Lawyers map
>556
experienced lawyers
Filter by
24 Mar, 2024 by George hesselberg
Rick Coad has been a patient, prompt, thorough and persistent representative of my interests in an insurance claim. He was reasonable and logical in his assessment. I was more than satisfied with his skills and the conclusion of the case. I would hire him again in a minute!
Read more
23 Feb, 2024 by Tom darlington
23 Feb, 2024 by Bobby wrobleski
Richard Coad handled a matter for me that was unique, complex, and 20 years old. Something that had been nagging at me for two decades. Over the course of that time I had consulted with other attorneys and none of them had a clue on how to handle it, or had even heard of a situation like mine. When I reached out to Mr. Coad for guidance on my case he was in a remote area vacationing with his family but still took the time to respond. He seemed highly intrigued by my case and showed a genuine interest in getting me the result I wanted. Not only did he succeed in an honestly impressive manner, but he was always easy to reach and kept me well informed every step of the way. An outstanding attorney with a big heart and a pretty good sense of humor too.
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Lauri miro
12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
14 Sep, 2021 by Laurie
Daniel was very helpful as we worked through our estate planning. He answered all of our questions, and came up with scenarios that we might not have thought about. He was respectful of our decisions, and really helped us take ownership of our plans for the future. I would highly recommend him.
Read more
16 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
He was very helpful years ago with setting up my mom’s trust, so when my husband and I decided to set up our own, I never gave it a second thought that I wouldn’t go back to Dan again. He was as thoughtful and helpful as we expected he would be.
Read more
04 Dec, 2020 by Vince
We worked with Dan to update our estate planning documents. He was extremely thorough, did an excellent job of incorporating our wishes into the new documents, and described in detail all of the changes and the reason for them. I would highly recommend his services!
Read more
30 Mar, 2023 by Thomas
I was very pleased to work with attorney John Holevoet. He represented me in a traffic case and was able to get a speeding violation reduced to an equipment violation. This result will prevent an impact on my driving record. His work is much appreciated.
Read more
30 Mar, 2023 by Rafat
John Holevoet is an amazing attorney. There are no words to express my sincere gratitude for the fact that he represented me in a speeding ticket that was reduced to a zero-point violation. You and the office were all wonderful and very responsive in addressing any questions. Thanks, and a million thanks for everything
Read more
07 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
He was really helpful with my speeding ticket and negotiated a good deal for me and walked the exta mile to make sure I didn’t forget dates and deadlines for my community service and he even got it extended a few months longer since it was hard for me to complete it in time with my crazy work hours , And saved me a lot of money in the long run.
Read more
20 Feb, 2024 by Kim
John and his team made the process of planning our will and estate seamless when we went to them a few years ago. They answered all our questions directly and in a way that made more complex legal terms easy to understand. They also asked all the right questions to make sure we were covering all our bases. It was overall a great experience and I would highly recommend John and his team!
Read more
11 Sep, 2020 by Heidi
Fast, efficient, expert opinion and astute recommendations were much appreciated. All of my questions were answered in a direct and concise manner. Pretty sure I was able to avoid potential legal issues with John’s advice. The office staff were friendly and very helpful. Easy office to find and lots of parking spaces. No downtown hassles.
Read more
14 Aug, 2018 by Keith
We met with John Horn recently to update our estate plan, which we had originally worked with him on. Super easy, friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to create a living trust or estate plan.
Read more
16 Mar, 2024 by Aichan weng
Lucy is my immigration attorney, she helped me with a very complicated and time consuming case that was pending for a long time. She is very professional, detailed oriented, responsive and always listened to my concerns. My case was eventually approved thanks for her endless efforts. I highly recommend her services!
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Vinya
Lucy was so helpful and kind with our immigration case. We went through Lucy because we wanted to make sure we were submitting the correct documents in the way that is most appropriate.
Lucy walked through the entire process with us. She also explained things very well. She gave us a timeline, and we got our documents to her very quickly, and she completed her side of the work very quickly as well. We completed our entire immigration case in about two weeks, which is a very quick turnaround. We got the green card approval within four months as compared to a year and a half which is the current processing time. So we are very excited and are feeling very fortunate to have worked with Lucy. We would definitely recommend her for your cases.
