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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
Read more
28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
Read more
28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
Read more
28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
03 Jan, 2024 by Randall ruenger
Explained things so great and put my mind to ease!!!
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24 Oct, 2023 by John denboer
Terrible and unethical service. Defrauded myself and my family. Tried to bill for services without contract. Attempted to resolve situation professionally, but Mr. Stewart engaged in yelling and threatening behavior. Ultimately was forced to file an official grievance with the WI Office of Lawyer Regulation.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Calvertron
Walt is a pleasure to deal with, I hired him after my father passed to deal with the estate, best decision I ever made!
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16 Oct, 2024 by G j
01 Jul, 2024 by Tucold davis
My family was truly blessed to have Attorney Andrea Winder and staff handling my son's case.The level of care and effort they put into his tough case was excellent. They went above and beyond for the win.I thank God Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. was chosen to try my son's case. My entire family is thankful & grateful for all your hard work.
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02 May, 2024 by Kathleen helping hands
Dear Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. and Mr. Robert Lightfoot,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional legal services provided by Mr. Robert Lightfoot of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Mr. Lightfoot has proven to be not only an exceptional attorney but also a compassionate advocate for healthcare practices facing mistreatment and challenging circumstances.
In my darkest and most challenging times, Mr. Lightfoot emerged as a beacon of hope and support for both my family and my clients. His unwavering dedication and commitment to assisting healthcare facilities navigate complex situations within the industry have been nothing short of remarkable. Even in the face of adversity and tough opposition, Mr. Lightfoot stood by my side, believing in my vision to provide quality care to the elderly and fighting tirelessly on my behalf.
Healthcare is not just a profession for me; it is my life's passion. Unfortunately, I found myself in a situation where my ability to operate and serve my community was unjustly stripped away. It was during this dark and trying period that Mr. Lightfoot's expertise and unwavering support shone the brightest. His guidance, advocacy, and legal acumen have been instrumental in helping me navigate through challenging legal obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
I am beyond grateful for Mr. Lightfoot's hard work, dedication, and genuine care for his clients. His compassion and commitment to justice have been a true blessing in my life, and I thank God for guiding me to a lawyer who not only understands the intricacies of healthcare law but also genuinely cares about the well-being of his clients.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. and Mr. Robert Lightfoot to anyone in need of legal representation in the healthcare industry. Their professionalism, expertise, and empathetic approach set them apart as a truly exceptional legal team. Thank you, Mr. Lightfoot, for being a guiding light in my darkest hours.
Warm regards,
Shatara J.
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16 Oct, 2024 by G j
01 Jul, 2024 by Tucold davis
My family was truly blessed to have Attorney Andrea Winder and staff handling my son's case.The level of care and effort they put into his tough case was excellent. They went above and beyond for the win.I thank God Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. was chosen to try my son's case. My entire family is thankful & grateful for all your hard work.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Paul karl kleinschmidt
I cannot give enough praise to this law office, truly. I had the most unfortunate experience of needing to hire a defense attorney when some absurd and false accusations were made against me. Everything happened so fast, it was frightening, shocking, and everything terrible that you might imagine.
Somehow, within such a short period of time, attorney Emily Bell came through to cover every single imaginable base of possibility with me. She dedicated herself to my case with more heart, soul, and time than I thought was possible. When the time came for the hearing, I could not have been more confident in who was there to represent me, which was the very last thing I would have said when I was first served. I was still scared, but I had good, strong, and reasonable faith in Emily. At the end of it all, Attorney Bell got the case dismissed in less time than any of us expected. The swiftness of it all was just incredible. She also got me facial tissues before I even began to cry with relief, which was just the sweetest thing she could have done!
If you are not sure who to go with, please trust me when I say that this office is the one. Everyone whom I worked with in the narrow period of time that we had was kind, considerate, sensitive, and showed genuine care for me as a human being.
Thank you all, so very much, for protecting my humanity, my career, my life. I do not know what I would have done without you by my side.
