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23 Feb, 2022 by Jonathan
David Urban helped me with a marital agreement, as my wife and I pursue our Estate Plan. It was necessary for my wife and me to each have our own representation creating the agreement. David worked with me and developed a solid agreement that my wife approved and passed it to her attorney for review. David was extremely reasonable in his pricing. He was very easy to work with and we had to go back and forth on a few issues. But overall, my experience with Urban Law was excellent. I would highly recommend his firm. While my wife and I have a different estate attorney, I would contact Urban Law in a heartbeat for any other legal needs.
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06 Feb, 2021 by David
Our financial advisor recommended that we work with David Urban as our estate attorney and we are SO glad that we took her advice. David was terrific to work with and did exactly what we asked him to do in a timely manner. He has strong expertise in estate planning and gave great advice regarding our specific financial and personal goals. He answered all of our questions, spoke in lay-person’s terms, and helped us to think through some of the details about current and future plans. It was easy to schedule remote appointments with him during the time of COVID and his office followed COVID safety protocols when it came to signing documents. Most importantly, he did not push “extras” on us and did not have an agenda of his own.
We highly recommend using David Urban for your estate planning needs.
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22 May, 2020 by Sean
I have consulted David Urban for years to provide me with business documents and estate planning. He provides his clients a great service when you need a document to secure your business or your estate. When someone asks me about a partnership agreement, obtaining a will or planning their estate for their loved ones, I consistently tell them that if you need a document, David is your attorney. He is professional and responds fast to his clients.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Radiah
Mark assisted me with a personal injury case. I must say that Mark was honest and I up front with each aspect of my case. His professionalism and knowledge helped to ease worry.
I definitely recommend his services.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Johnson
Mark is super sharp, puts his strong background to excellent use. He stuck by me for years, coordinating and working with very reticent record holders. His excellent communication keeps you appraised of the situation the entire way through your case. You will make a mistake if you pass on him.
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22 Nov, 2021 by Anita
Mark is a dedicated attorney. If you want to feel personally taken care of turn to Mark Malone. Mark is reputable with many years of experience. I am happy about the long term relationship that was formed and wanted to take the time to let you know that Mark is a great advocate that can be trusted to do his best to resolve your issue.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Damon reviewed a wind energy lease and easement agreement for me and made many suggestions for improvements to protect my immediate and future interests. He was easy to talk to and grasped my needs right away. He worked with the Company to get the requested changes made. I was under a time constraint and needed the work right away and he accomplished it in a very timely manner.
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03 Jun, 2019 by John
Damon took care of us as soon as we contacted him, he fit us in to his busy schedule.
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27 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Damon worked very hard for me on a difficult case. He helped me understand and guided me through the process and went above and beyond time and time again.
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06 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Drew was responsive and helpful on a pressing legal matter. He was courteous.
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31 Aug, 2018 by Darren
Drew has been my legal council for a few years now and has helped me set up my business as well as helped incorporate several different business partners, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his services. When offering advise, he’s extremely thorough in looking at a situation from many different points of view and he’s always able to very clearly explain to my why it is best to do something one way or another. When making long lasting legal decisions within my multi-million dollar businesses it’s extremely important and vital to me that everything is done appropriately and done with a level of confidence so I can focus on the many other aspects of my business that it demands. Drew gives me that confidence to move forward knowing that I’ve got experience, wisdom and sound legal advise on my side. He’s smart, attentive, thorough and very much appreciated.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Nicole
Mr. Horowitz assisted me greatly in understanding my rights as a seller in residential contract conflict with buyer. He was prompt, polite and spoke in lay person terms. My real estate agent originally recommended Mr. Horowitz and after my experience I would recommend him to anyone.
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31 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Casandra has helped me with a case about a woman who has slandered, harassed and stalked me. Casandra has been so compassionate towards the circumstances I have gone through and kept her word above and beyond with my case. She is very prepared and listens well. She takes your case on with care and takes care of all the legal aspects and explains in detail laws that can be very confusing. She follows through always as she promises and never leaves a person in doubt when fighting for what is right. I have never once felt unprotected or lost in this process with Casandra as my advocate.
