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11 Reviews
13 Oct, 2024 by Jahnoi anderson
**Review of John Lynch's Law Firm**
I recently sought the services of John Lynch to help navigate some complex issues regarding the structuring of my home ownership and business, specifically around setting up an LLC to manage a trust related to a duplex I am renting in Chicago. Unfortunately, my experience has been far from satisfactory.
During our initial consultation, John provided a quote for setting up the LLC. However, what followed was a frustrating two-month process marred by significant errors. Despite my repeated attempts to communicate the correct name for the LLC, John still registered it incorrectly, leading to further delays and complications as I was forced to rename the LLC.
To make matters worse, I received an unexpected bill after the error, which I contested, believing it to be due to the additional hours needed to correct the name—an issue that should not have arisen had John double-checked my communications. Despite raising these concerns, I felt ignored, as my requests for clarity on the billing were brushed aside, and I was instead met with a notice of delinquency.
I also discovered unexplained charges related to my requests for corrections that had been mishandled. It's clear that poor organization and a lack of attention to detail have led to unnecessary costs on my end.
Even more concerning, I recently reached out to John about the trust document, as an external lawyer reviewed it and flagged the absence of a residuary clause—something critical that needs to be addressed promptly. I am demanding that John rectify this issue without further delay, as it has significantly hampered my plans and incurred additional expenses.
To further complicate matters, I received a notice of delinquency that included a bill for an annual report filing fee that John never communicated to me. Neither John nor I have any records of this bill, and it appears he was notified by the state months ago but failed to inform me until now, leading to a late fee. This lack of communication and oversight is utterly unacceptable.
Based on my experience, I feel compelled to report John Lynch to the Illinois Bar Association and the Better Business Bureau to warn others about the lack of professionalism and disorganized service I encountered. It’s clear I’m not alone in feeling this way, as reflected in other reviews I've seen.
In summary, I cannot recommend John Lynch's law firm. The combination of mismanagement, poor communication, and unprofessional handling of my case has caused significant stress and financial strain. Proceed with caution if you choose to engage his services.
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09 Oct, 2024 by R o
No one answers the phone, nor do they return your call after multiple messages
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21 Aug, 2024 by Review dude
Doesn’t communicate and also likes to give himself raises through a Bankruptcy. Please shop around you will find better.
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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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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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25 Jun, 2024 by Israel
The following is based on my experience and perspective as a previous client. If you're ok with your divorce attorney taking his time, with no pressure or proactivity to move things along, and you’re definitely not interested in litigation but handling everything through settlement, then hire Dan.
After 3 months of working with Dan. I had a bad gut feeling that I was in the same position and made zero progress with the divorce case. So I began to consult with other family law attorneys for a second opinion. Dan is not a terrible attorney but was referred to as a “settlement attorney.” Meaning that if you’re looking for an attorney who will roll up his sleeve, ensure the divorce process gets moving and will be proactive with your case (especially as a father), then definitely look for another attorney, which is exactly what I had to do after the below happened.
After he ran through the initial retainer, he still charged me another 1.1K for services rendered. All that was accomplished legally was getting my wife served, a court appearance, 2 mediation sessions coordinated (which was paid outside of the retainer), and a 2nd court date that kept getting pushed down. A bulk of the costs on the invoice were for emails, texts and phone calls. For example, on one Saturday morning, I spoke to him for 63 seconds and my brother spoke to him for less than 3 minutes. Yet on his invoice he charged me for 24 minutes worth of service/fees. The previous is just one example of the line items I asked him to please elaborate and explain how he reached the final cost.
I asked him via email first to please elaborate and explain how he reaches the final cost/fees. First he called me a week later asking me a question to an answer I had already provided to him via text about a week and half ago. I then asked him if he could please elaborate how he got to the final cost/services regarding his invoice. His responses were defensive, he said that Judges tell him that “he doesn’t charge enough.” I tried asking him about specific line items (like the one previously mentioned) and he did not provide a clear answer. His response was, “What do you want?” and “this is the part where [I'm] supposed to give a number” but adds that if I low-ball him he “will walk away and I can go ahead and find another representation.” This was also not the first time he raised his voice (borderline yells) at me over the phone.
If necessary to defend my review, I can provide proof of call times plus the messages and emails I would send him and would get no response to them. I don’t want to drag this review out further so let me end this review with that he was much quicker to respond and take action regarding his payment (literally hours) in comparison to how proactive and quickly he handled my case, not to mention he took days to get back to my new family law attorney to make a legal transition of counsel in the case.
