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29 Jan, 2022 by Terri
Lisa York represented me in my divorce. I had recently left a toxic relationship and moved out of the marital home. Besides leaving the home, the best decision I made was hiring Ms. York. She understood my concerns while being prudent with my time and money. She provided excellent legal advice regarding protecting my assets. Ms. York has that rare combination of empathy and legal strategy. She protected my interests and flawlessly moved the process through the court system. I recommend Ms. York without hesitation.
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30 Oct, 2021 by Jennifer
Lisa was so wonderful to work with and helped make a very stressful and overwhelming process related to the guardian advocate process manageable and smooth. She was clear and consistent and so incredibly compassionate through the process. I cannot possibly be more satisfied with my experience and am incredibly grateful for her! I would recommend her services to anyone going through the guardianship process!
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06 Oct, 2020 by Jessica
Before finding Lisa, I probably called 3 or 4 different lawyers. At the end of each 60 minute consultation I would find most of my questions unanswered and feeling just as confused and frustrated as before I called. I finally called Lisa and she answered all my questions and presented me with a plan to get my divorce started. I was finally getting somewhere! Lisa and Christie were professional, attentive, and patient when explaining the (sometimes confusing) legal process of a divorce and all the paperwork that comes with it. They answered all of my questions and I never felt like I was left in the dark about the progress of my case or what direction it was going in. I feel like I can finally live my life again, and a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you, Lisa!
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24 Dec, 2017 by Kristen
Mr. Chase has represented me in several Family Law legal issues. He was recommended to me, and I am so thankful I hired him and his law firm to represent me. He will fight for your case! He has extensive knowledge, and he is ready to battle in court. If you are looking for someone not afraid to debate items in the court room, he is who you need to hire! Mr. Chase has always made sure I understand the whole process and has put me at ease. Mr. Chase and his law firm are the best in town, and I will not use anyone else to represent me!
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20 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Chase helped us with a property dispute we had with another family member. He provided wise counsel and guided us through, what to us, was an unfamiliar process. His fees were reasonable and he was very direct and succinct in his communications, yet always willing to provide more details if necessary. He was knowledgeable and professional. Overall, we were extremely pleased with his services.
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26 Oct, 2015 by Holly
I would definitely hire and recommend James Chase to anyone that needed an attorney for handling probate. He was very professional, put me at ease and was very well prepared for my case.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Whitney
I’ve had Hunter alittle under 2 months and he got the job done. Affordable, walked me through it, got me exactly what I wanted, and listened to every bit of nagging. I would DEFFFF hire again.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Matt
Professional, efficient and extremely knowledgeable! These are the traits that I would use to describe Hunter and what makes an outstanding attorney. He is always available, responds in a timely manner, prepared and ready for any curve balls
Hard-working, direct, and the ability extract the pertinent details. I truly enjoyed his focus and determination!
Thanks again!
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24 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Hunter took our case about 3 years ago and fought for us for over 3 years now . He has saved us lots of time and money and is very articulate and pays attention to details . Hunter has that eye of the tiger when it comes to taking on a case and will fight for you to get the results that are fair and justified. He gives you the personal attention you need to give you peace of mind and security to know you’ve chosen the right attorney. I would highly recommend Hunter to my friends and family in the most important matters you have.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Jim
My wife and I retained Mr. Leuchtman to plan our estate and execute the appropriate documents. We were very impressed with his knowledge. His fee was very reasonable and we are happy with the service we recieved.
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23 Mar, 2015 by Randy
Gary did an excellent job with my case. He always had my best interest in mind. He helped guide me through the process and made recommendations when he thought would be important. He helped keep the negoations moving and kept me informed at all times.
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22 Mar, 2015 by Ramona
He has always been excellent. He does things in a timely manner. His legal work is always correct and prompt. He is great at keeping me informed.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Fred
Ryan helped me immensely while challenging improper actions by a local municipality. He is very competent and I would recommend him to anyone.
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13 Nov, 2022 by Marguerite
Lawyer Ryan treated me with respect. I could feel that he truly wanted to help me with my situation and he did. He price is very fair. He put people needs first.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Linda
It has been our pleasure to work with Ryan for years now. We appreciate his kind, caring demeanor.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Russell and lori
Over the past 2 years working with Garrett, he has demonstrated superior analytical, research, and interpersonal skills. His ability to understand complex subject matter, coupled with timeliness, attention to detail, willingness to consult with others, and perseverance have produced substantial, positive, and unique results.
