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24 Jun, 2024 by Vlad litvi
Doug helped me through this hard market and helped me land on the perfect house! He had many instances where there was multiple offers and he kept helping us through the times we dident get the homes. But we instead got an even better house with more than what we were originally looking for. Doug did a thorough job on everything from emails to making phone calls and arranging appointments and helping us with this tough buyers market. I would recommend Doug for any legal or realtor project just ask him and he will get you a better deal than you are looking for!🙂 Bonus he also sent back the excess commission after his legal fees were met. Better than any other realtor out there don’t look any further he will help you get the job done better and more experienced than any other realtor I have worked with. I was very picky about the realtor I used to help me find my home.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Ling ling
I highly recommend Doug to anyone looking to purchase a home based on my experience. With his help, we purchased a newly built home, and as first-time homebuyers, we greatly appreciated having a realtor and attorney who is both knowledgeable and experienced. Doug provided transparency at every step of the process and consistently prioritized our best interests. As his client, I felt at ease and respected. Thanks to his efforts, we were able to save a significant amount of money.
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04 May, 2024 by Anshul chawla
I don’t have words to express how grateful I am to have stumbled into working with Doug to buy a house. If you are looking to buy or sell a house and are looking for someone to help you through the process, stop NOW and call Doug to request him to take you on as a client. Trust me, you — and your bank account — will thank me later! Doug is the antithesis of the stereotypical realtors who are pushy, sneaky, selfish, and intimidatingly flamboyant. Doug is a highly principled individual. He probably has more knowledge about real estate industry, including all the shady practices employed by realtors and broker companies, than anyone else in this country. Doug is on a mission to upend the real estate industry for the better, and he lives and breathes that mission while working with his clients. He goes out of his way to figure out ways to disincentivise himself from doing anything that favors him more than his clients. In fact, his dedication and passion to this cause of radically improving real estate industry for consumers led to the recent major changes in how the industry will operate going forward! While working with us, Doug was quick to provide all the relevant information about houses we were interested in. He took time to explain things to watch out for while touring houses, and helped us create the winning strategy for getting our offer accepted for a house we love (there were 9 offers on the house!). Doug is incredibly honest (almost to a fault) and always gave us the complete picture on the risks associated with any move we made. On top of all this, Doug returned a bigger portion of his commission than we were expecting! Working with him was just an absolutely incredible experience, and I feel very lucky. On the personal front, Doug is very fun to talk to, and through this process, we ended up connecting about a lot of topics other than buying a house. At the end, I’d just say that I couldn’t have asked for a better house, and I couldn’t have asked for a better realtor/attorney in this journey.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Richard
Mark Kelly has been an outstanding lawyer for me. Hew has never failed to produce a fair and favorable outcome any time that he has represented my self or my business over the last 25 years.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Brad palmer
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27 May, 2022 by Stephanie c
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12 Aug, 2021 by Karin conroy
Haugen Law Group is a class act who cares about their clients.
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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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