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23 Oct, 2018 by Rb
In such a hard and trying time, Attorney Merrell made my situation as light and understanding as possible. His knowledge of family/domestic law is refreshing. I have been and am grateful to have him as attorney
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09 Jan, 2018 by Mitch
Ed Merrell helped me with a family law situation. He's extremely knowledgeable. He also genuinely cares about his clients!
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07 Jan, 2018 by Tony pruitt
Very Proactive Attorney. Super nice guy! Mr . Merrell makes your problem his problem. I'm very grateful for Edward Merrell and all he has done for my family.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Caleb
Mr. Hutsler represented me in a civil case of great importance to me. Throughout the duration of the case, I was given excellent counsel, support, and representation. His communication was immediate and thorough, as was his research and knowledge of the law. Through our work together, I know Mr. Hutsler to be an honest and diligent steward of the law who will put in the effort to give fair and just representation to his clients. I cannot say enough good things about this man.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Chris
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Hutsler in order to resolve an issue for a family member. The case was complicated and not only out of town but out of state. Mr. Hutsler traveled out of state on behalf of my family member to ensure the issue would be resolved. The results were exactly what was needed. I am thankful and most appreciative of Mr. Hutsler for his professionalism and commitment to his client. Highly Recommended.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Heather
I have had the privilege of having Dee work on several cases for my family. Through the whole process he was very in tune with my family's needs and treated them with the utmost respect and always made himself available for any questions we may have had. I would recommend, and have recommended, Dee to anyone that needs a good caring attorney.
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01 Nov, 2019 by Lisa
I have known Mr. Inge Johnstone for over a decade. I was injured in a car wreck and sought legal help with recovering medical expenses as well as damages. My case took almost three years to settle, during this time Mr. Johnstone maintained consistent contact with me. He took me to the crash site to go over details of the accident while still fresh in my mind, assisted with finding the proper doctors for medical tests/evaluations, assisted with finding the best physical therapist and prepared me for the deposition process. He returned my telephone calls promptly and I always felt like he had my best interest in mind. Overall, I was extremely happy with the work he did. He is honest, trustworthy and very personable. I highly recommend Mr. Johnstone as a personal injury attorney.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Laura
Inge Johnstone and his team were remarkably helpful and effective in helping us resolve a billing dispute. Mr. Johnstone was very attentive to our case, and in spite of the complexity of the situation, he had mastered all the details of the situation in a short amount of time. Both my husband and I value Mr. Johnstone's insight, and we are very impressed with the integrity and compassion he shared with us while tackling a difficult situation.
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11 Sep, 2019 by Mary kate
I have known Inge Johnstone for almost four years. I was injured in a car wreck when I was 16, and my case took close to three years to settle. During this time, Inge maintained consistent contact. He kept me updated on how things with my case were progressing, he helped me through the deposition process since I had never done it before, and made sure the entire process was as easy as possible for me. I really appreciated that he took the time to get to know me personally and was invested in helping me. I never dreaded having to go to the office, answer a phone call, or reply to an email because he was so friendly, honest, and helpful with me. Overall, I was extremely happy with the work he did. I believe that I could not have found a better attorney anywhere else.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Melissa
Gina McDonald was referred to us by a trusted friend. I was nervous to make the first call, but immediately felt reassured that we would be in good hands , as Gina ,herself, answered the call and began guiding us in the right direction. She has always been readily available and prompt in handling our needs. Not only has she been very professional and knowledgeable about many areas of legal issues , but her caring compassion in matters that are personal have made such an impact in our lives. Gina gad been a great resource . I can’t say enough about the quality of her services to our family. I would highly recommend her.
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12 Jul, 2017 by Joyce
Ms. McDonald & her staff were very professional they were very knowable regarding our case . An were always willing to answer any questions we had or to explain anything we didn't understand .We were treated with the up most respect & would not hesitate to obtain her services in the future if needed.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Ashley
Hiring Samantha to resolve a business dispute on my behalf was a fantastic decision. She worked efficiently, always responded to emails promptly, and put my mind at ease during an arduous time in my professional life. I would definitely hire her again and recommend her to others.
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27 Jun, 2015 by Larry
Ken was my divorce attorney and as bad as divorces can be, I couldn't have asked for a better attorney than Ken. Very knowledgeable and came up with fantastic resolutions that I didn't think would fly, but they did and I couldn't have come out better.
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31 May, 2017 by Alexandra hester
Great experience working with the firm. Very knowledgeable, professional and hard-working staff!
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02 Nov, 2018 by Jorge lotero
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17 Sep, 2018 by Ryan henry
Great people
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26 Feb, 2017 by Jonathan barbee
Great firm. Very helpful with business legal issues.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Lauren spigner
Thoroughly enjoyed working with Ryan on our closing. Great service, efficient and extremely helpful! Only attorney in Birmingham we would ever use!
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02 Sep, 2023 by Carrie tyson
Cannot recommend Sparks Law Firm enough. We have had several business and personal transactions/legal needs for several years now. He has always been extremely professional, helpful, prompt, & an invaluable resource. You will not be disappointed.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Molly vineyard
I have worked with Ryan on multiple occasions. He has closed refinances and purchase transactions for my company and we have had nothing but wonderful experiences. I would recommend him to anyone!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Lynette l
not a fighter for men.. seemed to be intimidated by opposing lawyer.. worst divorce settlement ever. he kept saying I have to untangle everything but seemed to have gotten tangled up and not know what to do. In the end just wanted us to agree because “that’s all men get in Alabama.” different than when he was hired… good luck..
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24 Jul, 2024 by Marisa reese
Such a horrible attorney. After 10 years being in and out of custody court, with the father of my child, I used Matt in an emergency case and I can’t even begin to tell you how royally he messed up everything. It has taken three years and another attorney that’s actually incredible to reverse what he did and made me agree to. The other party even told me he refused to go to trial even though that’s what I paid him for and they couldn’t believe that he told me I had to agree to what he presented. The worst advice and worst attorney I’ve ever had. Would never recommend. You will be taken advantage of.
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14 Sep, 2020 by Rachel parker
Very easy to work with, responds quickly, 10/10 would 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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