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20 Nov, 2019 by Christopher hely
Peter is a fantastic attorney and an even better person. He is thoughtful, diligent and hardworking.
He helped us fight a greedy builder by working through our town’s planning and zoning boards to stop a monstrosity being built next to our primary residence. And he did so with a tact and grace that he was then able to then help us buy that same property at a significant percentage discount over asking price.
Unlike me, he didn’t get angry or take it personal in fighting a multi-year battle against the developer, who routinely lied to our town. He brought in zoning experts, an engineer and an architect to sway the town’s Zoning department and see fit that the developers project fail with multiple variance violations - he did so with an assertive grace that blew my wife and I away! Trust me; I’m cheap but I even told Peter he didn’t charge us enough for his great work.
I’m now happy to call Peter a friend and genuinely can’t say good enough things about him. When we needed someone to have our back, Peter came through in a big way for our family, and for the historical integrity of our little community.
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21 Aug, 2019 by Maria
Peter is prompt and communicative. I worked with him on three different transactions/deals within 3 months time (he worked with accuracy and professionalism). He plans for the future and thoroughly prepared for any outcome of my cases. His advice was most appreciated with a transaction that I had to walk away from. I felt invincible with him by my side for my other deals. Without a doubt, I will choose Klose & Associates again.
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31 Mar, 2018 by Nelli
Peter helped us with our home purchase. He is very professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with. I highly recommend Peter's legal services!
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09 Apr, 2019 by Larry
Great lawyer great guy, worth the price hire him.
I’m a criminal trial lawyer and he’s my lawyer!
He’s the smartest criminal guy out there.
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16 Jan, 2017 by Phil
Mr. Bertolino is an exceptional attorney who is a tireless advocate for his clients. He is extremely knowledgeable and a highly professional and dedicated attorney. I highly recommend him with hesitation as he is extremely competent.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Andy
Mr. Lewis has shown his professionalism time and time again. When you need him, he was always responsive and very supportive.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Randy
Robert Lewis , handled our extremely complex case very professionally with great results. Personal service and very available. Robert knew exactly what to do and it showed with the results.
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Lewis originally represented me in Bankruptcy court, when I was CEO of a mortgage marketing firm. He was flawless in his ability to clearly show the insanely aggressive court trustee that I did not owe any of the creditors a penny. I was given a totally clear Chapter 7 without having to pay a penny. Mr. Lewis then (four years later) represented me for my divorce (after 29 years of marriage) and was able to overcome a slew of false allegations (including Protection Orders) and eventually award me maintenance and unsupervised visitation. He was always available and even gave me his cellphone - which he amazingly always found time to pick up (unless he was in court) and respond immediately (and I called him from 7am till 11pm!). The man was patient beyond belief, and showed a great deal of empathy for my situation. I would highly recommend Mr. Lewis.
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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:
-
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.
