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02 May, 2024 by Melissa
I cannot recommend Patricia Lawrence Kolaras enough for anyone seeking an entertainment or trademark attorney. She truly is a SHERO in her field. Patricia went above and beyond to help us secure our Shero Coffee Club trademark, especially when another company tried to acquire the same name. Her expertise and knowledge of trademark law are unparalleled. Thanks to her dedication, we won the initial battle against the other company and have now submitted for the actual trademark. The SHERO COFFEE CLUB is truly blessed to have Patricia's excellent services on our side because she will bang up anyone fighting against her. If you need someone to go to war for you for your trademark, Patricia is the one to call.
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11 Oct, 2012 by Simone
She's sweet but she's NO NONSENSE when it comes to protecting you! Working with the PLK Law Group has been one of the most valuable experiences in my career and their expertise has helped my business TREMENDOUSLY since 2007! I love working with Patricia Lawrence-Kolaras and her dynamic team of dedicated lawyers who stand firmly for what they believe in. Protecting their clients rights is what comes first and they will do it at all costs. Extremely thorough, sharp, dedicated and fun to work with...what else could you ask for in a law firm? Try them out, you'll be so happy you have them in your corner!
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01 Oct, 2012 by Benjamin
PLK Law Group is a good example of appropriate humanism leading polished professionalism and expert service.
Legal has been the primary expense of our creative startup, but PLK's pricing is competitive with the marketplace, especially when one considers the rare, elite quality of services provided.
We went to PLK with an idea, and they shepherded us through the straights of IP, continue to keep us blameless and secure, and magically facilitate the tools we need to skillfully manage our good fortune.
Ms. Patricia inspires confidence in singular fashion, and leads her well trained team by sleek example and frosty insight.
To creative projects at the least, I can testify the following:
If you must have peace of mind, this is a good firm to hire.
Benjamin Sanchez
Legend of the Cipher, LLC
CEO
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20 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Cathy was wonderful to work with during our closing. She kept us informed every step of the way and was very responsive. She answered our questions truthfully and offered suggestions when needed. We highly recommend her. We had an extremely smooth transaction that could have not been so smooth if it weren't for her.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I first consulted Mr. Ferrara regarding some basic information and was not disappointed. After the first phone call I recognized how passionate he is about his profession and how accommodating he was towards my schedule. He was always quick to reply to e-mails or phone calls during the business days. I would definitely recommend him for anyone in need of services regarding Wills or Leases.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Chris responded to a case I posted online involving a simple mediation between my company and the division of consumer affairs department about a simple violation that I was disputing.... agreement was to simply negotiate a settlement for the amount of $500 or for the full price of $1,500 take it to trial in municipal court. I paid him in full prepared to go to trial... he made a couple of phone calls and negotiating a simple settlement via email and phone and then never even appeared in court... he did $500 worth of work however never refunded me the balance and then hung up the phone on me after questioning him... this was all after not returning my phone calls or emails during the whole time span before court...
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26 Oct, 2013 by Hrishi
I had a traffic accident and wanted to change the court date that was mandated in the ticket I received. I couldn't be in town on that day due to a business meeting out of state. I had hired Chris after looking in Avvo and I was glad that I found him. I called him on Friday and since there wasn't a lot of time to file for date change with the court, he even came to my house to get me to sign papers. He was very responsive and kept me informed and not only got the court date changed but tried to get my points removed. On the court date, he came very early and met with the prosecutor and got the points removed and I was the first person in the court for the judge to hear my case and change the charge to a no point one and even got a civil reservation to protect me from future law suits from the accident. ( no one was hurt)
Thanks Chris . I highly recommend him for anyone else in similar situation as me.
HD
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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:
-
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.
