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15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Terry long
Maria matters represented my X-wife in divorce proceedings. I almost felt sorry for my x with her choice of attorney. Notice I said ALMOST. She’s incompetent at practicing law and loves to tell you what you want to hear.
I wouldn’t recommend her to represent anyone in traffic court much less anything of substance. Do your research on her, you’ll thank me later!
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20 Dec, 2023 by Robin lynn
Just had so questions.
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06 Aug, 2022 by Mohammed rajabi
Great Attorney .... Thanks
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11 Feb, 2025 by Bradley kemmerer
Working with Justin on my medical malpractice case was an absolute pleasure, his confidence and willingness to see things through brought the best result me and my family could have hoped for after I was injured . I highly recommend Justin to anyone out there seeking help in their own case. The staff of Cohen & Malad and in specific, Skylar were absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable, helpful and determined to always answer any concerns I had at anytime for whatever reason . They responded quickly to every email and phone call. My overall experience in this difficult time was completely kept positive and informative thus easing my mind and stress knowing that they had my back !
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22 Jan, 2025 by B w
If you are needing exceptional representation, then you need Chris Vaughan. Some cases take a long time but from the first day to the last, Chris will be not only knowledgeable about the phases & steps but correct in guidance and advice. He is upfront, honest, realistic and patient but most importantly, he truly cares. He is always available for questions. He is always transparent and detailed in his communication. While certain cases can be frustrating & exhausting for clients, Chris is always there fighting. Trust him and trust the process. Im truly thankful for Chris & all of his dedication, hard work, caring and desire to be the voice of those in need. I have and will continue to recommend Chris.( Thank you to Kelly & Mike too). Hands down, the best Firm.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Ashly zobrosky
I highly recommend this law firm for any malpractice / wrongful death needs. They were respectful and professional. They worked tirelessly and diligently to help us resolve the death of our loved one. They never once made us feel that this was just a dollar amount to win for them- they fought for our case up until the final day. The communication skills from the attorneys to the support staff is impeccable and support staff went above and beyond on our behalf. I pray that I would never need this type of service again, but if I did, I would return to Cohen and Malad immediately.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Bradley kemmerer
Working with Justin on my medical malpractice case was an absolute pleasure, his confidence and willingness to see things through brought the best result me and my family could have hoped for after I was injured . I highly recommend Justin to anyone out there seeking help in their own case. The staff of Cohen & Malad and in specific, Skylar were absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable, helpful and determined to always answer any concerns I had at anytime for whatever reason . They responded quickly to every email and phone call. My overall experience in this difficult time was completely kept positive and informative thus easing my mind and stress knowing that they had my back !
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22 Jan, 2025 by B w
If you are needing exceptional representation, then you need Chris Vaughan. Some cases take a long time but from the first day to the last, Chris will be not only knowledgeable about the phases & steps but correct in guidance and advice. He is upfront, honest, realistic and patient but most importantly, he truly cares. He is always available for questions. He is always transparent and detailed in his communication. While certain cases can be frustrating & exhausting for clients, Chris is always there fighting. Trust him and trust the process. Im truly thankful for Chris & all of his dedication, hard work, caring and desire to be the voice of those in need. I have and will continue to recommend Chris.( Thank you to Kelly & Mike too). Hands down, the best Firm.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Ashly zobrosky
I highly recommend this law firm for any malpractice / wrongful death needs. They were respectful and professional. They worked tirelessly and diligently to help us resolve the death of our loved one. They never once made us feel that this was just a dollar amount to win for them- they fought for our case up until the final day. The communication skills from the attorneys to the support staff is impeccable and support staff went above and beyond on our behalf. I pray that I would never need this type of service again, but if I did, I would return to Cohen and Malad immediately.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Brian o'hair
08 Dec, 2022 by Joseph hutching
19 Apr, 2020 by Ven g
I believe Josh Tatum and Peter Racher are unethical attorneys. I strongly warn all prospective clients to stay away from these attorneys; find someone else to help you! As I have ran the case details by several prominent attorneys, we feel that this can be proved in both a legal case and complaint with the State Board against Josh Tatum, Peter Racher and their Firm (PSRB).
