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13 Sep, 2024 by Mark v.
Recently updated my estate plan with East County E.P.
Working with Andrew was great. He was competent, professional, and personable as well. All in all, a positive experience.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Tony meier & team - windermere/ne
Andrew was fabulous. He provided prompt and professional advice on our family matter. Thank you!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Charlotte tang
Andrew was very accommodating to us and our timing during the estate planning process. He is concise, clear and friendly. The whole process for estate planning was well-organized and explained. We would work with Andrew again in the future!
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20 May, 2024 by Lytal morgan
About a year and a half ago, I was hit by a car, as a pedestrian in a crosswalk. A family member encouraged me to reach out to a personal injury attorney to get repercussions since I was not at fault. The recovery process has been incredibly difficult, but it's been much easier since working with Joe Rome and the team. I appreciate how quick Joe is to respond. I also really appreciate, that he has been informative and empathetic throughout our time working together.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a significant accident and needed help. The insurance company I had to deal with wouldn't budge and wanted to undercut me. Neil was there for me every step of the way, clearly explained to me every thing that would happen and what needed to be done. The legal results ended up being better than expected, and if I or anyone else ended up going through a similar ordeal again, I would recommend Neil be the first person they call.
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12 Oct, 2021 by George sarhanis
Mr. Trudell and his office staff are top notch, A+. My business law firm referred him when I was in a vehicle accident, and I’m extremely satisfied with how the process was handled. No accident case plays out perfectly, but his office maximized my interest at every turn. Highly recommended, and would work with them again any time! Thanks Pat, Barbara, and Rachel. 🙏
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20 May, 2024 by Lytal morgan
About a year and a half ago, I was hit by a car, as a pedestrian in a crosswalk. A family member encouraged me to reach out to a personal injury attorney to get repercussions since I was not at fault. The recovery process has been incredibly difficult, but it's been much easier since working with Joe Rome and the team. I appreciate how quick Joe is to respond. I also really appreciate, that he has been informative and empathetic throughout our time working together.
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12 Oct, 2021 by George sarhanis
Mr. Trudell and his office staff are top notch, A+. My business law firm referred him when I was in a vehicle accident, and I’m extremely satisfied with how the process was handled. No accident case plays out perfectly, but his office maximized my interest at every turn. Highly recommended, and would work with them again any time! Thanks Pat, Barbara, and Rachel. 🙏
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23 Jul, 2021 by Tony o
Joe is very professional, and always kept me updated. Joe was also great at covering all options that's on the table. He is definitely one of the best attorneys out there and someone I would highly recommend without hesitation. Unfortunately I've been involved in a couple of accidents recently, and Joe has done a phenomenal job both times he's represented me. I've been driving for over 30 years and over the years have worked with other attorneys before and I can confidently say that Joe is the best when it comes to experience, communication, feedback, knowledge, outcome and it's pretty clear that he really cares about his clients. Even though it's an unfortunate event to ever be involved in an accident but I feel very fortunate, and lucky that I got Joe on my side. He's definitely my go to guy for life.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Fox agreed to represent me in a custody case at a point that I was already served, confused, and helpless. My wife had an attorney but I did not. Therefore, she was way ahead of the game and my lack of knowledge prior to Mr. Fox had done serious damage to my own case. When Mr. Fox took over, everything changed within days. Mr. Fox‘s professionalism and integrity was above any other attorney I had ever come to contact with. He is an amazing person and an exceptional human being.
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07 May, 2018 by Dan
Chris came highly recommend and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. I came to Chris with a divorce case involving tricky financial issues and student loan debt. Chris found the case law to reinforce my position, and consulted outside sources to make sure all the bases were covered.
The process lasted a year and through it all Chris was honest and straightforward about the challenges of our case. He’s a great lawyer because he never promised an outcome or inflated expectations. He understands the legal and emotional issues that arise. He kept my expectations realistic at every move and he was right every time.
My case was resolved in a settlement hearing luckily and not a trial. I credit Chris’ steadfast preparation of arguments and case law that showed the other side a settlement would be best.
