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24 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I found an article on the Herald Banner written by Mr. Ray in 2012. I emailed him for information on specific statutes and he responded to my question and follow up questions promptly and completely. I am so grateful for his kindness in sharing his wealth of information.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Clayton
I was being sued by a insurance company. Daniel Ray took the time to explain all my options and the associated cost of each option. He explained what he thought would be my best option and why. He was able to answer all my questions immediately. Daniel reviewed all the court filings for the lawsuit and quickly realized there were numerous problems in the filing of the lawsuit. He contacted the attorney for the insurance company and was able to get the case completely dismissed. I strongly recommend Daniel Ray for any legal issues.
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13 Aug, 2015 by Mary
Attorney Daniel Ray assisted me in my legal contract needs for the purchase of a house. He did an excellent job in dealing with all of my concerns, questions, and process. Not only is he very knowledgeable in the legal proceedings but he is a very personable person showing genuine concern and taking time to assist me. I highly recommend Attorney Daniel Ray. Thank you for all you have done for me thus far! Sincerely, Mary 3rd Grade Teacher
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11 Apr, 2017 by Matthew
Brent is an amazing attorney that is truly passionate about the work he does. I would refer him in a heartbeat.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Linda
I want to thank you for your help during this saddening time for me and my family. I must say the staff at your law firm was wonderful in helping me to understand which path to take in settling my mother's estate. As it is with sad news that my mother's house has sold I know that even though this chapter of my life is winding down, I am given strength with the people that helped me through this time in my life. You guys are those people. With your hard work and dedication to settling the estate we are able to render payment and finalize our account. You guys were great to have by my side and I look forward to using your services again when this time comes for my father. Thanks again for all your support and I am please to have done business with you guys.
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20 Mar, 2013 by Don
Brent helped us in a difficult matter. We were minority shareholders in an LLC and were being treated unfairly by the majority shareholder. We had no written contract and our position was very weak. Brent gathered the facts, developed a strategy and negotiated a fair settlement without filing a law suit. We are 100% SATISFIED.
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24 Oct, 2019 by Gayle
Did a will, power of attorney, she is very professional and informative . She walked us through it so we could understand what we were signing.
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16 Mar, 2018 by James
Catherine helped me through a civil suit, she won it with no problem. Also she did a will for me. For each the prices were so reasonable it literally made me wary! But no need for wariness, this lady has both the intelligence and Integrity and will do her best to get you through whatever you're dealing with.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Philip went above and beyond. He is very professional and quick witted. What I liked most is that he did not draw things out. From the time I filed for a modification to the time it was granted and the final order was signed by the judge was only three weeks. Some stuff came up last minute and he jumped through some hoops to subpoena witnesses for the next morning at court. He worked hard to make hat happen last minute and still with minimal cost. It only costed just a hair over $5,000. His retainer is $5,000, but definitely worth it. Some attorneys charge you a retainer and then start charging you for transactions. The upfront cost for Phillip covered all but about $300 of the total cost. He will work hard for you and he's sharp and to the point. Have a list of questions you need to ask before going in. His firm has offices in Greenville and in Emory. They are very familiar with local courts and judges
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24 Apr, 2024 by Robby sparks
They help me get screwed. Horrible experience. Sold for 72k got 14k. I don't recommend.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Paul denman
He's spamming my cell phone.
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20 Jan, 2024 by Lee stacey
Not very good at calling u back called in asked to speak with a attorney in they said he would call in never did not a good place
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17 May, 2024 by Jamie irby
Shawn has been our attorney for 5 years. He is extremely professional and goes beyond what is necessary to help your situation
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01 May, 2024 by Tr gunnr
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22 Aug, 2023 by Belinda watson
Jason Duff is someone I highly recommend. In giving advice, he steers his clients down the high road. I feel like he was looking out for my best interest and he earned by respect and trust.
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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.