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07 Nov, 2022 by Steve
From our first meeting, Attorney Ali Arko provided keen ears, and a calming voice to bring a clear sense of the law to our conversation. Highly recommended by another attorney, I found Ali to be extremely well versed in the law and pragmatic in her approach to obtaining justice for our son in an awkward situation that was initially impenetrable for us. Ali made sense of current laws, their implications, and used her considerable experience to focus and guide our interventions. Ali readily sought and obtained consultations with her experienced KJK colleagues, organized conference calls as needed, and consistently provided clear updates. Ali is masterful communicator, honest, caring and keyed into the intricate implications of social media. In the end, Ali helped us obtain a favorable outcome, allowing us to achieve peace, was efficient with our retainer, and timeless in her advocacy. I would consult Ali Arko again in a heartbeat.
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02 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I am so thankful I was able to locate and retain Ali. I needed assistance with online defamation affecting my professional reputation and impacting my employment. Working with Ali I got actual results, not just bills for strongly worded emails that went nowhere.
Ali and her team helped navigate this unfortunately grey area of the law and was able to achieve takedown results assisting with my case. Each step of the way Ali provided clear direction and updates as she managed what was achievable.
Ali was also able to recommend strategies for combatting online defamation with reputation firms that continue to assist and suppress negative postings impacting my reputation and employability.
For anyone currently dealing with online defamation you have my empathy and strongest possible recommendation to work with Ali to resolve your matter.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Bernard
To say Ali and her team were great is an understatement. I was involved in a legal matter that required out-of-the-box thinking and being on top of the legal game.
Ali clearly showed this in handling my case. She was intelligent, hard-driving, and very communicative in all aspects of what happened to me.
Do I recommend using this fantastic person and her team? Absolutely!
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26 Mar, 2020 by Carl
Ziad is the zenith of reliability. His professionalism and focus, not just on serving his client, but on performing his services with ethical precision, surpass most other attorneys in the private sector. I have had the privilege to work with Ziad, both as a professional colleague and in an attorney-client role, and I can vouch for anyone seeking to retain him as his or her legal counsel. You will not be disappointed with your decision.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Elizabeth
We hired Ziad to help us with a situation we were in with new builders. He was absolutely amazing and we highly recommend! He answered all my questions and put me at ease when I was so stressed out about our situation. In the end, we won our case and were able to get our deposit back. 5-stars from us!
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30 May, 2019 by Tabitha
Attorney Ziad Tayeh has represented me on more than one case, he is very professional, articulate, and aggressive in achieving the best outcome for his clients. He was fully prepared for my case with very little notice, and was able to get all parties to agree on the end result that we wanted. Don’t settle for less, he’s the best attorney!
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13 Jul, 2016 by Robert
Alvand Mokhtari is a very personable, knowledgeable, confident, well organized and trustworthy lawyer. He represented me in two cases and was just spectacular in every way possible from start to finish. I have also consulted him on almost a dozen other matters in regards to my business. We did go to trial on one occasion and he was absolutely confident and comforting with top results. His composure, interactions and conversations were very professional. There is absolutely no way I would hire anyone else but him to represent me in any matter!
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08 Jul, 2016 by Galina
Al has been great to work with. Throughout my case, he was always very quick to respond, made himself available during times that most would consider after hours and was always patient in explaining the status, details and developments of my case. Mr. Mokhtari did everything in his power to ensure this process had truly been as smooth and comfortable as possible. Every step along the way, I was kept informed of the progress. I sincerely appreciate all of the help and professionalism. I will refer my family and friends to you only, and thank you again for the remarkable job.
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06 Jul, 2016 by Tiffany
As a young business owner, I found myself needing to sue a former client for work rendered that went unpaid. Al was successful in his approach and explanation of all legal issues; thus, I was rewarded with judgement against the defendant. Al always made himself available for questions & concerns regarding the case, as well. He is truly a stand-up guy and attorney... My go to for all legal questions and issues. Highly recommended!
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22 Nov, 2019 by Shawn
I did some research to find the best business attorney in the area and Brian Mulhall was rated the best. He did more than an OUTSTANDING Job!!!! I had a Very complex business dispute which most attorneys couldn't even wrap their heads around. Not only did he completely understand my case and all the business law surrounding it, but he got me the best possible outcome. I can't recommend someone higher than Mr. Mulhall!!
