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14 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Catherine was wonderful to work with. She knew the ins and outs of our case.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Allison burdick
21 Sep, 2022 by Md muktadir
They are so nice and fruits
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21 Nov, 2024 by Kyle pawlak
24 Oct, 2024 by Braden matuszewski
I have worked with Seaman Norris Law firm since July 2024, specifically with Anthony. The time, care, wealth of knowledge of the law, responsiveness & dedication Anthony has given to me is 10 out of 10. He takes the time to carefully analyze the cases and advises on the way to move forward with the best results. I have had nothing but successful outcomes from our cases that Anthony represented. I recommend Anthony with the Seaman Norris law firm to anyone!!
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14 Oct, 2023 by Mary beslian
Anthony Serianni facilitated our landlord/tenant dispute in Erie county court. We can't thank him enough for his patience and understanding. So happy we depended on his expertise.
John and Mary Beslian
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10 Sep, 2022 by David fisher
Good legal support.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Paul bruning
10 Sep, 2022 by David fisher
Good legal support.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Paul bruning
24 Nov, 2022 by Susan walajtys
Very disappointed in the handling of the Tracy Murphy AshasFarmSanctuary case by this DA. It appears that he has a bias in this matter and is using the case as a political matter. There is no fairness when a civil matter is arbitrarily made into a criminal issue. Shame on Niagara County for tolerating prosecutor's misconduct such as this.
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30 Mar, 2019 by Shenandoah river
What an institution is our DA's office. But, don't be fooled by the constant presence of Caroline Wojtaszek in the news. She is only interested in cases that garner her attention, and is for sale to the highest bidder. We have selective legal review in this county, and don't even get me started on their absolute failure to review police misconduct or government corruption. We will see this woman's name again and again, but be afraid. This is not what justice looks like.
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24 Nov, 2022 by Susan walajtys
Very disappointed in the handling of the Tracy Murphy AshasFarmSanctuary case by this DA. It appears that he has a bias in this matter and is using the case as a political matter. There is no fairness when a civil matter is arbitrarily made into a criminal issue. Shame on Niagara County for tolerating prosecutor's misconduct such as this.
Read more
30 Mar, 2019 by Shenandoah river
What an institution is our DA's office. But, don't be fooled by the constant presence of Caroline Wojtaszek in the news. She is only interested in cases that garner her attention, and is for sale to the highest bidder. We have selective legal review in this county, and don't even get me started on their absolute failure to review police misconduct or government corruption. We will see this woman's name again and again, but be afraid. This is not what justice looks like.
Read more
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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.
