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24 Dec, 2021 by Gerald
Paul handled a delicate and complicated situation over the course of nearly two full years - in terms of guidance, legal support/action, and a property sale. From the start he laid out a course of action which was very direct and clear, but what made me comfortable is that he presented it very confidently but with compassion and an understanding for what I was feeling personally. I felt like he truly empathized with my circumstances, listened to my point of view, and essentially acted as a true sounding board while already crafting a game plan on which for us to execute. I never felt that I did not know where we were headed, but in a way felt I was still in control of my path, yet I was in the good hands of a true professional. I have worked with many attorneys both personally and in a business setting, so I can certainly attest to the good and not so good of attorneys, and Paul checks all the good boxes. Again he brings a personal touch to the work where you know he genuinely cares. That is huge. However, equally on a professional level and knowledge of his craft, he would be tough to match. He has a way of reciting the law but also communicating it in a way that is easy to digest and follow. Paul is also very reliable and consistently in touch seemingly at need. I acknowledged he has several clients and a full plate at all times, but never did I feel like I was on the backburner - it was as if my issues were front and center and always his priority. No client can expect that but I feel like that's what I got. To be fair, a review is not legitimate without at least one critique, but honestly the only thing I would say is that he could have convinced me sooner to take his advice and stop sitting on my hands It was ultimately only my hesitation and stubbornness but he did not stop short of giving me his two cents in that regard - and that is much respected and probably his true value. And even when I delayed in decision making, he found a way to make up for that in some way. Really amazing. On the real estate side of things, his experience and knowledge of the market and conditions is top notch. He was spot on with listing price and took prudent steps to ensure a quick and successful sale. Again all the while over communicating progress and any next steps along the way. I have sold a few properties through the years, but I have never felt so supported. I love that I could just chime in but essentially "STAY OUT OF IT!" Got to deeply thank Paul for everything and highly recommend.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Dhaval
Paul was hired by our company to refiance a loan for our hotel. Paul is very: 1.Smart, extreemely knowledable in his feild of work 2.Responsive, picks up the phone when called or retruns calls ASAP 3.Organised, very organised!! 4. Gets the job done with the least amount of stress to us. He did such a great job on our first hotel we hired him to refiance our 2nd hotel as well. Bottom line Paul gets the job done, pleasant to work with and is extreemely knowledable as a Loan broaker/Attorney!!!
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30 Dec, 2019 by Shannon
From the moment of our first contact, Paul was immediately responsive, and had already done homework on our property, and the sellers. We had found ourselves in the midst of massive non-disclosures on the property we had purchased, facing a huge amount of money to make it habitable and functional, and were at a total loss on how to handle it all. We finally decided that we needed to do something about it legally, and reached out to Paul, who had been referred by a close friend. Paul worked tirelessly with us over the next few months, sending information to us, responding immediately to all questions, and making us laugh when we wanted to cry. He is quite the detective, searching out every angle possible until he finds the key that fits. Paul would not let us give up, and when we finally said we just wanted OUT of the nightmare, he said let's go for that angle. In the end, we achieved the unheard of...the sellers agreed to purchase back the property! With this incredible turn of events, we were able to immediately start looking for another property, which we found that same week. Paul navigated us forward and through it all...juggling back and forth as we sold back our property and purchased our new one (in the midst of our being on vacation out of the country!). We are now very happily living in our new home/property...something that would not have been possible without Paul, who has now become a dear friend as well as Attorney. We cannot thank him enough for all he did for us.
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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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