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16 May, 2024 by Cassie joens
Very helpful!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Chad riney
I highly recommend John Doak! I brought to him a complicated employment matter. He clearly explained to me the situation and gave me my options. I felt like John had my best interest at heart during the entire engagement.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Aaron edmark
Looking for some advice with my recent job and if anything can be done. John told me it would be viewed as insubordination. There was no insubordination I did my job I wasn't happy with my employer not doing their job. The whole tone of the email just rubbed me the wrong way... I suggest looking elsewhere.
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16 May, 2024 by Cassie joens
Very helpful!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Chad riney
I highly recommend John Doak! I brought to him a complicated employment matter. He clearly explained to me the situation and gave me my options. I felt like John had my best interest at heart during the entire engagement.
Read more
28 Jul, 2023 by Aaron edmark
Looking for some advice with my recent job and if anything can be done. John told me it would be viewed as insubordination. There was no insubordination I did my job I wasn't happy with my employer not doing their job. The whole tone of the email just rubbed me the wrong way... I suggest looking elsewhere.
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06 May, 2022 by Robert brown
Unethical, uses excuses. Refuses to represent or help. As I said they use excuses. They represent a person and after they win a case. They continue to represent that said person. Without fairness, or justice. The founding fathers would be ashamed of the mockery you have made of a system.
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07 Feb, 2022 by Chris kenn
31 Dec, 2021 by Becky lopez
What an awful experience. My teenage son was assaulted by his father and Prairie State agreed to represent me (us) in a modification of visitation. My son was very traumatized by what had happened and felt traumatized again after this. Not ONCE, not EVER, did the attorney agree to meet us in person. It would take many days, or sometimes a week or longer, to even get a return call. Court date after court date the attorney NEVER, NOT ONCE, showed up in court! This went on for MONTHS. The Prairie State attorney would just “ counsel” me over the phone as to what to say or do…..and that is IF I was lucky enough to even get a call back. The attorneys “ counseling “ advise was pretty much useless, as my ex’s attorney was there and would frequently object to me speaking because I wasn’t phrasing something correctly. Even the judge asked me where our representation was at and why was she not there. Thank goodness that the advocates were there to at least give my son and I some emotional support and could try to make recommendations after each court appearance. I would say easily that half of the time we would show up to court to find out the other attorney had requested to change the court date…. I was never notified as apparently they were contacting Prairie State as they were the ones who were supposedly representing us. Finally, after MONTHS, of court dates, a modified order was ordered by the judge. HIS attorney agreed to write up the new order since MY attorney was never present in court. Prairie State mailed me a copy of the “modified “ order HIS attorney mailed them…..it included things the judge ordered changed, BUT also other changes NOT ordered by the judge ( things like he won’t be responsible for carrying health insurance on our son any longer, things like that). I called Prairie State right away after getting the modified order and requested a call regarding and explained what the issue was. After a good week or so, the Prairie State attorney called me wanting to know what the problem was. I explained to her IF she would check court records for what the judge ordered against the original order, she would see that his attorney was making other changes not ordered by the judge or approved by me. I never heard from the Prairie State attorney again nor did she return any of my calls after that. Then the Prairie State attorney, after about 2 months, sends me a letter stating that she is considering the case closed for lack of communication with her… what a complete joke! This was by far one the most horrible things that my son or I have ever had to go through … for an attor I’m sure if I had money like my ex and could of afforded to pay money for representation, this experience would of been at least a little less traumatic. Shame on them!
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06 May, 2022 by Robert brown
Unethical, uses excuses. Refuses to represent or help. As I said they use excuses. They represent a person and after they win a case. They continue to represent that said person. Without fairness, or justice. The founding fathers would be ashamed of the mockery you have made of a system.
Read more
07 Feb, 2022 by Chris kenn
31 Dec, 2021 by Becky lopez
What an awful experience. My teenage son was assaulted by his father and Prairie State agreed to represent me (us) in a modification of visitation. My son was very traumatized by what had happened and felt traumatized again after this. Not ONCE, not EVER, did the attorney agree to meet us in person. It would take many days, or sometimes a week or longer, to even get a return call. Court date after court date the attorney NEVER, NOT ONCE, showed up in court! This went on for MONTHS. The Prairie State attorney would just “ counsel” me over the phone as to what to say or do…..and that is IF I was lucky enough to even get a call back. The attorneys “ counseling “ advise was pretty much useless, as my ex’s attorney was there and would frequently object to me speaking because I wasn’t phrasing something correctly. Even the judge asked me where our representation was at and why was she not there. Thank goodness that the advocates were there to at least give my son and I some emotional support and could try to make recommendations after each court appearance. I would say easily that half of the time we would show up to court to find out the other attorney had requested to change the court date…. I was never notified as apparently they were contacting Prairie State as they were the ones who were supposedly representing us. Finally, after MONTHS, of court dates, a modified order was ordered by the judge. HIS attorney agreed to write up the new order since MY attorney was never present in court. Prairie State mailed me a copy of the “modified “ order HIS attorney mailed them…..it included things the judge ordered changed, BUT also other changes NOT ordered by the judge ( things like he won’t be responsible for carrying health insurance on our son any longer, things like that). I called Prairie State right away after getting the modified order and requested a call regarding and explained what the issue was. After a good week or so, the Prairie State attorney called me wanting to know what the problem was. I explained to her IF she would check court records for what the judge ordered against the original order, she would see that his attorney was making other changes not ordered by the judge or approved by me. I never heard from the Prairie State attorney again nor did she return any of my calls after that. Then the Prairie State attorney, after about 2 months, sends me a letter stating that she is considering the case closed for lack of communication with her… what a complete joke! This was by far one the most horrible things that my son or I have ever had to go through … for an attor I’m sure if I had money like my ex and could of afforded to pay money for representation, this experience would of been at least a little less traumatic. Shame on them!
