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12 Sep, 2024 by Susan carter
It was time to have my Will and additional legal documents up dated, and with a referral from my personal Attorney, Matthew Kowtko, I was pleased with the exceptional job Attorney Soss
did for me. I will definitely call him again! Thank you Atty. Soss.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Carrie gard
Marc is professional, easy to work with and incredibly knowledgeable.
Highly recommend!
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12 Apr, 2024 by Michael havlik
I called Marc with several asset protection planning questions today. He quickly and efficiently and courteously answered them. He did this with no initial consultation fee. Highly recommend his firm
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10 Apr, 2024 by James travis (james travis)
12 Jan, 2024 by Kiah parrish
Warren Chin is hands down the best personal injury lawyer in Florida, I was met with nothing but patience, understanding, compassion and urgency with my case, Warren and everyone at this firm handled my case with professionalism and time sensitivity. If you’re looking for someone to advocate for you and get what you deserve this is the firm to go to!
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26 Dec, 2023 by Capricia whiting
I was referred to Keith DuBose through a dear friend after a car accident. With it being late in the evening, Keith took my call right away and went to work on my and my daughter's behalf. It was a long journey that never seemed it would end but attorney DuBose and his team Christina along with attorney Eastmoore worked very hard to pursue an outcome that fared well for me. I want to thank Mr. DuBose, Mr. Eastmoore, Christina and the entire team at ECD law for what they do. They truly care about you as a person and what they do. I would recommend them to anyone.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Mace keenum
Robert was very helpful and efficient. I would recommend him to anyone !
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20 Jul, 2024 by Tony anderson
Brian is the man, I reached out to many lawyers before him.
It was either they didn’t bother to look into my case or they immediately wanted to charge an arm and a leg. Brian not only figured out what he could provide and help me with, within our first conversation, but he was the most realistic w/ expectations and most tedious with his findings.
I recommend Mr. Lail to anyone in the area and anyone nearby.
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08 May, 2024 by Trish justice
Highly recommend. So much respect for this man.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Thomas e. mcclung
It was a pleasure working with MCT Law. They kept me informed through the entire process and hey were always available to take my calls if I had questions. I would highly recommend them.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Mj menein
All of the staff at MCT Law with whom I was in contact, were very efficient, helpful and managed my expectations. Any time I had a question or concern, they were addressed immediately. I felt very safe and assured in my involvement with MCT Law. I feel that I had the best possible outcome and I would not hesitate to recommend MCT Law. They were kind and professional and very respectful. At no time did I ever feel as though I was being processed, or that my concerns were trivial or unimportant. Thank you to Leslie and Michelle and all of the behind the scenes staff at MCT Law.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Susan rightmyer
They were the very best to work with. Leslie and Michelle were fantastic. I have come to think of Leslie as a friend even though we have never actually met.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Larry mcelreavy
I asked Attorney Wyckoff to help me remove my name from a deed.
The request was done over the phone and e-mail, as I live out of state. His responses were prompt and he quickly took care of my request. He was both timely and professional. It was a pleasure to have him take care of my request.
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10 Apr, 2024 by James travis (james travis)
04 Mar, 2024 by Malina ness
I cannot say enough good things about Michael Wyckoff. He was extremely patient, helpful and professional when helping my family with our property. He took the time to communicate with us, understand the issue, then came up with the best course of action. We highly recommend his services. Thank you Wyckoff Law Firm!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Chelita houston
Our closing experience with Katie was excellent! David stepped in to assist with a wire transfer mistake I made, and was very helpful. Overall, they were terrific! I would definitely recommend them. Doug and Chelita Houston
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bryan schneider
Amazing experience, 10 start if I could. Gloria was the biggest help. They should absolutely value her at this firm. Thanks again....
Bryan and Emily Schneider
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18 Apr, 2024 by Laurel kayne
Highly recommend, especially if you get to work with Gloria! Best paralegal ever!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Chelita houston
Our closing experience with Katie was excellent! David stepped in to assist with a wire transfer mistake I made, and was very helpful. Overall, they were terrific! I would definitely recommend them. Doug and Chelita Houston
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bryan schneider
Amazing experience, 10 start if I could. Gloria was the biggest help. They should absolutely value her at this firm. Thanks again....
Bryan and Emily Schneider
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18 Apr, 2024 by Laurel kayne
Highly recommend, especially if you get to work with Gloria! Best paralegal ever!