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Kirsch was incredibly helpful with my need to obtain a restraining order. She explained the process and options I had, as well as providing me with advice on her recommendations. She was incredibly timely with contact with me, as well as the other party, ensuring they follow through with what they were supposed to do. I ended up with the results I wanted and she was integral in making that happen.
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02 May, 2017 by Kimberly
I hired Cassandra to help me with a Craigslist revenge case and she was not only helpful and professional, she was sensitive and understanding to the mental state the entire case put me in. She did everything in her power to make sure I got justice for the actions against me, and I am grateful to have found such a wonderful attorney. I would recommend her to anyone that is in need of legal counsel in her field of expertise.
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13 Sep, 2010 by Scott
Jim is knowledgeable, intelligent and easy to communicate with. He has good instincts and is able to stratigize with a client. I would certainly recommend him.
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13 Sep, 2010 by Andrea
Jim has represented us on some very complex issues and his immediate grasp of the underlying facts and the tough questions he asked was very much appreciated. He has helped us to make some very difficult decisions and done a great job memorializing our decisions through the various legal documents he drafted.
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08 Sep, 2010 by Mariano
Jim is a responsible and knowledgeable attorney. I enjoy working with him.
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02 Feb, 2017 by Timothy
Mr. Okunade helped me with a contract dispute I had with an interior designer I hired to assist in a house remodel. Her promise to reimburse me the unused portion of my deposit went unfulfilled and after repeated attempts to contact her for a quick resolution, I decided to hire Mr. Okunade.
He reviewed my case, the contract, all emails involved and felt confident my complaints had merit. He handled everything in a timely manner, kept me informed of every step in the process and resolved the dispute much more quickly than I could have ever hoped.
The designer agreed to return my unused deposit in full without the necessity to settle in court. He is a top notch and extremely professional attorney and I will absolutely use him in the future and recommend his services.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Dennis
I am writing review of tayo okunada . he did a very good job for me. Iwas fully informed thru the entire process. The job was completed in a very timely manner. Iwould recommend Tayo to any one in need of a quality attorney. thank you
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24 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Tayo as my attorney for a difficult case against a wrongful termination case against a large corporation. Tayo fought hard for me and I received a settlement in the end. Tayo is very honest and forthright. I would definitely hire him again as my lawyer.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Crystal
He is very thorough and upfront with his consultations and cases work. He has handle meany different thing for me form business, to family maters for me! I trust his opinion and guidance.
Thanks for all your hard work!
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16 Apr, 2014 by Chad
Chris represented me for my case involving the cultivation of marijuana in Adams County. During my experience working with Chris I must say he was a true professional. He's very responsive and would always reply quickly with any questions or concerns I had during my case. Also, very pleased with the outcome that he worked out with the DA! Thanks again Chris with your assistance during a difficult time.
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20 Mar, 2014 by Rhonda
Chris was our families lawyer for many years. He made sure to inform us regarding the cost of his services and cautioned us when we were pushing for things that would cost us more and have no benefit to us at all. He is straight forward about the law and about our chances of success in any situation. It's not all about the money with Chris and that is why I would recommend him to others. I know that they will get quality care, solid advice, and good value for their money.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I am a first-time Avvo user and I am thrilled. Not only with my first experience but knowing there is a service out there to turn to.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Cyrus did a great job of listening to my concerns and providing very clear and concise next steps. Highly recommended.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Kenneth
Cyrus met every need that I had as a client. His knowledge, work ethic and personal care made my situation easier and less stressful. I would recommend his services to anyone in need of legal help or advice.
