Filter by

star star star star star
01 Sep, 2017 by Francis (md)
I am a physician who had never hired a lawyer before to perform a contract review, and I paid for it dearly on my first go-round. This time around, I found Justin, and what an incredible difference he has made. Not only was he courteous, prompt, knowledgeable, and available when I needed him, but he was also extremely professional and very kind. He called exactly when he said he would, he emailed me edits exactly when he said he would, and he offered ideas and suggestions that I hadn't thought of myself. And to top it off, he negotiated all of the agreed upon changes with my new employer without me having to lift a finger. He emailed back and forth with them, spoke to them on the phone about my desired contractual changes, and he really advocated for my best interest. And the whole time he kept me in the loop, with full transparency of the conversations he was having with my employer, which allowed us to modify our strategy and requests live. By the end of the process, I got most of what I was looking for in terms of requested changes, including a lot of "big ticket" items that were especially important for me. Oh, and he also provided me with a market analysis of my employer's compensation package, which allowed me to know where I stacked up nationwide in terms of fair market compensation. I also liked that he remained objective in his counseling of me; he didn't fill my head with smoke or anything like that. He was honest and earnest throughout the entire process, which is a very rare quality amongst people nowadays. All in all, this was an absolutely GREAT experience, and I will be using Justin and his company exclusively in the future should I ever need these types of services again.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Justin was timely and professional in reviewing my contract and helping me negotiate a fair contract. I felt like he was dedicated to my case and did a great job.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2017 by Ahad
Helped me during the contract negotiations. I am very much Impressed with his communication and professional skills. I will definitely recommend to new fellows / residents who are signing new contracts, to have their contracts reviewed. Once again, thank you.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Dec, 2018 by Maria
I am a H1B physician and recipient of the Conrad 30 program. I required an employment contract review in a timely and professional manner. Barrister Claussen reviewed and assisted to negotiate my contract. He was also able to pick out specific clauses in the multi-page document that could have been disastrous for me if overlooked. Fantastic Lawyer!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Aug, 2018 by Jordan
I recently hired Kyle for his services regarding a difficult contract situation. He was very knowledgeable about a unique situation and had the utmost professionalism and was very personable. I definitely recommend Kyle for any applicable legal service and will definitely go to him again in the future for any further contract needs!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Kyle Claussen is very professional and was able to increase my pay rate and benefits through his negotiation techniques. He made me more comfortable to sign my healthcare contract after negotions from his redline edits. He reviewed my contract in a timely manner despite short notice. His service was very affordable. I highly recommend his services.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.

Scroll to top