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26 Mar, 2021 by Mark
Donald Bowen Loeffler has been my attorney for a long time and I trust him with all of my estate planning and handling my business cases. I trust Bo Loeffler and recommend him to all! :)
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20 Nov, 2024 by Kassie anderson
Our family has worked with this law firm for over 40 years. They have always been efficient, caring, and professional. This firm took care of our parents needs thru the years, and have always taken care of ours. I have also had the pleasure of getting to know a couple of them on a personal level, seeing them at events or fundraisers. They are some of the best people I have ever met. I highly recommend this firm. Eric and Kassie Anderson.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Hesham joker
Worst service ever
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22 Jan, 2024 by Rick rodriguez
This a a great law firm, Gabriela Toscano is my attorney and she has helped me so much. Very down to earth and treat people with respect. You are not a paycheck in their eyes you are a person. I highly recommend them.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Kassie anderson
Our family has worked with this law firm for over 40 years. They have always been efficient, caring, and professional. This firm took care of our parents needs thru the years, and have always taken care of ours. I have also had the pleasure of getting to know a couple of them on a personal level, seeing them at events or fundraisers. They are some of the best people I have ever met. I highly recommend this firm. Eric and Kassie Anderson.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Hesham joker
Worst service ever
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22 Jan, 2024 by Rick rodriguez
This a a great law firm, Gabriela Toscano is my attorney and she has helped me so much. Very down to earth and treat people with respect. You are not a paycheck in their eyes you are a person. I highly recommend them.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
He did not turn in anything he said he did. Never responds to calls or emails. Doesn't help you win a case at all. He tries to help the opposite party instead of the person who hired him.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Lindsey
Jim has always treated me fairly and with respect. He gained custody for me of my child and even called in to the court in an emergency hearing while he was on vacation out of the states. Couldn't ask for a better lawyer.
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03 Sep, 2015 by William
I came to Jim as a tourist at the islands. I got hit with 2 counts of felonious assault (F2), tampering with evidence (F3), and carrying a concealed weapon (M1). I retained him and the price for those charges was very reasonable. I was incarcerated for nearly 50 days which is the slow part of this review. How ever I kept positive that he was out there doing what he could to better serve me an my family. He appealed 2x for a bond modification when the courts denied it ans he pushed and got it approved for an own recognizance bond. My bond was reduced from 100k no 10% to an O.R. Finally came a plea deal which I plead down to an F4 aggravated assault. I went from 13 years max in prison to 4.5. Which is better than I thought. Jim was very up front abut how it would work. He "coached" me on what the judge and the DA would do so I was well prepared. This lawyer was very good an helpful for me and my family and I would recommend him to any tourist who gets caught up in Ottawa county or locall areas. I'm from the Cincinnati area and he went above and beyond to keep us informed. Yes it took some time so I had to have patience but at the end of the day it was worth it.
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29 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Linda represented me in 2 divorces, unfortunately. She was stern with her advice on some things I didn't want to pursue, which I was entitled to, but respected my decision not to pursue them. She always answered my calls personally, kept me informed and was always aware of the details of my cases. In both divorces things moved right along and I never felt like I was stalled or put on the back burner. It was like my case was the only one she had. I cannot say enough about her respect, integrity and knowledge. I am going back to her now for real estate purposes and didn't even consider anyone else. In looking up her phone number I ran across this site and took this opportunity to write a review.
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08 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer is what you would call rotten. She does not respect the people she represents. She shares confidential info about your case to people that you do not give consent to. She is very unprofessional and in our case did not work for us, but apparently for her friends within Port Clinton. Look elsewhere for a Lawyer. Let this be a warning, don't be a sucker.
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16 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Melanie guaranteed her full attention and daily meetings (virtually/phone call) when I hired her. However, she went weeks with no contact and rushed every meeting we had together. Furthermore, she reeked of cigarettes when we were together and was extremely rude.
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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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