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06 Oct, 2024 by Jonathan berning
David was amazing to work with! I would have been lost without his guidance!! Cannot recommend him enough.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Tony davis
David assisted me with a traffic matter. His courteous, prompt, and professional manner made it easy. His fees were at the top of the scale I'd be willing to pay, but he gave a discount for upfront payment.
Thank you, David. I'll recommend you to anyone who needs your services.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Jenest espino
David was great in helping my boyfriend and I close on a house. He is a very patient man and very helpful in understanding that my boyfriend preferred to email/text instead of call. During the closing process, David helped us understand how everything works in layman's terms. He also made sure to check in every now and then to see if the lenders would push through earlier, but again, David was very patient even when we were not.
Overall, David Liberty is the guy to go to when you want something done. He does well in explaining everything and will make sure that you are getting what you need/want for a good reason. I thank those who introduced me to David Liberty since he is a genuine man to work with.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kenny perry
31 Aug, 2024 by Feng liu
Mr. Wang helped me application my son got green card. He was the best lawyer .
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08 Aug, 2024 by Brian saint
25 Oct, 2024 by Sheryl jerzak
I very much recommend John's services, as I've never met such a kind & caring attorney, who never treats his clients like another number:
His services are quick, seamless, and on top of which he has also provided some added assurance in all aspects, "holding my hand" throughout the entire process. His negotiation skills are also top notch! I'm very impressed by his work & would most definitely have him be my defender again if I ever experience another unforeseen predicament.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Tim lang
Working With John has been the greatest. He stuck through the toughest parts of my case with me and we overturned the odds and won! Thank you John Callahan!
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13 Apr, 2024 by Andrea holt
We were just about to give up hope on getting my boyfriend's license reinstated in IL when I contacted John Callahan this all changed. He and his associates were very helpful and understanding of our situation. They walked us through every step of the way and made it a much easier process than we had experienced trying to do it on our own.
We highly recommend John Callahan and his associates. Thank you again for all your help!!
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09 Nov, 2024 by Naser mohammed
I had a great experience working with Khan Nayyar and his team on my citizenship application. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. They made the whole process clear and easy to understand, and helped me every step of the way. Thanks to their expertise, my application was successful and went smoothly. I highly recommend Khan Nayyar to anyone looking for help with citizenship!
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05 Nov, 2024 by Omar “okamal” kamal
Faraz Nayyar and his team are amazing, he has incredible prices and deals. Effective communication and great knowledge. I'd definitely do business with him again.
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01 Nov, 2024 by James larsen
I went with immigration attorney Omar Khan with the K1 and K2 visa process. Both Omar and his assistant Jeethna were excellent and explained the process and timeline on how everything works. Very professional and knowledgeable and recommend Omar for anyone who is in need of an immigration attorney.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Terri shanks
Joanna and Raven were the best - helpful, timely, professional and friendly.
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26 Nov, 2024 by A c
Joanna and Sarah were amazing with helping me with my Grandfathers guardianship case they see very communicative and very supportive and they got the job done. Joanna and Sarah are amazing!! I would pick this law firm any day!! I absolutely absolutely love this law firm!!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Caroline marino
Used on two occasions for real estate matters and transactions. Our questions were answered very timely. Their process was thorough and efficient. The fee was appropriate. Will use again.
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5.0
14 Reviews
30 May, 2023 by Janice
I have so much gratitude for John's patience, compassion, and generosity with his time. He was truthful and empathetic. All of his characteristics are hard to find within the legal industry. Given the education of my daughter was at stake, I could not be more appreciative of John and would highly recommend him to anyone needing his services.
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12 Oct, 2021 by Floarea
Highly recommended very friendly and highly skilled I was happy with his work..
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18 Aug, 2021 by Anijela
Before saying that you are an extraordinary Lawyer, I want to tell you are an extraordinary human being!
Highly satisficed with my experience. Mr. Kreamer was a thorough professional. I am thankful for the work that he has done for me to get my business license for Home Care Service. Mr. Kreamer is definitely a great and caring attorney and I certainly do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much and I look forward to work with you in the future, you are for sure on my site if I ever need help or question.
Thank you again for all your help.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Jesse kelly
Cynthia is an exceptional employment attorney whose expertise and dedication to her clients set her apart. She is a trusted peer in employment law matters, and her voice in this area is both respected and impactful.