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01 Jun, 2022 by Pat
Atty Mike Robertson got right to the nut and bolts of offering legal info. Unfort he told me there were no legal avenues for me related to my employment issues. I already thought this was the case but I needed to make sure from a legal expert. He didn't sugar coat it and he got to the point which i respected and needed. He did care enough to stay on the phone with me and chatted more about life and society. He initially comes across as apathetic and no nonsense attorney but underneath -he has a wealth of empathy-street smarts—and life awareness- and he knows there is no time in life to dwell and feel sorry for oneself. His last piece of advice in which I will take with me in my times of uncertainty is take chances in life to find happiness/joy and let go of what you have no control of…. Thx Mike!!! Wish you the best. Pat
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09 Feb, 2022 by Marilyn
Mr Robertson was very patient and a, explained my rights and what I could do to resolve the issue. I give him four stars.
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04 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Right to the point. Clear in his answers. A blessing that I contacted him for advice.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
01 Apr, 2024 by Kate miller
Do not hire Adam Bragg as your divorce attorney!!! I paid him around $7,000 in total. I provided videos of my now deceased husband nodding out at our son's soccer practices that were only WEEKS before I wanted to take it to court to get full custody of our son (since his father was using fentanyl). He refused to go to court for my son & me even with all of the current evidence I had. My husband died of an overdose a day before he was scheduled to see our son for the weekend. Adam only cares about HIS daughter, not any of OUR children!! I am contacting the BBB about this.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Robyn erhardt
I worked with Adam over an extended period of time to resolve multiple issues pertaining to my divorce. Adam always remained calm and steadfast in handling my case and always guided me correctly, offering me the best options and explaining all the steps along the way. He was crucial to my success when all was said and done. Adam is one of the best, most honest attorneys in Sarasota. You should not hesitate to contact him if you find yourself needing legal help with a divorce. Highly recommend!!
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17 Jan, 2024 by Mike smith
26 Jul, 2020 by Jennifer daniels
Very courteous and professional. I would never have gotten through a bad experience the way I did without their team!
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03 Mar, 2020 by Harley hall
I got into a bad accident. My car was totaled and I was out of work for weeks. Michael Ortiz ended up being a big mistake. He was friends with my chiropractor and both of them made a pretty penny while I got peanuts. He insisted that I accept the first offer from the insurance company which left me with 2500 dollars. I lost more than that the first week of work that I missed. I feel strongly that ANY other lawyer there is could have done a better job. I am also convinced that he needed the money more than I did. Do yourself a favor if you have an accident and get ANYONE besides him to handle it. I would have been better off by handling it myself and that is a fact.
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26 Feb, 2020 by Julie rodriguez
This man is more then a lawyer. He is honest and forward yet patient. He listens and takes in account what I am saying. On a personal level he belongs to the Lord and there is no one else I rather represent me .. then someone who seeks our God first.
His staff are amazing. He will get your case done! He will make you happy that he is fighting for you!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
29 Aug, 2024 by Peter nguyen
Jess, our attorney for a complicated house deed update, was helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, details oriented, responsive and timely, ask me good questions that we didn't think about before. Highly recommended for real estate transactions. Thank you Jess!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Rick wedge
Worked with Jim and his staff. Could not be more pleased! I asked the same question several times over a period of weeks. Every time Jim and his staff took the time to answer my question, patiently and accurately. Also got the results I needed in a timely and costly manner. Highly recommend!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Melody williams
11 May, 2024 by David and eula seyda
Totally pleased and satisfied
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29 Apr, 2024 by Douglas b
Mcintosh Law is hands down the best law firm around. My case was not what you would call a typical case. My case consisted of false accusations, very poor investigation/investigators, regarding numerous accounting line items over several years. Plus the so called "victim" is a pathological liar with friends in the right places. It was a mess to explain my situation, but it was amazing how Brett and Beth broke this case down completely and absolutely proved I was innocent. Brett and Beth together have tremendous experience. Beth was a prosecutor for 20 years and Brett is very detailed and extremly talented at defending to protect your rights and provide you the best legal repensentation I believe in the state of Florida. I am so grateful and lucky to have found this law firm to represent me and my case.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Javier mata
I hired Brett to help me with a DUI case, he went above and beyond at all times, he fought for me till the end I will definitely recommend Brett if you want the best outcome, I got his number from a couple friends that they used him and all had amazing outcomes on their cases, got me off a DUI down to a reckless I was also looking at some jail time he also got me off of that, me and my family are so grateful that I used him as my attorney on this difficult times, I hope we don't have to cross paths again, but if I ever need an attorney I'm his client for life, you are my hero
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02 Aug, 2023 by David
My father set up a trust with Chris Vorbeck in the early 2000's. When Dad passed, the movement of everything to Mother could not have been smoother. When Mother passed 5 years later, Chris took care of everything moving assets smoothly to me. My wife and I set up our own trust with his help and it always felt like we were his only clients. I have had very little experience with attorneys in my lifetime, but I can not imagine it being any easier that Chris Vorbeck made the process. He felt like a member of the family.