He is committed to our success. He is a loyal man and professional. He, and the firm, have exceeded our highest expectations. Garrett has gone above and beyond to always be there for us, and his leadership and drive have helped us to keep going through a long and hard process. From an idea to an actual utility patent (with the help of an amazing patent attorney), to helping us meet the right people to make this dream a realty. We consider him our friend and we recommend Garrett LaBorde without reservation.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Jack
Mr. LaBorde and his staff took were very helpful answering my questions and then helping me setup my LLC. He communicated with me each step and kept me updated to the progress.
I would recommend him and will reach out to him and his team for future work.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Tim
Garrett was very knowledgable about both the areas of the law pertaining to my case and what the realities of pursuit of litigation might produce. He was willing to keep me posted throughout the entire process, much more than I would have expected from any other attorneys I have used in the past despite that we had already agreed on a set fee, I think he worked far and above what his hourly rate would have paid him had we signed an hourly contract. I was always impressed with his willingness to discuss the case as well as his willingness to keep things on track and moving forward.
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25 Mar, 2013 by Randy
I am a licensed Realtor in the state of Florida,I specialize in distressed properties. I utilize Charles and his staff to handle all my closings. There has been many of instances where Charles has found problems that have been missed by other attorneys and the court system ,as well as prevented problems from happening that have saved my clients time and money!
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22 Mar, 2013 by Knut
Charles has been our corporate lawyer for more than ten years. He represents us well and gives good honest advise and have helped us in numerous issues from contracts, real-estate transactions, litigation defense, succession planning, shareholder buy-out agreements and more. He always looks out for the best interest and give no-nonsense advise. I believe this is attributed to his own business experience and background outside of his legal profession.
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22 Mar, 2013 by Bill
Have used Charles many time's when as a bank executive I needed good legal advice or had to assign a case. Used him many time's for real estate closings. He has represented me numerous time's as my personal attorney. Excellent attorney......
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10 Mar, 2015 by Michelle tate styron
Michael Schofield is my attorney in an estate settlement case. He has been very professional and supportive in handling my case. This case has taken a great deal of research and recovery of information in matters related to the estate. Mr. Schofield has been both complete and patient in detailing the meaning of the will of the deceased member of my family and providing accurate information. This has been a long process and I have been fortunate to have Mr. Schofield represent me. He has my highest recommendation.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Larry
Michael is top shelf. I Michael has represented me over a 6 year period. A very complicated case against a major national law firm. Smart, creative, honest, fair, a good value. I would give Michael an unqualified excellent rating.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I had to change my attorney in the middle of the case. I'm very happy I met Mike Schoffield at the right moment. He is the right choice if you need legal help.
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18 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I used several other attorney for different legal issues concerning my divorce, which spanned a 10 year period. Ms. Waddell was the only attorney that seemed to really listened to my needs and was willing to challenge established outdated mindsets/laws on divorce. She is extremely professional and knowledgeable of new family law. If I need an attorney in the future I would definitely use Ms. Waddell.
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09 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I currently use Mrs. Waddell in my divorce. She gives detailed information on what to expect, estimated costs, and how to save money. I have never had any issues with staff and they always clamed me when I was paniced. She is highly knowledgeable and will defend you and your family. She is fair throughout the whole duration. I would and have recommended Mrs. Waddell to others.
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18 May, 2013 by Gary
I hired Mrs. Waddell to represent me in my divorce action. My wife was asking for an unreasonable amount of alimony and wanted custody of our kids. Mrs. Waddell always took the time to explain everything, how to keep good records in case we had to go to court. The thing I like most about her was that she would always give me a good estimate of what it would cost for my case and was open to helping me make decisions on what to do in my case to find ways to reduce the fees. I felt like it was always my decision on what to spend money on in my case. I also was very impressed with her at my temporary hearing. At my temporary hearing I could tell the Judge gave her a lot of credibility and I was happy with the results.
