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27 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
After asking for a review of directions was met with condescending disdain:
This is not rocket science. You initial the lines in front of Paragraphs: A, D, F and M WHILE IN FRONT OF THE NOTARY. You then sign the POA (above where your name is printed) WHILE IN FRONT OF THE NOTARY….
I’m not sure what is getting lost in the translation. The notary then notarizes your signature and BOOM, you are done….. I cannot even imagine what you did wrong, since it is so basic.
Best regards,
Sharon
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26 Apr, 2013 by Peggy
I've been fortunate to have worked with Sharon on several real estate transactions, a few of them current -- she's been very good to work with, a good listener, a good counselor. She and her office manage the multiple facets of each transaction with careful attention to detail, and with a minimum of melodrama. Her focus is on serving her clients well AND having everyone leave the closing table feeling they've been treated fairly. I highly recommend her!
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03 Nov, 2010 by Kathy
Sharon has provided our business with several different legal services and has been extremely responsive and concerned for our needs.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Courtney rehfeldt
We switched real estate lawyers mid-transaction and are so happy that we did. Don Crittenden and the staff (Pam and Tammy) were responsive, explained everything thoroughly and kept everything on track. It was a great experience overall.
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05 Dec, 2021 by Stephanie giordano
Extremely helpful staff who are efficient at communicating regarding each step and what’s expected. definitely recommend for anyone looking to hire an experienced real estate attorney. Parking is sometimes difficult due to ithaca traffic and the new delivery designated spots, but easy to find.
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04 Oct, 2020 by Carmen spinoso
18 Jun, 2024 by Jack grob
Very difficult to get a return call
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24 Nov, 2023 by David reynolds
Things got done. All went well except for the bank.
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01 Sep, 2021 by Kevin tadlock
Great lawyer, especially if you're doing real estate transactions.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
He worked with a business owner to re-write an abstract and take from a disabled home owner. He took advantage of that's owners blindness to alter the abstract and sell that altered land to another apartment owner who had no property but the land under that apartment building.
Once the transfer was complete, then his closing papers were given to the blind owner 3 years after the original closing; the business man he represented said he was just holding onto the papers for the blind person, but he intended on altering papers for his greed, and John Aolbanese was more than willing to have his buisness and still holds onto all those papers, including the abstract that never got filed.
Do not do buisness with this man, he has no morals.
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01 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Very slow to respond to phone calls. Incompetent staff. Did not show up on the closing day, instead he sent his assistant 1.5 hrs late. It was very embarrassing and unprofessional.
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17 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Has staff not competent to handle some of the basics--i.e., did not get back to me in time, despite repeated calls on my part, about amount needed to bring to closing (didn't seem to understand the urgency of that); and didn't know how to contact or conduct information to key players (i.e., the mortgage company). Mr. Albanese himself was rude, cavalier, and unhelpful when my closing could not conclude as planned due to lack of timely response from his office and lack of proper flow of information. Had an adverse effect on the sellers as well (who had to postpone their own scheduled closing as a result). When parts of the process still needed to be dealt with, he simply left the sellers and myself on our own, went to lunch, didn't return, and wouldn't take phone calls later. Really turned the closing into a nightmare.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
My ex-wife and I enlisted Robin to assist with the dissolution of our marriage. We brought documentation that had been the result of our mediation and handed it over per the mediator's instructions. Robin was recommended to us as someone who would work efficiently and take care of the rest of the process for a flat fee. That was not the case. The paperwork returned to us was clearly not prepared by an attorney. We were billed at attorney's rates for barely paralegal work. As a layperson I was able to identify problems with the documents. Whole paragraphs started over mid-sentence. Negotiated provisions from our mediation were missing. It was a mess. Then she literally billed me for her time to answer the question "How much will the rest of this work cost?" We finally walked away and took what she had done to a _FAR_ more reputable firm in Ithaca. Our attorney at that firm initially resisted taking the work because Robin had done such a bad job. That firm required a separate agreement to take on our work that specifically held them harmless from any potential litigation arising from the enforcement of the horrible agreement Robin wrote up. That was nearly 14 years ago. I'm disappointed to see she's still practicing. Run, don't walk, to any other attorney in town.
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28 Aug, 2018 by Barb
Robin handled a possible home purchase. I was young, naive and inexperienced. She barely looked at the purchase agreement, allowed me to put a 5000$ deposit The deal eventually fell thorough and when I asked about the 5000 deposit she shrugged her shoulders. I learned later that if the deal falls through for lack of the ability to finance the deposit should be returned. But the worst part of all was that she and the sellers attorney kept arguing while myself and the seller actually got along. AND she charged me 3000$ for all the phone calls they had arguing about something that was not arguable- I couldn’t get the financing!!!!! Terrible!
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22 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I contracted Mr. Shaw last year to represent my interests in the sale of a large piece of real estate. Regrettably, Mr. Shaw was not at all responsive to my needs -- I had contracted him to handle specific issues related to the matter at hand, and our retainer agreement stipulated that any additional work would need to be preapproved by me in writing. Repeatedly, he performed work that I did not approve, which, of course, he deemed as "necessary", and which caused the legal bill for the transaction to end up at 6x what even he had originally quoted. In addition, much of the work provided by Mr. Shaw and his staff was sloppy, and I needed constantly correct him.
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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.
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.
