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30 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I went to Mr Arno regarding a tax audit by new york state tax. I expected assistance and guidance in how to best resolve my tax issue but received bad advice and my $30,000.00 tax bill is now up to $120,000.00 and Dan Arno has not helped at all. He let my tax problem get to this point and now is offering no assistance what so-ever. Noe explanation asto the increase in price and the state has seized my assetts including my retirement accounts. Thanks for the help Dan!
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15 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Terry J Kirwan took my Civil lawsuit for $ and had no experience in the field. He told me I could sue the Women my deceased former Husband gifted my family's money too (after paying him, he suddenly remembered I could not sue the Woman because she was "gifted". We also sued The Life Insurance Co. For allowing my former Husband to withdraw the Life Insurance money. The Life Insurance Co. Had a Federal law protecting them called Erisa Law, Terry never even knew what that was nor did he research it? He just wanted me to accept the $10,000 offer from the Insurance company to settle it, I was disgusted. We also sued my Divorce attorneys for Legal Malpractice for not freezing the Policy so my X could not withdraw it. Terry used Insurance Law 3113...WRONG LAW, I needed a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to freeze my X Husband's Employee Welfare Benefits Plan! Terry didn't know! Not did he have me sign a Retainer until I ASKED FOR ONE. He called me to Wire him $3000 more and he hadn't even filed the case yet! I declined until complaint was filed. I lost on every matter while Terry did NOTHING. He never told me of communications from the Defendants or court dates! I fired him. He would not be fired so the Judge fired him on the record. I mediated against him to get my $ back, he brought a Lawyer to represent him against me, a lay person! I won more than 1/2 back. I later sued my Divorce attorneys Prose', as my own Attorney, for not providing the QDRO to lock the Policy in my Divorce and won a settlement! Oh, and the Woman who was "gifted" countersued my for $100,000 for Terry's mistakes. He had published her bank account #. She and I dropped our cases against each other, I had to handle that myself also...and Terry published my Social Security # and my X's in our complaint! I had to have it redacted! The people we were suing he gave my information too! What a cluster f#+k! I grieved him with the NYS Bar association and the Disciplined him "off the record"! BEWARE!
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22 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Stay away from the individual. She will reel you in and make you feel comfortable, than behind your back she does absolutely nothing and appeases the other side. If you disagree with her, she takes it personally and is extremely rude and vindictive. I’ve paid her over $30,000 for nothing.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Talks a big game. Acts like he will help you and then nothing ever gets done. He makes excuses to the problems instead of trying to find solutions. Almost makes it seem like he was working for the other side. One of the worst lawyers I’ve ever experienced.
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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.
