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05 Nov, 2019 by Aaron
Mr. Napier has flawlessly facilitated countless real estate closing for me and my employees as a sales manager for a local mortgage company. Additionally, John has negotiated and closed commercial real estate purchases, assisted in reviewing and drafting private money arrangements to which he’s been my Trustee, acted as my escrow agent and facilitated draw management to real estate investors borrowing private money, established LLCs with the Virginia SCC and written operating agreements, negotiated and executed leases for me as a landlord, represented and resolved claims alleged, and represented me on countless residential sales and purchases. In all aspects, John has been a trusted partner to my real estate business every step of the way.
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04 Nov, 2019 by Phil
John was the calm in the storm of our last real estate closing. Things always have a way of going off the rails in this business, but John was able to solve the complex issues that tripped us up and we were able to close as scheduled. Having John on our team was invaluable!
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26 May, 2015 by Jen
Deborah handled my divorce and she was extremely knowledgeable of Virginia law and kept me informed of what to expect every step of the way. In a world where people seem to forget how personal and important legal matters are to the individuals affected, Deborah treated my case as though it was just as important to her as it is to me. She never lost sight that this was a major event in my life and the importance of her role as my attorney. She is the perfect balance of compassion, intelligence, and no nonsense. I would recommend her to anyone looking to have someone who went into this business because they care about the people they represent.
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29 Mar, 2016 by Fred
I have been in business for 54 years, have had to hire many Lawyers...
Steve is not only talented, but also very personal and easy to talk to. Has handled wills, law suits, closings, contract review and debt collections, as well as defending our Corp against suits, successfully I might add. I have and will continue to recommend him...
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04 Dec, 2015 by Pam
My husband and I met with Joshua Coe and Stewart Gill regarding a family matter. They were quick to help, professional and maintained great communication. We could not be more pleased with the service that we received. I would HIGHLY recommend using East Coast Trial Lawyers for any and all of your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Kelly
Both my husband and myself have used Mr. Whittemore's services over the years. I cannot say enough about how pleased we were with the results! The thing that I valued most was Mr. Whittemore's sense of compassion and his genuine concern for us. He was always there for us during a very emotional and stressful time and always promptly responded to calls and emails. He never seemed bothered by my incessant questions or my emotional responses to things that were going on. In fact, he helped me to remain calm and take things step by step. He was always very frank and open with us and I always felt like I could count on him. I would never use anyone else!
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22 May, 2016 by Jeremiah
Mr. Lake provided excellent service. He was very responsive to my concerns/questions and was quick to adapt them in the development of my lease. I would definitely use him again.
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25 May, 2018 by Barbara
We hired Mr. Dodl to creat our revocable trusts - he was very available and took as much time as we needed to explain everything and answer any questions. I can highly recommend him for estate/trust planning.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Francis shields
Jim is extremely knowledgeable, and if you have concerns about your VA waterfront property, I'd recommend you give him a call.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Masonry design
I am a business owner who uses attorneys from time to time. Jim Lang is the best. He helped me fix a big problem
I had at the VMRC on a matter of great importance to me. This was not a simple case so it turned into a 4 year journey. Over that entire time Jim was always smart, tenacious, experienced, a great listener, and (most importantly) caring. A lot of road blocks popped up over the life of my case. Jim figured out a way over, around or through each one. Jim's deep contacts at the agency, and the credibility he has built up over his many years representing clients before the VMRC, turned out to be a resource that was very helpful in getting my case resolved in highly favorable terms. Another thing that I liked about Jim is that he kept me informed all along the way. I always knew exactly what was going on with my case. This attorney is a quality human being who is very good at what he does. Highly recommended!
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jeff johnson
Jim was extremely helpful in answering all my questions. He is extremely professional and always responded in providing service in a timely fashion. I would definitely use Jim again if I needed assistance involving any environmental issues at hand.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Francis shields
Jim is extremely knowledgeable, and if you have concerns about your VA waterfront property, I'd recommend you give him a call.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Masonry design
I am a business owner who uses attorneys from time to time. Jim Lang is the best. He helped me fix a big problem
I had at the VMRC on a matter of great importance to me. This was not a simple case so it turned into a 4 year journey. Over that entire time Jim was always smart, tenacious, experienced, a great listener, and (most importantly) caring. A lot of road blocks popped up over the life of my case. Jim figured out a way over, around or through each one. Jim's deep contacts at the agency, and the credibility he has built up over his many years representing clients before the VMRC, turned out to be a resource that was very helpful in getting my case resolved in highly favorable terms. Another thing that I liked about Jim is that he kept me informed all along the way. I always knew exactly what was going on with my case. This attorney is a quality human being who is very good at what he does. Highly recommended!
