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05 Feb, 2020 by Adam
Louie has been helping my family deal with the loss of both of my grandmothers in a 12 month period. Dealing with estates is complex enough when you know the documents. When the attorneys who prepared the estate plans have been retired for probably 20 year it makes it hard for the Personal Representative. Louie has been a hero and saved our family tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and I have already referred him to a couple of friends.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Zak balogun
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02 Jul, 2022 by A. addison
The owner cares deeply for families and works hard to make sure her clients have their estate plans in order for the time when those documents are needed. The firm is highly professional and I highly recommend them for your probate needs.
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02 Jul, 2022 by Iona demease
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28 Dec, 2024 by Ricardo longares
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13 Dec, 2024 by Abdul aziz sillah
Henrietta and Axa are two amazing ladies that will do anything and go to every lengths to make sure you have you have the right treatment and resolve your case in the most stress free way. They will always reach out to you to tell you every step of your case progress. It was a pleasure working with these ladies. They just grab your hands and tell you everything you need to do and know. If there were ten stars, I rate this firm that much.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Darryl mambangui
It was really nice to work with this law office, and they took care of my case very fast. I recommend everyone to use their services.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Ed & jen branch
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31 Mar, 2023 by Tammy nicholas
Very professional and listens well. Offers options when needed. I immediately felt comfortable. Very beautiful office, as well.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Brianna groves
Everyone is so nice and attentive. Attorney Richard Howard is definitely someone I recommend. Everyone there has so much experience.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Autumn dawn
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11 Sep, 2015 by Epe
I dont know anything about the other reviewer's situation, but I have known Paul in a professional capacity for 25 years since he was at V & E. Paul is one of the brightest and most competent legal "minds" around. I know many lawyers at top 5 firms in the US, yet when I need a lawyer to represent me, I called Paul. Having worked with him on a complex investment banking case, I know firsthand that he is capable of handling almost any case he accepts, particularly in the business arena. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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17 Aug, 2014 by Raymond
The few times we spoke, he was all over the place, which leads me to believe he is very disorganized and flying by the seat of his pants as well. He inflated my invoice beyond limits.. When asked where did the “stuff” came from, he agreed to reduce the invoice amount..As it turned out, he had spent my initial retainer fee, and did not have the money to return… He never gave me a Monthly statement. It took him over 4 months, after his services were done on 6/19/13, to send me my first & final statement (after repeated requests from me). My final account statement was dated 10/23/13 and received on my end 10/29/13... He owed me money back from my retainer fee of 25k. However, since he spent it, he did not have the 20K balance to return.. It took over one year to recover the 20K. It took many repeated requests/emails for a pay back, and all of Paul’s’ replies were empty promises. 4 checks @ 5k each was one version of the deal. First payment was received by end of Feb 2014 and the last check was received on 8/11/14. Paul violated the law and the rules. I definitely would NOT recommend him.
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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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