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25 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Incredibly helpful and thorough attorney. He walked me through all the potential angles and really helped ease the stress that my particular copyright issues were causing in my life and business. He was successful in retrieving damages and forcing compliance. I will definitely continue to hire him for all future issues and recommend to others. I only wish I had only found him sooner.
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09 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
mr. burroughs was very helpful in assisting me with legal issues relating to copyrights and the fashion industry. he was able to provide effective advice that allowed me to address my legal concerns and ensure that my business was adequately structured and protected
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12 Mar, 2016 by Michael
Itai works hard and saved me large chunks of money. He is smart and easy to work with. He's a nice guy on a personal level. A shark when you need a knowledgeable lawyer.
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06 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Joseph was extremely helpful throughout the my entire EB-5 process by working with me to obtain correct "source of funds" documentation and explaining to me the requirements of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program (and how USCIS adjudicates specific issues). Joseph always kept me updated regarding the status of my immigration applications with USCIS and the status of my EB-5 investment project. He clearly cares about my family and our immigration status, but he also was a good listener and hard-worker. I highly recommend Joseph
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11 Jun, 2015 by Wes
I contacted Mr. Marchand for assistance regarding a trademark dispute I was involved with. He was very responsive to my needs and knowledgeable on the subject. Ultimately he was able to provide counsel as to my best course of action at the outset of the dispute and ultimately resolve the matter without the need for trial. I appreciated his practical approach to addressing the problem and his ability to resolve the matter without incurring unnecessary legal expense, as far as I could tell. I am very pleased with his representation and knowledge on the subject.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Christina
Our family has been helped by Rich Greta many times over the years. His knowledge of estate issues and real estate issues is incredible. He is dedicated to helping you quickly and efficiently. He made sure we were always up to speed on what was transporting. He patiently went over documents in detail so we could understand. I cannot recommend him enough!
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19 Jul, 2024 by John s.
I retained this attorney only to discover via the CALBAR website that they are not eligible to practice law as of July, 2024, and as of the time of this review. He did not make any efforts to inform me and in fact this office seemed very impressed with their own alleged achievements. By this offices own acknowledgment here on this website they indicate they were deemed ineligible by the State Bar due to an ‘administrative error and failure to pay a fee’. TBH I got the impression during our consultation that the firm may be experiencing financial difficulties and I have a nagging suspicion this is why they were unable to pay their state bar fees because they were very focused on when I’d be paying the retainer. In one response here on AVVO Stephen claims the ineligibility is CT related then in another that it’s IOLTA related so the information is very inconsistent and may be questionable. IOLTA accounts are sacrosanct and the issue appears to be related to IOLTA account maintenance and record keeping which may be serious as an IOLTA account is where a lawyer holds client funds in trust. I am in the process of terminating my relationship with the lawyer and requesting a refund of the retainer paid and will report back as the situation develops.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Tyler
Beware of this lawyer, he’s practicing law without a license in California. I consulted with him and he assured me he has all his licenses in place while bragging about his legal prowess and hard selling me on his fees. See the California state bar for additional info and buyer beware!: https://apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Detail/179314
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13 Feb, 2024 by Trevor simms
They helped me smash Coachella in the Filmchella vs Coachella suit
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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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