Briefly, I hired a partner attorney (Shelley Jackson) at the Law Firm, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun (PSRB) regarding an employment discrimination case. Shelley extensively reviewed the case and contacted the opposing attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement. Shelley then suddenly resigned from the Firm in the middle of the negotiations to take a position at a different company and handed the case over to an associate attorney (Josh Tatum) at the Firm. Josh did not know the details of the case well at all and it disturbed me greatly especially given that I had paid a very large amount of legal fees (18k) to the original partner attorney to know the case well. I was nervous at this point given my discussions and correspondence with Josh and his lack of understanding of the case and so I spent some extra time with him before he made contact with the opposing attorney to ensure he was up to speed as much as possible at least on the important details of the case. I asked Josh if he would listen to the audio of various meetings and review emails that I had already paid the original partner to listen to and review; Josh responded that he would have to re-charge me to do those things. Then he contacted the opposing attorney and made a huge mistake during negotiations in suggesting that we were ok with no non-disparagement clause. He also tells me the opposing counsel did not agree to the main items of the agreement as the partner attorney stated they did before she left the Firm. I immediately halted all activity with the PSRB Law Firm and contacted the managing partner (Peter Racher) and expressed my numerous concerns. I told Peter and the Firm that I would hold off on paying any outstanding invoices until everything was satisfactorily resolved. Peter stated he would get back to me. Weeks and weeks went by, still no response. Eventually, Josh forwarded me correspondence from the opposing counsel and during that time I found out from Josh that PSRB had terminated our attorney-client relationship and would not be representing me any longer. They advised me to seek successor counsel. The managing partner eventually wrote me a 1.5-page letter not stating much but that he investigated my concerns, reiterating that our attorney-client relationship had ended, and that they would not be refunding me any fees paid and basically good luck.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Brian o'hair
08 Dec, 2022 by Joseph hutching
19 Apr, 2020 by Ven g
I believe Josh Tatum and Peter Racher are unethical attorneys. I strongly warn all prospective clients to stay away from these attorneys; find someone else to help you! As I have ran the case details by several prominent attorneys, we feel that this can be proved in both a legal case and complaint with the State Board against Josh Tatum, Peter Racher and their Firm (PSRB).
Briefly, I hired a partner attorney (Shelley Jackson) at the Law Firm, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun (PSRB) regarding an employment discrimination case. Shelley extensively reviewed the case and contacted the opposing attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement. Shelley then suddenly resigned from the Firm in the middle of the negotiations to take a position at a different company and handed the case over to an associate attorney (Josh Tatum) at the Firm. Josh did not know the details of the case well at all and it disturbed me greatly especially given that I had paid a very large amount of legal fees (18k) to the original partner attorney to know the case well. I was nervous at this point given my discussions and correspondence with Josh and his lack of understanding of the case and so I spent some extra time with him before he made contact with the opposing attorney to ensure he was up to speed as much as possible at least on the important details of the case. I asked Josh if he would listen to the audio of various meetings and review emails that I had already paid the original partner to listen to and review; Josh responded that he would have to re-charge me to do those things. Then he contacted the opposing attorney and made a huge mistake during negotiations in suggesting that we were ok with no non-disparagement clause. He also tells me the opposing counsel did not agree to the main items of the agreement as the partner attorney stated they did before she left the Firm. I immediately halted all activity with the PSRB Law Firm and contacted the managing partner (Peter Racher) and expressed my numerous concerns. I told Peter and the Firm that I would hold off on paying any outstanding invoices until everything was satisfactorily resolved. Peter stated he would get back to me. Weeks and weeks went by, still no response. Eventually, Josh forwarded me correspondence from the opposing counsel and during that time I found out from Josh that PSRB had terminated our attorney-client relationship and would not be representing me any longer. They advised me to seek successor counsel. The managing partner eventually wrote me a 1.5-page letter not stating much but that he investigated my concerns, reiterating that our attorney-client relationship had ended, and that they would not be refunding me any fees paid and basically good luck.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Brian o'hair
08 Dec, 2022 by Joseph hutching
19 Apr, 2020 by Ven g
I believe Josh Tatum and Peter Racher are unethical attorneys. I strongly warn all prospective clients to stay away from these attorneys; find someone else to help you! As I have ran the case details by several prominent attorneys, we feel that this can be proved in both a legal case and complaint with the State Board against Josh Tatum, Peter Racher and their Firm (PSRB).
