Filter by

star star star star star
09 Jan, 2022 by Suzy
Mr. Freeborn & Ms. Messamore went above and beyond working for me as a creditor in my ex husband’s chapter 7 bankruptcy to defend and uphold a full satisfaction of my Superior Court Owelty Lien Judgment after 20 years of him refusing to pay. This was a very challenging case. My previous 2 attorneys were unable to enforce my 20 year old court ordered judgment . Freeborn law offices worked diligently to fight for me & make me whole . They truly are my legal Warriors
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
12 Dec, 2021 by William m.
Stephen L Freeborn and his Paralegal did an absolutely FABULOUS JOB on preparing me and my paperwork on a chapter 7 bankruptcy. Mr Freeborn also assisted me successfully in removing judicial leans from my home. Hopefully I don’t ever have to do this again, but if I do, I know EXACTLY WHO I WILL USE: FREEBORN LAW OFFICES!!!!! THATS WHO YOU SHOULD USE!!!!!! They are THE BEST!!!!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
07 Dec, 2021 by Crystal
Mr. Freeborn and his paralegal were not the first legal team we met with about our issues. The first lawyer we spoke with came highly recommended by a family member, but he was adamant we’d have to file for bankruptcy. We gave Freeborn Law Offices a try for a second opinion. His paralegal Ms. Messamore was refreshing in explaining things in plain language, being upfront, transparent, and very thorough. I walked away from our initial consultation with Mr. Freeborn very impressed at the depth of his experience. He laid out our options clearly and concisely. It was comforting to have confidence that our case was in such knowledgeable hands. After having a plan in place, I was further impressed that he took the time to dig through the weeds and figure out who to contact to resolve our issues as it wasn’t clear. Within four months, the lien on our house was removed, we had avoided bankruptcy, and we were finally able to move on with our lives. His rates were very reasonable and worth every penny.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
01 Nov, 2011 by Valerie
Shawn Mercalde was a member in good standing in our network group and helped various members with good advice. In addition she has helped me drafting business letters to suppliers and with research on domain infringement rules.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
31 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Laurie is a very intelligent thoughtful lawyer who does excellent research and is very knowledgeable in intellectual property law and contract law. she is very personable and great to work with.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2020 by Robert
I hired Mr. Todd Howard to represent me on a family law matter and I was very pleased with the service I received. He had a detailed understanding of my situation and presented my case in a professional and easy to understand way. Even the judge commented on how great his work was for the case. The communication was great and I would highly recommend him if you need assistance with a family law issue.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Apr, 2019 by Beatrice
Todd Howard is an excellent attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. Todd let us know what to expect and clearly explained the law. Throughout the process, Todd was reassuring, articulate, knowledgeable and effective. Todd gave us peace of mind during a stressful time, and we highly recommend his services.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 Oct, 2016 by Carly
During the past few years, I have come across many challenges and struggles in my parenting plan. Up until working with Mr. Howard, I was not provided with valid information regarding possible outcomes nor did I feel supported with my concerns. Mr. Howard was very timely and efficient in his communication with me. He always communicated truthful information and did not provide me with false hope of outcomes-but took concerns into consideration and developed a plan to reduce anxiety for myself. Positive communication and a commitment to getting the job done are strong qualities for Mr. Howard. He took the time to learn details of my case, always listened attentively taking time to learn about my children and helped build a plan that works to meet the needs of my kids. As I move forward, if any concerns arise in the future, Mr. Howard will for sure be the person to represent me. I know that he will always give the best of his efforts to ensure a positive outcome. I strongly recommend his services.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2024 by Christopher riordan
We had a case and unfortunately, the attorney assigned did not have any experience in the specific area of law. We ended up switching to another firm with experience. While assessing the switch our attorney at Curran said that the senior partner had experience but was retiring in 6 months and wasn’t interested in taking our case himself. The lack of knowledge of the attorney at Curran unfortunately put us in a weak position costing us a large sum with the opponent. And our bill was higher than the new attorney due to the Curran attorney’s inefficient use of time trying to learn the law involved.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Dec, 2022 by Baosheng wang
Blythe is best in my 20+ years as a small business owner. A collect agent form Califgornia and a local lawyer threaten me for a business dispute in bad way. Blythe stops them fast. I strongly feel that Blythe is working for my best interests and sense of justice, not just for attorney fees. It's the second time I use Curran Law's service; both times I get happy results.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Nov, 2022 by Desiree levings
My lawyer was late to both meetings and I had to keep contacting him to find out if anything was being done. To be honest, I really don’t think he was very interested in my case. Nice people but disappointing for the money I was charged.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
07 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I sincerely do not know how people like this stay in business. Ms. Stasch is pleasant to speak with, but totally useless and ineffective otherwise. I hired her for simple representation during a Wells Fargo loan modification. Wells Fargo (WF) continually had me re-submit documents over and over, claiming that they could not reach the IRS to verify my paid taxes and that they could not read my pay stubs (from a company that has been in business since 1930), plus they supplied documents for me to sign with a $5000 typo on it. Ms. Stasch did and said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING during these events and did not even catch the $5000 error. She further stated that she knew "Nothing about the modification" that I received from WF, implying that's why she did not exam it. I contacted both Fannie and the WA State AG's office and they stated that my attorney (Ms. Stasch) should be addressing all of the WF anomalies. Stasch decided to disagree for some unknown reason. In the end, after six months of her involvement, my loan wasn't even modified and Stasch stated that I should just be overjoyed with the outcome. I wish the best for her, but would only recommend her if you like the kind of actions she provided above.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:

  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.

Scroll to top