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19 Sep, 2024 by Boh higgins
When you walk in the court room and the whole demeanor in the room changes you know you’ve chosen the right attorney. Bob Kelly is a great man and an Outstanding and respected attorney.
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08 Jun, 2022 by Annette
My brother referred us to Mr. Kelly. After the initial meeting I knew he was exactly who we needed to represent my daughter. I am beyond grateful for everything he did! My daughter was facing a charge that most thought would be impossible to beat. Mr. Kelly had several meetings and phone calls to prepare. He did not overlook a single detail. He went to court prepared. He was able to present the evidence to a jury that resulted in a "NOT GUILTY" verdict. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Kelly for his endless efforts and all of the time that he spent on this case. He fights for his clients to inure the best possible outcome, and he gets results! You will not find an attorney that will fight harder for you! If you are in need of assistance in a legal matter, Mr. Kelly is the man to hire! I would give 10 stars ⭐️ if it was an option. 6-8-2022
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16 May, 2022 by Mark
Mr Kelly, did a wonderful job representing a family member. He was very professional and to the point! He knows the law and was to plead and win the case , if ever we need an attorney again we will contact Mr Kelly.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Boh higgins
When you walk in the court room and the whole demeanor in the room changes you know you’ve chosen the right attorney. Bob Kelly is a great man and an Outstanding and respected attorney.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Ed is a criminal/civil/personal injury attorney and I have used him in all three situations. He is straight forward and tells it how it is. He's affordable and easy to get ahold of and gets results. I would recommend Ed to anyone and have sent quite a few family members to his practice. He has saved me so much time (behind bars and infant of them) and money. GREAT guy.
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05 Dec, 2013 by Sarah
Ed was referred to me by my sister when a past mistake caught up w me in criminal court. I had made a stupid and grievous mistake in 2008 while suffering from addiction and was under secret indictment for 11 months. Of course, I knew what I did was wrong but I did not know that I had been set up to do it w a Warren County Task Force officer. I had no idea what I had done when I did it. A month after the incident, I sought and received treatment to get off of pain pills on my own. I was 10 months clean and sober when I was blindsided by being arrested for a felony 2 aggravated trafficking indictment. I had never been in serious trouble w law enforcement prior. My charge carried a minimum mandatory 2yrs and up to 8yrs in state prison. I had the best judge you could ask for but because I would not work w the police and state prosecution to "set up" other ppl to get out of taking responsibility for my own actions, the prosecutor was not willing to work w me in dropping my charge down to a lesser felony. I was headed to trial facing as much as 8 yrs in prison. Ed Kathman was able to appeal to the mercy of the court and argue on my behalf to get me a plea deal that dropped my charge down to a Felony 3 w a 2 year prison sentence. I couldn't have been happier. I served my time and have been out for two years. I will be clean 5 years in January. Ed has become one of my closest friends and confidant. I continue to use his services in my child custody case. I call Ed my 'A.P.A': All Purpose Attorney. From criminal to personal injury, Ed Kathman is the man for the job.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Boh higgins
When you walk in the court room and the whole demeanor in the room changes you know you’ve chosen the right attorney. Bob Kelly is a great man and an Outstanding and respected attorney.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Jun, 2021 by Sarah
I’ve recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Castellini on a legal case this week, for which I was most grateful. Anna Castellini is a caring, professional, and prompt attorney and friend. She goes out of her way to make sure that there’s an open line of communication between herself and her clients. Her genuine desire in being forthright to help others does not go unnoticed, and is the reason why I will recommend her services to anyone.
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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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