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28 Sep, 2018 by Charles
Chris has been the ATTY for our Family Trust since 12/14/2006. we have worked with him many times over the years. I like the personal and professional promptness that Christ has extended to us over the years. He has always been courteous, compassionate, and professional with us.
My wife of 57 years passed away in Feb 2018 which led Chris and myself communicating often relative to both personal and Trust related discussions. Chris was always there to answer any questions that I had.
I highly recommend Chris for your legal, and /or personal manners
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06 Apr, 2017 by Barbara
My husband and I hired Chirs Vorbeck to set up our Family Trust and all other necessary estate planning documents. He was wonderful. He help us through the entire process and answered all of our questions promptly. He was thorough and thought of items that my husband and I would not have included. When completed, he sat down with us and explained all documents and how to add additional items to the trust in the future. I have already recommended him to my friends and would definitely use him in the future.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Brad siegel
Absolutely the best!!!!
I would highly recommend to everyone.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Cindy heinrich
Mr. Ellis is caring & compassionate and handled my legal issues with ease. He was knowledgeable and professional. I would not, and do not, hesitate to recommend him to others who need legal representation.
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03 Jul, 2023 by Ruth milligan
03 Oct, 2024 by Mace keenum
Robert was very helpful and efficient. I would recommend him to anyone !
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20 Jul, 2024 by Tony anderson
Brian is the man, I reached out to many lawyers before him.
It was either they didn’t bother to look into my case or they immediately wanted to charge an arm and a leg. Brian not only figured out what he could provide and help me with, within our first conversation, but he was the most realistic w/ expectations and most tedious with his findings.
I recommend Mr. Lail to anyone in the area and anyone nearby.
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08 May, 2024 by Trish justice
Highly recommend. So much respect for this man.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Mace keenum
Robert was very helpful and efficient. I would recommend him to anyone !
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20 Jul, 2024 by Tony anderson
Brian is the man, I reached out to many lawyers before him.
It was either they didn’t bother to look into my case or they immediately wanted to charge an arm and a leg. Brian not only figured out what he could provide and help me with, within our first conversation, but he was the most realistic w/ expectations and most tedious with his findings.
I recommend Mr. Lail to anyone in the area and anyone nearby.
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08 May, 2024 by Trish justice
Highly recommend. So much respect for this man.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Thomas e. mcclung
It was a pleasure working with MCT Law. They kept me informed through the entire process and hey were always available to take my calls if I had questions. I would highly recommend them.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Mj menein
All of the staff at MCT Law with whom I was in contact, were very efficient, helpful and managed my expectations. Any time I had a question or concern, they were addressed immediately. I felt very safe and assured in my involvement with MCT Law. I feel that I had the best possible outcome and I would not hesitate to recommend MCT Law. They were kind and professional and very respectful. At no time did I ever feel as though I was being processed, or that my concerns were trivial or unimportant. Thank you to Leslie and Michelle and all of the behind the scenes staff at MCT Law.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Susan rightmyer
They were the very best to work with. Leslie and Michelle were fantastic. I have come to think of Leslie as a friend even though we have never actually met.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Thomas e. mcclung
It was a pleasure working with MCT Law. They kept me informed through the entire process and hey were always available to take my calls if I had questions. I would highly recommend them.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Mj menein
All of the staff at MCT Law with whom I was in contact, were very efficient, helpful and managed my expectations. Any time I had a question or concern, they were addressed immediately. I felt very safe and assured in my involvement with MCT Law. I feel that I had the best possible outcome and I would not hesitate to recommend MCT Law. They were kind and professional and very respectful. At no time did I ever feel as though I was being processed, or that my concerns were trivial or unimportant. Thank you to Leslie and Michelle and all of the behind the scenes staff at MCT Law.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Susan rightmyer
They were the very best to work with. Leslie and Michelle were fantastic. I have come to think of Leslie as a friend even though we have never actually met.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Allan for 2 cases and was very pleased with the results. The only thing I wish that I had more of is prep time before the hearing as I did not feel very prepared, or as prepared as I would have liked. In the end I achieved my goal and that was the whole point.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Allan Baily represnted me for a criminal case, my sister on her dependency case, and my father with a divorce he is outstanding! Easy to talk with, very straight fowards, fast response, and great outcomes for all cases !! couldnt be more grateful.
