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27 Mar, 2020 by Trenton
Eric was an exceptional legal counsel for an early stage investment opportunity. He was complete with his analysis and provided thoughtful advice and guidance. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for counsel in this space.
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15 Mar, 2020 by Chin
Eric was very knowledgeable and helpful in reviewing our LLC agreement. Highly recommended even for more complex projects.
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05 Mar, 2020 by James
Eric is extremely proficient and knowledgeable in business and securities law. He has provided our startup excellent service and taken the time to explain the complex issues that face any new business seeking angel or venture capital investments.
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07 Jan, 2021 by Sal
Ana guided me through the process of forming my own company in New York State. In addition to preparing and filing the legal documents, Ana also took the time to explain related requirements, such as publication and obtaining an EIN. She explained the importance of establishing proper business operations, such as a separate bank account, insurance and certain accounting-related matters. She ensured that I started my new business properly, so that I could focus on building it.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Julie
Ana and the Wagoner Firm stepped in to help me with a breach of contract matter. She met with us and reviewed the contract and helped us gather all the evidence we needed to show that this commercial installer was in breach. She spoke with the company's attorney for several months and kept pushing for a fair result, when at first the company denied everything. Ultimately, we get the result we needed and then some. The full purchase price of our contract and and additional sum to get the required permits for the work we were having done.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Joshua
I am a Veteran who was referred to The Wagoner Firm via the SBA/VBOC because of the firm's support of Veteran Small Business owners. I had the opportunity to work with Ana Galeano in a recent commercial real estate transaction in excess of $1 million. I was purchasing a major property in Schenectady, NY and needed an attorney with experience in real estate. Ana provided me with an opportunity to speak with her extensively at no charge to discuss questions and issues prior to my decision to retain The Wagoner Firm to represent me. One of my biggest concerns was the timeliness that was required due to tax incentive deadlines. Ana and her associates worked feverishly to meet the closing deadline. Many individuals at the closing table commented to me about how it was the quickest commercial transaction they had been a part of. This was even more impressive when you consider the uniqueness of the closing and several unpredictable complications that arose during the closing process. The transaction involved tax issues and a transfer of agreements with the local metroplex authority. Throughout the deal, Ana was very responsive and always made herself available through the critical period of negotiating contracts and closing the deal. In fact, she was available on weekends (without charging extra) and went above and beyond on many occasions to ensure the deal closed by the tax deadline. It involved a large number of parties (buyer, seller, tenant, bank, lender's counsel, brokers, agents), and Ana was very effective in communicating with all parties, including the attorney for the local authority. In addition, Ana has been responsive and available for post-closing matters, such as obtaining appropriate insurance, providing property management contracts, and guiding me through general issues with the property. I would not hesitate to recommend Ana Galeano and The Wagoner Firm to anyone who needs competent, trustworthy, and responsive legal counsel or representation.
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19 Jan, 2011 by Jennifer
My husband and I were referred to Tom Kernan by our financial planner, and found him knowledgeable, patient and responsive to our questions, and easy to talk to regarding sensitive topics. Mr. Kernan took the time to listen to our needs and unique situations and create just the necessary documents. We truly appreciated that. No questions were considered minor, and he explained things in lay language so it was clear.
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12 Oct, 2009 by Michele and james
Mr. Kernan was approachable, able to understand and willing to listen to questions.
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12 Oct, 2009 by Peter and lisa dilillo
Thomas Kernan is an outstanding lawyer. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. He researches all case law and was always up to speed on our case. His prepared written documents were impeccable. He provided well guided information thoughout our case. Day or night, Tom was always there for us.
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23 May, 2012 by Brett
Mr. Weinberger helped with with a traffic violation. I had a moving violation that was improperly issued. He attended court and had the ticket reduced and no points were issued. I was very happy with the result.
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22 May, 2012 by Anonymous
We had a serious legal problem involving a sudden death of a practicing dentist. The family was left to deal with estate issues and closing an active practice. Mr. Weinberger was extremely knowledgeable in the details of the law and handled all negotiations elegantly, both with patients and with the practice that would be taking over. He went above and beyond what we expected him to do. Accepting this most difficult case, I believe Mr. Weinberger achieved the best possible outcome for us and all involved. I would give him the strongest recommendation.
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03 Mar, 2011 by Dave
I have known E. Scott for a long time, and everytime that I have come to him with an issue, I have gotten top of the line insight and service. I would recommend him for anyone that has any legal issue of any type.
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20 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Joe became my business attorney 8 years ago, when I incorporated. Since then I have recommended him to other professionals starting their own businesses and they too, hired him. Now Joe handles even my personal legal matters such as advising me on family issues and most recently on insurance matters. I feel confident Joe will respond timely to my calls or emails, therefore this attorney, client relationship will continue.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Renee
I met Joe in November 2011. Since that time we have worked together on a couple of different situations. He is always honest, returns my calls immediately and very knowledgable in several areas of law. It is difficult to find a good attorney and when my former one changed careers and gave me Joe's name I was apprehensive at first knowing I could never replace him. I have been very fortunate in finding someone with the same values and compassion. I would recommend Joe to anyone looking for an attorney who listens, understands and who will get the job done.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Michael
On a business level and personal level, Mr. Berger has always been top notch. I have had Joe represent and advise me for the last 5 years.