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03 Dec, 2024 by D watson
My 1st instinct was to give 1 star, but I settled on 2. That extra star is for the fact that when Cynthia was representing my daughter in a wrongful termination, she was very good. Unfortunately, she dropped us under false pretenses and had left us hanging out to dry. Paid $500 a year ago. Our contract said the $500 would cover the initial EEOC filing, representation at all interviews and possible mediation. In return, if we ended up settling, she would get 50%. After all the papers were initially filed, our EEOC case became a waiting game. With nothing going on in our case, In April, we got an email from Cynthia stating for medical reasons, she can no longer represent us. She did nothing to let EEOC know. As far as we knew, the case could take months before it moved forward, so we just continued to wait. Jump to late November, we were contacted by EEOC to schedule our first interview for 12/5/24. I thought maybe whatever medical issues Cynthia had 7 months ago had been resolved, so I emailed her. No response after a week, so I called her office explaining the whole situation and seeing if Cynthia or anyone could represent us during the interview. Last Wednesday I was promised a call back - never got it. Yesterday (Monday) I received email from Cynthia that she was "still preparing for surgery". I called again after getting the email and was promised a call back - again no call back. Called again today and I'm now waiting on a callback (for the 3rd time). While I'm waiting, I came here to Google Reviews and I see all these reviews dating back to 6 months ago all the way up until 7 days ago. So, this confirms my suspicions that she is no longer taking a medical leave (if she ever was). If no one from her firm is going to attend the interview on Thursday, I would like the truth as to why she dropped us. Cynthia said she was so confident in our case that she was waiving the initial retainer (I think $10k) if we end up going to court. So, did she drop us because it was a bad case or because it was a good case and she wanted to backout of the promise to waive the retainer. I also don't know if she still expects 50% of any possible settlement. This is so frustrating.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Oleksii lysenko
I recently had the pleasure of working with Cynthia Pietrucha to address a speeding ticket, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with her services. Cynthia is an exceptionally qualified, knowledgeable, and attentive attorney who made the entire process stress-free and efficient. She took the time to understand my case, explained my options clearly, and fought diligently on my behalf. Thanks to her expertise, the outcome exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Cynthia Pietrucha and her firm for anyone seeking legal assistance. Truly outstanding service!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Michelle schaper
Being a small business owner is often a lonely experience and one that can sometimes come with lots of uncertainty. When I found myself facing questions I didn't know the answer to and that seemed like they would benefit from legal support, I went searching within my network. Ian came highly recommended as a conscientious attorney who would make sure I was protected as a business owner. I couldn't agree more.
Ian is responsive, patient with my questions, thorough in his considerations and helpful in playing out various scenarios. No question is small or silly. I leave our conversations feeling equipped with the right information to make an empowered decision. I consider Ian a trusted advisor and an invaluable resource.
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22 Aug, 2022 by Amanda greenwood
02 Nov, 2021 by Gurpreet
Happy with the service and quick response on advise. to the point and recommend anyone uses this service
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07 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth bos
Bill Boznos is a very knowledgeable and professional attorney. He takes the time to explain everything. Highly recommended!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Z m
Readily available! Provided prompt and professional advice! Highly recommend!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Tiffany self
Bill has a wealth of knowledge and is patient with questions for those new to navigating legal issues. Highly recommend.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Suzanne riddle
Jeffrey Van Dyke is experienced, competent, and also personable. He relates stories that help understand the why behind the what. He is efficient and responsive to each detailed question. And he anticipates the questions we need to ask before we knew we needed to ask them. My husband and I highly recommend his services for estate planning.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Lauren pallini
We would highly recommend Jeff for any estate planning needs. What can be an intimidating process for first timers like us was made very easy and it was actually enjoyable to meet with Jeff and discuss these matters. The process was very smooth and communication was excellent through and through.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Sally griffen
For the past 17 years, Jeff has provided excellent advice and professional competence in preparing and updating my estate plan. I have been very thankful for Jeff’s caring expertise as I have navigated several major life changes including the death of my parents. My parents provided a well-organized estate plan for my brother and myself. I also wanted to give my family the gift of an excellent estate plan that we could discuss in advance. Jeff guided this process, raising questions and highlighting all the decisions that I needed to make. I would give Jeff my highest recommendation.
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22 Nov, 2022 by Courtney kavanaugh
Angie is the definition of great counsel! The next Johnnie Cochran!
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19 Sep, 2019 by Mario palermo
Angie is an incredibly talented and dynamic family law and criminal law attorney. I have worked with her and observed her in action. You will be thankful to you have her on your side. I highly recommend her law firm.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Jamie larson
Angela was a true asset to me while going through my divorce. I felt she always had my best intentions at heart. What I truly appreciated about her services was that she didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear, but rather, what I needed to hear. This ensured that I was taking the emotion out of all decisions and acting in a manner that was best for me and my children.