Briefly, I hired a partner attorney (Shelley Jackson) at the Law Firm, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun (PSRB) regarding an employment discrimination case. Shelley extensively reviewed the case and contacted the opposing attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement. Shelley then suddenly resigned from the Firm in the middle of the negotiations to take a position at a different company and handed the case over to an associate attorney (Josh Tatum) at the Firm. Josh did not know the details of the case well at all and it disturbed me greatly especially given that I had paid a very large amount of legal fees (18k) to the original partner attorney to know the case well. I was nervous at this point given my discussions and correspondence with Josh and his lack of understanding of the case and so I spent some extra time with him before he made contact with the opposing attorney to ensure he was up to speed as much as possible at least on the important details of the case. I asked Josh if he would listen to the audio of various meetings and review emails that I had already paid the original partner to listen to and review; Josh responded that he would have to re-charge me to do those things. Then he contacted the opposing attorney and made a huge mistake during negotiations in suggesting that we were ok with no non-disparagement clause. He also tells me the opposing counsel did not agree to the main items of the agreement as the partner attorney stated they did before she left the Firm. I immediately halted all activity with the PSRB Law Firm and contacted the managing partner (Peter Racher) and expressed my numerous concerns. I told Peter and the Firm that I would hold off on paying any outstanding invoices until everything was satisfactorily resolved. Peter stated he would get back to me. Weeks and weeks went by, still no response. Eventually, Josh forwarded me correspondence from the opposing counsel and during that time I found out from Josh that PSRB had terminated our attorney-client relationship and would not be representing me any longer. They advised me to seek successor counsel. The managing partner eventually wrote me a 1.5-page letter not stating much but that he investigated my concerns, reiterating that our attorney-client relationship had ended, and that they would not be refunding me any fees paid and basically good luck.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Brian o'hair
08 Dec, 2022 by Joseph hutching
19 Apr, 2020 by Ven g
I believe Josh Tatum and Peter Racher are unethical attorneys. I strongly warn all prospective clients to stay away from these attorneys; find someone else to help you! As I have ran the case details by several prominent attorneys, we feel that this can be proved in both a legal case and complaint with the State Board against Josh Tatum, Peter Racher and their Firm (PSRB).
