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08 Sep, 2010 by Ron
As current chairman and previous supervisor for our Town, I have had the pleasure of working with Steve on many town matters since we retained him in 1991. Steve has always given us advice and guidance that proves to be "right on the mark". He has a unique way of cutting through the legal mumbo jumbo and gets right to the heart of the matter. Steve also has excellent associates and employees within his firm that go out of their way to be helpful to any concerns or requests you may have. We have always found that Steve and his firm have been more than fair on billing hours for service. I would highly recommend Steve Chiquoine for any of your legal matters, especially municipal law.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Tim
Very few times in your life do you meet and retain someone that will assist you in making decisions that are life altering. Steve Chiquoine and his firm continually demonstrate a deep understanding of a clients goals and obstacles, our experience has been nothing short of Thank God for Steve Chiquoine. We would highly recomend you make the call and find out for yourself, in these high challenging times having a firm that is there for you seperates this frim from others.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Ron
I have worked with Steve for 27 years as the attorney representing companies I have worked for. We continue to use his services for collections as well as other legal issues that arrise for many reasons. I know i can trust him to make judgments & decisions with the best interests of our company in mind & decisions that I & our CEO would have made ourselves.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Clayton p
Called 9 months ago to get set up with a lawyer through LaRowe Gerlach. Just for standard business paperwork and whatnot. I was directed to Max and had a phone call with him, where he said he’d work with us. I sent over the documents he requested and then proceeded to wait for a reply. Over the next few months I called in several times, figuring he had simply been busy, but always spoke to a secretary who said he would call me. He never did. I eventually asked if he was not interested in having us as a client and was assured he was. Finally I called asking to get linked up with a different partner and the secretary refused to direct me to another partner. Saying Max would call me. It has been over 9 months and I have still only heard from max the one time. I wish I could speak on behalf of any other partner, but apparently the firm as a whole won’t let you switch once someone has dibs on you, even if they don’t actually intend on doing any work with you. Mostly frustrated that they wouldn’t just say “we are not interested” and instead proceeded to waste my time. Very unprofessional.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Andrew stefan
I contacted LaRowe Gerlach LLP regarding a legal matter that I wanted to ask them to represent me on. The operator transferred me to Mr. Joseph Hesler’s voicemail , as he would be the most qualified attorney at the firm in that matter. After I left him a detailed message, a few minutes later he calls me back and started treating me like I am some sort of a spam caller. He was very rude and asked me how did I get his number and why did I call him. After I briefly explained that I left him a voicemail and I had called the office to seek representation in a legal matter, he said that he no longer accepts new clients and hung up on me. Of course this surprised and shocked me at the same time to why an attorney would do that to a potential client. I called the office again to talk to the operator. After I told her what happened, her answer was: “Well, you might as well keep looking around.” So there is my experience with this firm. I’ve had contact with some other law firms and attorneys in the past, but nobody had treated me and talked to me like these guys did. So do yourself a favor and “keep looking around”. They are not worth your time or your money.
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31 Oct, 2022 by Janet montgomery
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What a Business Lawyer Can Do for You

A business lawyer provides critical legal guidance and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Whether you are forming a new company, drafting contracts, or navigating complex regulations, a business attorney ensures you are legally protected and operating within the law. They can also help prevent legal disputes or represent you in negotiations, transactions, or lawsuits that arise during the course of business operations.

Business lawyers have expertise in areas such as business formation, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. They ensure that your business is compliant with relevant laws and help mitigate risks that could threaten your company's success.

When Should I Hire a Business Lawyer?

Hiring a business lawyer is essential at various stages of business development, including:

  • Forming a business: When deciding on the best structure for your company (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), a lawyer can guide you through the registration and compliance process.
  • Drafting contracts: If you need contracts for employees, partners, suppliers, or clients, a lawyer ensures these documents are legally sound and in your best interest.
  • Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions: If you are buying, selling, or dissolving a company, legal counsel is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Compliance and regulatory issues: A lawyer can help navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, or tech.
  • Resolving disputes: Whether it's contract disagreements, intellectual property infringement, or employment issues, a business lawyer helps mediate, negotiate, or litigate on your behalf.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

Business lawyers provide a wide range of services that cater to different legal needs of a business. They can:

  • Help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with employees, suppliers, customers, or business partners.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
  • Advise on tax strategies to minimize your business's tax burden.
  • Assist with intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
  • Handle mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring all legal paperwork is in order.
  • Resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.

How Are Business Lawyers Paid?

Business lawyers typically charge either by the hour or on a flat-fee basis, depending on the complexity of the work. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rates: The lawyer charges based on the time spent working on your case. Rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Flat fees: For certain tasks, such as incorporating a business or drafting a standard contract, a lawyer may offer a flat fee.
  • Retainer: Some businesses may hire a lawyer on retainer, paying a fixed amount each month to have ongoing access to legal services.

The payment structure is often discussed during an initial consultation so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and budget.

How Much Does a Business Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a business lawyer depends on factors such as:

  • The complexity of the legal issue: More complex matters, like mergers or intellectual property disputes, typically cost more than routine tasks like contract drafting.
  • The lawyer's experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in larger cities often charge higher fees.
  • The nature of the billing arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's expertise. Flat fees are usually available for simpler matters like forming an LLC or drafting a standard contract.

It's essential to discuss fee structures upfront to avoid surprises.

Top Questions to Ask a Business Lawyer

Before hiring a business lawyer, ask the following questions during your consultation:

  1. What is your experience with businesses like mine?
    Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry.
  2. What services do you offer?
    Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution.
  3. What are your fees, and how do you bill?
    Get clarity on how you'll be charged - whether by the hour, flat fee, or retainer.
  4. How do you handle conflicts of interest?
    Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business.
  5. Can you provide references from other business clients?
    Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism.
  6. Do you have experience in my specific industry?
    Industry-specific knowledge can be crucial, especially in highly regulated fields like healthcare or finance.

How to Check the Credibility of a Business Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable business lawyer:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for client reviews or testimonials: Online reviews, testimonials, or word of mouth from other business owners can provide insight into the lawyer's reliability and effectiveness.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
  • Check professional memberships: Membership in respected legal organizations (such as the American Bar Association or a local business lawyer association) can signal credibility.
  • Review their website and professional profile: A well-established lawyer typically has a professional website showcasing their areas of expertise, credentials, and case success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a business lawyer, prepare the following:

  • A description of your business and its structure: This will help the lawyer understand your legal needs.
  • Any current contracts or agreements: If you're seeking contract advice, bring copies of existing contracts.
  • A list of legal issues or concerns: Be ready to discuss any potential legal challenges, such as regulatory compliance, disputes, or transactions.
  • Financial documents: If applicable, bring financial records related to the legal matter you're seeking help with.
  • Questions about fees and billing: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s payment structure and fees upfront.

By preparing these materials, you can ensure that your first meeting with a business lawyer is productive and informative.

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