I would highly recommend her to anyone - especially those going through highly emotional and complex divorce cases.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Piper
Tracie has been and continues to be a true support through my divorce!!! When my husband of 25 years decided he didn’t want to he married to me anymore, Tracie advised me with years long knowledge, kindness, respect and guidance!!! I could not have navigated this one on my own!!! Thank you Tracie!!!!
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23 May, 2024 by Monica
I cannot speak highly enough of Tracie. The 5-star reviews are spot on and not without the well deserved merit. Tracie came on as counsel a bit over 2yrs. into my divorce and she not only quickly grasped the situation she also had a good handle of opposing councel and was able to settle the matter in just over a week. I couldn't be more pleased with her professional and stead-fast work that she did for me. She is a credit to her profession and I highly recommend her services.
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04 Jan, 2023 by Betsy
Tracie was professional and straightforward, while being caring and warm from the very start. She makes herself available and listens intently. I appreciate her honesty and willingness to present options with guidance. I can't imagine navigating this difficult situation with anyone else.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Kathy
Elizabeth assisted us by drafting legal documents for architectural services. She was very thorough in assessing our needs and was very efficient in producing the needed documents. She showed a real concern for us as clients and was incredibly approachable and patient with us. She really goes above and beyond. I would recommend her without reservation to anyone.
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29 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
We would like to thank Elizabeth for her exceptional guidance
and professionalism (for over four years) throughout our case.
Elizabeth is well versed in the Law, and worked relentlessly
to achieve justice, while remaining respectful in and out of the
Courtroom. She guided, prepared and led us very efficiently.
She maintains high work ethics, honesty as well as insight. Our family was very pleased with the positive
outcome. Elizabeth is a pleasure to work with and a true
professional.
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24 Aug, 2015 by George
Background: a life insurance company was holding up our lump sum payment because of some technicalities. Another lawyer thought that we may need to fight the insurance company in federal court, which would be expensive and time consuming. That's when we decided to meet with Elizabeth.
Thanks to Elizabeth's experience (and the support of her talented team), they were able to get this matter settled in just two weeks!
Based on her negotiations with the insurance company, we didn't have to A) settle the matter in federal court, and B) pay the insurance company's legal fees, which they were seeking.
We were thrilled with the strategy, service and results provided by Elizabeth and her team. Thanks again!
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24 Feb, 2021 by Sara
Michael is an excellent lawyer! Very thorough and has helped me with all of my real estate transactions.
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24 Nov, 2017 by Robert
I have always been apprehensive about the prospect of having to deal with a lawyer.
I was very fortunate to have had Michael Bradt recommended to represent us for the sale of our condo. My initial dealing with Michael Bradt immediately wiped away any concerns I may have had, From the first conversation it became clear to me that this was a man I could put my full trust in. Mr. Bradt proved to be very knowledgeable and highly competent. He is a superb communicator who is readily available. He kept me appraised at every step of the transaction. I am certain you will be as pleased as we were if you enlist his services.
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23 Jun, 2017 by Justin
We hired Michael to buy our first condo in the city, sell that condo and then to buy a house in the burbs. He was incredibly helpful for all the transactions and what ended up being a rather difficult process of selling the condo. His fee is very reasonable for his expertise and we will most likely use him to sell our house if/when we choose to move.
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12 Jun, 2021 by Anza
Umair Malik is one of the most professional lawyer’s I have ever worked with. He was always on top of everything. He made sure everything was filled on time for my LLC. He kept be updated with the whole process without me having to reach out to him. Over all a person should not think twice before hiring Umair Malik, he is the best lawyer in the game.
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11 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Umair Malik did an amazing job representing me during my real estate purchase. He was available to answer any questions and responsive to any issues related to the closing. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs guidance or representation by a Lawyer.
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20 Oct, 2016 by Yumna
He helped establish my LLC, filed the tax paperwork, and drafted the contracts. Everything was done on time, great communication!
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17 Oct, 2023 by Christine
I am so happy I chose The Collins Law Firm to represent me. It is a very scary experience to go through, but Shawn, Ed and Johannah along with their entire staff always put my best interest first while making me feel at ease. Their professionalism was at the highest standard, along with their compassion and understanding. I cannot say enough about this law firm, they deserve a perfect 10!! Thank you to everyone who worked on my case.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
My experience with the Collins Law Firm was
top notch! In a world were concern for others seems to be lacking, Shawn and his team were
professional, compassionate, and always clear and concise when explaining tedious information.