Read more
20 Feb, 2024 by Zhenhua
Attorney Lucy Lu helped my case. She has efficiency of communication, attention to detail, law/regulation interpretation in a timely manner and coherent way, etc.
Read more
03 Dec, 2020 by Chad
Bill Was amazing to work with and on the Ball. Every Time he said he would call, He did. I would highly recommend Him to anyone dealing with a LTD case. In the end He went above and beyond to get me a settlement that would work for Me, I can’t thank Him enough.
Read more
04 Apr, 2017 by Sherry
From the initial first phone call to the very end I was treated professionally, honestly, compassionately, and felt like I really mattered. Attorney Parsons listened to my original case details and determined that they could help me with my work comp injury case. Throughout the whole year that I worked with them they kept me updated on what was happening, and I felt did everything necessary, from having me see a true "independent" doctor and physical therapist to get their opinion and assist me in winning my case! I have already recommended them to several people! The entire staff at Attorney Parsons office could not be more highly recommended. His legal assistant was very informative and compassionate, and I felt his team is the best for this newcomer to the legal system.
Read more
20 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Parsons represented me in a case against a former employer who tried to get out of paying short-term disability benefits even though I met all of their policy's criteria. He has deep experience in representing employees in HR-related claims against employers, and is very, very good. He knows the law, he knows the system, and knows how the "game" is played. He used smart strategies and presented incredibly well-written arguments on my behalf. Bill is also very personable, intelligent, responsive, approachable, compassionate, and a great communicator. He was truly a pleasure to work with and I felt 100% confident in his leadership throughout our work together. The "justice" system is not always just, but I know that Attorney Parsons recovered the best settlement possible in my situation. I recommend him without hesitation.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian
I hired Sam Wayne to litigate a case involving the FCRA, and federal student loan system. It was complicated, the trial Court was uninterested and unfair, often refusing to see how the dots connected, and without Sam's close attention to detail: would have been disposed of. At the end of the ordeal, after the Court dealt me one last bit of unfairness by abridging my constitutional right to a jury trial and verdict, Sam negotiated a settlement that maximized my return and didn't leave me with a huge tax burden. Sam is a rare attorney; one who looks beyond his overhead and works to obtain relief for his clients.
Read more
04 Jan, 2020 by Larry
I hired Sam after the original attorney I hired dropped the ball and admitted to the court that he was incompetent!
Sam picked up the pieces, fixed the mess from the original attorney and got us a quick settlement in which I didn't pay a cent from my pockets! In fact, I walked away with a little cash!
The money we spent on Sam's services was well spent!! Besides it's a write-off!! He provides excellent value as well! I would hire him again and again...
Read more
11 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Sam Wayne represented me in a case regarding a noncompete with a former employer. He was thorough and diligent in investigating and explaining all of the options. Sam is thoughtful with his clients and goes out of his way to answer any and all questions that his clients have. Sam is a trustworthy attorney, who I would recommend to any of my family members or friends!
Read more
21 Apr, 2021 by Rae
My husband and I have been client's of Wilson Law Group for decades. We have worked closely with Wayne as he guided us through thoughtful estate planning to address our life changes. Both Wayne and the Wilson team take time to make sure we understand and agree with their recommendations and are responsive to our needs. We highly recommend their services!
Read more
01 Feb, 2021 by Laura
My husband and I had such a positive experience with the creation of a trust with Wilson Law Group. We were able to take a big step with our planning with so much ease since Wayne and his team helped explain relevant laws in an easy to understand way. Their pace and level of information provided was just right for us to make informed decisions - we never felt like we were sitting through hours and hours of hard to understand or superfluous information. They filter all of their knowledge and expertise into well communicated information to their clients. Highly recommend.
Read more
23 Dec, 2020 by Bj
We had searched for someone to assist in our estate planning for about 3 years. We had hit several dead ends with other people. We then contacted and met with Wayne Wilson. He very clearly explained his suggestions to us and the process to implement them. We are very happy with his guidance and assistance in our estate planning.