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jeff johnson
Jim was extremely helpful in answering all my questions. He is extremely professional and always responded in providing service in a timely fashion. I would definitely use Jim again if I needed assistance involving any environmental issues at hand.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Francis shields
Jim is extremely knowledgeable, and if you have concerns about your VA waterfront property, I'd recommend you give him a call.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Masonry design
I am a business owner who uses attorneys from time to time. Jim Lang is the best. He helped me fix a big problem
I had at the VMRC on a matter of great importance to me. This was not a simple case so it turned into a 4 year journey. Over that entire time Jim was always smart, tenacious, experienced, a great listener, and (most importantly) caring. A lot of road blocks popped up over the life of my case. Jim figured out a way over, around or through each one. Jim's deep contacts at the agency, and the credibility he has built up over his many years representing clients before the VMRC, turned out to be a resource that was very helpful in getting my case resolved in highly favorable terms. Another thing that I liked about Jim is that he kept me informed all along the way. I always knew exactly what was going on with my case. This attorney is a quality human being who is very good at what he does. Highly recommended!
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jeff johnson
Jim was extremely helpful in answering all my questions. He is extremely professional and always responded in providing service in a timely fashion. I would definitely use Jim again if I needed assistance involving any environmental issues at hand.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Yaser atiyeh
Mr John m Barrett. one of the best lawyer in virginia .
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07 Jan, 2024 by Jessica holland
I highly recommend Mr. Barrett and his legal team! He is my personal gaurdian angel. He has always been there for me and only gives 110% of his time to you and your situation. He made me feel like family and after 12 years of having him as my lawyer I am never disappointed w his results and his one on one personal attention to my case. He has been a blessing to me and my family!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Chris g
Mr. Bales is a very professional, competent attorney. But more importantly, he digs for errors in the case that can drastically change the outcome. His persistence in the fine details makes him extremely effective. I believe this sets him apart! Thank you Patrick for outstanding representation.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Yaser atiyeh
Mr John m Barrett. one of the best lawyer in virginia .
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07 Jan, 2024 by Jessica holland
I highly recommend Mr. Barrett and his legal team! He is my personal gaurdian angel. He has always been there for me and only gives 110% of his time to you and your situation. He made me feel like family and after 12 years of having him as my lawyer I am never disappointed w his results and his one on one personal attention to my case. He has been a blessing to me and my family!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Chris g
Mr. Bales is a very professional, competent attorney. But more importantly, he digs for errors in the case that can drastically change the outcome. His persistence in the fine details makes him extremely effective. I believe this sets him apart! Thank you Patrick for outstanding representation.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Tammy craiger
Could not of Ask for a Better Law Firm to handle My Case. They were always Behind me And Supported Me thru this the Wole Time. They Care about there Clients. And were Always Calling to Keep me imformed About My Case. Thank You So Much Shelly and Dianna. You Guys Rock Sincerely Gary
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01 Nov, 2024 by Lita staskey
Bob Haddad and Shelley Swain Berry are the most aggressive and customer service based lawyers I have ever come across. They provide constructive guidance, recommendations, and legal advice that I promise will end in better results than you could have imagined. I will forever have this office on speed dial and will continue to pass their names and phone numbers along to anyone needing legal counsel. Thank you so much for making a forever impact on my life!
