Best Business lawyers in Huntingburg, IN

1 Business Lawyers in Huntingburg, IN

experienced lawyers

John Elmer Birk

Po Box 136, Huntingburg, IN

Business Estate Planning Insurance +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

3 Reviews

14 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous

Please read before you hire! Post Divorce- I hired this firm to represent me in my divorce case in 2020 and I couldn't be more dissatisfied with their service. I was assured my case was cut and dried and in the end, it was drug out for over 3 years and I lost everything that was important to me. John failed to get 50/50 custody of my child with 2 GAL reports recommending equal shared custody. The attorney fees I incurred here well over $50,000! I never felt like they had my back, nor felt protected or that they even cared about my situation. When I would try to seek guidance or direction, I never seemed to get a direct or clear answer, which will drive your frustration, then you ask more questions, which will cost you more money. The mistakes that were made on most every filing, I would catch, then be double or triple charged for them to correct. It takes John 2-3 longer than what I would consider normal to comprehend details. While meeting with John to discuss my case or in court, Ive watched him fall asleep right in front of me (not exagerating). I witnessed first hand him yell and talk down to his employees and myself included. He will run your case how he sees fit, if you question him, he will ignore you and not take your calls or threated to withdrawl from your case. I was not informed of my options, then felt misled, then stated I was and I chose not to do this or that. All in all, in my experience, this firm is here to drain as much time and money out of you as possible. Do not make the same mistake I did. Attorneys like this will wreck your life, as if your divorce isn't already hard enough. Post Appeal-While John prides himself on his knowledge of the law. I couldnt disagree more. He cost me several hundred thousand in martial asset, because he didn't include them as the law states. This firm cost me my custody battle, hundreds of thousand in assets, my farm, my business, my personal possessions, and years of my life, while I have now spent over $100,000 in attorney fees. I do not recommend this Firm.

04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

He did nothing for me except cause me health issues. Also he gave me another client's information and when I told him I was not confident that he spent $17,000 worth of time on my divorce he actually wanted me to give the evidence of the other client to him. He is worthless as an attorney. I almost died due to his negligence and ended up in the hospital. Also when I brought it to his attention the ex knew the judge and conflict of interest he threatened to fire himself as my attorney. He did nothing to keep me or my children safe. They almost lost their mother due to his negliegence. My best advice is if you hire him, hire him for the opposing party. That is the only way you will get a just and fair representation.

11 May, 2015 by Anonymous

This is the biggest waste of money in my life. After my explanation to him he claimed to be on my side and wanted to take my case. So after the first month I was okay with him and had no issue. Then I got the bill. It started to pile up each month and he was doing less and less. I would pay him a thousand here then there. Then it came time to get dirty and fight and he backed out and told me just to stick with her attorneys proposal. I said no it is not right I want to fight for what is right. It came closer and he kept fighting me on everything. He didn't submit the evidence I had worked for 6 months getting. he didn't submit the proper paper work to the court he didn't even try. It was as if he had never been in a court room or he was really never on my side but there to support them. It was amazingly horrible. He had assured me that he would use the evidence that would have shown the court and judge that they were lying and had no grounds. Just the stuff I did that he assured me was worth it cost over $4000.00. After $8000.00 there was nothing I could do. He actually even threatened to walk out on me the day of the hearing because I was asking him why he didn't do anything he charged me for. Needless to say this guy is a waste of time and money. I could have been in a much better situation if I did it on my own. The judge even told me after the hearing that that the attorney did not go about it the right way and could have prevented a lot of the extra charges if he just would have submitted the documents to the court.

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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.

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.