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13 Jun, 2024 by Norma rosas
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07 Mar, 2024 by Tim byrne
Intellectual Property law is a highly specialized area of practice and Sean and his team are great to work with! They walked us through every step of the patent application process and explained everything along the way. We were so pleased with the interaction and service we’ve also hired Sean to handle a trademark filing. I highly recommend Sean and Shore IP for all your patent, trademark, and copyright needs.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Simply fit
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13 Jun, 2024 by Norma rosas
Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Mar, 2024 by Tim byrne
Intellectual Property law is a highly specialized area of practice and Sean and his team are great to work with! They walked us through every step of the patent application process and explained everything along the way. We were so pleased with the interaction and service we’ve also hired Sean to handle a trademark filing. I highly recommend Sean and Shore IP for all your patent, trademark, and copyright needs.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Simply fit
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24 Feb, 2016 by Ken
I actually Hyatt very fierce on several occasions for several different actions. He is one of the best and is a caring and kind attorney. He would go out of his way for his clients and do whatever it takes. No I haven't seen very in the last few years. But every time I used him everything came out excellent. He is an outstanding individual and I would recommend him above any other attorneys for any other legal matters.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Paul fetscher
Laura Brandt has proven her value many times over. she has strong attention to detail. She is thorough, precise and most of all, is a Deal Maker attorney. He corporate experience serves her well. she can see a deal from both sides of the table, and arrive at a viable deal for all.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Paul fetscher
Laura Brandt has proven her value many times over. she has strong attention to detail. She is thorough, precise and most of all, is a Deal Maker attorney. He corporate experience serves her well. she can see a deal from both sides of the table, and arrive at a viable deal for all.
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23 Aug, 2024 by David malvacia
Hanna is a great support for my office. Highly recommend Hanna and her team. David from LBA Logistics.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jacky of all trades
Liat was very helpful with the issues I had and responded to me in a timely matter. Thank you so much for answering my questions and being so thorough.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Nancy nicolosi
Very professional, knowledgeable, and understood my problem. Five stars!
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11 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Maria is excellent at explaining things. If you are intimidated by lawyers but need one, Maria is an excellent choice. She does not specialize in any particular area of law, as far as I know. She knows a lot about business law and local practices. She is careful to check on things she's not sure about. She is not an egoist and treats everyone with respect.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with businesses like mine?
    Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry.
  2. What services do you offer?
    Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution.
  3. 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.
  4. How do you handle conflicts of interest?
    Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business.
  5. Can you provide references from other business clients?
    Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism.
  6. 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.

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