Read more
25 Nov, 2020 by Timothy
Ethan is an outstanding attorney - his obvious competence and friendly demeanor put me at ease in a fraught first-time home buying experience. Ethan patiently offered clear answers to my many questions, and was far more generous with his time than I deserved. When I next need an expert attorney, he will be my first call.
Read more
08 Oct, 2020 by Matt
I have a unique situation that I wasn't sure that I could find a beneficial outcome to. The risk I was facing was paramount to my life stability. I wasn't sure what my options were so I looked for counsel. After a few moments of Ethan's time, I had the answers I needed to take decisive action to protect myself. He was very forthcoming about all the positive and negative aspects of the situation, which allowed me to make an educated decision immediately.
Read more
19 Jan, 2019 by Shane
Ethan is every person’s dream attorney: knowledgeable, competent, and trustworthy. He clearly explained my legal liabilities in a tenant-landlord dispute, recommended a plan to handle the situation, and went out of his way to make sure every detail of my case was thoroughly addressed. Importantly, Ethan let me know when certain legal services would be costly and unlikely to provide much benefit, saving me a significant amount of money and stress. Ethan is an excellent lawyer, and I strongly recommend him.
Read more
26 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I had an initial meeting with Atty Ringe. She then forwarded me the paperwork to review. After reviewing it, I made an appointment to sign the documents.
Atty Ringe was very thorough, very pleasant to deal with, and extremely helpful.
She handled all of my questions and gave me complete answers for all.
Read more
07 Dec, 2016 by Dale
I have worked with Chantelle on a number of projects. She is very knowledgeable and helped simplify and streamline complex financial matters and worked well with multiple generations. She has helped set up Living Trusts for me. She is very competent, efficient and a great pleasure to work with. I recommend her highly.
Read more
15 Jul, 2016 by Terrie
I consulted with Atty Ringe regarding the care my mother-in-law' was receiving from a care giving agency which we felt was taking advantage of her. Atty Ringe was very knowledgeable and gave us some great options to consider. I was very pleased with the way Atty Ringe handled our concerns and questions.
Read more
28 Aug, 2017 by Valerie
Greg helped my husband and I set up a trust and get our wills and POA papers in order. He was such a great help and we are so pleased with all he accomplished for us.
PS: Please give Greg a call and get your estate in order now so later on your kids don't have to deal with all the hassle!
Read more
18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Greg was extremely professional, and knowledgeable throughout the sale of my parents home. He was patient, courteous, and timely in his responses. He always took then time to answer any questions we had. He kept us updated throughout the process. We enjoyed working with him and would recommend him to others.
Read more
01 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
We were having issues with updating different items to a life insurance policy. Our Rep, Greg, was very kind, patient and helpful. He worked with the Life insurance Agency to fully understand what they needed and assisted in filling out the correct forms and the next steps we need to do. He also explained some of the verbiage as well. Thank you Greg!
Read more
04 Sep, 2022 by Ian
I was referred to Tony because of jurisdictional complexities and the potential for high conflict in my divorce case. Tony’s skill and experience ensured quick resolution with an excellent financial outcome. I live in North Central Wisconsin and apart from one hearing, everything was handled remotely.
Read more
21 May, 2021 by Aari
I found Attorney Anthony Menting to be knowledgeable about the laws and court cases relating to divorce and family law. He is very much an advocate for his client getting their fair share from the divorce. He is also a strong proponent of a clean break with no future fighting or squabbles. I have recommended him to others going through a difficult divorce.
Read more
11 Jun, 2020 by Michelle
Tony represented me in a highly contested divorce including complicated financial matters. I found him to be patient, thoughtful, strategic, and knowledgeable. As an attorney myself with knowledge of the law and process, this adds a dimension to the representation. Tony navigated this well. I am pleased with the results and refer clients to Tony whenever I can.
Read more
20 Sep, 2010 by Tim
I referred Jeff to a friend to assist with a legal matter related to her personal financial situation. He has gone "above and beyond" to insure that she has a successful outcome! I would highly recommend Jeff to others.
