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19 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney David Hisle has provided me excellent legal counsel on two separate occasions. Attorney Hisle is extremely knowledgeable and presents the information in a manner that is easy to understand. I appreciate the time he takes to fully address the matters to my satisfaction. I highly recommend.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Teyo
David did to help me win my case he was able to explain to me every step of the way into the process of the case he also did a great job.
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07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
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07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
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15 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. O'Connor was extremely professional and supportive. She was very engaging, while also being honest and realistic about the legal process surrounding my situation. I would highly recommend Ms. O'Connor as an attorney.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Rachel skonieczny
In 5 minutes Jordan gave me more information and directions than I had found on my own in weeks. He was polite, compassionate, and direct in a way I deeply appreciated.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Kenneth bryant
My name is Kenneth Bryant, and I recently engaged the services of Avara Law LLC. I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer on a highly sensitive case for my business. Right from our first conversation, the communication was clear and I found myself receiving frequent emails that required my prompt attention. Collaborating with Jennifer, we meticulously pieced together an offer letter for settlement. After a year-long battle, the settlement was finalized, and I am immensely grateful for the relief it has brought me.
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02 May, 2024 by Michael
I have been working with Jennifer for quite a while, during this period, I find myself very fortunate to be able to find such a wonderful person who has a high level of dedication and attention to detail in a professional context in her professional works. Jennifer is extremely dedicated and sets high standards for her work. Even though my situation is quite complex, she handles it with great patience and a step-by-step approach, solving problems and offering help in a highly professional manner. In working with Jennifer, I've come to realize that she stands out from others. Because most will tell you the best-case scenarios that you want to hear and plan accordingly but might constantly ignore the long-term potential risk factors. However, Jennifer is different; she would bring up the potential risks and the right thing to do that might not have crossed one's mind. Although these discussions can sometimes be unexpected, Jennifer never hesitates to give her professional opinions and perspectives. She prioritizes long-term accountability and assistance to her clients over providing a temporary pleasing outcome that could ignore significant risks and lead to future problems. This approach is not only rare but also highly valuable and admirable. For me, it was also very educational since I have learned a lot from her. I think anyone who manages to become a long-term client of Jennifer’s is truly lucky. The real value of someone assisting us isn’t just only in completing specific tasks or requirements, but also in providing long-term responsibility, care for the clients, and extra insights and solutions that we hadn’t thought of. She offers advice and support that help us prevent potential future risks, which allows us to relax and move forward with confidence and security, freeing us to dedicate our attention to other areas. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to work with Jennifer. I highly recommend her for her exceptional work qualities, invaluable skills, and dedication
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07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
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30 Jan, 2019 by Lisa polson
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07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
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30 Jan, 2019 by Lisa polson
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07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
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30 Jan, 2019 by Lisa polson
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02 Oct, 2024 by Natalie zeigler
I cannot recommend Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser, LLC highly enough for their exceptional estate planning services. From the very beginning, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Eleanor and Verena took the time to understand our family's needs, provided explanations of the various options available, and made recommendations. They went above and beyond to address all of our questions and concerns, and I felt so confident that our estate was in good hands that I recommended them to my father. He was a tough customer, and he was impressed too. He recently passed away, and it is wonderful to 1) have solid estate documents to rely on, and 2) have the firm in our corner again as we work through probate. Grief is hard enough without worrying about those things.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Mckenzie-watts family
We highly recommend working with the lawyers at Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser. They feel like family and have always gone above and beyond for us. They are incredibly competent, hard-working, and most importantly to us, they’re incredibly kind.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Lisa dolloph
Attorney David Hisle has provided me excellent legal counsel on two separate occasions. Attorney Hisle is extremely knowledgeable and presents the information in a manner that is easy to understand. I appreciate the time he takes to fully address the matters to my satisfaction. I highly recommend.
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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.

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