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22 Feb, 2024 by Okxana cordova
Danielle was so so helpful to our family! She worked with our various schedules and made sure to keep everyone in the loop. Thank you!
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22 Feb, 2024 by Kat cordova
Danielle and her team were incredibly kind, professional, and patient. My family and I felt totally at ease while going through a difficult time and process with estate planning for the first time. We definitely recommend her services and will continue to come back to her firm in the future.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Joseph papp
Danielle was instrumental in getting a very difficult real estate deal finished for me. Her professionalism and tenacity was the only reason we were successful -- she took care of so many issues the seller created with aplomb, got us to the table, was a perfect mix of flexibility and firmness when needed, and got it done! I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a RE lawyer.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Nicole hoey
Steven Passarella and his team, especially Diane, are all wonderful to work with. Steven managed our case through part of COVID and ensured we stayed on track to close it out. I appreciated all his advice and guidance through my Partition Request. I highly recommend choosing Steven!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Nick gaspari
Mr. Passarella has helped me through quite a few real estate transactions and the service/expertise has always been top notch.
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06 Nov, 2020 by Ivette rodriguez
They are rude in not returning my call. At least call and say that you can't help. That is very bad business etiquette.
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24 Apr, 2016 by Christopher j. macchi, esquire
Andrew is an intelligent and polished attorney. He is a trusting mentor, and someone that I turn to when I need assistance with client cases. Andrew has guided me through many difficult situations. I strongly recommend him for help with your legal issues.
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06 Oct, 2015 by Elizabeth
Scott H. Marcus is an awful lawyer. We probably did not realize how bad he was until we switched to a different lawyer. We were informed by our new lawyer that the case that Scott had been billing us for, for over a year, could have been dismissed initially. He was not even capable of understanding the dynamics of our case, and was very opinionated, and judgmental from the onslaught. We provided Scott with numerous financial documents to utilize in our representation. He billed us for their review. However, he indicated post our deposition that he couldn't understand anything in them. Clearly that was not the time for him to express that. He looked lost during the deposition, and in conversations he had with opposing counsel. I had an idea of how our case should be fought; given it was a family dispute. Scott went against our wishes and suggestions at every opportunity. If he was on target with his assessment, that would have been one thing. But, he was not, and his approach emboldened the plaintiffs, in a case that never had any legal justification. My only regret was in not switching lawyers sooner. I recently went to a fee arbitration hearing, to dispute his charges, and fight paying him a cent more. At that hearing; he came across like he was the plaintiff in our case. He never represented us with the passion he should have. I strongly recommend anyone from hiring his services. Trust me; you'll regret it! Scott fought harder to ensure I paid for his horrendous representation, than he fought for us.
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15 Mar, 2015 by Mark
Scott H. Marcus is an awful lawyer. We probably did not realize how bad he was until we switched to a different lawyer. We were informed by our new lawyer that the case that Scott had been billing us for, for over a year, could have been dismissed initially. He was not even capable of understanding the dynamics of our case, and was very opinionated, and judgmental from the onslaught. We provided Scott with numerous financial documents to utilize in our representation. He billed us for their review. However, he indicated post our deposition that he couldn't understand anything in them. Clearly that was not the time for him to express that. He looked lost during the deposition, and in conversations he had with opposing counsel. I had an idea of how our case should be fought; given it was a family dispute. Scott went against our wishes and suggestions at every opportunity. If he was on target with his assessment, that would have been one thing. But, he was not, and his approach emboldened the plaintiffs, in a case that never had any legal justification. My only regret was in not switching lawyers sooner. I recently went to a fee arbitration hearing, to dispute his charges, and fight paying him a cent more. At that hearing; he came across like he was the plaintiff in our case. He never represented us with the passion he should have. I strongly recommend anyone from hiring his services. Trust me; you'll regret it!
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27 Aug, 2014 by Amanda
Scott Marcus has worked with our business and family for over 20 years. We highly recommend his services. He lays it out - and gets things done. We trust Scott and his team with all of our legal matters.
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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:

  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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