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22 Nov, 2024 by Cmarie stoll
It’s been a few years since Cassie and Tiffany represented me and I still regret the decision I made to step foot in their office. I achieved none of my goals. Things actually turned out worse than anyone would have anticipated. In my opinion, I was more disadvantaged with their assistance and it was a complete waste of time and money.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I have worked with Cassie on and off for years. She assists with my family ranch and business succession planning. The best part is she works well with all generations of my family.
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18 Oct, 2019 by Mushroom
I hired Paul as a probate lawyer which i had absolutely no knowledge of. When a family member died and had some property that i was told had to go through probate, I was told that this would cost around $800.00. I also had a realtor working on the actual sale of the property. Paul acted like he was selling the nproperty, but he wasnt...When I would asked any questions there was no answers. When the property sold he took 6% just like the lawyer. Which he never had told me about. I had no knowledge that this would happen.
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03 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Terrazas did next to nothing and still managed to take $4100 from me. It started with a $600 consultation for about 30 minutes worth of work. When I agreed to hire him he asked for a $3500 retainer to get started. I had already written an extensive parenting plan for a custody battle and asked that he review and make changes as necessary. He passed the job to a young attorney who had recently passed the bar without telling me that he wouldn't be working on the case despite going that impression to get my retainer out of me. Over the course of several months I received 1 invoice with a few charges on there. It was at that point that I became concerned because there were a lot of billed hours for work on my plan that I hat seen no improvement on and the final draft was almost identical to what I had written. After weeks of not hearing from them the young lawyer calls to tell me that the other party had already filed months earlier and the work that had been done up to that point was moot because we'd instead be arguing against the plan that the other party already filed. It was basic law for them to check to see if anything had been filed but didn't. Then when I said, "OK let's go to court", Mr. Terrazas said that they could not represent me until I replenished my retainer as they had gone through it all. Again, they had done almost nothing and failed to send me bills documenting it to boot. Instead of giving him more money I found another, fantastic lawyer. I wrote an email to Mr. Terrazas expressing my disappointment and frustration and told him I did not want his services anymore. His response (in there mail) was quite nasty and defensive and included was several pages of invoices he produced for the purpose of that letter so that he could say he have them to me as this could be considered a major issue with the ABA if it's proven that he doesn't keep clients abreast of the charges. Bottom line, steer clear of this guy. In his case, his 35 years of experience is 35 years of how to slime his way into your wallet while doing as little as possible to earn it.
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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:

  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.

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