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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
30 Jan, 2025 by Bruno g
I can’t say enough “GREAT” things about Attorney Ed Farmer. First he has a personal touch that even the big firms don’t have. The first time I called him he actually picked up the phone (just before lunchtime I thought it was intake person or a secretary) I knew this was the one. I previously called a LARGE firm who I’ll leave “unnamed” I was just a number with that firm. Once Ed answered the phone personally and we talked and went over things I went with him and never looked back. His staff was AWESOME and so understanding and walked me through everything I needed to do. I was originally on pins and needles before calling Ed and his staff but it was so natural dealing with them you can’t go wrong. One stop shop he has all the resources in house and MOST important he is ACCREDITED! DO NOT deal with any attorney who is not an accredited VA attorney, don’t gamble with your claim do your homework it will pay off in the long run. Do yourself a favor call Attorney Ed Farmer who is a Veteran himself and consult with him, you can’t go wrong.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Katarzyna kaminska, realtor
I recently had the opportunity to work with Abby Baikos. Abby was the attorney for a mutual client whom was selling a home. From the moment I spoke to Abby I knew we would work well together. What we have in common is integrity, prioritizing clients best interest, effective communication & getting things done quickly & effortlessly as they arise. Abby is professional, knowledgeable & honest. I Love working with an attorney who has integrity & her clients best interest at heart & that is Abby! It was truly a pleasure working with Abby as a team to ensure a timely, smooth & fun transaction. I highly recommend her & I am excited to work together again in the near future!!!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Marcellus johnson
I am deeply grateful for Mr. Farmer's hard
work, guidance, and support. He truly
went above and beyond to ensure that
my interests were protected and that
I received the best possible outcome.
I highly recommend Attorney Edward
Farmer to anyone seeking exceptional
legal representation
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02 Apr, 2024 by Diana plop
I had the pleasure of working with Chris Collander and his team recently. They were very communicative, and I didn't have to follow up with them. The team dedicated sufficient time to guide my clients through their processes. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to work with Chris Collander and his team!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Aditya sabadra
15 Jan, 2024 by Gretchen pawlowski
I am delighted to share my positive experience working with Chris Collander and his staff. Their knowledge of real estate law, coupled with a deep understanding of the local market, has proven invaluable. Chris Collander is not only a dedicated advocate for our clients but also someone I can trust to prioritize their best interests. Our collaborative efforts have been seamless, making transactions smoother. I highly recommend Chris Callander and his whole staff.
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16 Dec, 2024 by --
The service was really good and i this law firm to anybody who needs injury and accidental help.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Jon youngren
Colin O'Malley and the entire firm worked tirelessly for years to help us reach an agreement in our personal injury case. It was clear from the start that they cared about us and our little girl (also a plaintiff), and fought to find the desired outcome. While we certainly hope to never need COKT services again, we are confident that we would use them again in a heartbeat, and we would recommend anyone in need of representation to seek out COKT to handle their case.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
16 Dec, 2024 by --
The service was really good and i this law firm to anybody who needs injury and accidental help.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Jon youngren
Colin O'Malley and the entire firm worked tirelessly for years to help us reach an agreement in our personal injury case. It was clear from the start that they cared about us and our little girl (also a plaintiff), and fought to find the desired outcome. While we certainly hope to never need COKT services again, we are confident that we would use them again in a heartbeat, and we would recommend anyone in need of representation to seek out COKT to handle their case.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
20 Jan, 2015 by Kirk
As a small business I had some legal concerns and their information was very helpful in directing my business in the right direction. I will be contacting them again if the need comes.
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16 Nov, 2022 by Joel
Annette Corrigan assisted my attorney in my divorce case. She was great to work with. Annette took the time to explain details of my case and work with me to achieve the best options. I would highly recommend Annette, Colleen Breems and Lavelle Law for your family law needs.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
This attorney did a wonderful job for my L1 immigration case and I will definitely recommend her to my friends around.
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07 Mar, 2011 by Terrance mcdaniel
It is rare that I have a good report for a lawyer. But there is a first time for everything! I used Ms. McDonald’s services for a contract review. One of the first things that she told me was that she would always do as little or as much as I wanted her to do. She estimated how long it would take to review and discuss the contract with me. She clearly explained my options and was able to answer my questions and calmed my concerns. She made me feel comfortable.
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07 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
We worked with a number of real estate lawyers with mixed results until we found Dave. Dave has now guided us through a number of personal and investment property real estate transactions well as supported new residential construction transactions . Dave is readily accessible and extremely responsive. He has a no BS manner that has served us well in numerous negotiations and sticky situations. He is extremely knowledgeable and very experienced. Highly recommend him for anyone embarking on purchasing their first house to those , like us, managing multiple properties and transactions.
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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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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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05 Sep, 2024 by Bonnie bayser
17 May, 2024 by Josh m
Honest guys. Hold even the foia department accountable
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27 Jul, 2021 by Daniel myers
I worked with Joshua B. Rosenzweig on the closing for my house. Prompt, excellent service, and very personable. I highly recommend him, and this office!
