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11 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Did an excellent job handling my executive compensation. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Harry pan
Laura is great at both listening and explaining, and I love how fast this business reacted to my inquiry, which was vital during a stressful time!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Savannah schulze
I had a very time sensitive severance situation and requested guidance from the firm. Laura got back to me promptly, and provided me with ample context and situational suggestions to help me navigate my employment situation.
She was incredibly kind, and offered her time and resources to me during a stressful time. I'm appreciative that she took time out of her day to provide consult and knowledge, without charging me for the advice and initial consultation. I highly recommend reaching out to them for their services and they will be my first call if I need employment attorneys in the future.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Joseph sun
I had a great initial call with the law clerk, Chloe. Laura then followed up with me very quickly. Laura answered all my questions and gave me great, honest guidance.
They also have a great blog about employment law.
The communication with this firm is excellent and I recommend them!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Dan d.
I had the pleasure of working with Bradley Bayan on a family law matter, and I was consistently impressed with his professionalism and legal expertise. Throughout the process, Mr. Bayan was highly responsive to my inquiries and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the nuances of my case. His ability to navigate complex legal issues and effectively communicate with opposing counsel, even in challenging situations, was truly remarkable.
I am particularly grateful for Mr. Bayan's willingness to take on my case after my previous legal representation had stalled progress. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my best interests, promptly addressing each matter with efficiency and effectiveness. Based on my experience, I firmly believe that individuals facing family law issues would greatly benefit from working with a dedicated practitioner like Mr. Bayan, rather than a larger firm that might not prioritize individual client needs.
While legal services can be costly, I found Mr. Bayan's billing practices to be transparent and fair, aligning with the high quality of his legal representation. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Bayan to anyone seeking knowledgeable and compassionate legal counsel in family law matters.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Susan s
If you're looking for a phenomenal Lawyer, I highly recommend Bradley Bayan's legal services!
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10 Apr, 2023 by Gia dixon
Client reviews was how I found and decided to retain Bradley Bayan, so it seems only fitting that I contribute one to help others who are also struggling to find an amazing family law attorney. I approached Bradley with a case that has a long and complicated history and messy through no fault of my own, and in distress due to my ex's continued malicious antics. He was able to quickly decipher the facts of my case and start fighting hard for me. He is available and supportive, flexible and kind; highly skilled and experienced to say the least. It was easy to tell that he is gifted in dealing with narcissists and their enabling attorneys and quickly shut down nonsense and helped the court focus on the core issues based upon facts and history, complete with results on obtaining a ruling accordingly. His hard work enabled me to breathe easier following years of needless conflict and stress, and I truly could not recommend any other attorney more confidently. You have to be very talented and experienced to serve clients within the family court system; Bradley has all of that and more. My only mistake was not retaining Bradley sooner, as it could have saved me and my family from years of hardship and unnecessary litigation. Thank you, Bradley! You are amazing.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Dan d.
I had the pleasure of working with Bradley Bayan on a family law matter, and I was consistently impressed with his professionalism and legal expertise. Throughout the process, Mr. Bayan was highly responsive to my inquiries and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the nuances of my case. His ability to navigate complex legal issues and effectively communicate with opposing counsel, even in challenging situations, was truly remarkable.
I am particularly grateful for Mr. Bayan's willingness to take on my case after my previous legal representation had stalled progress. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my best interests, promptly addressing each matter with efficiency and effectiveness. Based on my experience, I firmly believe that individuals facing family law issues would greatly benefit from working with a dedicated practitioner like Mr. Bayan, rather than a larger firm that might not prioritize individual client needs.
While legal services can be costly, I found Mr. Bayan's billing practices to be transparent and fair, aligning with the high quality of his legal representation. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Bayan to anyone seeking knowledgeable and compassionate legal counsel in family law matters.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Susan s
If you're looking for a phenomenal Lawyer, I highly recommend Bradley Bayan's legal services!