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14 Dec, 2018 by Brent
We cannot thank Richard enough for his legal help. He navigated us through an urgent and unforeseen business matter that essentially saved our business. His broad range of legal knowledge in combination with his demeanor made Richard amazing to work with. Upon blindly stepping into our situation, he was able to hear months worth of interactions and not only make sense of it, but tactically approach the next steps. Throughout this entire matter, Richard communicated thoroughly with us and the others involved while compassionately maintaining a sense of urgency for our matter. We have so much respect for Richard as not only a lawyer, but as a person. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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29 Aug, 2018 by Delos
I was directly referred to Richard Hill by another lawyer who spoke highly of him. After reaching out to Richard, he promptly got back to me with information and legal advice regarding what processes would need to take place for my situation that occurred during the closing of a home. Not only was Richard remarkably responsive, he helped me get out ahead and has additionally gone to bat for me at other times. I have recommended friends to Richard, all who have been elated with his services. Without hesitation or question I would continue to encourage potential clients to seek Richard's legal services.
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29 Aug, 2018 by James
I hired Rich for some work I needed on some real estate matters for our homeowners association. Rich was accessible, timely and very literate in the matters we needed him for.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Gregory
I went to one of Jeff Schell’s talks and found it very helpful, It was nice meeting with him. Nice guy
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15 Aug, 2023 by Nicole smith
He makes the patent process easy and understandable. I especially appreciate the fixed fee pricing for patent work. Definitely know their stuff.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Janet
It’s very different than other patent law firms. Jeff is a successful founder and can relate better than some of the other firms that we interviewed
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01 May, 2017 by Peter
A few years back I was confronted with a legal problem not of my doing. I received several referrals one of which was Steve Feder. Having never been in this situation before I was frightened, bewildered and angry. Steve helped me to better understand the situation, the court system and prepared me for the hearing. While this was my first time in court I had worked with many attorneys in the past primarily through my work as a compliance officer in financial services and as a business owner. The one thing that really stood out to me was that Steve listened and offered suggestions. Unfortunately, many prior dealings with attorneys I was too often told what I could not do, rather than what I could do. I found Steve to be fair, ethical and knowledgable. He went out of his way to make certain my wife and I knew what we were facing. The hearing was quickly dismissed by the judge.
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24 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Steve was recommended to me by an ex-SEC lawyer in private practice. Absolutely the best lawyer I could have had during the 2 years it took to grind through the process for a civil matter. He knew all the players in Denver and he knew how to respond to every game played by the other side. When he felt it was required, he had the contacts to bring other law firms to help with the case. When they went shopping for what they felt was a more favorable jurisdiction, he was prepared to travel across the country to defend my case. Fought for every small detail and handled the final mediation. Would recommend him to anyone who needs a litigator/fighter on their side.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Bob
Steve helped us immensely in a brief investigation by the feds (US Customs) into the legality of artifacts sold by our company. He was professional, timely and had my back during the entire time. I could not have been happier with his services!
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02 Dec, 2020 by Shanda olofson
I used Selvoy for unbundled services. So glad I found him because I have spoken to dozens of lawyers and never felt like they were willing to help me. He was very honest, reliable, helpful, answered all of my questions. He helped me prep for my case and I won!! I highly recommend him for all legal representation and unbundled services! I also worked with his paralegal, Kalena, and I loved her. She was prompt and honest, so helpful, kind and understanding. I will be using them for all future legal needs.
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10 Feb, 2019 by Derek
Carl worked for months on a very hard case for me, and ultimately helped me recover some of my losses.
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09 Feb, 2019 by Kevin
I met Carl through a mutual friend. I have needed to put together my will, etc... for several years, and have procrastinated long enough. Carl took all my information, asked all the right questions, explained to me what I could and could not do, and was helpful through the whole process.
Having things ( possessions as well as family) spread out across the country, this was far from simple. He made the appropriate contacts in the other states, to take care of everything I needed legally, and at a reasonable price.
Very professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I will continue to use him as my family attorney.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Rick ebbers
We were very pleased with the service we received from Merlin Law Group. Our attorney, Jonathan Bukowski, and his staff were responsive and timely to our inquiries and worked hard to get us fair treatment from the insurance company. We received the maximum we were allocated to get and would not have been able to do that without their help.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Richard duran
23 Mar, 2019 by Joseph cicchiello
The Merlin Law Group is the most knoweldgable group of lawyers for insurance coverage law in the country. If your having problems with your insurance claim on your property, you need to give them a call !!