Read more
16 Sep, 2010 by Billy
Mr Bartzen is perhaps one of the finest lawyers in the country. His professionalism, respect and expertise is unmatched. Jeffrey understood the complexities of my case in both the legal sense and equally important, the personal sense. His guiding hand navigated my case with the steadiness that is not often seen today. Mr. Bartzen also made sure my best interests were at the forefront. He would conference with other specialists if there was a particular facet of the case he wanted more insight on. He carefully explained the variables and the various directions the case could go. He never, never over promised. Legal proceedings can take an emotional toll. But through his prompt responsiveness to an email or a phone call and by his "Big Picture" understanding, of my case, Jeffrey allayed many of those difficult days. I will and do highly recommend Mr. Bartzen.
Read more
16 Sep, 2010 by Martiin
Jeff did an outstanding job of handling a very dificult negotionation and law suit that followed and in the end we came out of the situation way ahead. I found Jeff to be a great advisor and he helped me with business as well. I recommend him and his firm highly.
Read more
27 Jan, 2015 by Carl
I am the author of two books and I contact Mr. Erhard for help with a copyright problem. He was knowledgeable, understandable and helpful. He had a keen interest in my situation and made me feel at ease. I would highly recommend his services to anyone .
Read more
27 Jan, 2015 by Mark
Mike has done legal work for me both personally and for each of my past three businesses over the last 15 years. He has helped me with employment related issues, purchasing and selling my companies, disputes, as well as general corporate legal work. He has always been there for me through both good times and bad. He is extremely responsive and thorough. He knows not only Wisconsin employment law almost better than anyone, but is also a great litigator/negotiator. His firm has also attracted several like minded individuals with legal skills and experience that compliment Mike's own expertise. Since I have worked with almost every Tier-1 law firm in Wisconsin over the years (in addition to some big firms in Chicago, New York, and Boston), I would say Mike is just as good (if not better) than any of those firms (or the best attorneys at those firms), and obviously his bill rates are much more reasonable! Mike is by far the best attorney I have ever worked with.
Read more
27 Jan, 2015 by Patrick
In late 2014 I decided, along with two partners, to start a small business developing smartphone applications for Android and Apple devices. My partners and I decided to move from brainstorm to business after we realized we could be making money on our fun side coding projects. We quickly found out that having an idea for a business is much different than actually forming a business.
We approached Mike with questions on what it takes to form an LLC in Wisconsin. Mike was generous with his time, knowledge and advice. We found out we needed much more than the simple LLC documents. Over the course of a number of meetings, Mike and his knowledgeable and qualified attorneys walked us through all of the legal considerations involved in starting a business with partners.
Mike’s firm drafted our Operating Agreement, LLC paperwork and anything else that was involved with making our business official. Mike was available to answer any questions we had during the process and continues to be there for counsel during our opening months.
In our first year of business, we have found ourselves coming back to Mike again and again for advice on matters we would have never thought we would’ve needed an attorney for. Anything from contract drafting and negotiation to advice on how to handle our competition; Mike and the lawyers at his firm have been available and indispensable.
I would recommend Mike Erhard to anyone looking to start a small business. He and the attorneys who work for his firm have helped to make our first year smooth and successful.
Read more
03 Sep, 2014 by Jenny
Hiring Attorney Dan Evans to represent me in my divorce was one of the best decisions I've made. Dan is very organized and thorough. He remembered everything I told him pertaining to my case, leading up to the trial. Dan was very prompt in returning phone calls and forwards information pertaining to my case as soon as he gets it. Dan was exceptional in court. He cares about his clients and I now consider him a friend. Thank you Dan, for helping me get my life back!
Read more
17 Nov, 2013 by Kevin
Working with Dan was such a great experience. He has exceptional focus and attention to detail. We hired Dan for legal advice about a municipal issue, and hiring Dan enabled us to accomplish what we set out to do. Additionally Dan was quick to respond and clear and straightforward about his rates. We felt we received a lot of value for our dollar. We highly recommend Dan for your legal needs.
