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13 Jun, 2018 by William
Being self-employed in a highly litigious field, having an attorney available at all times is a must. I met Mr. Baroumes through my work and approached him for some simple legal advice. He was quick to respond with clear, concise and well thought out answers that a layman could understand. I also used Mr. Baroumes to write my will. He made it clear, simple and spent time with me so I understood what I was getting. He has excellent people skills and was kind and patient with me. His rates were fair for the level of responsibility a lawyer assumes providing legal advice. I trust him and would use him any time the necessity arrived.
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15 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Makes the estate planning experience understandable and easy. Not only a very knowledgeable person, but someone who actually cares about what YOU need.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Failed to do the most BASIC and vital requirement for an attorney to do and cost me FOUR YEARS of time and wasted money for this. WHAT attorney does not do a certificate of service for court documents to prove it was served on the other party timely??? THEN when put to the task of proving to the court, right before trial, he provides a half a** buisness record BUT NO signed affidavit from the person who mailed and filed the court papers to prove it was delivered timely. Having my perfectly good claim barred after FOUR YEARS of work on it only to be dismissed for his failure. This was apparently not the ONLY time he did this in my case which allowed the Judge to not accept his credibility alone with just a business record as proof and no affidavit. Not organized at all, failed to notify when canceling appointments, did not communicate about conference hearings scheduled or what issue it was regarding, kept having to resubmit documents, constantly a month or more late for scheduled due dates the court set for discovery, minimal work done at last minute, failed to disclose Expert Witness and provide a copy of the report to opposing AT ALL!! There is just too much to tell that I didnt know about because he failed to say anything to me which I had to find out about in opposings response they filed which I had to practically hound his office staff to send to me. Thats another thing, my new attorney that HE recommended to me had to call for my case file repeatedly and NEVER got a complete copy sent to this day, is riduculous. Sloppy and unprofessional work and pray he never does it again to anyone else specially when it is so emotionally charged because it involves a deceased loved one. His response to the judges decision.....Thats disappointing to hear. No YOU are disappointing Mr. Melo, the decision was tragic because it should have been an easy case for me to have justice against a thief but your sloppy work caused me to suffer more and a fraud to get away with it. I say a fraud because later, the opposing party went on to admit in another court case that they lied about my claim never being mailed to them timely and that they did receive it but never opened it and blamed their attorney for not telling them to open it and read it. No justice. Find another attorney people.
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31 Jul, 2018 by Sierra animal
We've used him to draw up contracts and represent us in professional matters. Great staff, wonderful diligence and very clear and understandable billing
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28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Money Money Money!! Grossly overbills clients, unfamiliar with the law. I guarentee he never has had a repeat client. One Shot and he gets you for all you got.. Don't waste your money on him and his Stachel and Associates you will leave broke and unhappy! We had to hire another attorney to take over and our 15K case turned into 90K with NO RESOLUTION!! And he tied up our home and business property.
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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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