Lawyers map
>141
experienced lawyers
Filter by
30 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
John was excellent in all categories and we got immediate satisfaction after all the initial work was done. However, his advise, based on his experience, was even more valuable. It is refreshing to know those victimized by libel/slander/defamation by unscrupulous competitors on the Internet have some recourse.
Read more
02 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I had an issue with GoDaddy not releasing a domain name I owned in an old account. I tried for 2 years to resolve the issue with them to no avail. Some lawyers would not take my case since it was too small an issue. John and his team were happy to help, and with a single letter and the right contact he was able to have them respond immediately. Within days I had my domain name and the issue was resolved. Highly efficient, cost effective, and nice to work with. I highly recommend him!
Read more
26 Jun, 2013 by William
John is the best attorney I have used in quite some time.. His willingness and unique view made us victorious in a twitter lawsuit brought by a corporation.
Read more
16 May, 2018 by Steve
After having a defamation anit-SLAPP motion already dismissed in Texas, I hired Enrico through his law firm, Traverse Legal.
I consulted with Enrico on the phone, and was immediately impressed with his diverse legal team of experts, all reasonably priced. Enrico was key in driving his team, coordinating conversations, coordinating milestone appeal deadlines, and communicating everything to me in a very prompt and professional manner.
His law firm uses a web based bulletin board system, which makes the tracking of my case, and communication with the legal team, incredibally efficient and productive. There was never a time that I didn't know what was going on. Extremely well organized communication system.
Enrico, though his own legal expertise and that of his team, quickly determined that filing an anti-SLAPP Appeal was not the best approach for my case. The best approach was to gain leverage in order to negotiate a settlement with the Plantiff.
Enrico strongly encouraged a mediation, which I declined due to the normal cost of mediation and the perceived stubborness of the Plantiff to drag it out.
I opted for settlement discussions outside of mediation. These discussions were timely and always represented my interests. Progress was made with the settlement discussions, until a wall was hit where the Plantiff became increasingly unreasonable, where it was apparent to me that the Plantiff really wanted a trial.
Since Enrico was not local to Texas, I opted to switch law firms to a local litigator to proceed to the trial phase.
I would strongly reccomend Enrico and Traverse Legal to anyone. They were awesome.
Read more
24 Apr, 2013 by Reed
We've been working with Enrico Schaefer for the last year and we are very happy with the work he's done for us. Traverse Legal is quite a bit different than other firms we've retained. They aren't in the same city and we don't meet face-to-face (which really doesn't matter to us). We are involved in internet sales - and Enrico is especially aware of the issues faced by our type of business. Simply put - there's a very nice fit between our unique business challenges and Enrico's skill set.
The extranet application Traverse Legal offers allows us to keep track of various project easily and fosters a very collaborative environment. We are able to see all pertinent info on our projects with a click of a mouse - 24/7. His project-based billing model is nice as it allows us to fix a budget around something we need to accomplish instead of having to guess.
Enrico and staff are also very accessible and answer our questions almost instantly.
So far - our experiences have been very positive. We would recommend Traverse Legal.
Read more
24 Apr, 2013 by Kelly
Enrico and Traverse Legal assisted me in setting up my internet business, including trademark application and filing. Very smooth process. Painless fee structure. Satisfied client.
Read more
15 Sep, 2022 by Jeff
Mike was extremely knowledgeable and persistent representing us in a civil matter. Highly recommend him.
Read more
20 Apr, 2022 by Janice
Michael was efficient and great to work with. He really had our best interests in mind when we had a dispute with our former landlord who was taking complete advantage of us in a tenant/landlord dispute. Highly recommend his services.
Read more
07 Oct, 2021 by Jonna
I highly recommend Michael. My brother needed help regarding an eviction issue, as many people do during this pandemic crisis. However, my brother had a dire need and was unable to fix the issue due to his incarceration. Michael was straight up, professional, and went the extra mile to look for resolve. He also went to work immediately. No wasting any time here. Not only did my brother get the funding he needed to keep him in his apartment, but he was represented by an honest, empathetic, professional, who is human at heart. Michael, you are blessing to our family. If it weren't for your immediate assistance and kind attitude, my brother would be on the streets today. Thank you!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Amy
Anders is a very knowledgeable and kind attorney. He helped me through an emotionally difficult situation with outstanding results! He is driven and has his clients best interest at heart. He makes the process so easy!