Thanks Dan!
Read more
03 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Evans represented me in a difficult divorce. He did a great job in proving my ex-spouse's real income (he was self employed) and getting me the support I needed. He was very convincing to the judge and really did a good job in questioning witnesses, including my ex. He was also very responsive to my calls and emails when I had questions about my case.
Read more
23 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Vern Jesse helped me on a real estate purchase transaction that involved an international seller and multiple special issues. Given his extensive experience in real estate, he was able to represent me well and bring the transaction to a successful conclusion in a tight time horizon. Vern is a highly responsive and good communicator, being both proficient and efficient, primarily through the use of email. I would not hesitate to engage his services again in the future.
Read more
19 Nov, 2015 by Lori
I have worked with Vern on a few legal matters that mostly involved Real Estate transactions. In each case, he was very professional in addressing my issues in a timely and efficient manner. As a small business owner, I also appreciated the fact the he was respectful of my budget and his simplicity in explaining the issues and the best course of action to take. I would use Vern again in future legal issues and would definitely recommend his services.
Read more
28 May, 2015 by Scott
Steve Tumbush has represented my business and family interests for nearly 15 years. My initial interaction with Steve involved a very complex business matter in which I was in way over my head. Steve and his firm successfully extricated me from this matter; what I most remember about this first encounter, he did exactly what he promised he would do, I find this most unusual in the legal profession. Most over-promise and under-deliver; never my experience with Steve. Over the last 15 years Steve has become one of my most valued and trusted business and personal advisers. As I review the above rating scale, I think about responsiveness - 99 times out of 100, when I place a phone call to Steve he either picks up or returns my call in a short period of time. He keeps me informed and on task; if I haven't responded to an item on my to do list that is due on a project Steve and I are working on, he reaches out and keeps me on task, which I greatly appreciate. Steve is the finest lawyer I've ever worked with, I greatly appreciate his knowledge, access and professionalism!
Read more
24 Apr, 2015 by Marla
Steve has been my family’s business attorney for over 10 years. In the past 5 years, our company has grown rapidly, and Steve is always available to advise and guide us in the proper direction. He takes the time to understand our unique business, and his advice is always well-informed and presented in language that our company officers can understand.
Steve is a great listener and has an excellent ability to understand, clarify and problem-solve the many issues we’ve presented to him. He’s forthright, honest and protects the best interests of our business. He is a trusted advisor whom I highly recommend.
Read more
16 Mar, 2017 by Ann
Charity has done legal work for my family for many years. She's always responsive and provides good advice on how to structure our estate plans based on our changing needs. We highly recommend her.
Read more
15 Mar, 2017 by Hannah
Charity has provided great legal services for us. She's always respsonsive and flexible with our needs. And charity consistently has provided pragmatic and timely counsel. I don't know what we would do without her!
Read more
14 Nov, 2015 by Dan
I had a legal sitution that festered for over five years. Complicating the matter was that I received a judgement in another state and my opponent sought to evade payment in Wisconsin. This mattered little to Mr. Thill. He quickly registered our judgement in Wisconsin and began proceedings. What impressed me the most was that Mr. Thill kept at it no matter what my opponent attempted, tried, or said. Equally impressive was that Mr. Thill kept me informed every step of the way and often asked for my input. If you are in a needs collection situation I would highly reccomend Brian Thill. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Read more
20 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had recently had an unfortunate matter involving property and family. Sadly the situation could not be resloved without the need for legal intervention. Attorney Brian Thill provided me with uncompromising professionalism, compassion, and impressive legal knowledge. He always kept me informed, and I never felt as though I was "out of the loop". The outcome of the matter was succsessful One can never really claim a "win" in such a situation, but Attorney Thill did a remarkable job of being able to make myself financially whole, while limiting the harm to the contra party. A fine line which few can walk.
Read more
22 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I have known Jonathan for well over a year, and he has been everything that I can hope for in an IP lawyer. He helped with a trademark search for my company, as well as submitting a provisional patent. The information that was required from me was well laid out, and he was very responsive in what I needed. I certainly felt like a valued client of his, which means a lot. He was able to get information from other lawyers for me if needed, and I will be going to Jonathan in the future. Above all, he is a very nice and genuine person to be with.
