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28 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
This man was hired by my ill mother to make changes in our family trust. Not only was the work he did incorrect, invalid and illegal but he assured my sick mother and myself that this was all valid and legal. Documents were signed, notarized and made to be a part of the original trust document. Fast forward, mother passes away, and we find out that nothing that this quack did was legal, or valid. Our family was not only devastated but we were threatened with legal action. So, stupidly, we allow this man to continue handling the finalizing of the estate etc. Phone calls would go un-returned. We'd get an occasional request to come in to the office fo signatures, etc. The estate had to go thru probate.....WHY? Finally we come to a conclusion, sad, confused, nothing had gone the way this man had explained PRIOR to mom's death. WHY? I had promised myself that once this was over and done I was going to file a complaint with the bar association, but the question I am asked is WHAT ARE YOUR DAMAGES? I can't put a dollar amount on the level of anguish that our family went thru starting with the assurances this REPUTABLE (?) HONEST (?) attorney made to my sick mother prior to her death.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Marte
I worked for Robert for almost 2 years late 1980's and in review found him to be honorable, ethical, and fair. A devoted husband and caring father, and diligent advocate. All qualities of a man with good characteristics- he was factual and diligent in his clients' cases, and his office was one of the most open and well planned workspaces I ever had the pleasure of working in. You would be in good hands for your legal needs. His demeanor was respectful, kind and pleasant.
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09 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Feldman was not upfront about his fees. I received a huge bill, after a few minutes of work
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20 Jul, 2010 by Henry
I acquired the professional services of Atty. Steve Feldman of Encino, California through a recommendation of my good friend-Alan Lavapi who had also acquired the lawyers services before. I am very happy with the services; knowledge; responsiveness; trustworthy of Atty Steve M. Feldman during the time that I acquired his professional services. He is very sincere and deligent; thorough & patience when it comes to our case at hand. We won our case through Atty Steve M. Feldman and I highly recommend everyone to get his services and I am sure that you will be very satisfied with him.
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28 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, there are times when it is better to represent yourself (almost never), and if you must chose between self representation or Mr. Goodfriend I would recommend the former. As objectively, and fairly, as I am able these are the general concerns I had in my experience with Mr. Goodfriend's councel:
1) Non- responsive to calls
2) Did not pursue desired result
3) Lacked strategy
4) Very timid- easily intimidated by opposing attorney
5) Very aloof
6) I had to provide direction for edits in his correspondence with opposing council because his own lacked cohesion and provided many loopholes for ant semi competent lawyer to be able to exploit
7) Timliness was abysmal- took weeks to draft requests (1 pager)
Ultimately, I found new council who in a matter of weeks resolved the issues. There are times when one's job title, or institution from which one graduates doe not reflect the quality of service one would come to expect. This, certainly, was my experience in this matter.
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16 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
If I could give a negative rating I would. Terrible person. That’s all that needs to be said.
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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.
