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23 Jan, 2018 by Kathleen
I was refered to Mr. Ehlinger by my attorney when I was in need of representation by a litigation lawyer. In my first meeting with Mr. Ehlinger he was of great assistance in making me feel very comfortable with all the legal information. Mr. Ellinger was a pleasure to work with, he was exceptionally instrumental in making an intensely upsetting and stressful situation very bearable and kept me informed every step of the way. He was able to settled the issue with grace and satisfaction. His communication skills are far beyond impressive, working with him was truly a wonderful experience as he was able to convey and simplify legal terms in a manner I was able to completely understand. I highly recommend Mr. Ehlinger.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Craig
I first contacted Ralph at the advice of my attorney. I was trying to sell my half of a business so that I could retire. My partner in the business and the corporation that owned the property the business was in had twice caused the failure of the sale of the business. He had last minute changes to the agreements that would be beneficial to him and adversely affect the seller and buyer. Ralph was creative and gave my partner the ultimatum of either buy me out the way the sale was lined up, or we will take over the sale and will put the whole business up for sale with no limitations as to how his position would be handled. My portion of the partnership was sold as soon as the financing was arranged.
A few months later Ralph advised my partner that I no longer wanted to remain a partner with him in the property. A similar ultimatum was given, and my partner purchased my half of the property in a manner that was in our partnership agreement. I was officially retired.
About a year later, I was having an addition and some other work done on our house. When it came time for the signing of the contract, I had Ralph go through it and address any areas that he had concerns about. He was looking at it from the perspective that were potential legal problems. The builders agreed to the changes and were impressed at the detail to prevent a potential problem.
I was also impressed enough to recommend Ralph to a friend having a neighbor dispute.
During my various encounters with Ralph, he also showed concern for my personal feelings and managed my legal expense leaving me feeling that I was not overcharged, and I felt the outcomes were well worth the expense.
Craig
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27 Jul, 2011 by William
In the past when I have met with attornies they have seemed disinterested when I told them my story. With Dan it was completely different. It was as if I was the only thing in the world. I know that is what you would expect but unfortunately that was not the case with my previous lawyers. The change was truly refreshing.
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02 Dec, 2009 by Mary
Dan is a excellent attorney and a very good listener. He spends time learning about your case so that every issue is addressed. I had positive results at a reasonable rate. I would highly recommend.
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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.