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21 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
I cannot express enough, my gratitude to Vida McCarthy-Cerrito. She took on my mess of a divorce/family law case when so many others had turned me away. Vida is not afraid of a challenge, and in fact, got right to work at our very first meeting. EFFICIENT and RESPONSIVE. She addressed each issue the moment it crossed her desk. She kept in contact with me every step of the way; I never felt alone or unprotected. She answered my questions, returned my phone calls, responded to every email. She always kept me informed, advising me what she was planning to do & what to expect next. Most importantly to me, Vida was HUMAN; she understood this was the most difficult time of my family's life. She held herself accountable to me & my needs and held me accountable for my required actions. She turned my case around and restored my life. THANK YOU, VIDA!!
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20 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
On point and tough, but always smiling. She got me results.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Nancy
Megan is simly the best! Her expertise is laser sharp and she really understands how to get the desired results. Once your speak with her in person she is compassionate, understanding and genuine. I highly recommend her, especially if you are having difficulty and need someone with experience to get things back on track! Thank You so much Megan for all your help and expertise getting our real estate transaction closed with a mutually agreeable result!
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16 Jun, 2016 by Parbattie
Megan was excellent, I would definitely recommend her to anyone else. She did our closing, made sure we got what we needed out of the deal. Very persistent and kept me informed at all times. Got back to me very quickly, helped us negotiate to get the best deal possible. Very pleased with this service.
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28 May, 2024 by Traci c
I can't say how she represents, I'm writing the review to let people know this is not her office location. This location is now a lactation/ bf consultant (💕)
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23 Jun, 2023 by Antonio padilla jr
She's helping me immensely with my QUADRO highly recommend her
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24 Jan, 2023 by Anne hohenstein
Absolute best!!!
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27 Nov, 2023 by Chris boggs
Amazing service from Peter and his team. They were able to guide us through a difficult home closing. We would highly recommend them for real estate law.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Cheryl taylor
Someone in this office came into the building I was in waiting for my appointment with an eye doctor. Apparently people in this law firm are exempt from following state mandates and health and safety codes. They don't wear masks in their office or while walking through the common areas of the building. Does anyone know a lawyer who's good at suing lawyers? This law firm is inside of a building that shares a common area with multiple healthcare facilities and has a sign on the door that says masks are mandatory for everyone in the building.
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09 Jun, 2019 by Paul ryan
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07 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
After he helped me close on a house, I hired Mr. Malecki to fight a mechanic’s lien and a family court matter. Both were inter-related and I wanted the same representation. This was the first time in my life I had legal issues of any kind and shared this with Mr. Malecki. He assured me he would handle my concerns and told stories of his legal heroism to secure my business. I prepared and shared with him several weeks ahead of time a 7-page timeline summary that covered both issues and about 120 pages of supporting evidence. I repeatedly asked him what else he needed and he never gave me a clear answer, instead sharing the same stories of his legal victories, restaurant recommendations, stories of his family, or obscure American history. The family matter ended up in court first and the night before the hearing, a friend helped me prepare a short statement for the judge, which I sent to Mr. Malecki. His response the next morning, about ½ hour before the hearing: “Finally, you sent me what I was looking for!” In the same conversation, I discovered he hadn’t looked at the timeline summary or evidence I had sent earlier but had pored over the statement submitted by opposing party. I found this annoying, but with the hearing a few minutes away, there wasn’t much I could do about it. I asked for prep, he waved his hands dismissively and said it would go fine. During the hearing, I realized that Mr. Malecki had no expertise in family law nor did he advocate for me. When opposing party spoke over me while I was testifying he didn't object, letting the other party ramble on. The judge did not get to hear my side of the case. The only words he spoke during the entire hearing was to confirm he was my attorney. Mr. Malecki's ineptitude in family court led me to lose tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of property that was stolen from me. And, because of how the legal system works, I have no viable options of recovering it. To him, this was all a big joke. He laughed out loud and mocked me. I suffered other significant losses in family court because of him, not getting the legal protection I had needed. Not having representation at all would have produced better outcomes than having him did. After the hearing, I told him I felt unheard by him and needed better communication processes. He responded by refusing to further represent me. This was well enough because I found an attorney who treated me with dignity and helped resolve the outstanding real-estate matter. My new attorney confirmed that – given the evidence – the family matter should not have gone the way it did. He also said I wasn’t the first client who came to him after a similarly dismaying experience with Mr. Malecki. Mr. Malecki claims to charge less than other attorneys in the area. While that may be true, consider the implications (in legal outcomes and sheer human dignity) of his bargain basement prices. It was unethical for him to take my case and not disclose his lack of expertise in family law. At the end of the day, I know more about family court, Mr. Malecki’s multiple cars, where his kids went to school and what they are now doing, how he and his wife met, his cooking, his wine and port preferences, how he got his piano, etc. etc. than he does my case or family law. He may be a fine hire for home closings, but buyer beware for anything else.
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09 May, 2017 by Archie
Paul Malecki aided me in the collection and presentation of Records which I used in my "Successful Defense" against "False Charges" made by an Agency in New York State. Paul didn't directly represent me but without his help I would have faced being Fired ! His calm and collected demeanor, along with his professional insight brought my case to a Very Satisfactory conclusion.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Mike
Our lawyer was KELLY MALLOY-POGODA. The selling went fine of course. Unfortunately the buying was riddled with false disclosures and documents that couldn't be produced by the seller to get a mortgage. The seller also claimed the house was built in 1992 when after an appraisal was really built in 1970s. COOPER ERVING & SAVAGE did not hold the seller responsible for any of it. We ended up having to sell our house and renting until we found another house. We will NOT be using COOPER ERVING & SAVAGE ever again.
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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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