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28 Apr, 2019 by Renee
Saved me $12,500.00 Headache, won my case. Thank you Brian Mulhall
Live in Columbus Brian won my case without me going to Cleveland Ohio. Hands down #A+
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17 Mar, 2018 by Ruby
Brian Mulhall is my new attorney for life. I found him on Avvo and am so glad I did. He went above and beyond my expectations and will be attorney for any of my legal needs in the future. He is caring, reliable, trustworthy and very professional. He has a passion for his clients and for the law and that reflects in the care that I got. I thank him for all of his hard work and dedication.
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15 Feb, 2020 by Seku
Martin Bielat is reliable, punctual, quick, and very thorough. He is very easy to work with and a solid attorney. I would hire him again to do work for my firm. He stands out in a very crowded industry.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Martin took our case seriously and responded quickly anytime we had questions or concerns. I was impressed with how quickly and competently he responded to evidence presented by the defendant when we were in court. He worked hard on our case, and I believe he did a great job.
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26 Nov, 2019 by Monica
Marin Bielat was amazingly instrumental in the distribution of property after my separation. He was easy to talk to and made time for me without making me feel rushed or pressured. We eventually were able to reach an agreement outside of the court room thanks to all his efforts. He really takes the time to put clients first.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Joel sweitzer
Jeff and team were great to work with for our Estate Planning. Very patient and willing to take the time to explain everything in detail. Highly recommend.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Corky lenny
They make the process so easy. Everyone knows what they need to do and provide to the client for review or signing. It was very easy and I so appreciate that. Everyone is very professional.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Cory kuzemczak
Great Law Firm. Jeffrey made the whole process smooth and there always there for ?’s. Highly recomended
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10 Oct, 2015 by Isaac
Elena was extremely helpful and nice to work with. She was able to help me in something that I think others would have turned away or approach Ina different way. I would recommend her to anyone.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Kurt
I have know Elena professionally for over two years and have seen her in action. I would feel very confident in using Elena in any criminal defense or immigration situation. She is professional, punctual, fair, and takes the time to explain difficult legal concepts so that you have a full understanding of what is going on throughout the entire legal process.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Elena worked with my husband and I on our family immigration case. From the beginning until the very end of our processing she was very responsive and patient with us. First, during the free consultation she gave me and my husband a very detailed overview of the process. She sounded very confident, attentive, and professional, which prompted us to choose her out of the numerous lawyers we had been considering.
During the processing we had lots of questions and concerns, we were stressed and nervous most of the time. We were not the easiest clients to work with, as we were worried and concerned (sometimes with no valid reason). However, anytime we called or emailed Elena with our questions she always responded within 1 day, she even agreed to skype with me to discuss my concerns. She consulted with my husband right before the visa interview and helped him handle stress and worrying.
In regards to handling our case, we are highly satisfied with Elena's work. Our petition packet was assembled quickly and correctly, and went through USCIS with no issues. During NVC stage, we had a little glitch with application, for which we received a checklist. However, Elena handled the problem promptly, she had the corrected document mailed out the next day.
Overall, my husband and I are very satisfied with and grateful for Elena's work. For a very reasonable fee she did great amount of work for us, including emotional support during stressful immigration processing. I would, without hesitation, recommend Elena to a friend going through this difficult, stressful, and lengthy process.
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04 Jul, 2023 by Jim
Fortunate to have Nick not only as a friend but also as a wonderful and dedicated attorney. Highly competent and always available.
Highly recommend!
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16 Feb, 2015 by Tony
Working with Nicholas DeBaltzo has been an absolute pleasure over the many years that I have known him and I can not say enough great things about him that could accurately describe how wonderful he has been on a personal level and in handling my legal affairs. Extremely knowledgeable, he goes over and above the call & always keeps me well informed every step of the way. I highly recommend Nick’s legal services when confidence, trust & expertise are all top priorities.
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06 Feb, 2015 by Dean
I've known and worked with Nick for years. I'd highly recommend him for any and all legal matters. The key with Nick is if it's something he doesn't specialize in, he'll find a legal specialist in that area to make sure the job gets done correctly the first time.
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06 Mar, 2020 by Rebecca
I have worked with Eric for the past 3 years in my role as an insurance adjuster. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional, is always on top of his cases, and is quick to respond to any inquiries, large or small. I never hesitate to trust Eric's advise on a case or put the outcome of a case in his hands. He is the best!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Eric is very knowledgeable and I trusted his opinion on a very difficult insurance case. He was great to work with and I would recommend him to anyone.
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18 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I've had the pleasure of working with Eric on many occasions over the past couple of years. He's quick to respond to any inquiries and he's always prepared for any questions/meetings, It's a reassuring thing to know when Eric handles one of our files we know it will be handled to perfection.
