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23 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
T Wickham Schmidt was referred to us by another Green Bay attorney. We called him 2 months ago. He said he did NOT have a conflict of interest with any parties we want to sue. Said he would represent us for $2,500. I wanted to think about it. On January 19, 2024, I called his office again to say that matter have gotten worse and we could not resolve this case with the other party. I told him that I could send him a detailed e-mail and He agreed to read it. I sent it Sunday, January 22, 2024. He wrote back to me saying he wanted $500 for an opinion on my case and some information to help us resolve it in small claims court. I wrote back saying we would send him $500 after we got some detailed and useful information with some questions answered. To our shock, we got today, January 24, 2024, a 2 sentence message saying HE COULD NOT REPRESENT US. No explanation. No anything. We are very upset that this lawyer, in whom we put our trust treated us in such a shabby manner. We sent him confidential information, and put our trust in confidentiality. I can only hope that he, at least, destroys the sensitive and confidential information and sends me a postal letter that he has not shared the information we provided with anyone else.
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10 Nov, 2010 by C. paul zeman
Wick took charge and made sure the responsible parties were told we are NOT going to play any games, we mean Business!
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19 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Didn't return phone calls, was not prompt for meetings ,did not get paperwork done in a timely manner, and gave me incorrect advice. Had to take my case elsewhere after spinning his wheels and getting nothing accomplished. Would not recommend.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Brenda parent
I hired Att Marquette if you would to know how good of lawyer he is look up Parent vs Home Depot & Citi Bank and make your call on hiring his service or not. We spent over 5 years in federal court and thousands of dollars on a lawsuit that should have been open and settled with in 6 months. Home Depot and Citi Bank applied another persons credit card purchase to my credit card 6 months after the purchase and claimed it was mine to pay. Read the case! I lost because my Laywer filed under Wisconsin cousumer act. And had me settle with Citi Bank.And told me we will go after Home Depot. ( well wrong).The Judge though out my case because we can't sue Home Depot Under the WCA.because they do not collect the dedt. Or issue the C/C, Citi Bank does.And ask him why he did not try to collect the 25,000 I still owed him,and what happend in the case will Lee at the end.I would love to no his answer.He never gave as an answer.This cost me 4 lawsuits and 10,000 of thousand of dollars. Thanks
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Dan did my parent and grandparents' estate documents. We had him also do ours which included a will, living revocable trust, power of attorney, health care power of attorney, joint marital property agreement, etc.
The documents cost nearly $3,000 to prepare once additional fees were assessed for deed transfers which was about double what a colleague of mine had mine done for. However, we were willing to pay the extra amount to have things handled properly. Also we knew that he was familiar w/ my family's assets and documents and we held some joint properties so we thought it was worth the price.
After the documents were completed we realized that an asset that was jointly owned w/ my parents was left vulnerable in the event of my death and would not securely pass to my children. Instead it would go to my husband even though my parents told him that it was to stay in the bloodlines (i.e. me, my children, etc.). When I questioned it, he said that that is what I told him to do and that he made notes to that affect. However, we never discussed how to handle that asset and I knew my parents had told him that it should remain in the bloodlines. He charged my family several hundred dollars to rectify the matter. When I asked him to share some responsibility in the matter and reduce his fees, he refused.
Dan is polite, personable, and good at returning calls. However, I would not recommend him because of how this matter was handled.
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07 Dec, 2023 by The wolfdoglife
Horrible experience with extremely unorganized billing department. Do not recommend due to them trying to bill extra and their non existent communication!
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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.