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23 May, 2023 by Gina
My experience with the Penton Law Center has been very positive. My initial meeting with the firm was informative and not "pushy" at all. Christy takes a personal approach in all of her dealings regarding the sensitive topic of estate planning. She always responds quickly to my questions.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Tierra
My experience with Mrs. Christy was nothing short of amazing. She was able to resolve my legal issues in no time. She is also a resource for multiple things. There is nothing that I have asked her that she did not know. I highly recommend her services to ALL. Thank you again Mrs. Christy for everything.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Rey
Excellent lawyer! Hired for a debt collection that went way better than I could've imagined. Hired again for other legal help and has been an overall wonderful experience. I even contact her with non-related legal questions and she immediately gets back to me with answers. I found my lawyer for life! Thank you Christy!
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently just talked to Elizabeth, just to get to know her, and she is the kindest lady, she cares, and she is a single mother just supporting her children. I have lived in Pensacola my whole life and it seems like anyone and everyone knows her, for being a great lawyer. She cares a lot about her clients and she has won 95% of her cases. She worked at the state attorney office and that is when she met the love of her life. Anyway she is the best, kindest, and most caring lawyer you can meet. I hope you will use her one day.
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21 May, 2015 by Kristen
I first met Megan when we were on opposing sides of a contested probate matter. Megan was a strong legal advocate for her client and fortunately, we were able to reach an amicable solution for all involved. Having gained my utmost respect for her legal knowledge and savvy, I've since referred numerous clients to her for a variety of civil litigation matters. Feedback has been great and I will continue to recommend Megan to my clients. I strongly recommend Megan!
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22 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Anita always kept me informed and helped me to make decisions that would benefit me. She made a very difficult situation manageable. I would highly recommend Anita.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I was selling a small piece of vacant property to a neighbor I've known and trusted for years. The property wasn't worth much, but my neighbor and I both wanted to make sure all the paperwork was done correctly. We contemplated printing our own documents off of a website, but I've heard too many horror stories of things going wrong years later with the sale of property. So, wanting to make sure my neighbor and I didn't accidentally mess up something in the paperwork on our own, I hired Ms. Fox to handle the closing. As it turns out, there were so many documents we would have never known needed to be signed and notarized, let alone submitted to the county clerk. Ms. Fox and her assistant Alisa were respectful of the fact that some neighbors still operate on handshakes and they didn't do anything to turn the situation into a contentious process. We were able to close in about two weeks, and when we got to Ms. Fox's office, everything was perfectly organized and ready for us. She definitely knows her stuff, and she did a great job of explaining things to us in terms we understood. The whole thing took about 30 minutes (they had sent the documents over ahead of time for us to review). I appreciate that Ms. Fox treated us as though our time was equally valuable as hers. Her retainer was very affordable (in fact, I was expecting it to be a lot more). When I saw how much work she had done at such a reasonable rate I wondered why I had ever thought of NOT using an attorney. Unlike some attorneys, she didn't even charge us for copies of everything. I do a lot of research before I hire somebody or make a significant purchase, and I'll say this: save yourself time and money because I've already done the legwork. Hiring Ms. Fox instead of using those online forms or another attorney was a great decision.
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01 Apr, 2018 by Jay
Very helpful consultation. Knowledge of the law was expert. He did not try to pressure me to hire him. Answered all my questions without hesitation.
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16 Jul, 2014 by Mikemeeker
Mr. Bryant helped me through a difficult time some years ago, and I will always be grateful for his help. I would recommend him without question. His honesty and competence are beyond reproach.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Craig
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Beggs & Lane for over nine years! If you are looking for the very finest, experienced, competent, professional, and personable law firm then please look no further. John (Jack) Zoesch III, has been my go to lawyer. He is gifted at making the complex simple and communicating in plain clear-cut English. His legal strategies, options, and recommendations have all been spot on for us. Jack epitomizes the outstanding culture at Beggs & Lane of treating you like a close relative. They truly care for you. I have, and will continue to recommend Beggs and Lane for superb legal counsel. I am proud to consider Jack and his firm as a part of my family!”
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13 Jun, 2019 by Lauren green
22 Aug, 2024 by Ben jackson
Stevenson Klotz is a great law. highly recommend this firm. Spoke with Kim and she pointed me in the right direction.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Lindsay kirby
I had the pleasure of working with Chris (and Freida) after an uninsured driver hit me. Chris is a very compassionate and knowledgeable attorney. He is very thorough and explained everything step by step. He also made sure I got the most for my settlement.