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08 Apr, 2015 by Mike
Mr. Neiss represented my interests during an extended and complicated foreclosure process. I was completely satisfied with his representation, his support staff and was quite happy with the final outcome.
His billed rates were fair and time allocated was efficient and effective.
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24 Feb, 2013 by Mike
Shad has been extremely helpful dealing with our real estate case and truly cares about the impact that it has had on our family. Shad has shown his knowledge of the law and ability to explain our options in a way that we can understand. Shad has also handled our estate planning and has been available to ask legal questions as they arise.
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23 Feb, 2013 by Ron
To say Attorney Neiss is dedicated to his clients would be an understatement. He is tops in his field and an excellent negotiator. He is here for me 24/7. Never misses a beat when it comes to protecting his clients. That is his first priority and he remains that way throughout the case. He has accomplished for me results that "no other attorney could have done" and I mean "no one"! His knowledge far exceeds that of other attorney firms who claim to be the best, but I know in my heart who I would call concerning ANY PROBLEM and that is Shadrach Neiss. He's my attorney for life!!!
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31 Aug, 2017 by Pasia
Marc Rossen is extremely professional and helpful in finding out information I needed in a timely matter. I would highly recommend him as a lawyer for you. Thank you.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Justin
I hired Marc to set up my LLC and advise me on my property purchase. I could tell right away that he was professional, reliable and prompt. My LLC was setup flawlessly and he took his time in answering all of my questions. He has always responded promptly and his fees have been extremely reasonable. Marc also helped me with legal advise on the issues that came up in regards to my purchase. His advise was sound and helped me overcome some of my initial worrries. I would recommend Marc without hesitation.
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06 Oct, 2015 by Art
Marc has been my attorney for a couple of years now and I can honestly say that he has exhibited the utmost professionalism in every aspect of his representation. Whether he's reviewing a contract or simply advising me on a certain course of action, Marc has continually provided excellent guidance and legal insight. Additionally, my specific needs have required an attorney who understands technology and all of the legal intricacies surrounding software and app development. Marc just doesn't talk-the-talk when it comes to that topic; he also walks-the-walk. He is very knowledgeable about all sorts of cutting edge technology which makes him perfect for helping people (and companies) who are within the tech space. Whether you're needing advice on what type of corporate entity you need to create, or want someone to review an employment contract, or have to setup an agreement related to software, Marc is your man. I highly recommend him. You won't be disappointed.
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18 May, 2024 by Kevin barker
They represented me against one of the largest financial companies in the world and won! Never thought I'd see my money again. Great to work with.
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16 May, 2024 by Pete hawks
Excellent these guys have been great, would recommend them to anyone needing a lawyer, thanks guys!
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28 Feb, 2024 by Timothy chamberlain
After consulting with Phil Vujanov to get some legal advice, he steered me in the right direction to help settle things quickly and without having to file a formal suit. All things were settled, and Phil gave me the advice that helped achieve the best outcome.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Michael
Mr. Ellis took the time to actually answer the phone and give guidance on the first call. Looking to hire him in the near future.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Dale
Michael Ellis was my company's attorney for an M&A event in 2014. Two years later, I'm still struck by the quality of Michael's work. The man was consistently prompt, reliable, meticulous with the details, helpful in advice, and continually driving toward the goal lines. While other firms might have ultimately done the job (we interviewed four), I am pretty certain no one could have done it as well - or with less hassle to the client. A real standout.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Junaid
We recently sold the majority assets of a company which we had for over 10 years.
We were very inexperienced in being part of a transaction of this magnitude.
Michael made us feel very comfortable and protected every step of the way.
We didn't have all our ducks in a row to execute this deal smoothly, but Michael followed up with whoever he needed to get things done.
Michael always made himself available whether it was nights, weekends, holidays, and even on vacation.
I will only use Michael as my attorney in the future and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing counsel.
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28 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Terri is professional, compassionate, deeply ethical and utterly efficient; she worked with speed, clarity and grace. She is a star!
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29 Nov, 2017 by Lorilee
Terri did a superior job on the business evaluation for my divorce. Her intelligence, experience and compassion were paramount to me making it through my highly contentious divorce. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing her services as she is very thorough, has a wealth of experience in many areas and gets the needed results produced in a professional manner.