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10 Apr, 2023 by Gia dixon
Client reviews was how I found and decided to retain Bradley Bayan, so it seems only fitting that I contribute one to help others who are also struggling to find an amazing family law attorney. I approached Bradley with a case that has a long and complicated history and messy through no fault of my own, and in distress due to my ex's continued malicious antics. He was able to quickly decipher the facts of my case and start fighting hard for me. He is available and supportive, flexible and kind; highly skilled and experienced to say the least. It was easy to tell that he is gifted in dealing with narcissists and their enabling attorneys and quickly shut down nonsense and helped the court focus on the core issues based upon facts and history, complete with results on obtaining a ruling accordingly. His hard work enabled me to breathe easier following years of needless conflict and stress, and I truly could not recommend any other attorney more confidently. You have to be very talented and experienced to serve clients within the family court system; Bradley has all of that and more. My only mistake was not retaining Bradley sooner, as it could have saved me and my family from years of hardship and unnecessary litigation. Thank you, Bradley! You are amazing.
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23 Jan, 2023 by Patrick canning
Toddler Paradise!!!
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09 Apr, 2022 by Joanne ferretti
This office has taken care of my legal needs for 30 years. Thank you!
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03 Nov, 2020 by Kaushik vinjamur
23 Jan, 2023 by Patrick canning
Toddler Paradise!!!
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09 Apr, 2022 by Joanne ferretti
This office has taken care of my legal needs for 30 years. Thank you!
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03 Nov, 2020 by Kaushik vinjamur
05 Feb, 2022 by Chad okada
Great litigation attorneys
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17 Apr, 2023 by Arvind n
Excellent team - was there for a startup event and the people were amazing!
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22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
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10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
10 Feb, 2022 by Pardis mirmalek
I had a wonderful experience working with Andrew on a recent legal matter. I called a number of law offices but eventually found Andrew to be the most knowledgable, ethical and professional with a genuine care for his clients.
After deciding to retain him, he continued with the same level of care to provide a stellar service with timely responses and helping me with the range of knowledge and expertise he brought to the case.
I highly recommend him for legal counsel. He has knowledge and expertise, timely responsiveness and great deal of integrity. Thank you Andrew!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kim huntley
They are very professional and engaged. They never stoped trying to get us the best possible settlement and fought for us at every turn.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Julie heaton
This firm does an excellent job. They handled a mass tort case where I was one plaintiff out of many but I always felt like I was very well known to all the attorneys and staff every time I contacted them. They kept me up-to-date on the status of the case and were able to obtain a very favorable settlement on my behalf. I would highly recommend Danko Meredith.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Javid ghambari
با map در وقت خود صرفه جویی کنید.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sam corbett
Good communication with clients
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jill slater
Words cannot express our gratefulness for Danko Meredith. I will never forget, from day one, Mike took the time to fully explain the process. Shawn was efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate and kind in understanding our loss. I was impressed at every step of the way.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Neal bordenave
Mike Danko and his team delivered incredible results far exceeding my highest expectations. Highly recommended!
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11 Feb, 2025 by Aimee graham-sullivan
Finding Vidhya Babu was lifesaving for me during a very trying time; she came highly recommended when i wasn’t sure where to begin. Vidhya made everything practically easy for me …explaining each and every step in ways for me to understand without question or doubt. Definitely 100% confident in her skills of management and knowledge…she knows what she is doing; she would explain options and recommend what was best for me and my future. THANK YOU Vidhya
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04 Feb, 2025 by Gideon sughrue
Linh Taylor and I worked with Craig to review and update a small business real estate lease. The lease was initially missing sections and had ambiguities. Craig worked with us patiently and thoroughly to address all our concerns to make sure that we had a lease without any ambiguities and that protected us as tenants. Caitlin Abbot effectively facilitated communication and helped to make sure that we received our lease on the date needed. We successfully signed our lease with confidence in knowing Craig reviewed and rewrote the portions that needed updating.
We look forward to working with Craig and Caitlyn the next time we have any business consulting lawyer needs.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Bryce abramson
Exceptional Legal Expertise and Unwavering Dedication
I had the privilege of working with Silveira Law on a complex legal matter, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional service and dedication. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Micheal demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and care.
Mike was incredibly thorough in analyzing my case, identifying potential challenges, and developing a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Their ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms made me feel confident and informed throughout the process.
I was always kept up to date on the progress of my case, and promptly responded to my emails and phone calls. They never left me in the dark, ensuring that I felt supported every step of the way. It was clear that my case was genuinely cared about, and my concerns were met with the time to address them with patience and empathy.