Read more
09 Apr, 2020 by Cindy
We found Anders when searching online for top business attorneys in Michigan. From the very beginning, Anders was attentive, responsive, and empathetic to the sensitive nature of our case and situation. We felt that Anders went above and beyond. It was very clear that Anders has a lot of experience with similar cases and he was able to guide us along the way. Through one of the most stressful situations we have ever faced, Anders professionalism and confidence kept us calm and collected. We were very pleased with the outcome of the case!
I would HIGHLY recommend Anders to anybody looking for the best. His professionalism, attentiveness, confidence and experience puts him at the top.
Read more
10 Feb, 2020 by Charles & teresa helsel
Anders was exceptional. What started as a standard eviction then morphed into an attempt to reopen probate; Anders handled everything with just the proper amount of assertiveness and professionalism to get to the bottom of things and get our case resolved in our favor. He was courteous, professional and prompt. I would recommend Anders and the firm he works for to anyone.
Read more
23 Jul, 2020 by William
There's a difference between lawyers who know how to look up the law, and those who know it off the top of their head. Whims is the latter. He instantly caught something that the other side I think was completely unaware of. It ended up giving us a ton of leverage in a very satisfactory settlement. I would recommend him to anyone, except someone who might use him against me! LOL.
Read more
07 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I needed a lawyer to help me with an embezzlement charge and Mr. Whims was the best attorney to help me handle the case. He walked me thru the process and helped me get probation and eventual dismissal of charges there after. He was professional and worked on my behalf through the entire process.
Read more
16 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I made the unfortunate decision to drive after drinking. I was charged with OWI with high BAC. (.19, and .17) After talking with several attorneys in the area, I made the decision to hire Robert. Robert took the time to get to know my personal accomplishments and not just the crime I committed. Because of his commitment and professionalism, my charge was immediately reduced. In addition, at my sentencing I was given non-reporting probation, and a 4 hour highway safety course. When I first contacted Robert I was facing a car installed breathylizer, possible jail, reporting probation, and community service.
Robert also has the respect of the courts. Regardless of how many people filled the court room, Robert was always the first case the judge called. The judge made personal recognition of Robert, which put me at great ease.
He is a family man, but also respected professional. He is involved in his community, and it is obvious everyone that works with him (judge, court employees, probation officers) has great respect for him and find him trustworthy.
I would recommend Robert to anyone looking for an attorney with a wealth of knowledge and who can guide you through a difficult situation!
Read more
12 Apr, 2016 by Kristin
Andrew has been spot on throughout a long and emotional situation after her husband, David Briggs, died. His children convinced her that her and her husband needed a medicaid divorce to protect the money and had him sign a POA and a will while in the hospital just weeks before his death. We did not see the manipulation until after he died and they tried to keep it from her. These were people she hugged and had in her home for 14 years for holidays. Andrew is a star
Read more
10 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Shotwell was extremely helpful in navigating us through the process of setting up a will and trust. He spent time throughout the whole process to work through many aspects and details. At our final review of the documents I felt secure that my family was thoroughly protected because of the details.
Read more
08 May, 2015 by Holly
I have had the privilege to work with Andrew in helping our mutual clients achieve their estate planning goals. Andrew genuinely cares about people and he is most knowledgeable in the law and the tools available to assist clients.
Read more
06 Mar, 2019 by Jim
Dave has represented my interests in several civil and business issues over the past 14 years. I have also referred numerous other people to him for similar circunstances as well as divorce and criminal cases. The quality of his work is consistently at a high standard while maintaining continual open and honest dialogue. In each instance the results exceeded expectation. I highly recommend him and his firm.
Read more
05 Jan, 2017 by Daniel beard
Dave helped me and my family through our personal injury claim. Dave was very friendly and professional, and helped us understand the legal process. He helped us get compensation for our pain and suffering. All in all, I am glad we retained Dave and would not have gotten anyone else!
