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20 Aug, 2024 by Ziaullhaq ramin
Dear all who went through this experience I would like to fill for bankruptcy what is the consequences of filing for bankruptcy am I going to lose everything or not I just don’t wanna to lose my little daughter as I’m going through another lifecuptcy.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Rhonda dyer
Mr.Primus and his staff were easy to work with. They helped me so much because I didn’t know anything about bankruptcy. I was in trouble with my finances and needed professional help. They were effective and efficient. Give them a try and get relief from the problems that they are used to dealing with. Don’t hesitate.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Juan partida
We are thankful for your commitment to our case. Thank you for your support throughout this process.
I will gladly recommend your services to others who may need legal assistance.
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11 May, 2022 by Kassia mitchell-lucero
From the time we met Maxwell he was was very professional and knowledgeable. He was always responsive and available to calls, questions, etc along the way. His fees were fair and the work he produced with his representation was much appreciated. We definetely recommend his services to anyone. It was a pleasure to work with him.
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29 Apr, 2022 by C b
I was very impressed at the handling of my case with Maxwell Njelita. I had been fighting a case for years with another lawyer who just basically took my money. When I hired Maxwell Njelita to fight my case I won in a matter of months he was very knowledgeable and professional.
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18 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Maxwell was a pleasure to work with. He was both professional and attentive with the needs we had. He always reviewed all necessary information and was very thorough. He would be an asset to anyone in need of his services.
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24 May, 2023 by Ladymagicka
Chuck Marshall helped me with my Chevy Cruze case, and he was prompt, responsive, kind, empathetic, effective and amazing! Cannot recommend enough!
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13 Jan, 2023 by Amin
I just had a single interaction with this firm with an inquiry. They reponded pretty quickly. Although they could not take my case but answered to my email with proper advice and reference. My review is based on that single interaction but I felt really good about it.
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02 Sep, 2022 by John miller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Star Law Firm
Marshall law firm is the best. I want to thank him again. I don't think his clients are just another case to him. When I read his demand letter I had to thank him for listening to me. He not only represented me throughout the matter. He was available to answer questions I had along the way. I'm grateful that Chuck Marshall is on my side. My matter was settled before the real damage was done. I purchased a BMW Thinking they would use my capital one. “ Never do what I did, That is leaving with the car without ever seeing the contract”. Until Chuck Marshall represented me the dealership treated me and this matter like a joke.
THANK YOU CHUCK MARSHALL
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04 Sep, 2024 by Robert brock
Not happy with this law firm at all was in a serious motorcycle accident that wasn't my fault and this attorney is getting more money than I am. If I could do it over again I wouldn't use this guy did absolutley nothing for me nothing but taking money stay away.I don't have any idea who all these other people are being represented by but I didn't get anything like there help .Im disabled for life and he didn't help me at all .
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22 Aug, 2024 by Bany robles
Proud to say that I just became a US citizen last month thanks to Erika and her team!! 👏🏼👏🏼🥳
My experience having Erika Portillo and her team as my immigration attorney for the past 10 years has been phenomenal! From the very start of my case she has ALWAYS been upfront and honest with me about my case which made the whole process much less stressful for me. Erika will ALWAYS go above and beyond her expertise to help her clients as best as she can!
I was able to petition my mother and she also just became a US Citizen two weeks ago! The only reason why I took the 10 years to apply for our citizenship was because I personally decided to wait until my Green card almost expired to apply for our Citizenship. I know I should have applied sooner but with three young children, my studies, and work, I got so busy in my “mom life” that I didn’t realize how fast time had gone by. The good thing is that as soon as Erika filed both my mother’s and my N-400 application in December, by February we had already received our appointment letter in the mail for our citizenship exam! After passing the exam, we received our Oath ceremony appointment for citizenship in the SF location just three months after! We are so happy and relieved that we no longer have to worry about our immigration status and most importantly that the process was smooth because we didn’t have to stress about receiving bad service or looking around for new attorneys because Erika took good care of us every step of the way. 🙏🏼
I mean this from the bottom of my heart because I’ve heard so many unfortunate situations of how difficult it is for our people to find a good lawyer who doesn’t charge them every time they show up to their office, or charge them tons of dollars upfront to take the case and then they take forever to respond or get a hold of. This is not the case with Erika Portillo!
With that said, I will say that it’s 100% worth your time and money to schedule a consultation with Erika to see if you have a good case. She will not lie to you nor waste your time and money like some attorney tend to. I actually just referred her services to a friend of mine who was asking for an immigration attorney for her brother in law. So I’m confident that if her family takes my referral, they will be in good hands.
*FYI: Both Erika and her front desk receptionists are all Spanish and English speaking so communicating with them and getting answers about your case is very easy as well. They were always ready to assist us with a nice smile on their faces.
