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18 Apr, 2019 by Joe beato
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10 Feb, 2016 by Margaret o. culley
Good, honest lawyers!
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14 Oct, 2014 by San miguel firefighters
Mr. Bowman did and outstanding job. Our tax issue was handled in a timely and professional manner. I would wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Bowman.
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31 Jul, 2015 by Dr john
I have worked with Frank Kocs on two different occasions. Most recently he negotiated a settlement with a company in another state which was demanding compensation for my inadvertently using information / photos for a web site I was developing. I was very pleased his efficiency and the outcome. I would definitely contact Mr. Kocs on any future legal concerns.
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29 Jul, 2015 by Samantha
Living on the Central Coast a home rental deposit is much more than a drop in the bucket. As I have always left homes in better condition than when I moved in- my landlord's illegitimate claims in order to retain my deposit came as a complete shock. I called Mr. Kocs he immediately addressed the situation and my full deposit was refunded within a weeks time. Mr. Kocs is efficient, knowledgeable, empathetic and timely. I highly recommend him for his expertise and precision as a lawyer. Above all Mr. Kocs is trustworthy and a caring human being; although this particular case was very small I would completely trust him with with legal issues of any magnitude.
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27 Jul, 2015 by Robbin
I can only say ...the very best in his field ! I highly recommend Frank E. Kocs. Every step of the way he was there for me , keeping me informed and and advised , He patiently answered my questions ... always prepared and ready to go no matter the issue or timing ! Mr. Kocs remains my go to source for all legal matters ... he gets the job done and done well.
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22 May, 2011 by Matt
Mike was awesome in communicating different information to me in plain language, not the typical "lawyer speak". More than anything I appreciated how quickly he handled everything and how at ease he always made us feel. He will continue to be our legal advisor for any issues we may have.
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17 May, 2021 by Kaley honzel
I couldn’t be happier with my decision to work with Shaana Rahman on my personal injury case. After breaking my neck in a diving accident I was left with so many uncertainties about my future and especially scared for my financial obligations for medical care. A friend referred me to Shaana who immediately eased much of my concern and began working on my case right away. I really appreciated her ability to speak to me in layman’s terms, her consistent and timely communications and her personable and kind demeanor. Throughout the process it was very evident that her solid background in working with insurance companies was extremely helpful. I’m very pleased with her ability to negotiate a satisfactory settlement outside of the lengthy court process. Shaana is a very competent, effective and professional lawyer and I wholeheartedly recommend her. - Travis H
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11 Mar, 2021 by Sidney ruze
Ms Rahman is a wonderful attorney . A no nonsense professional attitude with a view to responsibly representing her clients . I would highly recommend her services to those in need of competent counsel .
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15 Sep, 2020 by Vanessa siino haack
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18 Apr, 2019 by Joe beato
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10 Feb, 2016 by Margaret o. culley
Good, honest lawyers!
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
MS. Scoles helped me through an extremely emotional family trust issue. I lived out of town. Knowledgeable. Professional. Calm. Use her if you needan attorney you can trust!
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26 Jul, 2022 by Beth-ann dumas
Jed helped me to buy my retirement benefits back from my former husband many years after our marital settlement awarding him 50%. Because my ex had never procured a QDRO to claim the benefits awarded to him, I was able to make an offer with JED’s help that he agreed to. That will make a huge difference for me in retirement. JED was kind, honest, and fair. His rate was reasonable, and I am so grateful for his help. As a side note, he also represented my current husband with his divorce and was an awesome attorney for that as well.
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12 May, 2021 by Justin cole
John was very thorough and to the point. In my case there was a lot of history and info he had to take in. He was very understanding of how I felt and what I was trying to accomplish with my son and wasted no time. Because of John's help my son is a lot happier kid and safe. John was always quick to respond when I had any questions. I felt like he had my back every step of the way. I highly recommend John if you are looking for some one to represent you. If you are going in to a legal battle do not go in a lone. Call John!!
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10 May, 2021 by Brooks slater
Making the Impossible, Possible: JED is amazing, my ex was awarded custody 2 years ago. I was at the end of my rope and had nowhere to turn. She wasn’t following the court order and allowing me the time I was awarded. That’s when JED came in, he was fair, affordable, and honest. I was just hoping for a little more time, which he said wouldn’t be a problem, well at the end of the day I was awarded full custody, and was also allowed to move him out of the state of California to where I live. JED was worth every penny sent.
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21 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
He took a long time to finalize my divorce. He does not look after your best interest, after I advised him that I need a Quadro done for each of my ex retirement account,his supplemental retirement account and his 457/401 (k) Angel and his paralegal he works with Scott Bennett reassured me that they had taken care of everything . My 1st Attorney I hired was awesome problem was she couldn't continue my case because she got a job out of the state, she got the ball going all Mr. Angel Garcia had to do was finish the retirement accounts and finalize the divorce after $$$$'s I found out the hard way my ex cashed out on 1 of his retirement accounts because they Mr.Garcia and Mr.Bennett failed to protect my assets by simply filing a jointer for each of the accounts . when I informed him of what happen he just told me that he stop representing me and it was my problem. So now I'm having to hire a paralegal to finish the work that Angel failed to do and taking my ex-husband back to court to recuperate my share of that retirement he cast out.
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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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