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09 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I chose Terri as my lawyer because she is also a CPA. Terri advised me of the best options for me in my dissolution and made financial recommendations for the most favorable outcome. She was great at keeping the momentum going and holding the other party's legal representative to deadlines.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Erik
I contacted Rochelle because I wanted to leave a business partnership. And I wanted to do this as amicably as possible. Rochelle's advise was instrumental in accomplishing this per my requests. And with her clear guidance on the proper procedure to do this and her suggestions and legal advise it was completed within a short time-frame. I could not be happier with the end result. I would highly recommend Rochelle to anyone who is looking for legal guidance as an attorney that listens to their clients needs and can direct them on the best path to make it happen.
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01 Nov, 2017 by Lori
I needed some documents drawn up for my health care office. Rochelle was efficient and very helpful and had a reasonable fee. She listened and I was more than satisfied with the end product. I would highly recommend her.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Jim & colleen
A small fender bender with no injuries and minimal damage could have mushroomed into a big problem as we had difficulty navigating a complicated city court process. We sought Greg's help and he walked us through the process minimizing our risk. Just having Greg to reduce our stress was well worth the fee. Thanks Greg!
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07 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
I have been in the building trades for over twenty years. Mr. Boop is the best of all the attorneys I have worked with over the years. He is a natural and a great trial lawyer. He kept a cap on costs and fees and was aggressive. I recommend him for any business owner.
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23 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Brian has been there every time I've needed help -- major matters or minor. His guidance has benefited me greatly and his patience and professionalism are very much appreciated.
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18 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Very professional in assisting and directing me in my Bankruptcy. Brian is also very understanding; helpful; compassionate and knowledgeable in his field. I would highly recommend him to everyone!
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17 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If it wasn't for him I don't know what I would have done he handle my case with such care and understanding I'm so thankful for him
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10 Sep, 2012 by Criminal client
Had a drug case and I feel he took the time to properly investigate my case and suggest the best course of action in the case. Even though it was a nightmare situation, Steve made the situation bearable. I was extremely pleased with the deal he obtained with the facts of my situation.
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13 May, 2016 by Steve
Chuck has worked with our various entities on over 30 matters. From landlord/tenant disputes (both sides), contract litigation, evictions, multi-million dollar property acquisitions, and even an adverse possession claim, he has handled each matter with professionalism and competence.
For more complex matters, he has built a team of other attorneys and professionals with the skills and experience to get each unique situation resolved. He works diligently on every case, communicating effectively with us along the way. He has gone far above and beyond anything I have ever expected, often handling the roles of attorney, advisor, and negotiator.
Chuck also has a unique ability to keep calm and collected in situations where the opposing litigant (and occasionally the opposing counsel) has been extremely unreasonable and/or aggressive. This calm has allowed us to settle matters that, had cooler heads not prevailed, would have gone to trial, costing us far more in legal expenses and given us an uncertain outcome.
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19 Apr, 2016 by George
Chuck Royer literally saved my practice. Initially, he was brought in as co-council (to avoid being "homered") for the corporate attorney who was originally representing me. As time went on the other attorney became difficult to reach and was delaying a settlement by dragging his feet. When it became painfully apparent that the case was not being handled in a way that was in my best interest, Chuck took over at my request and settled the case within 2 weeks. Not only could the law suit have dragged on another two or three months, but it would have cost me a fortune, and left me bankrupt. Further delay would also have turned the judge against me since my side would have been responsible for the delay in reaching a settlement. Instead of remaining in the backseat and watching my case slip away while still being paid as a bystander (co-council) as a third attorney did, Chuck listened to my concerns, showed compassion for my situation and quietly took charge, while still maintaining good terms with my other attorneys who were nonetheless valuable for arguing the details of my case. Even though he was brought into the case five months after it had begun and as one of three attorneys representing me, Chuck was able to distill the case into its essential parts, identify what key elements had to be accomplished in order to reach a settlement, and then saw to it that all the players (including my other attorneys, the judge, and the opposing council) acted in a timely fashion in order to push the long over due settlement through. Chuck Royer is an extremely competent attorney, but his compassion for me, his client, is what made him uniquely qualified to settle a case that two other attorneys could not. Thank you, Chuck!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Diamond king (dime)
Susan is the best hands down 🐐, she definitely goes above&beyond for her clients. She made me feel comfortable & from the start I trusted everything she was doing & I would highly recommend her to anyone. She has a great sense of humor & she will forever leave a mark on me, I appreciate her so much for what she has done for me & my family & I have nothing but good to say about her.🤍
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08 Nov, 2023 by Mitchellt townsend
Best outcome possible couldn't asked for a better lawyer
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04 Oct, 2022 by Solomon kiflu
Susan Moran is the best representation you can find. I fired my lawyer in Erie county and hired Susan Moran because I found her case work on a web search. The results were AMAZING.