Read more
27 Apr, 2016 by Steven
David handled my Probate case with a bit of a twist.Early on David represented opposing counsel and through that experience observed how relaxed,professionally and persuasive in the court David was.Has the Courts respect.So if you need a Lawyer and have no Idea who to pick your search stops here!
Will most defiantly use his services again if needed!
Read more
17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I have worked with Dingeman's firm for 20+ years. We have worked with them on business transactions, real estate deals, litigation and a wide variety of other various legal work. Dan and his firm have always been a beneficial business partner whether it was for 9&10 News or Fox 32. We appreciate their commitment and services.
Read more
17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Dan Dingeman is the rare attorney in my 30 year career in real estate that goes beyond the nuts and bolts of each assignment. He understands the nuances of all aspects of each transaction, is concise, insightful, knowledgable and consistently works to keep all parties on track to reach the desired outcome. His counsel is a valuable part of my overall success.
Read more
03 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Dingeman helped my husband and I select the structure for our business (an S corporation), obtain financing and purchase the necessary building. He did a superior job in shielding us from personal liability and provided us the best tax benefits for our business. We are so pleased, that in these troubled financial times, that we are successful and turning a substantial profit. We believe we were fortunate to have had the council and guidance of Mr. Dingeman.
Read more
23 Oct, 2020 by Carl zacarias
Ed is a common sense business lawyer with impeccably good judgment. Based on my experience with him, any person buying or selling a home should consult with Ed prior to listing or signing on with an agent. I sold my home with a fantastic listing agent, but the experience was still extremely stressful and I felt a listing agent was necessary because I was unfamiliar with the transaction. As nice as my agent was there was always the uneasiness of knowing his interests were not always in line with mine -- it's just the nature of the beast. When it came time for me to buy a new home I spoke with Ed first. I learned from Ed that working through an agent was not always necessary and that engaging a homeowner about selling prior to listing with the help of a lawyer like Ed is the most prudent homebuying strategy. Ed and the title company he works with were able to handle all the technical/legal aspects of the deal and answered all the questions that I would have ordinarily directed to my agent. The eventual deal I made was better for both the buyers and sellers; it was a win-win deal because neither party had to endure the work and stress of the open market, and the ultimate sale price netted the seller more money and had us paying less. By paying a flat fee Ed's duties as a lawyer were owed entirely to me and were not influenced by other factors. Also, Ed's expertise goes way beyond for-sale-by-owner transactions. Anyone doing real property or commercial transactions should consider retaining Ed and give him a call.
Read more
16 Oct, 2020 by Penny daniels
In 2019 I sold an investment property to my long time tenant. While I had a built in buyer, it was still a very complicated situation for a variety of reasons. Ed negotiated the sale and handled everything for me, and he made a difficult situation much, much better. He handled everything remotely, including signatures -- we never had to meet in the office -- he was extremely responsive and reassuring the whole way -- and most importantly, I saved thousands of dollars by not using a realtor. I continue to work with Ed whenever I need an attorney -- I would highly recommend him.
Read more
15 Oct, 2020 by Brittany price
My husband and I sold our house "by owner" and it could not have been an easier process! Everything was done virtually and we saved thousands of dollars by not having a realtor. All paperwork was signed electronically so we did not have to take time off work. Everyone was very responsive to our questions and helped us understand the process. I can't say enough good things! -Brittany Schrock
Read more
16 Dec, 2014 by Charles
Jared provided services relating to the purchase of my new home. He was very reliable and knowledgable. I always felt as though he had my best interests in mind. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone!
Read more
22 Aug, 2014 by Sasha
Jared helped me with the purchase of my first condo. Since I was a first-time buyer, I relied on my lawyer to guide me through the process and Jared was tremendous. He was very responsive and diligent and offered his professional opinion and advice on the deals we were considering. He was very detail oriented throughout the process and particularly during the closing stages. I'm certain to use his services in the future and would feel very comfortable recommending him to anyone.
Read more
27 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Rowe is incredibly professional and helped me to develop a new consulting business entity. He was able to guide me through my initial contracts in a consulting field that is unique. His counsel was genuine, personalized and successful.