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01 Nov, 2024 by Eric c
Great company and great people to work with!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Chan s
Awesome Team!!Mr Jerell is Amazing i Highly recommend his law firm
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03 Dec, 2024 by Ceci pancho
My husband and I were very impressed and pleased with attorney Johnson services and the good results. I 100% recommend his services not only very knowledgeable but very professional 👏 👌
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19 Oct, 2024 by Coffeecuppie
Had a child custody case and he was very helpful and helped our case to go smoothly! Would recommend him! He has a great flat rate and is very dependable! So happy to be with my daughter!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Chamroeun ciballos
I gave them 1 star because I called to get my remaining balance to pay off. Their accounting person was awful and rude. She did not know what the fees are being charged for nor the remaining balance that I would had to speak to the lawyer handling the case to get the final balance. That was fine but why be nasty and rude if clients are asking. They really need to train their front office or accounting staff better customer service or how to properly talk to clients better. My husband called a second time and asked to speak to a specific paralegal or lawyer involved in the case to get the final balance and they mistakenly transferred him to this accounting person they had again. She was soo rude and spoke to us both slowly like you are talking to a 1st grader like we did not speak any English. I do not know if it’s because of our last name but we both were born in the states so there was no need to belittle people that are trying to pay off their remaining balance. Makes me think she speaks to all foreigners this way and everybody should be spoken with respect regardless what race, former or current client. We will not be using them ever again for any services knowing they have rude and nasty accounting or front office staff that are not properly trained. I will also be telling others I know about this awful experience.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Charles territo
I have been using Poole Brooke plumlee for couple yrs now and I am very happy with there services especially Todd Roethlisberger he's the best and great to work with.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Siddharth bajpai
It was a fantastic experience working with Poole Brooke Plumlee. I was referred to them and after an initial conversation, was connected with Mr. David Oakley. We required urgent support on a short notice, and David exceeded our expectations in every way. He grasped our needs, thoroughly reviewed the materials we provided, kept us informed at every stage, and represented us exceptionally well. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Chamroeun ciballos
I gave them 1 star because I called to get my remaining balance to pay off. Their accounting person was awful and rude. She did not know what the fees are being charged for nor the remaining balance that I would had to speak to the lawyer handling the case to get the final balance. That was fine but why be nasty and rude if clients are asking. They really need to train their front office or accounting staff better customer service or how to properly talk to clients better. My husband called a second time and asked to speak to a specific paralegal or lawyer involved in the case to get the final balance and they mistakenly transferred him to this accounting person they had again. She was soo rude and spoke to us both slowly like you are talking to a 1st grader like we did not speak any English. I do not know if it’s because of our last name but we both were born in the states so there was no need to belittle people that are trying to pay off their remaining balance. Makes me think she speaks to all foreigners this way and everybody should be spoken with respect regardless what race, former or current client. We will not be using them ever again for any services knowing they have rude and nasty accounting or front office staff that are not properly trained. I will also be telling others I know about this awful experience.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Charles territo
I have been using Poole Brooke plumlee for couple yrs now and I am very happy with there services especially Todd Roethlisberger he's the best and great to work with.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Siddharth bajpai
It was a fantastic experience working with Poole Brooke Plumlee. I was referred to them and after an initial conversation, was connected with Mr. David Oakley. We required urgent support on a short notice, and David exceeded our expectations in every way. He grasped our needs, thoroughly reviewed the materials we provided, kept us informed at every stage, and represented us exceptionally well. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Chamroeun ciballos
I gave them 1 star because I called to get my remaining balance to pay off. Their accounting person was awful and rude. She did not know what the fees are being charged for nor the remaining balance that I would had to speak to the lawyer handling the case to get the final balance. That was fine but why be nasty and rude if clients are asking. They really need to train their front office or accounting staff better customer service or how to properly talk to clients better. My husband called a second time and asked to speak to a specific paralegal or lawyer involved in the case to get the final balance and they mistakenly transferred him to this accounting person they had again. She was soo rude and spoke to us both slowly like you are talking to a 1st grader like we did not speak any English. I do not know if it’s because of our last name but we both were born in the states so there was no need to belittle people that are trying to pay off their remaining balance. Makes me think she speaks to all foreigners this way and everybody should be spoken with respect regardless what race, former or current client. We will not be using them ever again for any services knowing they have rude and nasty accounting or front office staff that are not properly trained. I will also be telling others I know about this awful experience.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Charles territo
I have been using Poole Brooke plumlee for couple yrs now and I am very happy with there services especially Todd Roethlisberger he's the best and great to work with.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Siddharth bajpai
