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07 May, 2024 by Tomas maganda ayala
I am very grateful that Guneet Kaur was recommended to me as a family attorney. She and her team worked hard and tirelessly to ensure that I did not get a bad deal and got my right to be in my child's life as a father. Family law is not pleasant, but having Guneet by your side will set you in a good position.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Nina torres
Law Office of Guneet Kaur is the standard of fair justice. They really work hard for their client and will fight for their rights in a tremendous way. They put in the work and more.
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20 Jan, 2024 by Noel rivas
My ex-spouse and I pretty much agreed on almost everything, but there were few minor details that we needed to iron out. Matthew was referred to us by a mutual friend and we were happy with the outcome. There was never any arguing and Matthew was a great resource for us. He patiently walked us through the divorce proceedings and answered every question we had. Having one mediator attorney as opposed to two attorneys made it much more affordable. I would recommend Matthew to anyone who wants a fair process.
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01 May, 2024 by Cici parsons
Ablsolutely Amazing!! If I could give One Hundred stars I would. John and his team are the very best in Santa Barbara. I am so greatful to John for being and OUTSTANDING human and such a fantastic lawyer. John and his team quite literally saved me from losing my house. It is truly rare to see someone who enjoys what they do so much, that they are quick to help because its just what they love. John is an inspiration in many ways and I am forever greatful that he exists and he is such a masterful lawyer. There is nothing John can't fix.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Heather borgatello
I reached out to John Thyne to help me with an issue I had been having with a local divorce lawyer. This issue had been going on for so long & thought there was no hope. I didn't even think he would take my case. To my surprise, he immediately got me scheduled with his colleague, Adam Carralejo. Adam carefully listened & took extensive notes during our appointment which in turn gave me a glimmer of hope. Adam continued to be in touch with me regarding my case & then the day came when he called me with the good news that he had made headway with my case. After I got off the phone with him, I burst into tears because Adam had achieved a fair outcome. In addition, Brant Berglund & Ashley Franco have helped with facilitating the details. I am forever grateful to the Law Office of John J. Thyne lll & the team that went up and beyond the call of duty to resolve my case.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Karin hauenstein
Extreme attention to detail, prompt communications and billing, forthright, exemplary representation comes from this Firm. Blessed to have them in Santa Barbara County!
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20 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Hard working, cunning, detail-oriented and authoritative attorney whose demand letters are the stuff of local legend. Guaranteed to become one of Santa Barbara's SuperAttorneys. Mike defended me against an unscrupulous landlord whose rent I paid on time... but for whom that was not enough. The landlord decided he was entitled to intimacy from me, and the usual dark events occurred. Few Santa Barbara attorneys (most of whom are landlords themselves) respond to this type of situation. I'm glad I retained Mr. Brelje. He stood for me unusually strongly and effectively against this cunning, unscrupulous straw-hatted elderly lecherous landlord and his lawyer, and protected me, and on top of that got me an unexpected and sizable settlement. Mike Brelje is confident, knowledgeable about the law and other subjects, and thorough; he's a smart, bright young advocate and JD star who knows T/LL law in and out, sides with his client, and upholds the law exceptionally fearlessly. In my opinion, the lawyer who represents both T and LL will know the most about how to defend both against either. Mike Brelje exemplifies this thoroughly. A better Santa Barbara lawyer cannot be had; and that might be why Mr. Brelje is almost always booked deep months ahead. Smart clients know he's that good. If your landlord decides he or she is entitled to sleep with you (and make no mistake, Santa Barbara County is filled with this type), don't waste any time with the others. Call Mike Brelje, pay him his retainer, then sit back and watch the fireworks. I don't regret it an instant.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Ben and lela
If you are in the market for an aggressive, knowledgeable, organized, integrity based real estate attorney, we would highly recommend Attorney G. Michael Brelje. Our previously hired attorneys took our money and took our case nowhere. Attorney Brelje listened to our claim, evaluated the strong merits of our case, and presented us with an honest description of the “legal reality” of our case, before we paid a dime. With much needed integrity based legal analysis, we moved forward, comfortable that we were proceeding with realistic expectations, and not just dumping money into a legal abyss. Attorney Brelje, delivered us a victory at mediation, negotiating a favorable monetary settlement. More importantly, strong strategy/presentation also helped us avoid potential years of mazing through the slow legal process, life on hold, as we would have to pursue our strong and (expensive) winnable case (while legal expenses mount). The attorney, G. Michael Brelje (Mike), and the firm, “Rogers Sheffield & Campbell LLP”, is unbeatable if they take your case. We will not do another real estate transaction without them. Attorney G. Michael Brelje was wise, honest, thorough, professional, accurate and compassionate. His assistance was priceless, worth every penny!