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19 Oct, 2021 by David
Allan won a divorce case for me and did so because he was more thorough in his sighting of the law much more & better than his opposing attorney. He and his staff were a pleasure with whom to work.
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4.6
10 Reviews
26 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Chapman to help us with a construction contractor that never finished the work, then billed for the entire job. Mr. Chapman answered all our questions and explained our options pertaining to communication with the contractor and how to ensure things were correct with the municipality. We followed his recommendations and had a positive resolution to the matter.
Mr. Chapman was very accessible, professional, and easy to talk with. His fees were reasonable and he made sure we received a good value for our dollar, We learned a lot and would highly recommend him as a construction attorney.
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10 Jan, 2020 by Ervin
John Chapman took care of all of my legal documents including power of attorney, health care surrogate, living will and revokable trust, and some other business related documents.. He has also provided excellent follow-up and advice. He is very patient and thorough. I would say that his fees are reasonable. I have also referred him several of my patients for their legal issues. I can report that my patients were 100% satisfied with the services and handling other their legal needs. I will continue to recommend him to my patients and my friends. Thanks John!
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09 Jan, 2020 by David
Great Attorney help with a Employee Contract, was able to help me thru the paper work
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10 Sep, 2024 by James begg
Karla Lopez is a very hard working attorney at this office. She is very competent and thorough, and really helped us when we needed her. She has been throughout the process looking out for our best interest, and is very honest and considerate. Will gladly use her services again.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Barry weinstein
I called as a prospective new client, and was told they were too busy. Perhaps my case was too small
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05 May, 2024 by John piperson
Karla Lopez at Suncoast Civil Law is the consummate professional. Throughout the course of our legal proceedings, Ms. Lopez kept me informed at all levels. She very promptly replied to all messages/concerns, and gave excellent advice concerning moving the case forward. All legal proceedings take time, and Ms. Lopez was with me every step of proceedings. Ending in a settlement in my favor, I am thankful and truly impressed with Suncoast Civil Law and Karla Lopez. Highly recommended!!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Peter dawson
15 Aug, 2024 by Daniel patton
I have worked with other law firms that specialize in their services. By far the experience was transparent and much better than firms I have used with in the past.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Peter delgado
15 Aug, 2024 by Peter dawson
15 Aug, 2024 by Daniel patton
I have worked with other law firms that specialize in their services. By far the experience was transparent and much better than firms I have used with in the past.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Peter delgado
30 Nov, 2023 by Miguel elasmar
23 Jan, 2023 by Marina solo
Great Law Firm. I do recommend using their services. I worked with Ben Sorrell, a young attorney who was very sharp and quickly responded to each call and email.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Margaret cavasos
I was transferred to one of the Attorneys. According to the website, the company does litigations.
After speaking with me, (maybe 1 minute) the attorney stated they do not do litigation and promptly hung up on me.
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29 May, 2024 by Cat arnaez
If I could give less than one star, I would. Jamie is all too happy to take money, but not happy to be held accountable for the job for which you hire her. She and another lawyer screwed me and my kids, and when I begged and pleaded for her to fix it, make it right. She told me it wasn’t going to affect me and she didn’t know why I was worried about it (see attached email response). To this day, it does affect me, and my children, and she simply didn’t care to make it right after happily accepting thousands of dollars. I am still dealing with a case that she didn’t fix and reached out again to try to have her resolve but she doesn’t even bother to answer. I had to file a bar complaint for her to respond only for her to tell me she feels she did her job. If that were the case why doesn’t the state recognize the order she filed and why won’t she fix it? This lawyer has no integrity, so if you want someone who will take your money and offer no help, this is the lawyer you want. She is overpriced and doesn’t even do her job. It’s a wonder she hasn’t be disbarred.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Anikakat anikakat
28 Jun, 2023 by Desta ariyo
I had a horrible experience with Icard Merrill, I retained Lindsey Meshberger for a divorce case. There was a constant lack of communication but the 3 biggest problems were #1) changed her hourly billing, one month after retaining her and then when I asked about it, I received no reply. #2) Told the judge in court that the reason she lacked information on my case is because she just received the case when she had the case for 4 months prior. #3) I was not even informed of a case management hearing that I had until it was over and couldn’t participate. At this point, I don’t know whether to consider this maltreatment racist or negligent. Her paralegal, Kathie Summa was god awful and argumentative whenever approached with any concerns. This is an honest review from my very REAL experience with ICard Merrill. I understand that everything can not go my way in a case but there is a level of professionalism and transparency that should be handled with any business, that was not done with ICard Merrill.
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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.