It was a fantastic experience working with Poole Brooke Plumlee. I was referred to them and after an initial conversation, was connected with Mr. David Oakley. We required urgent support on a short notice, and David exceeded our expectations in every way. He grasped our needs, thoroughly reviewed the materials we provided, kept us informed at every stage, and represented us exceptionally well. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Ty minter
I have nothing but Wonderful Things to say about Joel Bieber Law Firm! Back in March 2024 I was a car accident. We were referred to Joel Bieber and it was the best decision I ever made! From the very beginning They were with us. Very communicative , asked any questions we may have had. Shoutout to the whole Staff they are such wonderful people! The biggest shoutout is to Mrs. Dana! She never hesitated to answer questions either Text or Call! She is an amazing person!! When I say the firm cares! They really do! Respectfully, Honest, and caring. 100/100! I highly recommend Joel Bieber Law Firm! They have my up most Gratitude. Thank you!! 😊
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09 Jan, 2025 by Craig james
Awesome people very understanding and straight to point and they seem like they are already fighting for you before you sign on the dotted line
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09 Jan, 2025 by William emerson
From day one the Joel Bieber firm was very caring and professional. They handled everything with our auto accident case smoothly and efficiently. They were very good at communicating on things we needed to know, if we ever had any questions or if things might have came up and we needed to handle on our end. Overall wonderful experience! Thank you all for helping and a big Thanks to Ms.Dana!!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Ty minter
I have nothing but Wonderful Things to say about Joel Bieber Law Firm! Back in March 2024 I was a car accident. We were referred to Joel Bieber and it was the best decision I ever made! From the very beginning They were with us. Very communicative , asked any questions we may have had. Shoutout to the whole Staff they are such wonderful people! The biggest shoutout is to Mrs. Dana! She never hesitated to answer questions either Text or Call! She is an amazing person!! When I say the firm cares! They really do! Respectfully, Honest, and caring. 100/100! I highly recommend Joel Bieber Law Firm! They have my up most Gratitude. Thank you!! 😊
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09 Jan, 2025 by Craig james
Awesome people very understanding and straight to point and they seem like they are already fighting for you before you sign on the dotted line
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09 Jan, 2025 by William emerson
From day one the Joel Bieber firm was very caring and professional. They handled everything with our auto accident case smoothly and efficiently. They were very good at communicating on things we needed to know, if we ever had any questions or if things might have came up and we needed to handle on our end. Overall wonderful experience! Thank you all for helping and a big Thanks to Ms.Dana!!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Darren
Mrs. Wood Hanna guided me through a recent family law issue.
Her advice was direct and to the point. She provided plenty of context to help me set expectations and weigh my options. For my relatively minor issue, her pricing was reasonable and straightforward.
I highly recommend her for your family law legal needs.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Kendria marshall
Liz was incredibly helpful and just wonderful to work with. I am so thankful for her and her team.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Luis cortes
Great attorney.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Darren
Mrs. Wood Hanna guided me through a recent family law issue.
Her advice was direct and to the point. She provided plenty of context to help me set expectations and weigh my options. For my relatively minor issue, her pricing was reasonable and straightforward.
I highly recommend her for your family law legal needs.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Kendria marshall
Liz was incredibly helpful and just wonderful to work with. I am so thankful for her and her team.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Luis cortes
Great attorney.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Jared lesler
18 Feb, 2024 by Marcus wilson
Terrible law firm pray on HOA residents. Use someone else. Don’t use a firm that does work for HOA’s they are only in it for the money and not for your personal interest. All about the Benjamin’s with this firm
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14 May, 2023 by Matt knight
They were great. Handled my family's estate. Made it very easy and comfortable.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Jared lesler
18 Feb, 2024 by Marcus wilson
Terrible law firm pray on HOA residents. Use someone else. Don’t use a firm that does work for HOA’s they are only in it for the money and not for your personal interest. All about the Benjamin’s with this firm
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14 May, 2023 by Matt knight
They were great. Handled my family's estate. Made it very easy and comfortable.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Jared lesler
18 Feb, 2024 by Marcus wilson
Terrible law firm pray on HOA residents. Use someone else. Don’t use a firm that does work for HOA’s they are only in it for the money and not for your personal interest. All about the Benjamin’s with this firm
Read more
14 May, 2023 by Matt knight
They were great. Handled my family's estate. Made it very easy and comfortable.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Jared lesler
18 Feb, 2024 by Marcus wilson
Terrible law firm pray on HOA residents. Use someone else. Don’t use a firm that does work for HOA’s they are only in it for the money and not for your personal interest. All about the Benjamin’s with this firm
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14 May, 2023 by Matt knight
They were great. Handled my family's estate. Made it very easy and comfortable.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Gloria lacey
Very professional. I enjoyed working with Lauren and the team. May God bless them all.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Don l.