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09 Jan, 2020 by Emily
Michael Brelje is great! He answered all of our questions succinctly, was clearly an expert on the field, and directly because of him we achieved the results we wanted. Definitely recommend!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Joyce
I hired Virginia Fuentes to update my Special Needs Trust. She did an outstanding job and I highly recommend her for any legal work or questions you need.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Zaveeni
My husband and I absolutely enjoyed working with Virginia. She was professional and caring. She took care of our needs for estate planning very competently. She was easy to communicate and did everything in a timely manner. I highly recommend her.
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16 Jun, 2024 by David
Thorough, knowledgeable, and communicative. Virginia exceeded my expectations with putting together a trust. I highly recommend her.
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17 Jun, 2020 by Guillermo
Very helpful Help me with my DUI. Always answer my questions. Made my case run smooth .I would highly recommend her.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Tiffany
Ashley is extremely knowledgeable, prompt, and professional. She explained processes thoroughly and always answered my questions in a timely manner. She made the process effortless and got me great results. Im extremely grateful for her excellent services and look forward to working with her in the future.
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09 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I am so grateful that I found an attorney like Ashley Reese. In my time of need she helped resolve an issue that was SO difficult and stressful for me, and made me feel so much better while she was doing it. She is one of the most informative and hardworking people I've met, and answers all of your questions and concerns with ease. I will definitely reach out to her again if I ever have the need.
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21 Nov, 2014 by Denise
Specifically, Mark assisted me when my house burned down. Mark has an excellent grasp of the whole legal process as well as the nuts and bolts of Construction/Real Estate/Insurance. He communicates extremely well with all parties involved, and does not waste time, moving on quickly to resolve the issues. He has a real talent for taking a complicated problem and solving it, with a respect for everyone.
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19 Aug, 2014 by Linda
Mark Coffin was very personable & extremely helpful and efficient. He gave us lots of time in the interview process & explained completely how we could proceed & what he recommended would work best. We took all his advise & the outcome was in our favor. We are so happy with the entire process & would definitely recommend Mark to our friends. Sincerely, Linda & Robert
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07 Jan, 2013 by Marcia
Mark provided excellent legal services but more importantly helped keep my stress level at a minimim. He was always available and provided detailed answers to not only the legal questions but the process I was going through. As this was my first construction claim ever in 22 years, Mark helped navigate the waters with creative processes that brought the situation and issues to light faster which allowed us to resolve the claim quicker.
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09 Feb, 2011 by Marie
I've used this attorney for a few corporate endeavors. He was always expeditious, friendly, patient and knew instinctively what I needed to get the job done. I couldn't have been successful without him. He should run for public office because we need stellar ethics and honesty like his in government!
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10 Feb, 2010 by Todd
I've worked with Pete now for over 12 years, hired him at 4 different companies and recommended him to countless others. He is without a doubt the best and easiest to work with attorney I've ever known. When you're a start up executive, you need an attorney who is responsive, diligent, accurate and fast, and has the knowledge and experience to help in in a variety of areas like contracts, labor, M&A and corporate law. Pete brings all that to the table, and has an amazing ability to understand and explain the business impact of legal decisions you need to make. As a Technology exec - It's also really nice that he's a member of both the California and Washington bar.