What I love the most about having Erika as an immigration attorney is that she continues to educate herself. She stays on top of all the new laws and that’s what allows her to provide such clear and accurate services. I couldn’t imagine her being able to branch off and now having her own team if she wasn’t this great! That speaks volumes! A big congratulations to her again for that because she’s a very hard working woman who deserves such success, respect, and your trust!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Gary curry
I had a case where I was electrocuted and for 10months VZ worked on my case of course looking to take care of me appropriately based on the nature of the case. Once they found out I was on probation for a crime I had not committed but got railroaded, they first said we can’t represent you because of the nature of your case. I was like, WHAT? We have a working case and now 10months later the partners decide they don’t want to represent me anymore because of my probation???? What the heck does that even have to do with me getting what’s owed to me because I was electrocuted? They gave me some pocket change and took there money like I was an old appliance. Now I could have said no I’ll try and find another law firm but law firms don’t like to take cases that other law firms backed up on. I don’t recommend this law firm to anyone. Especially if you have a record.
0 stars
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20 Aug, 2024 by Ziaullhaq ramin
Dear all who went through this experience I would like to fill for bankruptcy what is the consequences of filing for bankruptcy am I going to lose everything or not I just don’t wanna to lose my little daughter as I’m going through another lifecuptcy.
Read more
22 Jul, 2024 by Rhonda dyer
Mr.Primus and his staff were easy to work with. They helped me so much because I didn’t know anything about bankruptcy. I was in trouble with my finances and needed professional help. They were effective and efficient. Give them a try and get relief from the problems that they are used to dealing with. Don’t hesitate.
Read more
19 Jul, 2024 by Juan partida
We are thankful for your commitment to our case. Thank you for your support throughout this process.
I will gladly recommend your services to others who may need legal assistance.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Ziaullhaq ramin
Dear all who went through this experience I would like to fill for bankruptcy what is the consequences of filing for bankruptcy am I going to lose everything or not I just don’t wanna to lose my little daughter as I’m going through another lifecuptcy.
Read more
22 Jul, 2024 by Rhonda dyer
Mr.Primus and his staff were easy to work with. They helped me so much because I didn’t know anything about bankruptcy. I was in trouble with my finances and needed professional help. They were effective and efficient. Give them a try and get relief from the problems that they are used to dealing with. Don’t hesitate.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Juan partida
We are thankful for your commitment to our case. Thank you for your support throughout this process.
I will gladly recommend your services to others who may need legal assistance.
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19 Nov, 2022 by Jonathan quintanilla hoang
Great options mister Dan is an amazing, lawyer he been helping me so much. He knows the law so much and he find the best way to help you. He's Is honest and transparent.
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11 May, 2021 by T f
Needed an attorney for a few legal matters. Initially did some searching and was put in touch with Dan at ORO. Dan was confident and knowledgeable. Never promised more than he thought was possible and delivered results well above what I expected. The point of the story is if you need a lawyer this is the place to reach out to.
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18 Dec, 2020 by Joe vellos
01 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Brad Bowles was very professional and supportive in my auto accident and injury case. He answered questions I had in a timely manner and he was there at key times for depositions. I strongly recommend Brad Bowles.
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16 Jun, 2015 by Bill
Brad Bowles helped me through a personal injury case. He is talented and responsive, knows his way around plus, he knows what works and what doesn't. I was always comfortable dealing with Brad and I was very happy with the results. I have already recommended Brad to others.
Bill S.
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07 Feb, 2014 by Joseph a. schmidt
I hired Brad after interviewing several lawyers and firms. My case was a motorcycle accident where someone pulled in front of me and I hit them broadsided; broke my pelvic bone and spent 7 months in convalescence centers. Brad was all of the things noted above and became a friend. Not only do I admire his professionalism but he is clearly a family man who cares deeply. I think the best quality was responsiveness ... getting a return email or phone call within a few minutes! Thanks, Brad for all you did for me and Cecelia. We appreciate your help and kindness. Joe
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5.0
8 Reviews
13 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I called 20+ attorney's yesterday. John is one person, he took 10min of his time and explained details around it.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
John quickly understood our challenges and the questions we had around them and graciously consulted on how to answer them.
In the end, the agreement we worked out with our landlords was a win-win, and John was really helpful in making that happen.
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22 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
After having the misfortune of being involved in more than 3 unrelated lawsuits in the last 2 years, I retained Mr. Isherwood to handle my cases.
Mr. Isherwood is an outstanding multifaceted attorney with the ability to quickly understand complex cases already in progress and provide excellent clarity in communicating with his client.
This is not the first time I have had to retain an attorney, but it certainly is the first time I feel I retained an upstanding, highly skilled, responsive, and highly experienced attorney with excellent knowledge of relevant statutes and the ability to quickly respond and stand up to big-money law firms. Scott's ability really helped put my mind at ease.
