowledgeable about business and contract law, but he was amazingly knowledgeable about the tech industry as a whole. His unique background in Programming, IT, Web Design, Graphic Design enabled him to bring an understanding of my business that a traditional lawyer could never do. Mike became a sounding board for new business ideas and helped us create focused business plans. He has continually gone out of his way every time I needed assistance and the turn around time and thoroughness in the contracts was outstanding. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a hard-working, brilliant, honest, trust-worthy and genuine lawyer. He definitely stands out in this industry as a leader and I am extremely grateful for all of his hard work. Without Mike's assistance my company would never have experienced the level of growth we've seen over the past year. He's style of lawyering is unique and he is always looking out for the best interest of his clients first.
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29 May, 2010 by Linda
Peter guided me through the process of updating my trust, will, health wishes, etc. about two years ago, making it easy with his thoughtful concise questions, guidance, and current information. He helped me include a section to protect my pets' welfare. Since then he and his staff keep a constant watch that my legal work is up-to-date and have been available whenever I need them to answer questions. It's now time for my bi-annual review during which we will discuss and make any changes necessary. He has always made me feel that my situation and concerns are of the utmost importance to him. It's nice to know that this professional is keeping watch over my affairs so that I don't have the worry of letting the legal work become old and ineffectual.
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29 May, 2010 by Lucia
We have known Peter Gilbert 16 years; in 1994 he did our Trust. Since that time he has represented our interests, discussed our options, and recommended actions based on those options, but never pushed us, only informed us and been responsive to our questions. Personally he is polite, funny, and gentle. A client is more than well served by Peter.
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27 May, 2010 by Rose
Attorney Gilbert was referred to us by a friend,after searching several, for one to do our estate planning. We are very glad we chose him.You can talk to him without being rushed and he listens.I highly recommend Atty. Gilbert.
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18 Sep, 2014 by James
I would like to take a moment to praise the services provided by attorney Joseph T. Thiroway. This guy is a true professional in every sense of the word. Over the years, Mr. Thiroway has handled several matters for our company, with great results. He is always well prepared, compassionate, and accessible. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in both Business Law and Personal Injury matters . I am always confident that he will do a great job, which is why a refer him regularly. Keep up the good work. A+++
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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.