After my accident I reached out the them, worked with Tara R and Stacey B. Everyone there was friendly and cheerful attitude throughout everything. They were quick to answer any questions and help out through the process. Would use them again.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Maurice brown
My experience was good overall.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Juli edwards-mcdaniel
Shelly Wood and Caryn West have been so helpful for all our needs!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Michelle brown
I would highly recommend allowing Mr. Barlow and his paralegal Ms. Whitmore to manage you legal needs. I appreciated Mr. Barlow taking the time to explain legal terms and the various options I had available to meet my estate planning needs. They prevented the process of creating a will from being unpleasant, thanks again!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Caitlin matthews
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to meet Shelly Wood. While she did not directly represent us, she did a family member with a custody court case. We were extremely impressed with her professionalism, how committed she is, and goes above and beyond to assist. Also very caring. I highly recommend her, you cannot go wrong!!
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5.0
6 Reviews
4.0
61 Reviews
17 Feb, 2025 by Acalia jones
I hired M. Thibault for a JDR matter, and I was really impressed with the results. His team—especially his paralegal Tamara—kept everything running smoothly, handling all the paperwork and deadlines perfectly. I was so confident in their work that I decided to bring him on board for another matter as well. If you need an attorney who truly has your back makes you feel confident, and an attentive transparent team Thibault is the one to call. Highly recommended Coastal Virginia!
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06 Jul, 2024 by Anna cromis
Hopefully the Chevron will stop lawyers like Mr. Thibault. My situation was a nightmare. I constantly owed him money for nothing. He’ll probably come up with an another bogus bill after this review.
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21 May, 2024 by Eddie albright
I regret to inform that my experience with The Coastal Virginia Law Firm Of Brook M. Thibault P.C. was profoundly disappointing and lacked the professional rigor one would expect. Engaging Mr. Thibault as my attorney, I anticipated a robust advocacy for my interests. Unfortunately, the reality was a hurried and disjointed process that led to a custodial agreement deeply unsatisfactory to my needs—one that was not only settled without my prior consent but also executed without my signature.
The lack of communication was a significant issue throughout the process, exacerbated by the non-cooperation of the opposing party. Despite these challenges, the expectation was that my legal representation would navigate these complexities with professional diligence. Instead, there was a premature rush to resolution, evidenced by Mr. Thibault’s unilateral decisions to sign off on agreements and letters without my input.
This approach not only compromised my legal standing but also resulted in substantial financial loss without achieving the desired legal outcomes. To those considering this firm’s services, I urge thorough research and consideration of other testimonials. The experience served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of selecting a legal representative who is thoroughly committed to their client’s interests and communicative every step of the way.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Juli edwards-mcdaniel
Shelly Wood and Caryn West have been so helpful for all our needs!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Michelle brown
I would highly recommend allowing Mr. Barlow and his paralegal Ms. Whitmore to manage you legal needs. I appreciated Mr. Barlow taking the time to explain legal terms and the various options I had available to meet my estate planning needs. They prevented the process of creating a will from being unpleasant, thanks again!
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Caitlin matthews
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to meet Shelly Wood. While she did not directly represent us, she did a family member with a custody court case. We were extremely impressed with her professionalism, how committed she is, and goes above and beyond to assist. Also very caring. I highly recommend her, you cannot go wrong!!
Read more
12 Jun, 2024 by Jared lesler
18 Feb, 2024 by Marcus wilson
Terrible law firm pray on HOA residents. Use someone else. Don’t use a firm that does work for HOA’s they are only in it for the money and not for your personal interest. All about the Benjamin’s with this firm
Read more
14 May, 2023 by Matt knight
They were great. Handled my family's estate. Made it very easy and comfortable.
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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.