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06 Feb, 2010 by Tim
I have worked at two different companies where we required Pete Wenzel's legal services. One was a start up and one was a small business. In both cases, Pete demonstrated an amazing understanding of our business needs and challenges. He worked amazingly quickly, was able to identify several key legal issues that we had no clue about and was able to give us extremely helpful, responsive advice to all our questions. If ever I have a question about contractual issues, liability or related areas, I call Pete Wenzel first thing. I trust Pete's legal counsel implicitly and would highly recommend him to any business. He has 100% integirty and on top of everything else, he is a delightful human being as well.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Derek
I am not one who writes review, but in this case I decided to because Kuldeep did a good job writing my trust. She provided me with the information needed to make it painless and explain options available. Her work is thorough and accurate. I would recommend her as well as use her again for other law related matters.
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11 Apr, 2018 by Mike
Ms. Kaur is a detailed oriented person and is thoughtful of decisions and their legal significance. She is kind, trustworthy and very knowledgeable about wills and trusts. I highly recommend her. Getting it done, gave me peace of mind.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Josh
My wife and I hired Ms. Kaur for preparing our trust. We had a very smooth experience with her, she did good job explaining everything to us and answered all our questions. We got the documents prepared in a timely manner. Since then, I have recommended her to few family friends.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Kent
John has represented us several times in the last few years with the utmost professionalism. He has made himself readily available, which is a very reassuring while going through legal issues. He has been a calming influence and voice of reason while we were facing adverse situations. His legal expertise and extensive personal relationships within the legal community has been a valuable asset and helped us to gain favorable outcomes in our unforeseen litigation. Being a business owner you are vulnerable to "exposure" in this environment we live in today and it is calming to know I have a great attorney on my side at all times.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
John Thyne assisted me in a complex civil case. His knowledge of the law and procedure is superb. His recommendations were spot on, and I am glad I took his advice. I enjoyed working with John and his team of highly experienced professionals, and will continue to recommend his services. Thank you, John for all you've done for me.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Michelle
I love John because not only is he a strong and charismatic attorney but has a wide area of expertise and knowledge allowing him to help me across the board on my legal issues.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Kelly
Attorney Scafide represented me in a residential real estate matter, and spared me considerable headache and expense when a tenant turned out to have questionable finances and intentions. Thanks to a well written contract and excellent, clear advice, what could have been a nightmare was a relatively painless matter to resolve. I recommend his services without reservation.
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15 Nov, 2013 by Chris
Mr. Scafide represented me in a commercial real estate matter. He was so effective that, at times, I actually felt sorry for the other side. Attorney Scafide is brilliant, resourceful, creative, and was completely honest about every aspect of a case, including what I could expect as a realistic outcome. His billing was fair --his hourly rate is not low, but he is a bargain given the excellent quality of service.
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01 Jun, 2013 by Bill in santa barbara
If you're looking for an honest and professional attorney who bills ethically contact him. Mr. Scafide is the best lawyer I know and have used many.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Hillary
Drew Simons just got me through an awful, tangled real estate lease case...as quickly as possible, careful to ensure it got settled rather than escalate. On top of that, he was kind, he CARED. Can't say enough good things about this lawyer.
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22 Sep, 2010 by George
I have gone through a lot of personal tragedy the last three years, Andrew has been there for me when many friends have not. I have always felt very comfortable seeking and relying on his legal advice.
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22 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Drew has always provided excellent advice for us on starting our business helping franchise and eventually merging with another Corporation.
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12 Feb, 2020 by Barbara
Naomi has been a blessing in assisting us with the sale of our business. She is always thinking. Her observations are profound, practical and clever. Her knowledge and foresight has allowed us the breathe during this stressful time. During the last 6 years, she was available on as needed basis for legal questions that would come up during the course of normal business. She is patient, clear and always on point. She certainly is our Trusted Legal professional!
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12 Feb, 2020 by Caleigh
Naomi is a fantastic lawyer who helped me set up and maintain my nonprofit. She has extensive knowledge of the industry and has made every step of the process as easy as possible. Beyond that, her office is incredible responsive. It's been a pleasure working with her.