Chris was constantly evaluating and adjusting our strategy during the case which was great because the demands of the other side morphed. Chris was prompt at communicating, whether it was a phone call, text, or e-mail. He was a staunch, ethical advocate and I recommend him highly.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Kerry
Chris made a very difficult divorce much easier. He is readily available. Extraordinarily knowledgeable about the law and process. I would recommend him to any one needing a family law attorney in the Seattle area.
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11 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I am a medical provider on the Eastside who is currently undergoing business expansion. Rebecca handled all of my contracts with employees, independent contractors and she negotiated ideal terms for a 10 year lease. She went out of her way to get things done to avoid any delay. This saved me weeks of any unnecessary negotiations and I now have my keys to my new space ready for demolition.
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05 Sep, 2017 by John
I am a surgical subspecialist on the Eastside and I had Rebecca Penn review my employment contract. She was very knowledgeable in the area of contracts. What was more impressive to me was her ability to explain the contract to me in terms of how it would impact me directly. She offered advice that helped me negotiate a contract that best suited my needs. I am grateful for her help and for the peace of mind she provided. Highly recommend.
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29 Aug, 2017 by Rachel
Becky swiftly resolved a commercial contract dispute and achieved early resolution of our case. This helped us avoid a costly drawn out litigation. We would highly recommend her. She has proven to be a reliable attorney that is able to achieve positive results.
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25 Apr, 2021 by Mo yousef
Mr. Rosecrans is truly an amazing Attorny but most of all he he truly cares and he listens. Let’s just say he is the best in his field of practice. I highly recommend Mr. Rosecrans.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Paul
John Rosecrans and his colleague provided outstanding service defending me from aggressive frivolous family law hostility. He is a great communicator, matching clarity with dependable service. Such an attorney brings honor to his profession, and certainly can provide much needed understanding (and even assurance) facing difficult challenges. He has my best recommendation an appreciation!
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06 Apr, 2015 by Wanda
John Rosecrans represented me in a divorce proceeding (2014-2015). John definitely achieved excellence in each of the above ratings. Also, he is a man of principle. His reports for mediation were free of hearsay and malignment towards both parties in the divorce. I learned from this experience that, while divorce is never easy or pretty, the attorneys have the capacity to either moderate or exacerbate dissension between the parties. John Rosecrans demonstrated his commitment to a cooperative and respectful divorce experience.
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28 Oct, 2018 by Sara wahl
Melissa is a skilled Collaborative family law attorney who I highly recommend!
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24 Aug, 2018 by Kevin
James not only helped me navigate a very difficult and stressful situation he also took the time to explain the process to me.
This was my first and hopefully last personal injury claim. I had no idea what I was up against. Jim came through for me like a champion. He was there when I needed him, had questions or just needed to have things explain to me. A real nice man and a very good lawyer. Thank you so much.
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22 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I had the opportunity to hire Mr. Beard on two separate occasions. One was a career ending injury from commercial crab fishing in Alaska. Back at the end of 2003. He worked tirelessly on this lawsuit until the end. Which took almost two full years to settle. He kept in contact and informed on every issue of this case. With vary favorable results for me. Then in 2012 I was given the chance to try a return to the commercial fisheries. All was going good for the first few seasons. Then on Halloween night. A crew member lost control of a crab pot. Striking me in the head. Leaving me with a severe head injury. After receiving zero help for my injuries from the vessels owners. I had no choice but to again seek out Mr. Beard for his help. Without hesitation, he was helping me. Instantly things changed. My doctors started actually helping me. Bills started to get paid. And the owners of the boat finally admitted that I was hurt on the boat. Since they wouldn't acknowledge this before Mr. Beard stepped into help. When he did, things happened fast. My head injury left me with a TBI which was severe. Which led to many medications and bad side effects. In the end. Because of all of this. I tried to take my life. Mr. Beard stood by my side. Still doing everything possible for me and my family, to get through this horrific ordeal. Which thankfully I did. He never gave up on me. When many others had. This may have been possibly one of the most difficult cases he may have ever faced. In my opinion, I'm sure it was. Since the TBI, suicide attempt, coma and very long hospital stay. And the many issues involved in any lawsuit. After about three years of his relentless work he put in for me. He secured me a favorable settlement, that will let me live my life, as I had before these horrific injuries. He will work non-stop. Without exception for you. He will tell you straight, the pros, cons and risks of the lawsuit. Mr Beard, in my opinion. Is one of the most knowledgeable, best versed attorney in the maritime field. In the end, he is one of the best. I wouldn't want anyone else representing me, when my whole future is at stake.