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19 Sep, 2018 by Expert plumbing
Great service and friendly personnel
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24 Oct, 2017 by Stephen brockman
When my wife and I had issues with the City of Naperville Mr. Bobosky pulled us out of the fire. We use him for our house closings(we flip houses) as well. Worth every penny.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Timaka funderburk
Very pleased with overall experience
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alejandra badillo
I highly recommend Attorney David Fish and his firm I would say the level of expertise, professionalism, and personal concern displayed by David Fish and his team was very amazing
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04 Aug, 2024 by Aj p
I called with an inquiry and was greeted by Nicole, who was an absolute sweetheart. She was very empathetic, attentive, and compassionate. I look forward to working with this firm as they truly care for their clientele and will fight for what’s right.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Martha winter
Jeff Keller is the best attorney I have ever worked with. He and his associates are very professional and respectful while achieving an outstanding result. Jeff has handled multiple cases for me from child support to financial and all were handled with exceptional care. I highly recommend Keller Legal Services.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Roman stavniichuk
This lawyer was unable to deal with a case of abusive mother with OP against her. The case was done so unprofessional that she got the majority of kids time, despite being homeless and jobless. Lawyer was unable to send appropriate documents on time, file simple motions and the case was lost. May be all of that was staged and they just had a deal with opposite side.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Bill lardi
A+ service-very helpful and professional. Thank you for putting our trust together.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Jennifer strubler
Great service and very responsive!
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10 Sep, 2023 by Peter alexenko
Adam, has been my attorney for the past 15 years and counting. He has handled a multitude of cases; from family court, business litigation, to criminal (DUI) cases. No matter your situation you can't go wrong with Adam. Adam has been practicing law for the better part of 40 years and knows how things will shake out. He has earned the respect from his colleagues in and out of the courtroom. All of the Judges seem to know him and respect him. I would strongly suggest hiring Adam stillo for any legal matter your facing. If it's not something he thinks he can handle, he will let you know. He's also very fair when it comes to billing and willing to work with clients on payment. Thank you for all your help over the years!
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18 Jan, 2022 by John
They missed something in my order
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29 Jun, 2024 by Sorin mihut
26 Mar, 2024 by Mahala bacon
Mark is personable. I believe he listens well. Like all things in the legal field; it just takes forever. He's a good lawyer.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Tami colclasure
It was a very easy and seamless experience selling my home with Mark! Heather and Matt were also fantastic at helping me with any questions I had. They responded to my emails and phone calls almost immediately every time! I would use this law office and recommend them to anyone who needs to buy or sell a home without a realtor or for estate planning!
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05 Feb, 2024 by Lon duncan
David has always come through for us. His knowledge and expertise in his profession is the best. Not only is David professional, he is kind, considerate and takes to heart your needs and concerns. He follows through with everything involving your case and sees to it that you are taken care of.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Kim causley-cazallis
David Schaffer the best!!! He is very professional and handles every case with expertise and professionalism!! He treats his clients like family!! He is hands on every step of the way to the end of the case!! I had an opportunity to see David in action in court and I was extremely impressed by his knowledge of the law and enthusiasm to fight for his clients!! I would recommend Schaffer Family Law to my family and friends!!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Justine mitas
Do not recommend. She dropped my case right before the court. She explained: your case may take longer than expected and I am planning my summer a different way.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Joshua johnston
Darran took the time to help in making sure you felt valued. But the entire legal team is to thank in all honesty. I had supreme and utter confidence in his abilities. If considering representation particularly regarding an OOP go to Darran he will secure the W!
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25 Nov, 2024 by Resistance jedi
19 Feb, 2024 by Hope coulter
I highly recommend Darran ! He is one of the best there is . Narrissa is so helpful as well they are a great team ! Thank you for all you do Darran !