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12 Feb, 2020 by Danelle
Naomi has been able to support our business as we work through a licensing agreement. She is able to help us properly understand legal documents, and then translate our wishes into these documents so we're properly protected. Her communication is quick and efficient. I'd gladly work with her again, and will anytime we have a legal matter come up.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Kj
When life threw us a curve ball we were so fortunate to have the lawyers at Thyne Taylor Fox and Howard represent us. It’s never an easy decision to choose legal counsel but from our first meeting I knew that we were fortunate to find them and have them represent our case. Lacy Taylor and Brant Berglund were exceptional in understanding our situation. As were John Thyne and Justin Fox. Brant was exceptionally attentive and extremely knowledgeable of the law. He was dedicated, focused and fought for restitution and resolution of our case. Resulting in a very good outcome. I sincerely will never forget his professionalism and kindness. The firm works exceptionally hard for their clients and I am so appreciative and grateful for that.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Brant, was able to understand our case and represented it well to the judge in mediation. His preparation and background research was evident as our case moved forward. We were very pleased with his representation. We would recommend Brant for legal service and the firm he represents.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Grace
Brant Burglund and Lacy L. Taylor represented me in a workplace matter and I was beyond impressed with the whole experience. Their team is responsive, detailed, and a pleasure to work with while going through a difficult experience. Brant provided excellent advice and brought an incredible wealth of knowledge to the table. I believe I ended up with a positive outcome based on having Brant and his firm as my representation!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Kristina
I can’t say enough good things about Julian. He easily translates the legaleze for us layman to understand and does so without being at all condescending or impatient. He is quick to respond and does a great job managing expectations. I never worry about contracts knowing I’ve got him in my corner.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Arshia
Julian assisted my team and I through IP issues with a university. He helped us understand our position, the university’s position, and how to best move forewords. I appreciated his conviction, clarity in communication, and resolve.
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19 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms Woodwark answered my questions in a timely and efficient manner on a legal matter that I need solid advice on. Very personable and knowledgable. Highly recommend her.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Rob
My mom was in assisted living, and needed to have a new Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive. The existing ones were over 10 years old, and given her dementia, I had to legally be able to handle my mom's affairs. I initially had trouble finding an attorney who would do this, but after Lorraine and I met through LinkedIn, she agreed to do the Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive. She did both the long and short form Powers of Attorney, to make sure my mom and I would be well covered for any situation. Her fee was extremely reasonable, considering the time she spent preparing all of the documents, and the travel time for the round trip to and from the assisted living facility, which was 60 miles each way. Lorraine treated my mom like her own mother during the time spent signing the documents at the assisted living facility. Her patience and kindness towards my mom was heart warming to say the least. I had occasions where either the long or short form Power of Attorney had to be submitted to the insurance company or to the bank on my mom's behalf, and there were never any issues. Lorraine was fantastic in every way, and I very highly recommend her to anyone.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Angela was such an incredible resource. She's knowledgeable, patient, professional and efficient. She made such a daunting experience easy to understand, walking me through each step of the arduous legal process so that I felt at ease and with an understanding of how things were progressing. Thank you, Angela for your utmost professionalism and constant clear communication.
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23 Sep, 2021 by Nick
I was very pleased with the advice I received from Angela. I was looking for info in regards to protecting my personal assets, as well as my business assets, with the utilization of a trust. I had reached out to multiple lawyers and all wanted to charge me a fee just to briefly talk to find out if I even needed to retain a law firm. Angela took time to listen to my questions and she helped me realize that I am better off hiring a law firm since my wife and I have significant assets. In addition, we have a business that we want to pass on to our kids.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Brian
Nicholas embodies many of the characters one seeks in a great attorney. He is highly professional, organized, works diligently, and is very responsive. Throughout the process of helping apply for my patent, he not only was very thorough in his work but helped me understand what was being done and why. I have learned a lot from the short time I have worked with Nicholas, and he has earned not only my trust but future business. Thank you Nicholas!
