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19 Feb, 2024 by Donald giannangeli
Christian is very approachable and great at what he does. He can distill a complex family situation, like lack of natural heirs or charitable intentions like donating a house, and make it simple to deal with when the time comes. Best of all, he makes it easy to understand. Highly recommended!
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16 Nov, 2020 by April cobbs
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17 Jan, 2017 by Nicole
Chip Royer was our closing agent on a home purchase. After a bad prior experience, I was keely monitoring timelines and potential red flags. There were absolutely no issues with this closing. Chip and his staff knew every nuance of not only the standard requirements for a closing, but also for the more intense VA loan closings. There were literally no hiccups in the process and the team answered every question I had along the way quickly and thoroughly. It is rare to see such detail oriented work nowadays. Chip walked us through every single form during closing and explained to us what we were signing. This was the best closing experience I have had by far. There is no other attorney that I will use. Whatever Chip provides, we will go to him for that service when needed.
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15 Nov, 2024 by William roberts
Good visit
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11 May, 2023 by Anne
My experience with the Lawyer in this group was excellent! I recommend them highly!
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08 May, 2023 by William rossberg
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19 Feb, 2024 by Donald giannangeli
Christian is very approachable and great at what he does. He can distill a complex family situation, like lack of natural heirs or charitable intentions like donating a house, and make it simple to deal with when the time comes. Best of all, he makes it easy to understand. Highly recommended!
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16 Nov, 2020 by April cobbs
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17 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife and I consulted with Christian regarding bringing our estate documents up to date and ultimately had him draw up new wills, POA documents, and AMDs. His patient explanations of the many complicated and nuanced issues involved and his recommendations for how best to address them according to our individual situation and goals were consistently clear and seemed to make good sense. A couple of minor glitches with the final wording in some of the documents, but all in all the experience was quite positive.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Scott
I was faced with a family law issue where I could have represented myself. The matter was fairly cut and dried and I was concerned that hiring an attorney would be "overkill". As a business owner I have had to represent myself several times in small claims court and am not intimidated by legal matters. Ultimately I hired Matthew and he did a wonderful job representing me. Family court is very different from small claims and his presence was well worth the cost. If you are on the fence about hiring an attorney or representing yourself, I can not urge you enough to err on the side of caution and strongly consider Mr. Falwell as your legal representation. He was professional and competent in every aspect.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Joseph
Mr. Falwell was very capable throughout my traffic violation case. From start to finish he was as easily accessible and flexible as advertised; he works to fit your schedule and is comfortable with correspondence over distance. Mr. Falwell has extensive knowledge of traffic law and how to go about getting the infraction reduced to a much lower penalty, which was the outcome in my case. With regards to his personality, I found him to be an honest and kind individual and would highly recommend him.
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23 Jun, 2017 by Christopher
I livestream, and I had a lot of questions about what I could and couldn't do on the internet when it came to raffles or sweepstakes. Matthew was able to work with me and answer everything much more quickly than I expected. He clearly explained the regarding laws so I was able to understand exactly what I could and could not do.
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21 Mar, 2022 by Bettie
John is a young, bright, enthusiastic attorney. He is the rare combination of being personable & professional.
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25 Jul, 2017 by Ben
John Ralston is a wonderful attorney. Courteous, positive, polite, accessible, and expert in his advice, John has a unique level of humility that puts his clients at ease. He calmly and patiently worked through our issue guiding us through the process with an earnest desire to look out for our best interests (not his!). My wife and I could not have been more pleased with John - he took time out of his day, at a moment's notice, to provide cogent, clear, consistent and correct advice in handling a home purchase contract dispute. We cannot say enough positive things about John and his service - we could not recommend him higher! Thank you, John!
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14 Jun, 2017 by John
John Ralston was courteous, understanding, and competent in representing me in a driver's license suspension case. He made himself available for any questions and concerns we had. He also politely made strong arguments in my favor during the hearing and my driver's license was ultimately reinstated. We also enjoyed meeting his friendly dogs at the office, and he and his firm were a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!
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07 Mar, 2011 by John
Thomas Hong was my attorney and did an outstanding job. He is the consummate professional and was always available to speak with me regardless of what I felt needed to be discussed. He truly was a zealous advocate for me. If I ever need the services of a lawyer again I want Tom representing me. He is not only an outstanding lawyer and officer, but an outstanding person. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.
