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31 May, 2020 by Anonymous
This review is long overdue and is more than well-deserved. A couple of years back, I had visited Staunton, VA with some friends. Before the night was over, I had received a charge and had to return for court. I looked around at several attorneys and had a few consultations. After a few rounds of that, I found Susan through a Google search and contacted her. She offered a free consultation and spent 30+ minutes with me on the phone going over the details of my case and the events leading up to the charge. She was extremely knowledgeable, proactive, and genuine in the consultation, which really stood out to me more than the other attorneys I spoke with. She gave me very solid advice and offered a very fair price for representation. I thought it over for a couple of hours and I quickly called her back, which was a very good decision. In the months leading up to the court date, Susan checked in on me several times and gave advice. When the day finally came to go to court, Susan talked to the prosecuting attorney and they decided not to pursue the charges against me, and gave me 25 hours of community service instead. The anxiety and tension I felt about potentially having a charge on my record faded away after that date. I could not be more grateful for the great work that Susan did for me. I will always recommend her to anyone who's looking for legal representation in Staunton and the surrounding areas.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Sean
Susan represented me for a reckless driving ticket in Augusta county. Susan provided incredible service and got the ticket dismissed. On top of that her rare was exceedingly reasonable. Would be happy to work with Susan again, but hope to not have a need anytime in the future.
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31 Dec, 2016 by Rob
Ms. Johnson was an excellent legal advocate. Her knowledge, skills, and dedication exceeded my expectations. She listened, tackled, and followed up on everything from petitioning multiple courts, talking with court services, addressing the DMV, setting up community service, and following up with all parties. Her efficacy expedited the restoration of my driving privileges and saved me money.
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03 Aug, 2012 by Wes
I was airlifted to UVA after an accident in which I have no memory of even entering the vehicle. I spent 3 weeks in the ICU & 2 days in a regular room. I only have some memory of the last two days.
The "trooper" at the scene of my accident did everything he could to find some crime with which to charge me, even after I had a boot clot in my lung almost causing my death in the ICU, & they suggested to me that this is what had happened to cause my accident.
Why would he do this, you may ask? Because, even though I am a gunsmith, Glock Armorer, & have taken many NRA & other Advanced Hangun Courses & instruct friends & family privately, I was carrying more than one gun! Though the second gun was unloaded & in my pocket & in the LEAST powerful pistol cartridge in the world, even though I had a permit and have held one for YEARS & harmed NO ONE, though my wounded Grandfather killed the Nazi that bayoneted him & I carried this ancient relic as a reminder & "good luck" charm, even though it is so old, unreliable, & underpowered as to be USELESS for self-defense, this man who calls himself a VA State Trooper was determined to "get me" with the ONLY thing he could come up with from which I could not defend myself -wreckless driving! You see, I have NO memory of the event whatsoever, have driven that stretch of road hundreds if not thousands of times safely, & I could think of nothing whatsoever to defend myself. I was guilty until proven innocent!
Having used Victor in the adoption of my daughter years before, having had him successfully handle a divorce case for a LE close friend of mine, I retained him again to represent me in this matter.
I went to court, Mr. Santos conferred with opposing council & the "state trooper," & then patted my shoulder & suggested we speak outside. Upon leaving the courtroom, he informed me that the case would not be heard for some time; but I did not need to stay, as it was going to be dismissed!
Soon after, I received a letter from Victor stating that the case had been dismissed; but it also warned that a stenographer had been present for some party that claimed I was responsible for their far less injury.
They did sue & the insurance company settled with them. It is much easier to find someone guilty by a preponderance of the evidence in a civil case than it is to find them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case. My insurance company's attorney represented me in the civil case, & lied straight to my face about what was & was not going to be said. That said, Mr. Santos did an excellent job throughout what I retained him to do, as he does for everyone; I would hire him again in a second & will always recommend him to any innocent person I meet who is in need of the very BEST attorney!
The "state trooper" even SUGGESTED TO MY WIFE, as I was being loaded into a helicopter & on death's door, that I was running from something, tying to commit suicide, etc! He said this to my grief-stricken wife as I was leaving one hospital for another, thinking I would surely die! I had a broken neck, a broken back, broken. ribs, was crushed on my left side with a rib THROUGH my left lung, my right lung was collapsed, & I had a brain bleed. The "trooper" had thought me dead at the scene & even talked about calling his superior to report me so, as I was unresponsive! With probably more qualifications than HE had, veterans & former LE throughout my family & a circle of friends who are either milititary, ex-military, LE, former LE, or some combinations thereof, this man who calls himself a "Virgina State Trooper" set out to crucify me!
Remember, "Troopers are for your protection!" Well, not this one! He delivered my "ticket" to me, as I was barely able to stand, still in my bathrobe, & told me the same as he told my wife: "There was NO evidence you were exceeding the speed limit!" He then wrote the exact opposite in his report & LIED in his testimony at the deposition!
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18 Mar, 2021 by Deneen
I’m so Amazed with mr Braddock. He seems to have everything together as a lawyer. I know it’s Tough for him at the End of the Day to Reflect on his cases Especially the ones that Haunt his soul you can take that ole mighty Dollar over knowing the Truth and still that ole Dollar wins every time. My father Always said when you lay your head Down at night what you Do in the Day you will sleep with at night . Our Lord sees all and Rather you think you have got Bye think again there’s nothing that gets Bye our lord I hope in your prayers mr Braddock that you ask for forgiveness . All the individuals that you have shattered I pray for you every night .
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07 Dec, 2014 by Harold
Handled my uncles estate and did not keep heirs informed. Wasted money and time IMHO. Represented my uncle, the estate and one of the heirs.
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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.
