Lawyers map
>2
experienced lawyers
Filter by
11 Dec, 2024 by Victor madrid
Disappointing Experience with William Hotopp – Not Recommended
I hired William Hotopp for my divorce, which was relatively straightforward, lasting only three years. He came highly recommended by a trusted friend who knew him personally, but my experience with him was ultimately disappointing and frustrating.
Poor Communication & Lack of Responsiveness
Communication was a major issue from the start. William was difficult to reach, and responses to emails and phone calls were often delayed by days or even weeks. When I did hear back, his responses were vague and incomplete, leaving me in the dark about the status of my case. This constant lack of communication only added to my stress and uncertainty.
Unprepared & Disorganized
I also felt that William was not adequately prepared or thorough in handling my case. Every time I asked him a question, his response was, "That’s why we’re going to court." However, when the day arrived, it was clear that he hadn’t fully grasped the details of the case or prepared for the proceedings. He seemed to lack attention to detail and failed to follow up on crucial matters, which only prolonged the process and made it more stressful.
Untrustworthy & Deceptive
Perhaps the most concerning issue was the dishonesty I experienced. On one occasion during a court appearance, William told the judge that he had been trying to help me understand the outcome of the case. In reality, he had been avoiding me for weeks, not returning calls or emails. Despite my repeated requests for clarification on key aspects of the case, he was unable or unwilling to provide any meaningful answers.
Costly and Unnecessary Delays
Ultimately, I had to hire new attorneys to fix the situation, and they were able to finalize my divorce in just one month. I ended up spending far more money than I initially anticipated, all due to William's lack of preparation, communication, and honesty.
Final Thoughts
I would strongly advise others to proceed with caution if considering William Hotopp’s services. In my experience, you’re better off representing yourself than paying a large retainer for the same lack of results. At the start, he made me feel like he genuinely cared about my case, but once I paid the retainer, he became increasingly difficult to reach and only reached out when he wanted additional payment. Save your time, money, and stress by seeking help elsewhere.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Valerie
I would say run before you waste your money. He'll drop you right before trial and leave you screwed so you don't win your case.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Rhonda yates
Best way I can describe him is absolutely heartless. Please do not trust him. Please listen to the warnings. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and I regret it. I have joined the others that have found themselves without an attorney 2 weeks before my trial. Without any warning or explanation. He knew working with me was a conflict of interest because he's represented my family in other matters as well as taking on a client against my family. He's a mess. I really trusted him to help my children and I now realize he could care less. He made our situation worse.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