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13 Jul, 2012 by Jon reuter
I have uses Jamie on a number of occasions in numerous business manners. I found Jamie to be very knowledgeable on all aspects of running a business. I think of him of a business consultant as well as a legal advisor. I would highly recommend Jamie for any small to medium business leg an needs.
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07 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Tom is the absolute best lawyer I could have possibly had represent me. He settled my case in a matter of days. He is very smart, kept me involved and advised me very well. I would defiantly recommend his as your lawyer if you would like to win your case.
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Represented me in a trial and won damages for me.
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07 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He was not able to help me by taking the case, but overall gave his opinion and was helpful with guiding me in the right direction.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Maralee
We (my spouse & I) consider ourselves extremely lucky to have hired Robert Edelstein, Esq. for a landlord-tenant dispute. Our tenants - whose financial history turned out to be significantly worse than what we'd been provided when we signed them on & whom we'd had to evict for nonpayment of rent left us with more than a big bill for their unpaid rent: they left us with an uninhabitable house due to damages.
Robert was honest with us from Day 1, warning it was highly unlikely we'd collect the full amount based on the other party's financial track record if nothing else. Getting us a trial date & then working out a settlement agreement for 2/3 the unpaid rent, fees, utilities & damages in ~17 minutes(!) huddled with the previous tenants' attorney worked out really well, since the cost of a trial + the additional court/legal fees would've increased our costs & offset the judgment to almost what we're (contracted) to receive, plus we were able to avoid the added hassle of a trial.
I particularly liked the fact a settlement was his goal from the start since he knew a good one could be financially better than a long trip through the courts. Foremost was the fact there's never a guarantee a judge will see things the landlord's way despite the evidence presented. Second is that in a settlement should the other party fail to make every payment they can be held responsible for the full amount due, a not insignificant fact.
Not only that, but because of his experience and familiarity with real estate system & landlord-tenant law he brought us to a conclusion in record time. We knew of other landlords' horror stories where they'd had to wait 6 months to a year or more just to bring their cases before a judge & then were delayed by multiple continuances (and after that some failed to get even a fraction of their requested amounts.). Robert got the tenants & their lawyer to agree to a settlement in a fraction of the time we had any reason to expect.
If you live in N.E. Ohio I doubt you could find a better legal rep than Robert Edelstein to handle your landlord-tenant affairs.
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13 May, 2012 by Thomas
I ran my own business in Ohio for twenty five years and worked with many a attorney. I have been retired for years due to health and needed some legal help and now do not have a lot of money. Then a Godsend happened and a friend told me of a super star attorney like no other. His name, Nicholas Panagopoulos 11. I have now been with this attorney for over a year and he is like no other attorney I have ever met. His is honorable, knowledgeable and has gone to great lengths to help me. He has even written the President of the United States on my behalf and the letter he wrote was like no other letter I have even witnessed. This lawyer has been a winner for me and will win for you. My name is Thomas Pattison and my phone is 440-943-2302. Call me and I will tell you about this lawyer. I believe in him and that is why I am writing this.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Angela
Anyone who is looking for a on point, diligent attorney who works steadfast I highly recommend Mr. Lawrence Rich. From the time that I hired Mr. Rich until the end, he worked hard and what seemed effortlessly to make everything go as smooth as they possibly could. Working with him has been an absolute blessing! I've dealt with a lot of attorneys and Mr. Rich is by far the most caring and informative attorney I have had the pleasure of coming across. All my questions & concerns were answered & handled. I never once was left in the dark or was left wondering. Extremely professional and again highly recommended.
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12 Sep, 2018 by Mary
This review is long overdue, in late September 2016 I hired Mr. Hawk to represent me. He was knowledgeable and upfront with my situation. Even with my financial status he assured me that my case would be handled fairly. Basically I had to comply with the radius of the non compete, but doing so was a great advantage for me! Thanks Mr. Hawk
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17 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
My company has been using Mr. Lewis and his firm for more than five years now. He has always represented us competently, aggressively, and helped reduced our premiums. While using he and his firm for mostly workers' compensation matters, we have been transitioning to using them as our primary firm for all legal matters.
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04 May, 2017 by Abbie- crochet kitty
Mr. Kevin Soucek is very thorough in drafting up corporate contracts, making sure all details are pointed out. He has a great understanding of the law and wording contracts according to your company's needs. I have had Mr. Kevin Soucek do all my contracts from Confidentiality Agreements, NDA's for pattern making companies and manufactures, and Purchase Agreements. He is simply brilliant at what he does and I highly recommend him to any company that needs an intelligent and diligent 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.
