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17 Jul, 2015 by Edward
Arnie has provided legal advice to me for over 10 years, since our old neighbor days in Montecito. He has always been there to help, protect my rights and interests in all cases, and always honest and friendly.
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11 Jul, 2015 by Nancy
Arnsen Blakely made us feel safely supported under overwhelming circumstances. He stayed calm but fought strong, not with emotion or reaction but with intelligence and professionalism. He knows what he's doing and he does it extremely well. Our outcome was magnificent thanks to Arnsen Blakely.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Barry
I've retained Arnie Blakeley for a number of "projects" over the years: developing a detailed business plan for my son who was entering a new business venture; drafting a pre-nuptial agreement, then revising my long-standing family trust when I remarried seven years ago; and more recently drafting and reviewing documents for the purchase and sale of real estate.
A key quality Arnie expresses is empathy. He instinctively senses the objective I'm working toward, and understands my needs, feelings and timing constraints in moving toward the objective. He just "gets it".
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12 Oct, 2022 by Bryan m. jackson
the entire team was very professional and helpful with my case
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13 Aug, 2024 by Jerry
He fearlessly took on a large corporate landlord and, with thorough research, built a meticulous case that made them (and their demand for $13K) go away. His fee was more than reasonable.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Jim
We hired matt on a flat fee contract to navigate a complex unlawful detainer on 5/17, on 5/20 the case was dismissed without prejudice and despite very few, likely less than one hour put into the case, it was dismissed without prejudice on 5/20 because the landlord didn’t serve us in time. He refused to take the case if the landlord reopened and said we would have to pay another $6000 flat fee for him to take the case despite only spending maybe an hour for the first $6000 we paid him.
Lo and behold, the landlord filed to reopen the case on 6/4 and contacted Mr Vela who told them he was not longer our attorney and had nothing to do with the motion to vacate and ex parte to expedite reopening. He did not make us aware the landlord was trying to reopen the case along with an ex parte which would have been the right thing to do…two months later we found out that they spoke with Matt on 6/4 and were granted the case to be reopened and now we are facing a lockout as landlord received a default judgement against us.
He threatened defamation for a bad review but at this point between receiving 6k for just about no work and not making us aware by a simple call or text that our case was being reopened, we are likely going to be evicted because he was the attorney in record and didn’t make us aware.
Knowledgeable attorney however beware
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30 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
He explained our options and set us in the right direction without delay. Very satisfied with the results and time saved.
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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:
-
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.