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31 Aug, 2010 by Ms
He was helpful and insightful and got me all the information I required without an issue , was on time to all appointments and was always ready to work. Did a great job on my Courts Martial in my defense , no problems at all.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Rob
Very much appreciated Mr. Michie's services and his legal strategy. My traffic citation resulted in a favorable outcome. He is also very reasonably priced in comparison to others who were less confident.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Brian clarey
Ned Michie took on my difficult case for a reasonable fee, and was able to get the best outcome I could have hoped for. And he was with me the whole way. He did a great job.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Rosa ramirez
Ned was amazing, he helped me a lot with my case and even followed up without me needing to reach out which shows how much he cares for his clients. I will definitely work with him again if needed and highly recommend him!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Rob
Very much appreciated Mr. Michie's services and his legal strategy. My traffic citation resulted in a favorable outcome. He is also very reasonably priced in comparison to others who were less confident.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Brian clarey
Ned Michie took on my difficult case for a reasonable fee, and was able to get the best outcome I could have hoped for. And he was with me the whole way. He did a great job.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Rosa ramirez
Ned was amazing, he helped me a lot with my case and even followed up without me needing to reach out which shows how much he cares for his clients. I will definitely work with him again if needed and highly recommend him!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Reneasha w
Matt handled my case and it was a pleasure working with him. You have to be patient with him if you want him and the team if you want the most out of your situation. I would absolutely call this firm up again if need be.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Lynda ewbank
Matt was such a great help to me even though he can't represent me. Fast and courteous and responsive. I literally couldn't have asked for someone better and will definitely be reaching out if I'm need of his services again.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Steve whalen
I reached out to this firm on September 6th for consultation on a lease matter. After working with the intake coordinator and not hearing anything, I sent a follow up email on September 11th. It is now September 30th and I have not heard from an attorney or anyone. Needless to say this was a time sensitive matter (as most lease issues are) and you blew it. Thanks for the assistance. This is why no one likes Lawyers.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ravi narayan
Highly recommended
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10 Jun, 2024 by Leigh boyes
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16 May, 2024 by Toby beavers realtor
Tim Kelsey and Michael Runyon were fabulous to work with. They responded quickly to calls and emails and closed a deal with both sides coming away HAPPY. 5 Stars!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sarah banton
I came to Andrew completely blindsided by a custody/visitation case that I only had about 3 weeks to prepare for. He was informative, communicative, realistic, honest, and confident, and I won't hesitate to recommend him/this practice to anyone who might need them.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Vivian dennis
From start to finish with Tom Hendell, my experience with the lawsuit has been exceptional. I was kept abreast of all transactions and advised of valuable information. Things I didn't understand legally were explained very well. In the end, I won my lawsuit due to Mr. Hendell and I would highly recommend him and his firm to anyone. I was very pleased! Vivian Dennis
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08 Apr, 2024 by Black raven paranormal
Megan was absolutely wonderful during my daughter’s recent custody case. My family and I can not express in the words the gratitude and appreciation for everything she did for us and our granddaughter. She was caring, kind, determined, professional, knowledgable and devoted. She gave us hope and support during the toughest of times. She truly cared about the well being of our granddaughter and through her hard work and devotion has given our granddaughter an opportunity to succeed and be all she can be in life. We can not thank Megan enough. Megan is a winner !! She truly cares!
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13 Dec, 2023 by Katherine fitzgerald
My grandmother went to sign her create/sign her will. She had a very easy and quick experience and Rich went out or his way for her. I'm very grateful. Thank you for treating my grandmother with so much kindness and respect as she has been going through a tough time medically. A very big thank you
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23 Jul, 2021 by Mary d
We had a very good experience updating our old Will, Trust, & Estate. The office staff is friendly & helpful.
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15 May, 2021 by Ron g bowles
Great
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28 Sep, 2021 by Elizabeth k harris
The kindest and most lovely folks work at this office. I spoke with Linda first and she listened attentively and compassionately and asked questions and must have taken a lot of notes because when attorney Diane Stoeberl called me back that same day, she had been well informed of my situation and was ready to give me a free consultation over the phone. When we determined that there might be someone else more qualified to handle my very specific and somewhat rare tax issue, she was very happy to pass on that attorney's name and contact information. So while I was not able to use their professional services, I felt well cared for by their professional and responsive manner and I appreciate very much, their honesty. I would definitely recommend.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Ben sweat
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29 Apr, 2019 by Malinda inthavong
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05 Apr, 2024 by Katie quinn
So so appreciative of Ty! We rented out our home and our tenants took advantage of us at every turn, most notably by failing to pay any rent for months on end and routinely continuing the case in court. Ty handled our case efficiently and professionally and fought to make sure we got what we deserved - and got our negligent tenants evicted. While I truly hope we never have to go through this process again, I know that we would call Ty in a heartbeat if so. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone else who finds themselves in this sort of awful situation.
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05 Aug, 2023 by Waqas al mulhim
I used Grisham & Barnhardt services to close on my new house. I worked with Addison Barnhardt, who was amazing to work with. Addison was very professional, flexible, responsive, and most importantly, walked me through the process as a first time home buyer. He and his team understood my needs and tricky schedule for closing, and they were always on top of communication with everyone involved. Thank you, Addison!
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04 Jul, 2023 by Brittany herring
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08 Nov, 2023 by Jamie
Highly recommend Rob Hagy for your attorney needs. My case was very complex and Mr. Hagy gave me the outcome that I was praying for. He is very kind and compassionate. If you are looking for the best lawyer in the area, Rob Hagy is your best choice!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Brianne monahan
Mr. Hagy was recommended to me through a family friend after my daughter and I left a very domestic violent situation. For the entire 10 months of our case, he stayed two steps ahead and went above and beyond to ensure the final ruling of our case went in my favor. Ultimately, I successfully won my case and was granted full custody of my daughter along with child support. I was in a very bad place after leaving the relationship, and extremely fearful of what could/would have happened to my daughter and Mr. Hagy made sure to help and provide wonderful service to ensure her safety was met 100%. I can’t recommend him enough. Very kind, helpful, and sees his cases through to hopefully ensure a win. Thank you so much again!!
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28 Aug, 2023 by Todd trent
Mr. Hagy handled my divorce and went above and beyond to keep me updated on the progress and answer all my questions. I could not ask for better service or advice through this difficult process.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Mrhis2ry
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30 Mar, 2021 by J. mark davison
Smart and hardworking attorneys, and Betty is awesome!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Peggy birdsall
Bad
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12 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
John Davidson represented me in an employment matter that did not come to litigation largely because his advice was so good. The outcome surpassed my best expectations. He’s a good listener who gets the big picture and is forthright about everything.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Davidson to be quite arrogant and markedly aloof regarding the subject matter of my consultation. He seems to be a part of the 'good ol boy' UVA network in that he was very evasive in pursuing a case involving the University. I was less than impressed with Mr. Davidson. His reputation in the Charlottesville community precedes him.
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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:

  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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