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17 Feb, 2023 by Kate mcnamara
Patrick is a great attorney and an expert in estate planning. He’s not only my husband, we have collaborated on cases together.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Katie lakin
I've used McNamara Law Firm for both personal and business related needs and every time Patrick has been excellent to work with! He helps answer my questions and puts it into words that I can understand not being from a legal background. I have referred him to various friends and family!
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15 Feb, 2023 by Dave sommers
Patrick is a great supporter of the local bar association, and stepped as a leader the legal community.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Ryan nelson
I recently reached out to Blazek and Gregg, specifically Paul Blazek, to handle some urgent family matters. Paul took the time and care to explain everything to us and multiple family members. He worked with us to tailor multiple documents to handle our request. He expedited the work and was able to turn all of the documents around in a very short and demanding time frame. His work was top notch and thorough, incredibly quick, but most importantly, he treated me and my family with care and compassion. I work with attorneys on a daily basis and I can attest that Paul is as good as they come. Excellent attorney and great human being. I highly recommend the firm and Paul specifically.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Terry childress
Highly proficient! Extremely courteous and professional. I would definitely do business with them again. Paul was knowledgeable and guided me through the process.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Renee johnson
He traveled from Elkhorn to Seward to meet with my mom and me. He did this free of charge. My mom had a Will but I was worried that it was to generic and we would end up having troubles after she died. I felt like he had no agenda on “selling” us his products but in fact educating us about the Will we already had. I had no idea that even if we had a Will in place we would have had to go through probate court which at the very least would’ve cost $7000. Long story short, we decided on a Trust because my mom’s mother put in her trust to say her 6 kids would sell her land in parcels over many years. So a Trust was best for my mother also . We left the meeting and over just a few weeks Jim spent money hours communicating with mom’s mother’s lawyer who is in charge of that trust. Come to find out that trust already spelled out who would get my mom’s portion of the land after she died. This meant the trust for my mom was not needed. Remember Jim spent a lot of time on mom’s trust. That meant the original Will of moms would work just fine. Jim himself took the time to call my mom and tell her this and he would be sending back the check mom gave him. WHO DOES THAT!! Jim could’ve easily charged her the amount mom gave him. But instead he didn’t charge her a thing. Jim is kind , trustworthy, and only wants his clients to have the best Trust or Will to make life easier when their loved one passes. The first time I met him I knew he was like that.
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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:

  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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