Read more
29 Sep, 2016 by Debbie
Being in the real estate business, my husband and I have both hired David Rowe to help with LLC, business and Real estate matters. We are repeat clients and have returned time and again because of his high level of competency and professionalism. He is very sharp legally and strives to achieve his clients goals as efficiently as possible which is not something I could say about all attorneys. His accessibility is amazing! David has called us many times after business hours, on weekends, or from his vacation when we needed something right away. He is a wonderful person and a great lawyer! The following letter we received from a client is further evidence of David's desire and ability to solve issues we sometimes need help with........
" We don’t hear thank you often enough. Sometimes we do things for others, it greatly benefits them, but in the rush of victory, smothered in tears of joy, we forget to say thank you to those people who did a small thing that paid off big. Ted, you did a small, simple thing, that just turned a hugely ugly situation into one of those moments in life you never forget. Your referral of Dave Rowe was that simple thing.
What an outstanding attorney, a wonderful human, a good soul. He and I worked in concert yesterday on a matter surrounding the sale of our property, that almost killed a complicated deal, and could have led to a long, ugly court battle – one we had neither the mental fortitude, health or finances to make happen. At times, the last few years have been hellish, there have been many hardships and pitfalls. As we’ve often said to one another….”just one smooth day, just one thing that goes our way”. Today is that day, and Dave Rowe played a significant role in making it happen, We can’t thank you enough for that referral, for being a part of this one smooth day, and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, one that starts on a high note."
Mike
Thank you Dave, for being the compassionate lawyer that you are!
Read more
21 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Huber is very professional. My husband is a disabled veteran and Mr. Huber was very patient and accommodating to our individual needs. We would recommend him highly.
Read more
01 Dec, 2014 by Jane
Mr Huber was very professional, and put my fears at ease within minutes of our first conversation.
There was no long wait for a return call as with other lawyers.
I would highly recommend this Mr. Huber.
Read more
18 Jan, 2012 by Nancy
excellent attorney very helpful and took time to answer my questions and help me understand my options.
Read more
01 Oct, 2021 by John
Excellent firm. Matt Hanley shrewdly and professional guided our trust litigation case to fruition. Impressed with his experience background and confidence. Excellent courtroom posture and presence. Look no further ..This is a GENUINE review from satisfied client.
Read more
13 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We first consulted and then hired Christina McNeal, Esq (of law firm Dunn Counsel) for our tax matters, and found her to be courteous, thoughtful, and very professional. We would certainly recommend her as a fine tax attorney.
Read more
24 Mar, 2014 by Karen
JOHN KLINE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL ATTORNEY IN THAT I FELT COMPLETELY AT EASE AND PROTECTED. HE EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO ME AND DIDN'T HIDE ANY DETAILS. HE WAS QUICK AND DIDN'T DRAG OUT THE PROCESS. ESCORTED ME TO ALL HEARINGS AND WENT OVER ALL THE PAPERWORK IN GREAT DETAIL MAKING SURE IT WAS ALL CORRECT.
Read more
24 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Sharpest lawyer I have ever witnessed in trial. His skills are beyond top level and I wish I had found him ten years ago as my other litigation attorneys were no where near his caliber.
Read more
13 Aug, 2018 by Michelle
Todd was great helping me with a civil issue that I had. He goes the extra mile. If you have a personal injury case or any other type of legal matter, he's a great choice.
Read more
22 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Roy took the time to listen. He listened to me and then advised me on how to proceed but most importantly listened. He took the time
Read more
23 Mar, 2011 by Brooke
My husband and I have used Mark for advice on an employment-related issue. We were impressed with his extensive knowledge in this area and we would not hesitate to use him again. He did not hesitate to provide us with his honest opinions of the merits of our claims and we never felt that we were "left in the dark" or that he did not understand our concerns. I highly recommend him for both non-compete agreement and other intellectual property issues.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
Read more
12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
Read more
29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
Read more
12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
Read more
29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Bgsportscast
Where do I start? When I contacted Ryann, I called him to take my case against a former employer, this was due to a work injury and Worker’s Compensation dispute. Since day one, Ryann was always, kind, and understanding to my situation. He was very clear, and informative and kept me up-to-date on my case, and how it was progressing. Throughout my case just like any other case, I’m sure there was a lot of ups and downs, but no matter how hard the case got Ryann never gave up on fighting to make sure I won my case. I can gladly say that after 2.5 years of fighting tooth and nail with the defense attorney, Ryann WON my case. If anyone knew how hard this case was, you would understand that this WIN was not easy at all. I can’t express enough, to how good of a job Ryann did and how much a FIGHTER Ryann is!! So DO NOT make a mistake by going somewhere else, contact Ryann to HELP YOU!! you won’t regret it!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYANN!!