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12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
After speaking attorneys in Santa Barbara, a friend recommended that I call and speak with Raymond Pulverman; I called him and without knowing my situation, he was extremely informative and took his time to speak with me. He was very patient and I felt extremely comfortable with him from the beginning. In comparison to my other consultations, it was a no brainer, and I can say with full confidence that he is one of the best, most knowledgeable attorneys I have met. Always able to get ahold of, kept me updated constantly, gave me insight and thorough explanations- I always felt like I was in good hands. Extremely thankful for the recommendation to contact him. Thanks again Raymond
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24 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
He has represented me in my divorce. He is honest, ethical and hard working. He also works to keep fees down. He was very knowledgeable and he predicted the outcome of the case.
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18 Mar, 2013 by Baron spafford
Working with Patrick was a joy. Although the wheels of justice seem to spin slowly at times, Patrick kept the experience as pleasant as it could be. He always presented the situation to me clearly and without bias, allowing final decisions to be mine.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Scott
Michael has provided professional services to me and my firm on various topics. On each matter, Michael not only handles the topic at hand with great professionalism, but he also provides a big-picture perspective and general business consulting. Michael is wise beyond his years, and I always welcome his advice.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Audrey swanson
I needed advice and I needed it quickly on an ongoing landlord issue and John Thyne was there. He was thorough, kind, compassionate and swift to take action. I was so nervous leading up to this consultation, due to the length of time that this had been going on and the challenging communications that I was having with my landlord and the property manager, but John was so calm; he immediately set my mind at ease. I highly recommend him and his firm. They are extremely professional and get the job done!
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15 Sep, 2010 by Americlean
I worked with Mr. Greben in the Santa Barbara Office. He was extremely knowledgable on issues of PERC and groundwater contamination. I had interviewed other firms, but Greben and Associates had the most experience. They are doing a fantastic job, and were able to obtain insurance coverage and reduce my expenses.
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20 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Had a great experience with this guy. Great advice and always delivered exactly what we needed. Highly recommend.
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12 Jul, 2016 by Rashunda howard
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03 Jun, 2015 by Sean cooney
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07 Feb, 2023 by B bbb
I highly recommend Scott. He helped me immensely in a complicated real estate situation. It was easily resolved because of Scott's expertise.
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07 Feb, 2023 by B bbb
I highly recommend Scott. He helped me immensely in a complicated real estate situation. It was easily resolved because of Scott's expertise.
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07 Feb, 2023 by B bbb
I highly recommend Scott. He helped me immensely in a complicated real estate situation. It was easily resolved because of Scott's expertise.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Nereida barrios
I am happy I was recommended to Aaron’s Law Firm they were amazing help! Everything made sense it was easy and I’ll recommend them for anyone who needs help with any situation!!! Every penny was well spent and they deserve so much more than 5 stars if I could I’d leave 100!!! Thank you so much!!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Karen osborn
Mr ARON is the best!!! Very knowledgeable and professional with a great deal of compassion. I will always be grateful to him for his help navigating the situation with the Nursing Board 🙏🙏🙏
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jorge
I needed an early probation termination and expungement for DUI and thanks to Mr. William Aron , he got the job done! I cannot express how grateful I am for him for handling a challenging case for me but if you ever need help for a similar matter , he is the guy to go to!! Highly recommend getting a consultation from him.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Nereida barrios
I am happy I was recommended to Aaron’s Law Firm they were amazing help! Everything made sense it was easy and I’ll recommend them for anyone who needs help with any situation!!! Every penny was well spent and they deserve so much more than 5 stars if I could I’d leave 100!!! Thank you so much!!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Karen osborn
Mr ARON is the best!!! Very knowledgeable and professional with a great deal of compassion. I will always be grateful to him for his help navigating the situation with the Nursing Board 🙏🙏🙏
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jorge
I needed an early probation termination and expungement for DUI and thanks to Mr. William Aron , he got the job done! I cannot express how grateful I am for him for handling a challenging case for me but if you ever need help for a similar matter , he is the guy to go to!! Highly recommend getting a consultation from him.
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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:

  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.