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02 Oct, 2014 by Tim
As GC of a large corporation, I hired Stuart for a large sales transaction. Stuart represented the company brilliantly. There are perhaps 2 or 3 attorneys in the entire state, if not the country, with his expertise, experience, and creativity in putting together large transactions and getting deals done. He is a consummate problem solver and relentless when it comes to closing. You simply cannot hire a better transactions attorney in Utah.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Even though Jim could not represent me for the case I was involved in, he sat with me and answered my (million) questions and helped me make sense of all the legal speak/terms/etc. People doing things out of the goodness of their heart to help someone they don’t even know is rare these days, but that’s exactly what Jim did for me today and I appreciated it more than he’ll ever know
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13 Apr, 2017 by Joseph
I was referred to Harward through my employer's assistance program. I saw negative reviews, but calling Harward a criminal or saying a 10 year old could do better sounds like a bitter customer writing from the wrong place. Also, the assistance program referral was supposed to give me a decent discount (I can't prove $250 is decent, as I suspect their normal rate is $265. But either way, it's not lower than many other lawyers). So I continued, not knowing where else to turn.
Jim counselled me to petition to modify my divorce decree because it was a mess. This was an exaggeration (he would later focus on just one thing), but I'm glad he talked me into fighting. Considering my financial situation, Jim agreed to a low retainer and a low monthly payment.
We tried to arrange mediation, but after some back and forth, Jim determined it was not going to work and opted to go straight for the petition to modify.
When Amy sent me the first draft of the petition, it was practically useless; fixing very little of the "mess". When I asked Jim about it, he said that crafting the petition was like sculpting a statue: start with a block and refine it through several rounds (or something like that). I now think it's more likely that Amy was given the task of writing the petition without being provided the information she needed. This happened again later with the drafting of our objection to an order to show cause.
While working through the petition to modify with Amy, I often had to fix typos in and omissions from the legal document (one in particular was about my income and could have ruined the whole case).
During one meeting I called with Jim, we discovered that the opposing party had filed an order to show cause against me. Why weren't they aware of this? Why hadn't they notified me? (This happened again when I called about something else and they informed me that a court date and mediation had been scheduled - I shouldn't have to call to find out.)
We filed a counter order to show cause and I again felt that I was doing more of the work than I should have to. They provided the legal know-how, but I was the one providing the arguments and proofreading. Maybe I'm thinking of a different price bracket, but I think the lawyer should be doing that.
With the counter order and petition in place, Jim felt that the commissioner would dismiss the case in favor of mediation. With this reassurance, I forgot about it until my calendar sent a reminder the day of the hearing. I called Harward to make sure it was off and they notified me that it was not. I needed to be there.
At the hearing, Jim pulled me aside and asked if the other party had been calling the shots and I had been going along with it. It turns out this was to be his argument. In the hearing, Jim used his argument and said we just need to go to mediation. The commissioner sided with the opposing party based on an exaggerated claim that had nothing to do with the law (but at least they HAD an argument). So in that hearing, Jim and Commissioner Luhn both ignored the divorce decree and the counter order to show cause that Amy and I had worked so hard on. The counter was essentially a waste of time and money (though it shouldn't have been).
Afterward, Jim tried to convince me that we got what we wanted. We would file an objection and take it to the judge after mediation. But he didn't tell me we only had 14 days to object and the commissioner's recommendation was a COURT ORDER until a judge overturns it.
This was when I decided to end my relationship with Harward. I found that the other negative reviews were accurate. Jim's friendly and reassuring, but doesn't follow through. He exaggerates. He didn't fight for me in the hearing (despite the prep work we did). They didn't know/didn't tell me important information. Jim tries harder to work his clients than the legal system.
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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.
