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24 Feb, 2023 by Iw
Ms. Lundin gave an honest review of my case. The first time I believe I got an honest, direct answer to my concerns from an attorney. Absolutely recommend.
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10 Sep, 2019 by Charlene
If you're reading these reviews, my heart goes out to you. A DUI charge is a long, tough road to navigate. My two regrets are that (1) I put myself in a position to need a DUI attorney and (2) I did not hire Diana from the very beginning of the process. The DUI process is not a level playing field however Diana was able to bring some balance to it. Diana's knowledge is unsurpassed - she knows all things DOL. Her fees are fair. Diana was communicative, detailed oriented and straight forward throughout the process. She was able to alleviate my mountain of stress. In the end, she was successful with DOL in reinstating my drivers license. Diana is truly a rock star !
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15 May, 2014 by Tim
If you are facing trouble with the DOL, you need Diana on your side. Her preparation is first class, she makes sure you know all of your options. Takes the time to walk with you through the whole processes. She was able to overcome great odds to get a favorable result in my case. Diana has answered all my questions quickly and professional through the whole process. Recently when a friend need help, I didn't hesitate to recommend Diana.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Mary wang
I am a new property owner and have many questions of landlord and tenant law and LLC. Brenda is very helpful. She patiently heard out my concerns and questions. She is extremely knowledgable of Landlord and Tenant Law and has great experience in this area. She explained in depth details of pro and con of my options. Her advice is very clear and practical. I high recommend her to anyone who needs legal advice.
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26 Jan, 2016 by Patrick
I needed help with a power of attorney that would be effective overseas. Brenda did a fantastic job. She checked the embassy requirements, got in touch with embassy, and promptly and accurately drafted the poa. All that at a very reasonable budget.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Carmen
I live in a small mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Snohomish county so when the big maple tree directly in back of my home became unsafe and one large part of it fell on my roof and back wall last winter, I could not call any city inspector/agency for assistance. The park owner called it an act of God and took no responsibility for it; luckily I had good insurance and repairs were done in a timely manner. The problem was not over though; there were additional branches and trunks which were leaning and clearly unsafe and my landlord would only remove one which did not overhang my home at all, just helped out my neighbors. I attempted to speak with hiim about the issue several times thru the winter and spring but his attitude was not cooperative and he finally refused to discuss it at all. I waited for a full year for him to do something-anything and when the situation became impossible to live with, I hired Brenda. I had previously contacted the state AG's office to see if they could assist me but they informed me it did not fall under their purview. Brenda looked up the applicable case law, found something and mailed a polite but firm letter to my landlord quoting the law and giving him a time frame for abiding by the letter of that law. Within 10 days, the tree was down and I have peace of mind again. Her rates were reasonable and she kept in touch with me during the process as to what she was doing and making sure I was on board with it. I would definitely hire her again if the need arises and recommend her highly.
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23 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Elston handled a complex mediation for my husband and I that dealt with the construction of our home and complaints from a troublesome neighbor. He was thorough, diligent and responsive in successfully handling the situation. I was very pleased with Mr. Elston from beginning to end. I highly recommend him and will use him again, if the need arises.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Robert
As an attorney licensed since 1977, I've been exposed to every form of lawyer out there and I know most of them and know what to look for when choosing a lawyer who I can trust. That's why when I needed legal assistance on some of my own personal commercial business issues in an area outside of my field, I turned to Doug and hired him to be my advocate. I've come back to him time and time again because of his professionalism, his efficiency, his solid communication skills, everything I expect with the high standards I've grown accustomed to. I highly recommend Doug.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Richard
I own a contracting business that participates in a commercial and industrial environment, and have used Doug's expertise over the years to review contracts, negotiate various situations, and have even used his services to settle a neighborhood dispute. He is very knowledgeable and informative, and has always led me to a good solution, from an uncomfortable environment. Doug's efforts & skills have always had a positive impact on my bottom line. Whether business or personal, I would highly recommend retaining Doug as Legal Counsel.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Eric
Claudia was great in conducting the probate process with my parents' estate. I had zero knowledge of what the process was, and Claudia was great at explaining each step. Any time I had questions, I received prompt answers. Very patient and understanding of our grieving process as well. Highly recommended for assisting in the probate process!
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04 Nov, 2017 by Nikki
My husband and I hired Claudia Augustine to write our wills- which we had been putting off forever. We were intimidated by the idea of it all, but Claudia put us at ease and talked us through the process. Not only was she thorough, but she made it very easy for us as she came to our home to go over and sign all of the documents. Claudia went over every line on every page, and made sure we understood what was written and helped us make it our own. In addition, she made an unpleasant thing to do (who wants to talk about their death?!) a very comfortable and easy experience.
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11 Jun, 2008 by Anonymous
Kelli has just helped my spouse and I through one of the most difficult times in our lives. We had a tax issue from 2003 that we were getting nowhere with when trying to deal with the IRS on our own. With Kelli's help, we are happy to say that this issue is now behind us. We recommend Kelli and her office wholeheartedly. Thanks Kelli. It always felt like you were treating us not only as clients, but as friends.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
She really helped me out a lot with my IRS problems. Would use her again.
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17 Oct, 2016 by David
Karthik took over my patent during the office action stage. My previous patent attorneys were proving to be too expensive and I had started to run out of funds. An alum from my BFA program suggested I contact him and I could not be more pleased with his work. We received our issue notification last week. Yippee!
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07 Aug, 2017 by David
I have been a client of Mr. Froland's for over 25 years and he has handled many different cases for me, most involving real estate, but also estates and probate and general legal issues. He has consistently provided good advice. I have found him to be exceptionally ethical, treating both me and my adversaries fairly and looking for a positive outcome for each party. I feel he represents me well, always looking out for my best interest, and I have been pleased with his efforts and the outcomes over the years.
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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:

  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.