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10 Sep, 2015 by David w. gress
Selling off a subsidiary can be a monumental task. We came to Mr. Cleveland for his previous history with us of incorporating or 38 year old company in 1994. Mr. Cleveland brought his wealth of experience to our initial meeting. He helped us to design a contract with short term and long term security for the sale of the company and protections and guarantees of sustained valuation, should the contract fail. All of this with nominal fees. I actually expected a much larger billing and was satisfied with his rate for a corporate sale. I, wholeheartedly, recommend Mr Cleveland and look forward to using his services again.
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19 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Untrustworthy, large bills for no results, failure to communicate.
This was a trustee/guardianship situation, Mr. Cleveland allowed this situation to drag on for months and created a situation where only Mr. Cleveland and several other lawyers would benefit. For example when I asked a simple question - "what would be the advantage to me" where another attorney, the former guardian, would receive an entire amount of a trust as part of a TEDRA agreement Mr. Cleveland responded, "I do not understand your question".
Mr. Cleveland, in collaboration with other attorneys, wrote an almost incomprehensible, 7 page TEDRA agreement and either was unable to refused to discuss it with me but expected me to sign it. Mr. Cleveland, hired to act in my best interests, allowed the former guardian of my incapacitated mother, a prominent established professional guardian, to essentially act as a, "guardian of the estate", months after her death. I am unaware that there is in fact such a position as, "guardian of the estate". In this case I, the designated estate executor, principal beneficiary of the estate, my son, the secondary beneficiary of the estate, two relatives, and several creditors of the estate did not receive funds for over a year after my mother's death.
Mr. Cleveland, my paid attorney, required to represent my interests, refused to contact my son who apparently had some issues with my performance as a previous trustee/guardian in an attempt to resolve these issues. I drafted a proposal to resolve these issues with my son but it was ignored by Mr. Cleveland who carefully avoided discussing this. Mr. Cleveland was essentially controlled by the lawyer/guardian who had access to all the funds in my mother's estate during the last year of her life and over a year after her death as a self appointed, "guardian of the estate".
Mr. Cleveland could have filed a motion with the court to discharge my mother's guardian that would allow me to proceed with execution of her will as estate executor, by distribution of funds to pay bills/cost and beneficiaries in a timely way but he refused to. I believe Mr. Cleveland was sympathetic to the former guardian and lawyer that represented the estate and had a primary interest to these two attorneys instead of to me, his client.
Mr. Cleveland deliberately failed to inform me of a scheduled court hearing that I found out about during a periodic review of court filings at the court house. During an email exchange between Mr. Cleveland and my self a days before the scheduled hearing, Mr. Cleveland did say there was a scheduled hearing. Mr. Cleveland did not lie to me but avoided telling me about the hearing until I asked.
Generally I found Mr. Cleveland to be evasive and untrustworthy, only acting in his best career interests - I fired him.
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16 Nov, 2014 by Lee
Joe hogan closed on a real estate deal for me and did not even do a disclosure statement.
I got sued because of it and lost A LOT of money thanks to him!
Would sue him but can't find an attorney that will sue another attorney!
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31 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
This attorney took days to return phone calls. Would not meet in person before court to get the details of the case. Gave me bad advice that resulted in financial loss. Made promises regarding representation that he was not willing to keep. I would recommend you seek representation from any other attorney...save your money.
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11 Feb, 2022 by John
Could find no way( after taking aprox. $5,000) to defend Hollis v Garwall "We see no way to win this" . We own "Hollis" land and what it took to stop the commercial business was, filing for an injunction and a motion for Summery Judgment. Period. Do not use this person.
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23 Oct, 2022 by Chrishanthi
This guy is a thief we reported him to WA Bar association because we hired him he took 750 and did nothing and disappeared so if that is the case with you with this thief file you report with WA bar association because this kind of thieves should not allow to do any business
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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:
-
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.