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5.0
2 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
14 Oct, 2021 by The homeport
16 Jun, 2020 by Deana
We first hired Mike Zeno 25 years ago. As a small business owner we needed assistance with developing our company. Over the years our company grew and so did our working relationship with Mike. Over the past 25 years Mike has been our silent business partner. His guidance has helped us with real estate contracts as we purchased our new facility. He has successfully helped us negotiate large vendor contracts. He has helped us manage the ever changing challenges of being an employer in Washington State. Most importantly, Mike has stood beside CNC and helped us successfully fight a David vs. Goliath lawsuit. Our David company found justice and resolution thanks to Mike's tenacity, wisdom and concern. We are grateful for our 25 year partnership with Mike Zeno.
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28 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Responsive, honest and knowledeable. He will take the time to brainstorm with you, listen and sincerely cares about the outcome of the case.
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14 Apr, 2015 by Tessa
Tim recently assisted my partner and I with filing an S-Corp for our consulting business. We are not very knowledgable about business law, but Tim worked with us every step of the way to make the process go smoothly. He helped us to gain a better understanding of our legal priorities as a business in Washington and made sure to help us complete all of our filing quickly. Thanks so much, Tim!
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12 Apr, 2015 by Amy
Tim is a fantastic lawyer! He truly cares about his clients and knows the law. My business partner and I hired Tim to help us get our new business going...he explained every step of the process in detail and reviewed all the paperwork with us in person so we could ask questions along the way. He was patient, flexible, reliable, and constantly looking out for our best interests. Highly recommended!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Craig
As the owner of collection agency, I have worked with many attorneys nationwide over the last 20 years. Attorney Perkins rates among the best. We approached him with a tough collection challenge which Dennis was able to bring to a positive conclusion through his determination and his ability to cut through the BS and get down to business. He was easy to communicate with and always available for conference. I will be using Dennis to represent my firm in all of our future business in Washington.
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21 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
SEE EMAIL I SENT TO DENNIS-
Dennis,
I appreciate you as a business acquaintance. Your consistent level headed attitude and professional demeanor has been a great example for me. I only hope that sometime I can mature as a business person to display the same level headed professional attitude to everyday business.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Zena
Mr. Torres was exceptional. He managed the business issues I brought to him with class and efficiency. He was thoughtful and caring about the subject matter and guided me with expertise and confidence. Because of his knowledge and experience I was able to close my business deal, involving a difficult business partner. I've dealt with many attorneys and his guidance has been the best.
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13 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Richard Forsell to set up the Professional Limited Liability Company for my new law practice. As a new attorney, I am unfamiliar with the process of setting up a business, incorporating, getting a business license, and complying with all the formalities necessary to keep the "corporate shield" intact.
Richard Forsell was excellent. He met with me, set up the exact type of business entity I needed, and met with me to go over the minute book and all of the details that I need to attend to as a small business owner in the coming year. In addition, Richard Forsell is a congenial and personable attorney, who is responsive to email or telephone calls. He usually got back to me the very same day.
I would unequivocally recommend Richard Forsell to any business owner looking for an attorney for your company.
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12 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
A gentleman who knows his "stuff". We have worked with Richard and his
firm for over 10 years. Attorney's aren't cheap, but when you need a GOOD
attorney who will do everything in his power to win...he's the attorney you should
consider....on top of everything else, he's honest, sincerely nice and has a good sense of humor. Under his direction, his firm won us (the little guy) our WIPO case against a large firm with deep pockets. We are truly grateful.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Dan was consistent, thoughtful, reliable, thorough and ethical. We had a very positive outcome and I felt confident with the depth of his understanding of the issues and his tactical abilities. He worked well with both the construction and the insurance aspects of the project and displayed excellent technical understanding. In addition, he was a pleasure to work with. We were consistently well informed regarding the progress of our case and Dan was flexible with the varied needs of our association.