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by G j
01 Jul, 2024 by Tucold davis
My family was truly blessed to have Attorney Andrea Winder and staff handling my son's case.The level of care and effort they put into his tough case was excellent. They went above and beyond for the win.I thank God Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. was chosen to try my son's case. My entire family is thankful & grateful for all your hard work.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Paul karl kleinschmidt
I cannot give enough praise to this law office, truly. I had the most unfortunate experience of needing to hire a defense attorney when some absurd and false accusations were made against me. Everything happened so fast, it was frightening, shocking, and everything terrible that you might imagine.
Somehow, within such a short period of time, attorney Emily Bell came through to cover every single imaginable base of possibility with me. She dedicated herself to my case with more heart, soul, and time than I thought was possible. When the time came for the hearing, I could not have been more confident in who was there to represent me, which was the very last thing I would have said when I was first served. I was still scared, but I had good, strong, and reasonable faith in Emily. At the end of it all, Attorney Bell got the case dismissed in less time than any of us expected. The swiftness of it all was just incredible. She also got me facial tissues before I even began to cry with relief, which was just the sweetest thing she could have done!
If you are not sure who to go with, please trust me when I say that this office is the one. Everyone whom I worked with in the narrow period of time that we had was kind, considerate, sensitive, and showed genuine care for me as a human being.
Thank you all, so very much, for protecting my humanity, my career, my life. I do not know what I would have done without you by my side.
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by G j
01 Jul, 2024 by Tucold davis
My family was truly blessed to have Attorney Andrea Winder and staff handling my son's case.The level of care and effort they put into his tough case was excellent. They went above and beyond for the win.I thank God Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. was chosen to try my son's case. My entire family is thankful & grateful for all your hard work.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Paul karl kleinschmidt
I cannot give enough praise to this law office, truly. I had the most unfortunate experience of needing to hire a defense attorney when some absurd and false accusations were made against me. Everything happened so fast, it was frightening, shocking, and everything terrible that you might imagine.
Somehow, within such a short period of time, attorney Emily Bell came through to cover every single imaginable base of possibility with me. She dedicated herself to my case with more heart, soul, and time than I thought was possible. When the time came for the hearing, I could not have been more confident in who was there to represent me, which was the very last thing I would have said when I was first served. I was still scared, but I had good, strong, and reasonable faith in Emily. At the end of it all, Attorney Bell got the case dismissed in less time than any of us expected. The swiftness of it all was just incredible. She also got me facial tissues before I even began to cry with relief, which was just the sweetest thing she could have done!
If you are not sure who to go with, please trust me when I say that this office is the one. Everyone whom I worked with in the narrow period of time that we had was kind, considerate, sensitive, and showed genuine care for me as a human being.
Thank you all, so very much, for protecting my humanity, my career, my life. I do not know what I would have done without you by my side.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
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01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
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10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
Read more
21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
03 Jan, 2024 by Randall ruenger
Explained things so great and put my mind to ease!!!
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by John denboer
Terrible and unethical service. Defrauded myself and my family. Tried to bill for services without contract. Attempted to resolve situation professionally, but Mr. Stewart engaged in yelling and threatening behavior. Ultimately was forced to file an official grievance with the WI Office of Lawyer Regulation.
Read more
18 Oct, 2023 by Calvertron
Walt is a pleasure to deal with, I hired him after my father passed to deal with the estate, best decision I ever made!
Read more
03 Jan, 2024 by Randall ruenger
Explained things so great and put my mind to ease!!!
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by John denboer
Terrible and unethical service. Defrauded myself and my family. Tried to bill for services without contract. Attempted to resolve situation professionally, but Mr. Stewart engaged in yelling and threatening behavior. Ultimately was forced to file an official grievance with the WI Office of Lawyer Regulation.
Read more
18 Oct, 2023 by Calvertron
Walt is a pleasure to deal with, I hired him after my father passed to deal with the estate, best decision I ever made!
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by G j
01 Jul, 2024 by Tucold davis
My family was truly blessed to have Attorney Andrea Winder and staff handling my son's case.The level of care and effort they put into his tough case was excellent. They went above and beyond for the win.I thank God Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. was chosen to try my son's case. My entire family is thankful & grateful for all your hard work.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Paul karl kleinschmidt
I cannot give enough praise to this law office, truly. I had the most unfortunate experience of needing to hire a defense attorney when some absurd and false accusations were made against me. Everything happened so fast, it was frightening, shocking, and everything terrible that you might imagine.