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13 Dec, 2023 by Rick ebbers
We were very pleased with the service we received from Merlin Law Group. Our attorney, Jonathan Bukowski, and his staff were responsive and timely to our inquiries and worked hard to get us fair treatment from the insurance company. We received the maximum we were allocated to get and would not have been able to do that without their help.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Richard duran
23 Mar, 2019 by Joseph cicchiello
The Merlin Law Group is the most knoweldgable group of lawyers for insurance coverage law in the country. If your having problems with your insurance claim on your property, you need to give them a call !!
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21 Sep, 2015 by Cinemount studios
Our company, CineMount Studios has hired Michael on numerous film and TV projects. He is good to work with. Haskins is very responsive & organized, saving our company time and money. We highly recommend him.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Sam
I met Michael first in 2012 while prepping a film we were shooting in Denver. At first he was kind enough to volunteer his time to help us get a tax rebate, which he successfully did. A few days prior to principal photography we ran into trouble with one of the financiers, which threatened to collapse the financing. To make a long story short, we officially hired him and he rectified the situation and forced the financier to fulfill his obligation and saved the production
We hired him again recently to review and modify a few production contracts and again did a terrific job.
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01 Apr, 2014 by Peter
Mike is a true professional! I hired him to oversee all my personal and business legal matters. He is thorough, knowledgable, reliable and easy to work with. I always felt he had my best interests in mind and trusted his advice. Though he handled several of my business contracts, one that specifically comes to mind was a client who kept changing his mind and adding or subtracting negotiation points. I was getting extremely confused and frustrated. Mike was able to calm me down and help see the negotiation process through to final contract. What made this even more memorable and appreciated was that he availed himself to me and the client all through the holiday time between Christmas and the new year because the client was at a time crunch to finalize the contract. Like doctors that won't make house calls anymore, finding that kind of customer service from an attorney is also, for most cases, a lost benefit. Though I have relocated to a different state now, Mike will be the attorney I will call first for legal advice.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Rick ebbers
We were very pleased with the service we received from Merlin Law Group. Our attorney, Jonathan Bukowski, and his staff were responsive and timely to our inquiries and worked hard to get us fair treatment from the insurance company. We received the maximum we were allocated to get and would not have been able to do that without their help.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Richard duran
23 Mar, 2019 by Joseph cicchiello
The Merlin Law Group is the most knoweldgable group of lawyers for insurance coverage law in the country. If your having problems with your insurance claim on your property, you need to give them a call !!
Read more
13 Dec, 2023 by Rick ebbers
We were very pleased with the service we received from Merlin Law Group. Our attorney, Jonathan Bukowski, and his staff were responsive and timely to our inquiries and worked hard to get us fair treatment from the insurance company. We received the maximum we were allocated to get and would not have been able to do that without their help.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Richard duran
23 Mar, 2019 by Joseph cicchiello
The Merlin Law Group is the most knoweldgable group of lawyers for insurance coverage law in the country. If your having problems with your insurance claim on your property, you need to give them a call !!
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20 Apr, 2016 by John
I have teamed with Gil on about a half dozen financial deals where the need was for the drafting of various transactional documentation, with some deals requiring extensive research and involvement with external vendors. Each time the deal has closed successfully with no clients having opposition to the docs Gil prepared. I appreciate the fact Gil is personable as well as professional and approaches his client with a human touch backed by a seriousness borne of his expertise and experience. Looking forward to our next opportunity to team up.
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30 Mar, 2016 by Lesley
Gil Selinger was wonderful to work with. We always felt like he cared and took the time to listen to our questions and concerns. He made us feel important although I am sure in comparison to other cases he has worked on ours was minor in monetary value. He was easy to get a hold of and prompt in his responses to us. Gil had a wide knowledge base and made us feel completely comfortable in the process.