Read more
06 May, 2022 by Robert brown
Unethical, uses excuses. Refuses to represent or help. As I said they use excuses. They represent a person and after they win a case. They continue to represent that said person. Without fairness, or justice. The founding fathers would be ashamed of the mockery you have made of a system.
Read more
07 Feb, 2022 by Chris kenn
31 Dec, 2021 by Becky lopez
What an awful experience. My teenage son was assaulted by his father and Prairie State agreed to represent me (us) in a modification of visitation. My son was very traumatized by what had happened and felt traumatized again after this. Not ONCE, not EVER, did the attorney agree to meet us in person. It would take many days, or sometimes a week or longer, to even get a return call. Court date after court date the attorney NEVER, NOT ONCE, showed up in court! This went on for MONTHS. The Prairie State attorney would just “ counsel” me over the phone as to what to say or do…..and that is IF I was lucky enough to even get a call back. The attorneys “ counseling “ advise was pretty much useless, as my ex’s attorney was there and would frequently object to me speaking because I wasn’t phrasing something correctly. Even the judge asked me where our representation was at and why was she not there. Thank goodness that the advocates were there to at least give my son and I some emotional support and could try to make recommendations after each court appearance. I would say easily that half of the time we would show up to court to find out the other attorney had requested to change the court date…. I was never notified as apparently they were contacting Prairie State as they were the ones who were supposedly representing us. Finally, after MONTHS, of court dates, a modified order was ordered by the judge. HIS attorney agreed to write up the new order since MY attorney was never present in court. Prairie State mailed me a copy of the “modified “ order HIS attorney mailed them…..it included things the judge ordered changed, BUT also other changes NOT ordered by the judge ( things like he won’t be responsible for carrying health insurance on our son any longer, things like that). I called Prairie State right away after getting the modified order and requested a call regarding and explained what the issue was. After a good week or so, the Prairie State attorney called me wanting to know what the problem was. I explained to her IF she would check court records for what the judge ordered against the original order, she would see that his attorney was making other changes not ordered by the judge or approved by me. I never heard from the Prairie State attorney again nor did she return any of my calls after that. Then the Prairie State attorney, after about 2 months, sends me a letter stating that she is considering the case closed for lack of communication with her… what a complete joke! This was by far one the most horrible things that my son or I have ever had to go through … for an attor I’m sure if I had money like my ex and could of afforded to pay money for representation, this experience would of been at least a little less traumatic. Shame on them!
Read more
06 May, 2022 by Robert brown
Unethical, uses excuses. Refuses to represent or help. As I said they use excuses. They represent a person and after they win a case. They continue to represent that said person. Without fairness, or justice. The founding fathers would be ashamed of the mockery you have made of a system.
Read more
07 Feb, 2022 by Chris kenn
31 Dec, 2021 by Becky lopez
What an awful experience. My teenage son was assaulted by his father and Prairie State agreed to represent me (us) in a modification of visitation. My son was very traumatized by what had happened and felt traumatized again after this. Not ONCE, not EVER, did the attorney agree to meet us in person. It would take many days, or sometimes a week or longer, to even get a return call. Court date after court date the attorney NEVER, NOT ONCE, showed up in court! This went on for MONTHS. The Prairie State attorney would just “ counsel” me over the phone as to what to say or do…..and that is IF I was lucky enough to even get a call back. The attorneys “ counseling “ advise was pretty much useless, as my ex’s attorney was there and would frequently object to me speaking because I wasn’t phrasing something correctly. Even the judge asked me where our representation was at and why was she not there. Thank goodness that the advocates were there to at least give my son and I some emotional support and could try to make recommendations after each court appearance. I would say easily that half of the time we would show up to court to find out the other attorney had requested to change the court date…. I was never notified as apparently they were contacting Prairie State as they were the ones who were supposedly representing us. Finally, after MONTHS, of court dates, a modified order was ordered by the judge. HIS attorney agreed to write up the new order since MY attorney was never present in court. Prairie State mailed me a copy of the “modified “ order HIS attorney mailed them…..it included things the judge ordered changed, BUT also other changes NOT ordered by the judge ( things like he won’t be responsible for carrying health insurance on our son any longer, things like that). I called Prairie State right away after getting the modified order and requested a call regarding and explained what the issue was. After a good week or so, the Prairie State attorney called me wanting to know what the problem was. I explained to her IF she would check court records for what the judge ordered against the original order, she would see that his attorney was making other changes not ordered by the judge or approved by me. I never heard from the Prairie State attorney again nor did she return any of my calls after that. Then the Prairie State attorney, after about 2 months, sends me a letter stating that she is considering the case closed for lack of communication with her… what a complete joke! This was by far one the most horrible things that my son or I have ever had to go through … for an attor I’m sure if I had money like my ex and could of afforded to pay money for representation, this experience would of been at least a little less traumatic. Shame on them!
Read more
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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:
-
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.