Read more
21 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Jonathan for a freedom to operate review on some new IP our company created. His input was timely, complete and he added value by helping us consider options we had not thought of previously. I was very satisfied with the work and will be using him again.
Read more
28 Sep, 2016 by Tyler
I has the pleasure of working with John after I was involved in an accident. He made me feel like a member of his family and was genuinely committed to doing his best for me. He dealt with the insurance companies and was able to take care of everything, which allowed me to go back to my normal life. On top of all that he was able to get me double the settlement that I would have normally received. Overall, I had a great experience with John and he helped me through a difficult period of my life. I would recommend him to any of my family or friends in need of a personal injury lawyer.
Read more
28 Sep, 2016 by Jay
John has been helped my firm (and me personally) for many years. I can tell you that he has never let us down. He is knowledgeable, honest, and trustworthy. John has been, and will continue to be, our first call.
Read more
14 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Rachel Mielke did an excellent job from the first introductory appointment to the final settlement. Very knowledgeable and took time to research options and explain her justification for her recommendations. Communication was timely. Dedicated. Have recommended her to friends and colleagues.
Read more
07 Jan, 2015 by Megan
Rachel impressed me with her knowledge, thought process, delivery, communication and professionalism. In trial, the judge even commented on how articulate she was.
On top of being incredibly professional and intelligent she has a very kind heart and a wonderful sense of understanding the components of the human emotions, especially with children. I can not recommend her enough, especially if you need an attorney for the best interest of your children.
Read more
14 May, 2015 by Steve
I was charged with disorderly conduct on a government installation ,I was not charged at first ,I hired a lawyer to get the charges dropped ,this case went uncharged for a year and when I received notice that I was being charged the lawyer I hired wanted more money to show up in court ...to make a long story short I had already paid this lawyer too much for doing nothing so I fired her and hired William Richard Jones. he was on the spot he came in and argued my case got the charges dropped and was done in less than an hour although we had agreed to a much higher price he only charged me for the time he spent on the case which was about 10% of my previous lawyer . He was professional and courteous at all times and showed a great concern for my case and the outcome that I wanted one of the best lawyers I have dealt with in a long time
Read more
31 Dec, 2014 by Rhonda
Our family business has worked with Tom for over thirty years. He has been a trusted legal and business advisor to our growing manufacturing business and to our family. Tom sees the big picture and has helped us with many strategic business decisions and plans over the years. Tom is great at listening to our needs and concerns and helping us come to a great solution!
Read more
01 May, 2015 by Ben
Throughout my 2 related cases Tom has pointed a straight and true direction while backing me up as his client wholeheartedly and with a personal touch. A very good experience through difficult times. Highly recommended.
Read more
31 Oct, 2013 by Fouad
Mr. Allen handled all matters pertaining to a business acquisition which included setting up appropriate companies, operating agreements and the necessary contacts with the seller attorney to finalize the deal. Furthermore Mr. Allen was responsible in all phases of agreements pertaining to the purchase of two Meat Processing Plants. His advice, attention to detail and professional integrity helped pave the road to a very smooth business transaction and he continues to be a trusted council to our group of investors.
Read more
13 Apr, 2011 by Michael
In my capacity as General Counsel of a publicly traded company, I was a client of Hamang's over several years, including hiring him as lead outside counsel for the acquisition of a technology-based entertainment company. Hamang's substantive knowledge of applicable law was outstanding. He is the type of attorney who "makes" rather than "breaks" a deal. He also has an engaging and open personality.
Read more
27 Sep, 2010 by Genna
Shayna was very knowledge and thorough and executed our documentatin very quickly. She did an excellent job.
Read more
04 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Sparer is highly ethical, highly conscientious, and possesses complete integrity. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and has outstanding people skills. I have used his legal services in several real estate transactions and in landlord/tenant law matters. I am planning to utilize his expertise in my future business endeavor as well. I highly recommend him.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