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20 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I retained Ms. Bundy Fichter for a contentious business dissolution dispute. She was very responsive and clearly knew what the important contract and business issues were. I appreciated her skillful approach at addressing what was really important.
Her initial consultation showed me she was the right lawyer to help me through an emotional and difficult partnership dissolution. She reviewed the contracts involved and had good feedback for what to challenge and what to accept. She clearly understood the meta issues and goals, not just the technical contract issues. Thankfully, she was able to negotiate all issues and I was able to dissolve the business without having to go to court.
I’m so thankful for her advise throughout the process and representation. She expertly was able to guide me through a very difficult business dissolution. I’ll absolutely hire her again for business issues in the future.
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25 May, 2021 by Andrew
Once James became involved in our bankruptcy, things were much easier to understand and we were able to resolve our issues. I trust him completely and appreciated both his sensitivity and candor as needed. Our outcome was positive and we have fully recovered due to his help.
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11 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
I have referred clients to Leslie for years as well as consulting with her prior to engaging in a project.
Leslie has always been extremely responsive and had the answers. Her fees are favorable for the received assistance.
I highly recommend Leslie for your residential, commercial or development needs.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Razieh
I had a case of HOA related that I needed to discuss with an attorney. He contacted me right away and listened to me over the phone, he then read my CCRs and called back in regards to the situation I was in. He never charged me for two hours of his precious time. I have never seen anyone as knowledgeable and as kind practicing law. Highly recommend him to anyone with HOA issues.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I have used the services of Howard Bundy for over 20 years for a variety of legal matters. He is an excellent lawyer and I would highly recommend his services.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
A person contacted me, without the use of an attorney, to accuse me of infringing on their patent. I was definitely not infringing, but
I consulted with Ms. Oemig about the best course of action I could take to protect my business from that person.
The person was threatening to contact a company I do business with to notify them of patent infringement. I hired Ms. Oemig to proactively contact that company so that my business relationship with the company would not be jeopardized.
Everything worked out fine in the end thanks to Ms. Oemig's work.
Ms. Oemig is knowledgeable, reliable, and timely.
I hope I don't have anymore IP issues in the future, but if I ever do, I know whom I'll be contacting.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Monica
My experience with retaining Domonique has been on the Corporate side of Law. Domonique has shown what due diligence really is when it comes to giving the best researched and expert findings. She is adept with creating contracts and business forms and has done all of mine to date. I am a small business and Domonique understands the struggles of that as well. She is very very good with what she does, and an asset to the area of Law.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Christi meshell
Jeremy Bartels did an exemplary job representing me. His knowledge of the law and litigation procedures was vastly superior to the other attorneys who were involved. My case was complicated and somewhat unprecedented, so his expertise made a big difference in the final outcome. Jeremy is serious and formidable but knows how to put everyone at ease with a sprinkle of good humor. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and will recommend Jeremy to anyone in need of a good attorney. Thank you, Jeremy.