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28 Mar, 2016 by Jordana
Gil did an excellent job reviewing a non solicitation and confidentiality agreement I was asked to sign as an independent contractor. He thoroughly reviewed the contract and brought several key issues to my attention that would have jeopardized my ability to successfully operate as an independent contractor. I felt that he was proactively looking out for my best interest and protecting my interests. He was professional, timely and followed up to ensure I had everything I needed.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
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14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
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30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Elizabeth
I hired Ben Lebsack upon the recommendation of a friend, and Ben came through for me 100%. He offered me advise, guidance, and support throughout the entire process of filing a legal complaint against my employer; later, he represented me in the mediation. I found Ben's fees to be more than reasonable, and he was always available whenever I had questions. This in itself was invaluable! Ben is highly knowledgeable about employment law and was always generous about sharing this knowledge with me, which I appreciated. Without hesitation, I would recommend Ben to anyone who finds themselves in a situation at work where legal help or advice is needed. He will give you his honest opinion and lay out the legal options for you. After I hired Ben, I felt reassured and was able to get through this difficult time successfully.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Jordan
When I was being sued by my previous attorney with little hope of a positive outcome, Ben was able to stop me from being wrongfully sued as well as gain me the compensation I deserve. I would recommend Ben to anyone who needs represented respectably. Ben is fair kind and hard working. I could not be happier with the fair results he was able to produce in my case.
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17 Oct, 2015 by -jr
After being terminated, I hired Ben to negotiate increased severance pay, and he was successful. His professionalism and demeanor is excellent and Ben's legal expertise and skills in advocating for the employee are outstanding. If you need to pursue legal action against an employer, I suggest retaining Ben - he'll do his best for you.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Robert
Lyle has proven himself to be consistently efficient and reliable since our first meeting in 2013. My first need was to establish my S Corporation, upon relocating here from back East - and Lyle walked me through the process and enabled me to register my enterprise swiftly and without stress.
Subsequently, over my years here, he has helped me answer questions and address issues regarding my father's estate and a business dispute which involved non-performance of contract deliverables. In every case, he has been responsive and empathetic beyond any previous experience that I have had with an attorney - and I have been highly impressed by his breadth of knowledge and his willingness to guide me in any challenge I am facing - drawing in additional expertise, as needed.
I take great comfort in having him as a partner and know that I can count on him to provide sound advice and counsel when required. And his accessibility via phone or email is remarkable.
I recommend his services highly - and without reservation.
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19 Apr, 2010 by Rob
Lyle has provided strong legal counsel since the inception of our company and reglarly proves himself as an invaluable asset to the business.
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07 Apr, 2010 by Erik
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Wallace via his association as a Philanthropic Board member and have used him in several of our business matters as well as to review potential business and financial structures. He has been very professional, detail oriented and efficient in all of our dealings. More importantly I can honestly say that he is a quality human being with integrity to match and someone who I trust implicitly. Something I do not hand out lightly.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
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30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
Read more
30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
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30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
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23 May, 2023 by James brooks
If you want a great lawyer here, it is absolutely amazing. Don’t settle for less.
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21 Jul, 2021 by Angie gardner
19 Jun, 2019 by Zena dyson
05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
Read more
30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
Read more
30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by Marissa russell
Ball Morse Lowe is an incredibly thorough firm; everyone I've worked with there have been the best at what they do and consummate professionals. Chris Michael, the attorney I've worked close with various times is second to none at what he does; as well as being timely, efficient, and an all around incomparably knowledgable legal mind. Could not recommend more!
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Doug hall
Top notch lawyers
Read more
30 Jul, 2019 by Nate lawrence
Very professional.
Read more
23 May, 2023 by James brooks
If you want a great lawyer here, it is absolutely amazing. Don’t settle for less.
Read more
21 Jul, 2021 by Angie gardner
19 Jun, 2019 by Zena dyson
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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.
