Lawyers map
>1
experienced lawyers
Filter by
14 Dec, 2013 by Dave
I can't speak highly enough about Valerie. First off, she's an amicable person. I know that doesn't count for much in a world governed by law, but just her tone of voice is so comforting. And it's nice to have a lawyer you feel like you can trust. She is a professor @ Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. So if that doesn't scream credibility, then I don't know what does!
Let's get down to business: Valerie knows everything regarding music law. Period. End. You will never need to retain another lawyer. And she's honest! I feel like most lawyers just want quick money. But her rates are surprisingly quite reasonable. I highly doubt you'll find another lawyer with rates as competitive as hers, who will put the same amount of time and energy into your case(s) as she will.
Valerie helped my band with trademarks, copyrights, professional name searches, and so much more. Seriously, without Valerie we probably would have made a several major mistakes upon entering the music industry. She helped us dodge & squash all of that, along with a few red flag issues we were having with our former recording studio. I've learned so much in the process as well. As a result, I'm more aware, and I feel like a better musician now.
Valerie doesn't offer free consultations. BUT the pre-consultation form is pretty much a free consultation in itself. I like it because it asks you questions that you may not have even thought of yet because you've been focused on making music/booking gigs. For example: your goals, your concept, if you have a manager/agent, your creative process, copyrights filings, etc. It gets you really thinking about the overall bigger picture. And it helps Valerie get to know you or your band better. From there, she can help guide you in the right direction.
I remember my consultation with was 2 hours long. We literally covered at least 10+ different things extensively over the phone. I couldn't remember some of what we discussed the next day, but I was SO happy when 2 days later she emailed me a professionally drafted follow up consultation document that contained everything we talked about in detail. It had a glossary, and everything. Just like a book. She even included a to do list, ha! That consultation was worth every single penny! And I still reference the follow up document every now and then when I need to.
Read more
13 Feb, 2012 by Debbie
Valerie is an outstanding music attorney. She's smart, fair, organized, proactive, and a pleasure to work with. She's great at the big picture and fine details and she's excellent at what she does. Indeed, she usually finds errors in my third-party contracts that they are thrilled to learn of and fix. Valerie does what she says she'll do, for the price she quotes and in the time she says it will take. She's a woman of her word. There are never any surprises. People looking for a music attorney should jump at the chance to work with Valerie Lovely.
Read more
12 Feb, 2012 by Max
I cannot speak highly enough of Valerie. She has reviewed several contracts for me and ensured I was protected in a copyright dispute! She is incredibly responsive, even replying on weekends, If you are lucky enough to retain her services you will not be disappointed. She takes great care of small artists, going out of her way to help my co-writer and I avoid some common contractual errors. I always look forward to working with her, she is fantastic!
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.
