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12 May, 2024 by Cheryl barcomb
My husband passed away in January, and I wanted to know more about revocable trusts, Mike walked me through the decision making process and actually made it easy for me to prepare my needs, so after my death for my beneficiaries will be easier to help in their needs
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22 Jan, 2024 by Robert crowley
If you need any help with estate planning, this is the place to go.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Al heim
Took me right to the door.
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12 Oct, 2015 by Chetna
Santosh was very helpful in providing me the complete information for filling the green card paperwork. Especially related to the details and affidavits required in lieu of a birth certificate. She filed everything timely and followed up promptly and as needed. Thank you!!!
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03 Dec, 2009 by G. kumar
Attorney Santosh Kalra Pawar has helped my family three times over last 10 years. I approached her initially when my brother's student visa (F-1) application got denied at New Delhi consulate. Santosh reviewed my brother's previous application and very willingly took on my brother's case and made the whole application more presentable and professional ...end result is that my brother got the F-1 visa to continue his Graduate level studies. A couple of years later, I hired this firm to handle F-1 visa for my cousin. Unfortunately, we were working under tremendous time pressure and Atty. Santosh was very willing to work with us under the time pressure and communicated directly with the New Delhi consulate...end result is that my cousin got her F-1 visa. We hired her again to process Green Card for my parents after I got my US Citizenship through naturalization. We were debating between Consular Processing in India vs. processing in the U.S. Attorney Santosh gave us very practical advice keeping in view our circumstances that my parents could only stay in the U.S. for 2-3 months. What I liked about Santosh was that she was very willing to spend the time and explain in non-legal terms the pros and cons of very alternatives before I hired her and put the money down. I'd whole-heartedly recommend this attorney for immigration related case.
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24 Nov, 2009 by Kidanemehret ethiopian orthodox tewahedo church
After consulting with several lawyers in upstate NY, we approached Attorney Santosh Kalra with difficult case. The challenges were big and risky to us and we wanted success. After hiring Santosh we noticed quick progress. Her interest in our case from start to end, weekly follow up, her promptness and availability, her countless hours of research, reasonable fee, and superb legal skills lead us to success. In the end, the legal case got resolved quickly and we ‘re very satisfied with the out come.
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25 Feb, 2018 by John davis
Ms. Schultz helped settle a fee dispute I was having with another lawyer who I had retained. She is a great listener and an individual who is interested in truth and justice. I was very pleased with the settlement. I recommend her enthusiastically and without reservation.
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23 Feb, 2010 by Samantha
Having worked with John on handling my uncle's estate, I found him to be an extremely professional and responsive lawyer. Even though the estate in question was not particularly large, I felt I was given a high level of attention and courtesy. I also felt as though he spoke to me in plain English, without all of the confusing legalese that lawyers are sometimes prone to using. This was especially helpful, as I never hd been through the experience of being an executrix before. Additionally, I was handling the Monroe County estate from Philadelphia, which ended up presenting a few difficulties. I felt as though I could trust John to take the lead on any roadblocks that arose and handle them in a manner that kept the interests of the estate at the forefront. Without reservation, I would recommend John to anyone who is seeking first-class legal counsel.
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03 May, 2019 by Jeff
Chris helped me finalize the sale of vacant land I advertised on Zillow without a Real Estate Agent. He allowed me to do as much of the leg work as I wanted to reduce my cost. Despite the protracted 4 month process, due to obstacles beyond our control, he was very prompt and patient will all my emails and phone calls.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Tania sims
Left multiple msgs and emails and no response
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21 Dec, 2022 by Bruce e. russell
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25 Nov, 2022 by Manuel t. jones
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21 Jul, 2023 by Dara petralia
The whole team there is amazing! Multiple contracts and closings every year with this firm and they are always on point. Highly recommend!
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09 Sep, 2022 by Sadsa
I was very impressed with Tyler Ellis' communication, explanation and attention to detail for our Lease negotiation. I highly recommend him for anything business related.
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07 Apr, 2022 by John doe though
Unprofessional. Save yourself the headaches, lies, and over billing. DO NOT HIRE.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications." It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages. Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads: "Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......" Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
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04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
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06 Feb, 2024 by Phillip dorf
Betsy is a very experienced attorney with over 20 years on her sleeve. The atmosphere is great and very inviting with great people to assist you with your needs. For her experience her prices are very fair.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Jeanne
Creary Law Firm has handled multiple residential real estate deals for me over the years in Rochester and in other areas as well such as the Adirondacks and Saratoga Springs, NY. I have always found his office to be responsive and detailed oriented in their work. I would and have recommended him to my friends and colleagues.