I thank-you for your diligence and hard work to win my case…it is sincerely appreciated!
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12 Oct, 2023 by Marguerite
While not having any experience with law firms, I felt very confident in my choice to work with Shawn Collins and the Collins law firm of Naperville. Everyone I have interacted with in this firm is caring, professional and patient. Questions and concerns are always validated with thoughtful responses and regard. Communication was always clear and effective and they made sure I was understanding all aspects of litigation. This is the type of law firm you want in your corner in dealing with any aspect of the law. Thanks you so much to Shawn Collins and his team!
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21 Aug, 2015 by Elizabeth
Mark is extremely capable, knowledgable and pragmatic. He is aggressive but fair with good instincts and analytic abilities in both litigation and negotiation.
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08 Aug, 2013 by Patti
Mark is extremely intelligent and strategic. He examines every aspect of a case and comes back with a logical recommendation that reduces conflict and gets the best result. I used him for a real estate matter and would highly recommend him.
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05 Aug, 2016 by John
I hired Daniel to help with a case involving a moving company who damaged my property and then avoided contact with me. Daniel was very proactive about doing what he could to solve the situation quickly and proactively.
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13 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I am still working with Mr Fabbri in the case against a nursing home, and I couldn't not at this point be more pleased with his performance of moving forward TO bring justice to what happened to my mother (who lost her life) as the end result of being a resident in a nursing home facility. Those folk at that nursing home did not care about my mother; and has proven historically not to care about any resident that is entrusted to care for those who can not care for themselves. I am so impressed with Mr Fabbri because he shows that he does not let any grass grow under his feet. By that I mean, he works diligently to prepare the case in a timely manner and exudes passion for his job as a Lawyer. Even though the case is still in progress, I am confident that I will soon hear Mr Fabbri say that the case has been won and my mother will be vindicated (at least I, her daughter, who is left behind to just hold on to the precious memories of her will be).
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13 May, 2013 by Brian
Would work with Amina again in a heart beat. My wife and I worked with her on estate planning, and Amina knew the subject matter inside and out. She spent the time to go through the subject with us (which we were both new to) and ensured that all of our questions were answered. She looked into other investments we had and helped us determine the best way forward to have these incorporated into our estate planning. Her output documents are very thorough and seem to cover all the bases. She helped us plan out revocable living trusts, pour over wills, and with the ins and outs of all of the assets to ensure they are transferred and titled properly, and set up with appropriate beneficiaries to ensure that future needs are met.
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16 May, 2015 by Susan
What a wonderful experience with this law firm. Quick response time, open communication, very knowledgeable, very respectful of our needs and definitely had our best interest. Highly recommends this firm to anyone in need of real estate lawyer. Will be using them again for our next purchase/selling of future homes. Thanks Mr. Lindell.
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21 Dec, 2009 by Terry
Mr. Sansone is one of the best lawyers in the area!! He kept me informed every step of the way throughout this legal process. His attention to detail and making sure every "i" was dotted and every "t" was crossed. I would highly recommend Him and his law firm. Thank you Mark for all your expertise.
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29 Jun, 2015 by William
Mr. Moss saved me considerable cost in handling my first real estate purchase, a contract to build a new home. The changes he added to the contract to build saved me many thousands of dollars, much much more that the fees he charged me.
On my second home purchase, a used home purchase, he handled it very efficiently and professionally.
Plus before this home purchase, he got me out of a prior contract to buy a different property when I found out that the home inspection showed items that did not pass inspection, including items that the seller was not willing to repair to my satisfaction.
In all cases Mr. Moss was very responsive in taking my calls and fielding my questions. I highly recommend him.
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04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Jeff developed wills, trusts and medical powers of attorney for my family. My wife and I found him to be completely trustworthy and very highly skilled as an estate planner. He was also able to coordinate effectively with our financial advisor. We separately engaged Jeff to update the plan. Jeff also did a great job of setting up an S Corp for a consulting business I established while in transition between regular jobs. I would heartily recommend Jeff to anyone in need of help with estate planning or small business legal matters.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Lisa marquardt
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Attorney Kathleen H for her outstanding assistance with our refinance matter. Her expertise and insights were invaluable, and she went above and beyond to ensure we were well-informed and comfortable with our questions on the process and refinance review. We highly recommend her to anyone seeking exceptional legal advice. Thank you, Kathleen, for putting our minds at ease!