The entire team was professional and very responsive, which is something that is hard to come by with most attorney offices. Thank you Freida, Kim, and Keirstin!
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22 Jul, 2024 by Willie owens
I hirely recommend this firm, there great and very positive, and sincerely extend there help , also there concern.
I spoke with Kim in intake, and she happily set me up with an Attorney that help tremendously.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Marie joseph
Loved the service I received. Always responded promptly and was very knowledgeable. Friendly approach made the experience a little less stressful. Thank you!
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01 Sep, 2024 by Ronald hall
Great advice, timely service, excellent communication
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nokuphiwa madison khwela
First of all will appreciate god for helping me finding are lawyer like Mr Jerry Gerritsen as i was searching online for different good lawyers but god made me choose Mr Jerry Gerritsen for are reason, to be honest since i started this process of filling for permanent residence with , his been honest, patient, dedicated to his work, amazing take you step by step full explain everything in detail step to step and keep you posted all the time meaning updates . It was are pleasure working with him . Im really satisfied with everything and also impressed. 😇🙏🏾
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26 Jun, 2023 by Alex franzoni
I had the pleasure of working with Matthew Massey. He's very passionate and knowledgeable about what he does! He shows a genuine concern for the well-being of his clients and he'll help you every step of the way. He's extremely on point with keeping his clients updated with new information. Very good attorney and a down to earth man!
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23 Jan, 2023 by Dale
I couldn’t be happier with the service and advice I received from Mr. Passeretti. Joe is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and acted quickly on my case. Just from speaking with him I felt confident in his abilities to solve the problems I was having with a “not so honest” contractor.
I also had some interaction with Mr. J. Nix Daniel on a different issue. Mr. Daniel was also very professional and courteous.
Everyone I interacted with at the firm was top-notch and pleasant.
I can see why so many folks at this firm have won so many awards and the firm is so highly touted.
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24 Dec, 2022 by Graham poole
Hays Mathis went above and beyond what I expected from an attorney. He was very personable and kept me updated on my case every step of the way. I was treated like a real person, and not just another claim. He was always available and responded promptly to my calls. Hays always took his time when answering my questions and explaining the intricacies of the case. He was never in a rush. I can’t say enough. I most definitely recommend Hays Mathis.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Alex franzoni
I had the pleasure of working with Matthew Massey. He's very passionate and knowledgeable about what he does! He shows a genuine concern for the well-being of his clients and he'll help you every step of the way. He's extremely on point with keeping his clients updated with new information. Very good attorney and a down to earth man!
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23 Jan, 2023 by Dale
I couldn’t be happier with the service and advice I received from Mr. Passeretti. Joe is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and acted quickly on my case. Just from speaking with him I felt confident in his abilities to solve the problems I was having with a “not so honest” contractor.
I also had some interaction with Mr. J. Nix Daniel on a different issue. Mr. Daniel was also very professional and courteous.
Everyone I interacted with at the firm was top-notch and pleasant.
I can see why so many folks at this firm have won so many awards and the firm is so highly touted.
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24 Dec, 2022 by Graham poole
Hays Mathis went above and beyond what I expected from an attorney. He was very personable and kept me updated on my case every step of the way. I was treated like a real person, and not just another claim. He was always available and responded promptly to my calls. Hays always took his time when answering my questions and explaining the intricacies of the case. He was never in a rush. I can’t say enough. I most definitely recommend Hays Mathis.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Alex franzoni
I had the pleasure of working with Matthew Massey. He's very passionate and knowledgeable about what he does! He shows a genuine concern for the well-being of his clients and he'll help you every step of the way. He's extremely on point with keeping his clients updated with new information. Very good attorney and a down to earth man!
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23 Jan, 2023 by Dale
I couldn’t be happier with the service and advice I received from Mr. Passeretti. Joe is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and acted quickly on my case. Just from speaking with him I felt confident in his abilities to solve the problems I was having with a “not so honest” contractor.
I also had some interaction with Mr. J. Nix Daniel on a different issue. Mr. Daniel was also very professional and courteous.