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14 Dec, 2018 by Hillary long
Jeremy Bartels was wonderful to work with. I was in a car accident a couple of years ago and needed an attorney to handle the settlement after years of physical therapy for my injuries. Once Jeremy took over my case, things progressed successfully with his diligence and attention to me as a client and to the case itself. Even when things were not progressing due to waiting on responses from medical providers or the at fault driver’s insurance company, Jeremy kept me informed on what was happening. His communication at every step was amazing and one of the reasons I felt I could trust his work on my case. The case was settled, and the outcome was, monetarily, more than I had hoped for. I hope I never need an attorney for a car accident again, but if I do, Jeremy will be the one representing me.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Rob saunders
Exceptional lawyer. Jeremy Bartels is the lawyer you want by your side when facing a legal challenge. He was extremely knowledgeable and effective. He put me at ease, believed in my case, and laid out a powerful plan of action to deal with the situation.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Samantha garvie
By far the best attorney I have had the pleasure of working with. I had an unemployment matter with a very large corporation. He was very helpful and informative. He answered my question about the case well after normal closing time and is very thorough. He will tell you honestly how it will or could possibly go and he is very professional and seems to be well known by judges. Definitely recommend
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14 Oct, 2021 by The homeport
03 Oct, 2024 by Joey deleon
It was a great experience in dealing with Michelle! She really was thorough and accommodating in responding to our questions. She made sure we were satisfied and confident in developing our living trust. Thank you, Michelle!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Senthil nanjaiyan
Exceptional service from CMS Law Firm! Their team expertly guided me through WILL preparation with clarity, patience, and professionalism. Smooth process, knowledgeable staff, and prompt responses. Highly recommended!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Joyce l
Our friend referred us to CMS for estate planning. We worked with Adam. Adam is very knowledgeable. He was very responsive, clear, and patient in answering all of our questions. The process was very smooth and efficient. Adam continued to follow up with us even though all the paperwork was signed. His expertise and professionalism made all the difference.
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5.0
9 Reviews
4.6
21 Reviews
12 Apr, 2023 by Fran jenkins
Thank you. Mr. Sifferman knows his clients and identifies their needs.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Luis josé rivera godínez
You had helped me before and thanks for your help in my DUI case with that dropped it off to Reckeless, which is pretty much a wet DUI but it could be more bad
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08 Jan, 2023 by Mike
I couldn't be happier with the service Craig provided me. I was in a real estate transaction and Craig drafted the operating agreement. It wasn't a straight forward real estate deal but Craig was very creative and came up with workable solutions to meet the lenders needs. Craig was always a phone call away when I needed help. I can't recommend him enough. It's refreshing to find a law office I can fully trust. Thanks again for everything Craig!
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.8
61 Reviews
3.7
3 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Lauren kelly
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for personal injury cases. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication made a huge difference in my case. Neil kept me informed and fought tirelessly for the best outcome. His support and commitment are truly outstanding.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Ryan mckenzie
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for any personal injury case! From the moment I reached out, Neil and his team were compassionate, professional, and attentive to my needs. Neil took the time to understand the details of my case, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He explained everything clearly and made sure I was informed every step of the way. His dedication to my case was solidified by him securing a life changing outcome that I didn't even think was possible. I am truly grateful for his hard work. If you're looking for a professional, skilled and caring attorney, Neil Lindquist is the advocate you can trust.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nicole dimak
Neil Lindquist is everything you could want from a lawyer. Extremely knowledgeable and understanding. Commutative and kind. Made a hard and anxious time into the best possible results. Would highly recommend him and his team.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Lauren kelly
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for personal injury cases. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication made a huge difference in my case. Neil kept me informed and fought tirelessly for the best outcome. His support and commitment are truly outstanding.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Ryan mckenzie
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for any personal injury case! From the moment I reached out, Neil and his team were compassionate, professional, and attentive to my needs. Neil took the time to understand the details of my case, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He explained everything clearly and made sure I was informed every step of the way. His dedication to my case was solidified by him securing a life changing outcome that I didn't even think was possible. I am truly grateful for his hard work. If you're looking for a professional, skilled and caring attorney, Neil Lindquist is the advocate you can trust.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nicole dimak
Neil Lindquist is everything you could want from a lawyer. Extremely knowledgeable and understanding. Commutative and kind. Made a hard and anxious time into the best possible results. Would highly recommend him and his team.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Fran jenkins
Thank you. Mr. Sifferman knows his clients and identifies their needs.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Luis josé rivera godínez
You had helped me before and thanks for your help in my DUI case with that dropped it off to Reckeless, which is pretty much a wet DUI but it could be more bad
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08 May, 2022 by Stephanie baker
very professional
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12 Apr, 2023 by Fran jenkins
Thank you. Mr. Sifferman knows his clients and identifies their needs.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Luis josé rivera godínez
You had helped me before and thanks for your help in my DUI case with that dropped it off to Reckeless, which is pretty much a wet DUI but it could be more bad
Read more
08 May, 2022 by Stephanie baker
very professional
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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.