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06 May, 2024 by Danielle fiala
Michelle Chase is an exceptional real estate attorney who surpassed all my expectations. From our initial consultation to the finalization of my property transaction, Michelle displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her professionalism, coupled with her kindness and attentiveness, made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Michelle's expertise in real estate law is evident in her meticulous attention to detail. She thoroughly reviewed all documents, ensuring that every aspect of the transaction was in order. Her ability to explain complex legal jargon in a clear and understandable manner was truly impressive, making me feel confident and informed every step of the way.
What truly sets Michelle apart is her genuine care for her clients. She took the time to listen to my concerns and address any questions I had, demonstrating a level of personal attention that is rare to find. Her dedication to ensuring the best possible outcome for her clients is unmatched.
Thanks to Michelle's expertise and dedication, my real estate transaction was completed seamlessly and efficiently. I cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy real estate attorney. Michelle Chase is a true professional who goes above and beyond for her clients, and I am incredibly grateful for her outstanding service.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Sue l
I rarely write reviews on anything. I have to write it for Michelle who handled my real estate transaction for purchasing a house. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about her work. She responds to emails and phone calls in a timely manner. She is the attorney you want to work with, especially in this hectic market. Her assistant, Reba is also a pleasure to work with.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Douglas morris
I got myself in a big jam was gonna completely mess up my plans for the future and Alex came in like a quarterback with the game winning touchdown if you need help this is the way to go
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08 Jul, 2022 by Duece duece
08 Jul, 2022 by Jake sutton
He is the best lawyer on this planet. ktenas law Rock. He beats cases w flying colors
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08 Jul, 2022 by Douglas morris
I got myself in a big jam was gonna completely mess up my plans for the future and Alex came in like a quarterback with the game winning touchdown if you need help this is the way to go
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08 Jul, 2022 by Duece duece
08 Jul, 2022 by Jake sutton
He is the best lawyer on this planet. ktenas law Rock. He beats cases w flying colors
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19 Nov, 2024 by Laulej erakrik
23 May, 2023 by Bob reed
Attorney Homer was great
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26 Jul, 2020 by Scott brongiel
We could not of been happier with this company. Tom Homer and Stephen Sotelo were extremely professional throughout our multiple dealings with them. They kept in constant communication with us and always responded promptly to any and all concerns we had. They never dropped the ball and made sure progress never ceased by being in constant contact with buyer’s attorney. They also kept us in the loop on everything through sharing all communications with us. Will and have recommended this company to anyone in need of the services they offer. 5 out 5 stars no questions asked.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Naser mohammed
I had a great experience working with Khan Nayyar and his team on my citizenship application. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. They made the whole process clear and easy to understand, and helped me every step of the way. Thanks to their expertise, my application was successful and went smoothly. I highly recommend Khan Nayyar to anyone looking for help with citizenship!
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05 Nov, 2024 by Omar “okamal” kamal
Faraz Nayyar and his team are amazing, he has incredible prices and deals. Effective communication and great knowledge. I'd definitely do business with him again.
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01 Nov, 2024 by James larsen
I went with immigration attorney Omar Khan with the K1 and K2 visa process. Both Omar and his assistant Jeethna were excellent and explained the process and timeline on how everything works. Very professional and knowledgeable and recommend Omar for anyone who is in need of an immigration attorney.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Terri shanks
Joanna and Raven were the best - helpful, timely, professional and friendly.
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26 Nov, 2024 by A c
Joanna and Sarah were amazing with helping me with my Grandfathers guardianship case they see very communicative and very supportive and they got the job done. Joanna and Sarah are amazing!! I would pick this law firm any day!! I absolutely absolutely love this law firm!!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Caroline marino
Used on two occasions for real estate matters and transactions. Our questions were answered very timely. Their process was thorough and efficient. The fee was appropriate. Will use again.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Nino mrtz
Went in for an appointment that had been scheduled a month prior only to find out it had been canceled. With the cancelation email having been sent to a wrong email address. Was told that my next appointment would be rescheduled. It's been a week. I've emailed and called, it's as though they're screening my call. Ignoring it entirely. Not taking the case serious. Has been open for 6 years with only one step completed. Was told that I did not have to continue my case with this firm. Yet I already invested almost 5 grand with this attorney.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Olga jimenez
La mejor experiencia, tuve la Green card de mi mamá en 3 meses, la atención de la abogada y su equipo fue súper amable y accesible para cualquier duda.
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10 Feb, 2025 by Charlie. tovar
Muy recomendable es una excelente abogada,
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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.
