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22 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
He is an amazing lawyer. Super helpful and kind. He also always gets it done in a professional manner, and super quickly.
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05 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Michael’s clerk/secretary was very kind, friendly, and understanding. The soonest appointment they had for a consultation was several days away, but she told me she would ask him if he would make time and call me that day.
He did call while I was on the phone with the other attorney’s office, and I missed the call. I called Michael’s office back, and both he and his secretary were still kind and willing.
Michael and his secretary/clerk were both warm, friendly, willing to listen and answer questions without interrupting. The other attorney’s office I consulted (Patrick King in Carson City) had a helpful and willing clerk, but she interrupted and spoke over me a lot. The speed she discussed the issues with made it difficult to take notes, but Michael Millward was very understanding of waiting while I wrote down what he said to later share with my husband. He also spoke with me directly for the consultation instead of a clerk.
My mother-in-law passed away intestate (without a will) over the weekend and my sister-in-law’s family didn’t understand how probate works and were already going through our mother’s belongings and throwing them away. They had no intention of filing for probate and didn’t understand that it isn’t optional and is legally required.
We all planned on needing to empty out the mobile home and possibly make repairs and renovations. We didn’t know what creditors Mom had or what assets. We knew she had a lot of medical bills and a small car loan. We were looking at having to do a *massive* amount of work, and it was very stressful.
Since Mom’s estate likely would have more liabilities than assets, Michael informed me that we don’t have to do the probate process and don’t have to administer the estate ourselves.
We can hand this over to the Carson City Public Administrator who handles estates for individuals with no will. Michael looked up the phone number after I asked for it. Phone number: 775-887-2260. Michael informed me that it might be the clerk’s office that answers because it appears that they share a division or office space; if so, ask for the administrator.
Michael, said to tell the administrator that a family member died, the cremation is handled, and no one in the family is interested in administering the estate.
That’s basically it.
There’s probably paperwork to sign, but we don’t have to do all the hard work we were planning on.
Again, we don’t have to clean out her house, dump her belongings, pay her rent, sell her house, or pay her bills. We don’t have to do anything beyond the cremation.
We *can* get photos and heirlooms, too, before handing it over.
Isn’t that wonderful??
I received a free consultation. I told Michael that I would gladly pay him for his time for the extremely helpful advice, but he said it wasn’t necessary. He also welcomed me to call back if I had any other questions.
Months ago we consulted a different estate/elder law attorney regarding my mother-in-law, Ernie Adler, and he was awful. He was disinterested, unhelpful, wasn’t friendly, answered our questions to a minimum or not at all, couldn’t answer some of them (said he didn’t know), and charged $200 for the brief consultation (less than 30 minutes).
Michael Millward was the stark and complete opposite. We highly recommend him!
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17 Jan, 2018 by Jeanie and edward
Mr. Millward arranged for a same day consultation and got the ball rolling on our ELDER ABUSE/NEGLECT case. He is thorough and is able to explain the legal terminology to simple folks. We appreciate the entire legal team and their ability to communicate effectively; not only with the client, but courts and other attorneys involved. He was highly recommended and our family is amazed with his thoroughness. Mr. Millward is smart, humble, and honest. We are grateful to have him representing us.
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11 Apr, 2014 by Jay
Gene represented me awesomely against SallieMae over my guarantor issue on my son's student loan. We arbitrated for me like a BOSS and we cross-examined the SallieMae rep like he was a sponsored pro football player! When it was done, SallieMae grudgingly released me from the co-signer guaranty on one of the student loans - we also found out thru Gene's relentless cross-examination that there were in fact two loans instead of one. Next, I am going to sic Gene "Pit Bull" Kaufmann on Sallie Mae so they release me from loan no. 2. But I am binding my time and first plan to engage Gene to sue a major Las Vegas resort, for falsely imprisoning my son and then extorting credit card payment from me to get him released, all because his bathtub overflowed! Gene is the man! And he is as honest and truthful as east is from west!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Kyle
When I came to JD I was distraught, I had almost $40,000 in medical bills for an accident that an insurance company said was my fault and didn't know what to do. JD and his team worked tirelessly to not only get my medical bills reduced, but also helped me sue the insurance company to reach a favorable settlement amount.
I went from being in debt and scared of how I would be able to survive, to actually receiving money. I can't put into words how happy I am that I found JD and his team, they represent the very best of their field and I would strongly recommend them to anyone needing legal help. Thank you JD.
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07 May, 2023 by Nobody knows
10 Mar, 2023 by Jj mox
16 Nov, 2023 by Matthew
I got referred to your law firm by the attorney bar association in regards to my need of legal assistance. Does your firm handle sales/purchase agreement?
Matthew Topliff
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17 Apr, 2022 by Richard frank
05 Feb, 2021 by Kyle johnson
Great Attorney honest and to the point
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What a Business Lawyer Can Do for You
A business lawyer provides critical legal guidance and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Whether you are forming a new company, drafting contracts, or navigating complex regulations, a business attorney ensures you are legally protected and operating within the law. They can also help prevent legal disputes or represent you in negotiations, transactions, or lawsuits that arise during the course of business operations.
Business lawyers have expertise in areas such as business formation, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. They ensure that your business is compliant with relevant laws and help mitigate risks that could threaten your company's success.
When Should I Hire a Business Lawyer?
Hiring a business lawyer is essential at various stages of business development, including:
- Forming a business: When deciding on the best structure for your company (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), a lawyer can guide you through the registration and compliance process.
- Drafting contracts: If you need contracts for employees, partners, suppliers, or clients, a lawyer ensures these documents are legally sound and in your best interest.
- Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions: If you are buying, selling, or dissolving a company, legal counsel is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
- Compliance and regulatory issues: A lawyer can help navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, or tech.
- Resolving disputes: Whether it's contract disagreements, intellectual property infringement, or employment issues, a business lawyer helps mediate, negotiate, or litigate on your behalf.
What Does a Business Lawyer Do?
Business lawyers provide a wide range of services that cater to different legal needs of a business. They can:
- Help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with employees, suppliers, customers, or business partners.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Advise on tax strategies to minimize your business's tax burden.
- Assist with intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
- Handle mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring all legal paperwork is in order.
- Resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
How Are Business Lawyers Paid?
Business lawyers typically charge either by the hour or on a flat-fee basis, depending on the complexity of the work. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rates: The lawyer charges based on the time spent working on your case. Rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Flat fees: For certain tasks, such as incorporating a business or drafting a standard contract, a lawyer may offer a flat fee.
- Retainer: Some businesses may hire a lawyer on retainer, paying a fixed amount each month to have ongoing access to legal services.
The payment structure is often discussed during an initial consultation so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and budget.
How Much Does a Business Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a business lawyer depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of the legal issue: More complex matters, like mergers or intellectual property disputes, typically cost more than routine tasks like contract drafting.
- The lawyer's experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in larger cities often charge higher fees.
- The nature of the billing arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's expertise. Flat fees are usually available for simpler matters like forming an LLC or drafting a standard contract.
It's essential to discuss fee structures upfront to avoid surprises.
Top Questions to Ask a Business Lawyer
Before hiring a business lawyer, ask the following questions during your consultation:
-
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.