Everyone I interacted with at the firm was top-notch and pleasant.
I can see why so many folks at this firm have won so many awards and the firm is so highly touted.
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24 Dec, 2022 by Graham poole
Hays Mathis went above and beyond what I expected from an attorney. He was very personable and kept me updated on my case every step of the way. I was treated like a real person, and not just another claim. He was always available and responded promptly to my calls. Hays always took his time when answering my questions and explaining the intricacies of the case. He was never in a rush. I can’t say enough. I most definitely recommend Hays Mathis.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Alex franzoni
I had the pleasure of working with Matthew Massey. He's very passionate and knowledgeable about what he does! He shows a genuine concern for the well-being of his clients and he'll help you every step of the way. He's extremely on point with keeping his clients updated with new information. Very good attorney and a down to earth man!
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23 Jan, 2023 by Dale
I couldn’t be happier with the service and advice I received from Mr. Passeretti. Joe is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and acted quickly on my case. Just from speaking with him I felt confident in his abilities to solve the problems I was having with a “not so honest” contractor.
I also had some interaction with Mr. J. Nix Daniel on a different issue. Mr. Daniel was also very professional and courteous.
Everyone I interacted with at the firm was top-notch and pleasant.
I can see why so many folks at this firm have won so many awards and the firm is so highly touted.
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24 Dec, 2022 by Graham poole
Hays Mathis went above and beyond what I expected from an attorney. He was very personable and kept me updated on my case every step of the way. I was treated like a real person, and not just another claim. He was always available and responded promptly to my calls. Hays always took his time when answering my questions and explaining the intricacies of the case. He was never in a rush. I can’t say enough. I most definitely recommend Hays Mathis.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Joe
If you're looking for an attorney you can trust to represent you in a matter that also keeps YOUR best interests in mind, I highly suggest Ryan Barnett. Ryan Barnett and Rebecca Bolling recently handled a case for me and I cannot say enough about their EXCELLENT communication skills, brutal honesty in potential scenarios that could play out, and client-first attitude. I felt fully informed throughout every step of the case, and every piece of advice evidenced they had my best interests at heart.
You can trust Ryan Barnett when you need legal advice or representation!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Lauren
Ryan provided prompt, invaluable advice during a time of need. His advice and counsel provided guidance regarding a difficult situation and brought immediate relief. Highly recommend working with Ryan and his firm!
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09 Nov, 2017 by Stephanie book
03 Jul, 2024 by Jessica thomas
Having this law firm in my corner was one of the biggest and best decisions I ever made. They managed to not only complete my MVA suit but also helped me with sealing a record for me. I cannot express how much of a huge help they have been. They were very open and honest since the beginning and prepared me of what to expect through this time. I have never been so sure with referring any and everybody who’s in need of their services. Trust me, you will not regret it. Thanks to you all and everything you’ve help me with😊
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28 Jun, 2024 by E w
Atty Cardoso was helpful and gave free legal advice he did not have to give, as he did not handle my type of claim. A courteous gesture. Thank you
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28 May, 2024 by Shanita scott
16 Sep, 2024 by Dakota spears
Went to this guy for an accident. The office took my case, never set me up with appointments for treatment, sent me a list of providers, and then never returned my calls. Got a letter a few weeks later saying they're dropping my case because I didn't communicate. Don't waste your time.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Ty saenz
This firm really took care of my situation, it was the first time I've ever been through something like this and they handled it with such care. I highly recommend Zarzaur
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10 Sep, 2024 by Colette chavers
Zarzaur was terrific with quick responses and settling my case with ease. Highly recommend
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29 Jul, 2024 by Waleed qader
Travis M. is great!!
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10 Feb, 2024 by Ronald whaley
Had an appointment with Mr. Rushing. Outstanding results. Very knowledgeable & professional. Thank you Sir
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25 Oct, 2023 by Jessica ford
Great experience meeting with Travis! Looking forward to working with this firm.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Waleed qader
Travis M. is great!!
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10 Feb, 2024 by Ronald whaley
Had an appointment with Mr. Rushing. Outstanding results. Very knowledgeable & professional. Thank you Sir
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25 Oct, 2023 by Jessica ford
Great experience meeting with Travis! Looking forward to working with this firm.
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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.