If your case involves litigation, you want Silveira Law on your side. Their ability to present arguments persuasively and their composure under pressure were truly remarkable. Their preparation, confidence, and command of the facts gave me an undeniable advantage.
What sets Silveira Law apart is their genuine passion for helping their clients. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt empowered and informed, even providing resources and advice to help me navigate the aftermath of my case. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome was evident in every aspect of their work.
Thanks to Micheal’s hard work, my case resulted in a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. They were honest about potential risks from the start but never wavered in their commitment to advocating for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend Silveira Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them a standout in their field. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf while keeping your best interests at heart, look no further than Silveira Law.
Thanks again Mike for your outstanding service—I am forever grateful!
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22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
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10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
27 Jan, 2025 by Juan reyes
No puedo decir lo mismo de ross yo puedo decir que el es un corrupto les pague 30,000 a el y su complice y resulta que en la corte todos son amigos a fuerza hicieron que mi hermano se autoculpabilisara firmando un trato de sentencia, y abandono el caso antes de que se terminara su contrato pesimo abogado
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24 Jan, 2025 by Walfre garcia
14 Jan, 2025 by Deidre byczkowski
Nafiz is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, kind hearted individuals I’ve ever met. 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend. Not only extremely knowledgeable of the law but also understanding and caring with people. Worth every penny. Down to earth, intelligent, understanding. Best lawyer in town!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Neal bordenave
Mike Danko and his team delivered incredible results far exceeding my highest expectations. Highly recommended!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jill slater
Words cannot express our gratefulness for Danko Meredith. I will never forget, from day one, Mike took the time to fully explain the process. Shawn was efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate and kind in understanding our loss. I was impressed at every step of the way.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hamza benz hamza
08 Jul, 2024 by Julie heaton
This firm does an excellent job. They handled a mass tort case where I was one plaintiff out of many but I always felt like I was very well known to all the attorneys and staff every time I contacted them. They kept me up-to-date on the status of the case and were able to obtain a very favorable settlement on my behalf. I would highly recommend Danko Meredith.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Kim huntley
They are very professional and engaged. They never stoped trying to get us the best possible settlement and fought for us at every turn.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Javid ghambari
با map در وقت خود صرفه جویی کنید.
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10 Dec, 2023 by Javid ghambari
با map در وقت خود صرفه جویی کنید.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Kim huntley
They are very professional and engaged. They never stoped trying to get us the best possible settlement and fought for us at every turn.
Read more
24 Aug, 2023 by Jill slater
Words cannot express our gratefulness for Danko Meredith. I will never forget, from day one, Mike took the time to fully explain the process. Shawn was efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate and kind in understanding our loss. I was impressed at every step of the way.
Read more
22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
22 Jan, 2024 by Nick longo
I already posted a review but they moved the Google page so it disappeared. I found this firm to be very very expensive and their legal authorship to be sub-par. I won't go into the six year long ordeal my family suffered settling my father's estate and trust, of which I was not the executor. But I'd had enough experience writing patents and contracts to recognize poorly thought out documents when I saw them and hired my own attorney to represent me, only to keep me out of court. Other beneficiaries were not so prescient. Just read the Yelp reviews, especially the ones from the now closed offices in San Jose and Palo Alto.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
01 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
If you need legal help for your business, look somewhere else. There are many competent lawyers in the Bay Area that won’t charge you an arm and a leg for nothing.
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07 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Suggest avoiding Stuart Hays and Transbay Law Group like the plague. Stuart Hays is incompetent, unprofessional and has no clue how to practice law. He charged me $15,000 to file a case I couldn’t recover legal fees on. He counseled me I could recover my legal fees so I would file the case. Overall, he is a terrible lawyer who lacks integrity and any kind of knowledge of the law. He included precedent in the filing for example which had no bearing on the case. Avoid Stuart Hays and Transbay Law Group!
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18 Mar, 2014 by Steven
Stuart did a great job getting our Design Patent done quickly. We called him at the last minute and he returned our calls immediately and was proactive along the way to help us get our patent by the deadline. His professionalism, follow up and urgency all made this happen quickly. He also seemed very knowledgable on business issues and plan on working further with him to help our business grow.
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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.
