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07 Mar, 2012 by Valerie
Anthony Pagano is the most personable attorney I have ever dealt with. I am somewhat shy and other attorneys I have retained in the past have treated me with condescension, making it difficult for me to communicate my needs. Anthony is one of the nicest people I have ever spoken with and immediately put me at ease. Because of his pleasant personality, I was able to easily describe a very complex state of affairs. Because of his expertise, he crafted a wonderfully appropriate contract/agreement for my unique situation. I would highly recommend Anthony. His expeditious, hospitable manner made every communication constructive, effective, and easy!
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28 Nov, 2011 by Nancy marczyk
Attorney Pagano was extremely helpful with my father estate. I have already recommend him to family and friends and the professionals I work with. This was an extremely difficult time for me and with his help and professionalism it made it worry free. If you are in need of a lawyer I highly recommend Attorney Pagano.
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27 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Anthony handled a very complex commercial real estate transaction for my company recently. It involved several properties and multiple financing sources/arrangements. He did a fantastic job, is the best commercial real estate attorney that I have ever worked with, and I highly recommend him!
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16 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
was very professional and did more than we expected... thank you
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24 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I ahve worked with the big law firms and Seth can hold his own with any of them. He settled a dispute with my former company in a manner that was perfect for the situation. I have recommended my clients to him for their business needs.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Ronda rogers
Attorney Steve Barnstead the best!
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26 Jul, 2023 by B s
Denice is a wonderful attorney. You won't find anyone better. I am grateful for all her hard work and could never repay her for her help through such a terrible time.
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02 Apr, 2023 by Gordo alexander
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Christopher Denton, experienced Business attorney in Elmira, NY with 25 reviews
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4.2/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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4.2
24 Reviews
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06 Aug, 2024 by Ronda rogers
Attorney Steve Barnstead the best!
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26 Jul, 2023 by B s
Denice is a wonderful attorney. You won't find anyone better. I am grateful for all her hard work and could never repay her for her help through such a terrible time.
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02 Apr, 2023 by Gordo alexander
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10 May, 2024 by Angelina loudenslager
The best place to eat ever
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10 Oct, 2023 by Billie jo tulachanh (thecrazycraftychick)
Very kind, and helped me greatly
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06 Sep, 2023 by Michelle barkdoll
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15 Aug, 2024 by Jason r
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29 Mar, 2024 by Kenny fenner
The reception is unprofessional. They lost the deed to my house that they never sent to me. Then reception gave me the run around. I have never received this deed from them to this date. They are negligent with documents and can’t be trusted. We had another made by a different lawyer. Wouldn’t recomend.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Skipper
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jessica sheade
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15 Aug, 2024 by William freeman
I have worked with John McGlenn and John Ryan. I found them to be gentlemen and very professional attorneys.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Sheila obireck
Julie, the person who answered the phone, was very impolite and not helpful.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Jason r
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16 Apr, 2024 by Erich
My position requires that I hire and work with lawyers routinely, and of the many I have hired and worked with over the years, John was the worst by far. I engaged Attorney Maloney to be the attorney for an Estate of which I was the Executor. Contrary to ethics and norms (if not also NY law), John did not explain his fees or offer an engagement letter at the start of the process. When I asked him for an engagement letter, he refused. John was uncommunicative, failed to follow through at every single step of the estate settlement process, and generally inefficient. I had to repeatedly remind him to complete filings or take other actions we had discussed, or to provide me updates and status. For example, we had a phone call on which he agreed to take certain actions. When he still had not taken these actions after a month, I followed up and he seemed to have no recollection of the phone call or agreeing to take the actions. He and his staff gave me incorrect information at times, and seemed more intent on getting through the process than advocating on behalf of the Estate's interests. I selected John because he had prepared the will for the person whose Estate was involved. In going through the deceased person's papers, I found that the deceased also had had many problems with John not following through and losing track of information provided to him. I also found letters from the Court advising John that he had made certain filings incorrectly and requiring him to resubmit those filings...and then there would be a very long period before John made the re-submission. John and his office seem to work entirely on paper. This created many inefficiencies and delays. My best advice is to not hire John Maloney for any legal work whatsoever. I am indicating a one star rating only because zero stars is not an option.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Kenny fenner
The reception is unprofessional. They lost the deed to my house that they never sent to me. Then reception gave me the run around. I have never received this deed from them to this date. They are negligent with documents and can’t be trusted. We had another made by a different lawyer. Wouldn’t recomend.
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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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