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05 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Bill helped us immensely through the purchase of our first home. He was professional, friendly, and overall a great guy. We ran into a problem during the transaction, and Bill was all over it, ensuring that was came out on top. He was available when we called and very helpful in easing our anxiety. Would greatly recommend Mr. Creary for anyone purchasing a new home!
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18 Aug, 2013 by Lixx
Creary's office was recently hired by us for selling our house. The whole experience was really bad, and it was the worst part of the entire process. First of all, he only contacted us once before we decided to hire him, as soon as we hired him, he never returned our calls, nor any emails. The staff in his office were very slow too, in most of the cases, we had to call and left two or three voice messages in order to get their responses. Second, he just didn't do his job. Our buyers for some reason delayed the closing date, and we urged his office to find out the reason and push the other party to close as soon as possible. But he never urged them, and didn't notify us any of the progress. We have moved before the closing date, so we were completely blocked of any information of the progress. Third, he was first referred by our agent from Nothnagle, and we were told the fee would be $400, but at the end, they charged $450 without any explanation. Since the original number wasn't written in any documents, we were unable to prove it was $400. $50 isn't a whole lot of money, but it definitely shows how dishonest they are. It seems Nothnagle would get some commission back by referring him, but his performance just hurts the reputation of Nothnagle.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Kellie ostrander
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08 Nov, 2022 by Casey corbridge
Paul's professionalism was outstanding, communication with him very easy with immediate responses. He answered my legal questions clearly and helped me tremendously building my case. I would recommend him to anyone. Excellent legal counsel.
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24 Mar, 2022 by Kathryn poweski
Fair and helpful
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03 Dec, 2023 by Teal schlegel
Helped me with a business issue early on during the startup. They were thorough and responsive. Thank you.
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19 Oct, 2023 by C shirley
Asked this firm to aid in a fraudulent deed issue. They literally billed me not once, but twice ! before making any progress what so ever. I had them send a simple "threat" letter to begin the run of the mill process of so called legal action. The letter was nothing short of embarrassment and the person receiving the letter must have literally laughed out loud. I know I did. I quickly replied saying the letter is inaccurate and that I'd be glad to answer any questions , but the letter was sent anyway in a rush and I was ignored. It's funny to how I was quickly billed for the mistake. But questions go unanswered for a week. Obviously did not listen or care about my issue, Just wanted the money for Nothing. When I foolishly asked the next steps of the process via email..even though my gut told me to run already , i was ignored for a week and guess what? surprise! I received another bill in the mail for those emails I sent. The balls on some of these lawyers. Yet another example of why you should never pay anyone up front. I just wasted hundreds of dollars for a bogus letter and 2 questions that went unanswered. If that's not bad enough , a child could have wrote the letter 100 times better or had AI do it in seconds. For free . Imagine hiring a plumber and you come home and he's tearing the roof off...does he get paid? Thankfully AI will cut out the use for all lawyer's and the paperwork in the future, 4 of 4 lawyers I've used in my life so far have been absolutely worthless money grabs. It's amazing how a computer made a wonderful argument and letter in seconds. Choose wisely
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03 Dec, 2023 by Teal schlegel
Helped me with a business issue early on during the startup. They were thorough and responsive. Thank you.
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19 Oct, 2023 by C shirley
Asked this firm to aid in a fraudulent deed issue. They literally billed me not once, but twice ! before making any progress what so ever. I had them send a simple "threat" letter to begin the run of the mill process of so called legal action. The letter was nothing short of embarrassment and the person receiving the letter must have literally laughed out loud. I know I did. I quickly replied saying the letter is inaccurate and that I'd be glad to answer any questions , but the letter was sent anyway in a rush and I was ignored. It's funny to how I was quickly billed for the mistake. But questions go unanswered for a week. Obviously did not listen or care about my issue, Just wanted the money for Nothing. When I foolishly asked the next steps of the process via email..even though my gut told me to run already , i was ignored for a week and guess what? surprise! I received another bill in the mail for those emails I sent. The balls on some of these lawyers. Yet another example of why you should never pay anyone up front. I just wasted hundreds of dollars for a bogus letter and 2 questions that went unanswered. If that's not bad enough , a child could have wrote the letter 100 times better or had AI do it in seconds. For free . Imagine hiring a plumber and you come home and he's tearing the roof off...does he get paid? Thankfully AI will cut out the use for all lawyer's and the paperwork in the future, 4 of 4 lawyers I've used in my life so far have been absolutely worthless money grabs. It's amazing how a computer made a wonderful argument and letter in seconds. Choose wisely
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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:

  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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