Read more
12 Dec, 2023 by Chris
Quick to respond. Very knowledgeable
Read more
29 Aug, 2022 by Cassandra kamaloski
We were referred to Ryann Embury by a few people in our community and we are so glad. He went above and beyond to help us. We were impressed with not only his knowledge and expertise but also his caring and thoughtful manner. He genuinely cared about our situation, and it showed through the handling of our case. We will be using Ryann for any of our legal needs in the future and will be referring him to all of our family and friends. If you are looking for a good attorney, I would highly recommend Ryann.
Read more
17 Jul, 2023 by David quimby
Excellent service. Wise counsel .Recommend highly for all legal needs.
Read more
03 Jul, 2023 by Ashlee carnes
10 Mar, 2023 by Brad lonberger
04 Feb, 2024 by Lisa capell
10 Aug, 2023 by Amanda mcneil
Matt was very helpful and made it easy for my father and I. Much appreciated.
Read more
11 Apr, 2016 by Brandon pav
There are a lot of lawyer database websites out there, but when I heard that a lot of them just scrap public directories and don't necessarily have a credible or up-to-date information source, I researched and was glad to find out that Zeekbeek was the only legal marketplace that allows me to find a lawyer near me that's partnered exclusively with the state bar association. This site not only gives me good information about each lawyer, but it also allows me to communicate directly and even view their availability to schedule an appointment right online. Awesome feature and saves me a ton of time!
Read more
06 Apr, 2022 by Gary safir
Adam handled a trust litigation matter for my family and did an excellent job. He exceeded expectations, and he was communicative, thorough and thoughtful throughout the process.
Read more
21 Jun, 2018 by Carol bucher
Excellent estate planning and probate lawyer.
Read more
20 Feb, 2021 by D delcore
Matthew knows his stuff and is very professional!
Read more
20 Jun, 2019 by Qr digital
26 Mar, 2018 by Nicholas
I highly recommend Matt Cross for Entertainment related projects. Matt is very skilled in contract, business, and entertainment law. He has impressed me with not only his skill as a lawyer but also with his passion for advocating for his clients. If Matt Cross works with you it will be because he truly believes in your case. Matt does not discriminate based on age. With Matt's help I am beginning the process of releasing my music for the first time that I have been working on for over 10 years. Matt noticed my talent as a singer and felt I was worth representing even though I am only 22 years old. Matt Cross is very quick about responding to emails and is very professional. I highly recommend Matt Cross!
Read more
08 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Matt was great to work with. I had a contract template for my new business, but I wasn't sure about all the extra provisions (and legal wording) that I would need to make it legally sound. He stepped in, made excellent revisions, and got it done in the time frame I needed. I would highly recommend his work and will come back if I need another contract in the future. Thanks!
Read more
13 Nov, 2023 by Adventure rhoades
Paul is very Honest & Fair.
Read more
09 Oct, 2023 by Stacey boyer
Lauren Pfiel is phenomenal to work with. For custody related cases, I would highly recommend her. She listens to what your ideal outcome would be, lets you know how that compares to how the law views your situation and in my case created the best outcome. She does all of this while remaining empathic to your feelings as well. Super impressed by her along with her paralegal Bobbie.
Read more
16 Oct, 2022 by Tery bernas
Was inquiring about their legal services and costs.
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Jay houston
Abigail is awesome!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Dan b
Highly recommend. I've known Joe Fisher since I was a kid. Bre Neros was outstanding.
Read more
16 Apr, 2024 by Christine miller
I worked with Anca and her team to help navigate through a custody change after divorce. She was honest about expectations, always prompt to answer questions, and helped resolve the matter quickly.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