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05 Feb, 2024 by Lon duncan
David has always come through for us. His knowledge and expertise in his profession is the best. Not only is David professional, he is kind, considerate and takes to heart your needs and concerns. He follows through with everything involving your case and sees to it that you are taken care of.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Kim causley-cazallis
David Schaffer the best!!! He is very professional and handles every case with expertise and professionalism!! He treats his clients like family!! He is hands on every step of the way to the end of the case!! I had an opportunity to see David in action in court and I was extremely impressed by his knowledge of the law and enthusiasm to fight for his clients!! I would recommend Schaffer Family Law to my family and friends!!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Justine mitas
Do not recommend. She dropped my case right before the court. She explained: your case may take longer than expected and I am planning my summer a different way.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Michael dieter
Highly recommend, the reviews are spot on. Had a consultation with John and found him to be caring and compassionate. I highly recommend this firm.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Sorin mihut
17 Jan, 2024 by Edgar serna
05 Feb, 2024 by Lon duncan
David has always come through for us. His knowledge and expertise in his profession is the best. Not only is David professional, he is kind, considerate and takes to heart your needs and concerns. He follows through with everything involving your case and sees to it that you are taken care of.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Kim causley-cazallis
David Schaffer the best!!! He is very professional and handles every case with expertise and professionalism!! He treats his clients like family!! He is hands on every step of the way to the end of the case!! I had an opportunity to see David in action in court and I was extremely impressed by his knowledge of the law and enthusiasm to fight for his clients!! I would recommend Schaffer Family Law to my family and friends!!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Justine mitas
Do not recommend. She dropped my case right before the court. She explained: your case may take longer than expected and I am planning my summer a different way.
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18 Dec, 2024 by April september
Read David Hill's comment below.
All you need to know.
5 star comments are fake comments by friends and family.
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25 Oct, 2024 by William holly
I dealt solely with senior lawyer John Brennock at this firm and he was courteous, attentive, and very knowledgeable about real estate law, especially when your landlord or the building management may be trying to rip you off! Highly recommended.
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25 Oct, 2024 by William
I moved out of an apartment recently and checked all of the normal, necessary boxes in doing so. However, the building management company tried to sneak in more month of rent under my nose by lengthening the lease on the digital lease renewal the year earlier, notifying me that I still needed to payone more month of rent even after I had already left. This was sneaky on the part of the management, but what was I to do? Enter John Brennock! He called me back immediately after I contacted him and asked for all the documents he would need to make an informed decision about how to proceed. The end result? I was out of my lease by the end of the workday and the management company never tried to contact me again.
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18 Dec, 2024 by April september
Read David Hill's comment below.
All you need to know.
5 star comments are fake comments by friends and family.
Read more
25 Oct, 2024 by William holly
I dealt solely with senior lawyer John Brennock at this firm and he was courteous, attentive, and very knowledgeable about real estate law, especially when your landlord or the building management may be trying to rip you off! Highly recommended.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Deanna cortese
We used Diaz Anselmo & Associates (specifically Tom and Jessica from the Naperville office) for the purchase of a new home. Tom is an amazing lawyer. He is extremely thorough, quick to reply, and kind. Jessica was also there every step of the way. She is organized and patient while answering all of our questions. We loved them so much, we used them to represent us in the sale of our townhome, and also recommended them to a family member for the sale of their house! While buying or selling a home is stressful, both Tom and Jessica made it easy. They are trustworthy, accommodating, and reliable people. They will be representing us any time we buy or sell in the future.
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18 Dec, 2024 by April september
Read David Hill's comment below.
All you need to know.
5 star comments are fake comments by friends and family.
Read more
25 Oct, 2024 by William holly
I dealt solely with senior lawyer John Brennock at this firm and he was courteous, attentive, and very knowledgeable about real estate law, especially when your landlord or the building management may be trying to rip you off! Highly recommended.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Deanna cortese
We used Diaz Anselmo & Associates (specifically Tom and Jessica from the Naperville office) for the purchase of a new home. Tom is an amazing lawyer. He is extremely thorough, quick to reply, and kind. Jessica was also there every step of the way. She is organized and patient while answering all of our questions. We loved them so much, we used them to represent us in the sale of our townhome, and also recommended them to a family member for the sale of their house! While buying or selling a home is stressful, both Tom and Jessica made it easy. They are trustworthy, accommodating, and reliable people. They will be representing us any time we buy or sell in the future.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Andrielle
I reached out to this attorney on July 24, 2024. We set up a Zoom call to go over the details and he advised that he would take on the matter. The date is now September 25, 2024 and there has been zero communication. My emails go unanswered. He's no responsive. He checks in and says he will reach out to you and doesn't.
I expected a lot more out of a legal professional, but received a lot less. I'm never one to leave a negative review, however, this has to be the absolute worst!
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23 Jan, 2020 by John
Dan has been my real estate lawyer for several years and I just had him complete another home closing for my business. We had several challenges but Dan and Stacey were on top of it every step of the way. I have also consulted Dan for non-real estate issues and I found to him to be equally professional and knowledgeable. I have recommended him to friends and work associates.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Saleem
Dan Fitzgerald is a great lawyer, he helped me out with my case and got me the best results . He was always available to answer my questions and concerns, and gave me the best advice to get the best results. My case went to trial ,he was sharp and experienced and did a great job .. I recommended him to my friend and he helped him out and got him great results.. also his assistant Stacey did a great job . She always took down notes and was helpful all the time .. thanks Dan for a great job and having great people working with you ..
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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.