Somehow, within such a short period of time, attorney Emily Bell came through to cover every single imaginable base of possibility with me. She dedicated herself to my case with more heart, soul, and time than I thought was possible. When the time came for the hearing, I could not have been more confident in who was there to represent me, which was the very last thing I would have said when I was first served. I was still scared, but I had good, strong, and reasonable faith in Emily. At the end of it all, Attorney Bell got the case dismissed in less time than any of us expected. The swiftness of it all was just incredible. She also got me facial tissues before I even began to cry with relief, which was just the sweetest thing she could have done!
If you are not sure who to go with, please trust me when I say that this office is the one. Everyone whom I worked with in the narrow period of time that we had was kind, considerate, sensitive, and showed genuine care for me as a human being.
Thank you all, so very much, for protecting my humanity, my career, my life. I do not know what I would have done without you by my side.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
Read more
06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
Read more
01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
Read more
30 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Tom was amazingly helpful in ensuring that I received an appropriate settlement in a business dispute. He was able to help me negotiate a position in which I received everything I wanted as part of a separation agreement. I felt like the legal team that represented the business was top notch, so I was glad to have equally competent representation on my side. He was always punctual and provided guidance I would not have had going it alone in the process. Hopefully I never need to resolve a business dispute ever again. But if I do, it's good to know Tom Haley.
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21 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Had I checked Avvo prior to retaining Mr. Haley I would have avoided him entirely, as I would never retain a lawyer that had even one sanction, no matter how long ago it occurred.
Briefly speaking, I do not agree with Mr. Haley's billing tactics- he billed very aggressively for a relatively simple business structuring matter. Needless to say, I terminated my relationship with him.
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30 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Incredibly rude and unwilling to clarify basic questions on a contract. Was supposed to get a 30 minute conversation, instead got a sales pitch and a very pushy attitude. Do your job next time Dan
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16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Dan Schlichting was recommended from a good friend, and I was very happy with the lawyer that I choose. I was scared and nervous and he was so understanding. He was also very trustworthy, knowledgeable and dependable.
I definitely recommend him....I plan on hiring him if I need a lawyer again and if he can't help me I will ask him for a recommendation.
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20 Jul, 2023 by Anna carlson
Atty. Roman did not represent me competently and diligently and did not earn her fee. Atty. Roman committed a criminal act in my presence; I rode with her to my first court hearing and she hit a parked car while she was parking then proceeded to say as we were walking away “I’m going to
Pretend like I didn’t do that” I would never have assumed a lawyer could be capable of such disregard and shameless conduct. She said things to me such as “Please just sign the document and stop trying to add or change language” I never received a thank you, any inquires if was satisfied with services rendered etc. At no point in time did I feel like Attorney Roman negotiated in my name or on my behalf, advise or represent me efficiently in court, and before the GAL, communicate effetely, proficiently, or professionally, conduct research into the information provided to her and analyze provided information, nor did she interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for me to understand or advocate for me whatsoever.
Attorney Roman certainly had no problem taking my money and, in my opinion, charging me for the same thing over and over i.e., going over the same emails and attached documents she had previously charged me for going over, she also had no problem charging me for all the "work" she had to do after her self-admitted mistake when she mis informed me during our settlement discussions. I had to pay Attorney Roman thousands of dollars, depleting my savings for email correspondences, phone calls and mistakes.
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01 Jul, 2019 by Tommy lancaster
10 Dec, 2024 by Michelle castile
Contacted multiple times for different reasons, all legit, complex reasons that requires legal help to navigate effectively. Was turned away every single time and claimed this was due to "a lack of resources." If these lawyers are swamped with cases and cannot feasibly take on anymore, perhaps there should be something done about that. Due to this, individuals and families like mine go without this much needed legal advocacy. Agencies like this are put in place to protect us and are failing to do this. Falling through the cracks is an understatement. It is a terrible fact and one that should not continue to happen upon resources like this being available in Wisconsin.
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21 May, 2024 by Patrick w
Called for help with an unemployment appeal, went through the intake checklist with the receptionist, then didn't hear from them for a month. They finally called me back a week after my hearing had already happened.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Vivian allen
to who this concern need remove legal action of business map they are turning citizens away without option to move forward with option legal help they are useless now .
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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.