Briefly, I hired a partner attorney (Shelley Jackson) at the Law Firm, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun (PSRB) regarding an employment discrimination case. Shelley extensively reviewed the case and contacted the opposing attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement. Shelley then suddenly resigned from the Firm in the middle of the negotiations to take a position at a different company and handed the case over to an associate attorney (Josh Tatum) at the Firm. Josh did not know the details of the case well at all and it disturbed me greatly especially given that I had paid a very large amount of legal fees (18k) to the original partner attorney to know the case well. I was nervous at this point given my discussions and correspondence with Josh and his lack of understanding of the case and so I spent some extra time with him before he made contact with the opposing attorney to ensure he was up to speed as much as possible at least on the important details of the case. I asked Josh if he would listen to the audio of various meetings and review emails that I had already paid the original partner to listen to and review; Josh responded that he would have to re-charge me to do those things. Then he contacted the opposing attorney and made a huge mistake during negotiations in suggesting that we were ok with no non-disparagement clause. He also tells me the opposing counsel did not agree to the main items of the agreement as the partner attorney stated they did before she left the Firm. I immediately halted all activity with the PSRB Law Firm and contacted the managing partner (Peter Racher) and expressed my numerous concerns. I told Peter and the Firm that I would hold off on paying any outstanding invoices until everything was satisfactorily resolved. Peter stated he would get back to me. Weeks and weeks went by, still no response. Eventually, Josh forwarded me correspondence from the opposing counsel and during that time I found out from Josh that PSRB had terminated our attorney-client relationship and would not be representing me any longer. They advised me to seek successor counsel. The managing partner eventually wrote me a 1.5-page letter not stating much but that he investigated my concerns, reiterating that our attorney-client relationship had ended, and that they would not be refunding me any fees paid and basically good luck.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Brian o'hair
08 Dec, 2022 by Joseph hutching
19 Apr, 2020 by Ven g
I believe Josh Tatum and Peter Racher are unethical attorneys. I strongly warn all prospective clients to stay away from these attorneys; find someone else to help you! As I have ran the case details by several prominent attorneys, we feel that this can be proved in both a legal case and complaint with the State Board against Josh Tatum, Peter Racher and their Firm (PSRB).
Briefly, I hired a partner attorney (Shelley Jackson) at the Law Firm, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun (PSRB) regarding an employment discrimination case. Shelley extensively reviewed the case and contacted the opposing attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement. Shelley then suddenly resigned from the Firm in the middle of the negotiations to take a position at a different company and handed the case over to an associate attorney (Josh Tatum) at the Firm. Josh did not know the details of the case well at all and it disturbed me greatly especially given that I had paid a very large amount of legal fees (18k) to the original partner attorney to know the case well. I was nervous at this point given my discussions and correspondence with Josh and his lack of understanding of the case and so I spent some extra time with him before he made contact with the opposing attorney to ensure he was up to speed as much as possible at least on the important details of the case. I asked Josh if he would listen to the audio of various meetings and review emails that I had already paid the original partner to listen to and review; Josh responded that he would have to re-charge me to do those things. Then he contacted the opposing attorney and made a huge mistake during negotiations in suggesting that we were ok with no non-disparagement clause. He also tells me the opposing counsel did not agree to the main items of the agreement as the partner attorney stated they did before she left the Firm. I immediately halted all activity with the PSRB Law Firm and contacted the managing partner (Peter Racher) and expressed my numerous concerns. I told Peter and the Firm that I would hold off on paying any outstanding invoices until everything was satisfactorily resolved. Peter stated he would get back to me. Weeks and weeks went by, still no response. Eventually, Josh forwarded me correspondence from the opposing counsel and during that time I found out from Josh that PSRB had terminated our attorney-client relationship and would not be representing me any longer. They advised me to seek successor counsel. The managing partner eventually wrote me a 1.5-page letter not stating much but that he investigated my concerns, reiterating that our attorney-client relationship had ended, and that they would not be refunding me any fees paid and basically good luck.
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3.6
14 Reviews
12 Dec, 2024 by Nicholas logsdon
I have been with Grant & Grant Attorneys for over 20 years, and now specifically with Blake Orner. They have worked thru some very difficult areas of my personal and business needs. I have never found need to second guess their documents and advise. I have been in the past, and now very pleased and put at peace with all documents. I highly recommend their services.
Nicholas K. Logsdon
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07 Oct, 2024 by Tidi chou
04 Jul, 2024 by Raymond santiago
I need more of my tracking tracked!lolll
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04 Feb, 2025 by Ǐțx ħäjî
27 Jan, 2025 by Singh sunny
24 Oct, 2024 by Marta korba
Very professional and knowledgeable team. Working with Dallin was a pleasure. Every step of the process went very smoothly. Highly recommend this law firm
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04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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:
-
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.