I won the first 2 cases. As for the third case, it was initially mishandled by another lawyer who was ultimately removed from my case. I again contacted Mr. Isherwood to help understand and clean up the giant mess left behind by the former incompetent attorney as well as help avert a complete catastrophe in my life brought on by a crooked mortgage servicer.
In the courtroom I was amazed by Mr. Isherwood's lightning fast ability recall facts and quickly object to the opposing party. Also, in court he often recalled the facts about my case faster than I did and was able to use these facts to ultimately win my case against a larger lavishly-funded law firm.
They say "Litigation is not a poor-man's sport", fotunately Mr. Isherwood has continually demonstrated a knack for averting long, drawn out and potentially expensive litigation and getting straight to the point.
I have so far used Mr. Isherwood against a fraudulent "restraining order request" which he won, a fraudulent claim for defamation, in which I also prevailed, as well as litigation against a bad mortgage servicer for which he has continued to provide extremely valuable and helpful services that have helped avert multiple catastrophes instigated by much larger large firms and people with deep pockets.
Mr. Isherwood has also been invaluable for general legal advice.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Amanda
Dawn is an amazing lawyer. She's organized, ethical, sharp as as knife , and knows the laws backward and forward from both sides of personal injury lawsuits. She was, from the first day when I contacted her, a downright pleasure to work with. She always got back to me via email, usually within 15 minutes (seriously!). She kept me updated on everything that was happening with a lengthy lawsuit. She made sure I understood everything that was going on, everything I was signing, and how the whole process worked. She held my hand through two years of legal processes around a tediously medical issue resulting from a car crash.
I had a sticky case: I'd been rear-ended and gotten some sort of soft tissue damage that put me out of commission for the better part of a year and a half. All sorts of diagnostics failed to show exactly what was wrong, and treatments failed to make it better in any hurry. There was just a lot of pain whenever I used my right arm. (In retrospect, probably a rotator cuff injury that we didn't catch until a year after the accident, when it was mostly healed). I was sick at the thought of talking to the insurance company; there's no way to prove that you're in pain. Dawn took my case despite the uncertainty around it, and she got me an absolutely fair settlement despite all the medical muddling.
In addition to being terrifyingly competent, Dawn was unfailingly kind. When we had to do a deposition, and I was scared of being interrogated, she made sure I knew exactly how it worked, knew what I had to do, and then spent a good 15 minutes afterward debriefing and checking in on how I was. Then she sent a follow up email telling me that I'd done a great job. She kept me in mind as a person as well as a client. She was so professional, so sure of every step, and so obviously on top of everything that I was able to let her handle the case and go about my life without worrying about it too much. I am grateful for her services, and I'd recommend her highly for any legal help you might need.
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26 Nov, 2015 by Claire
I want to thank you for bringing my lawsuit to such a satisfying and speedy resolution. I know that you had to argue convincingly to obtain agreements with Kaiser and Medicare. I was really surprised that you were able to obtain restitution for the golf cart as well. What I really appreciated was you clear and constant communication.
I always knew the path ahead and my options. All were clearly explained. Should I ever need legal help again I know whom to call.
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16 Nov, 2015 by Neal
Dawn Ceizler has helped my family and me twice with legal issues. She is a brilliant attorney and has the unusual quality of also being a very good person. She is someone you will stay in touch with. You could not ask for a better person to have on your side.
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26 Mar, 2021 by Bog tan
Mr Bishop was instrumental in helping me with some legal issues I had regarding a contract dispute. He was very professional yet communicated with me in such a way that I felt comfortable and understood exactly what he meant. He was very helpful in both a legal and business sense. Highly recommend.
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27 Mar, 2017 by Elizabeth talbot
Jonathan assisted us with a tricky landlord/tenant issue, and is our go to for all real estate matters. As someone who also works in the legal field, we have found Jonathan to be an efficient and very effective attorney. I would recommend him to anyone who wants a strong advocate in legal matters involving real estate, business, or construction defect.
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22 Mar, 2016 by Holly cornetto
Jonathan Bishop has helped me through many legal issues. He has proven himself to be smart, honest and extremely knowledgeable. I have the utmost trust in his professional abilities. I am a satisfied client and highly recommend Bishop Law Group.
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05 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Jack was super helpful with a landlord issue I was having as a tenant. He provided the resources I needed to understand and solve the problem, ultimately without needing to retain him. I definitely recommend him.
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31 Mar, 2017 by Trang
Jack did an excellent job with my case and went “above and beyond” The end result was better than I hoped for! He always returned my calls and explained everything. He is very trustworthy.
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27 Aug, 2016 by Al
Jack and Jennie treated me very well. Jack consulted with me on very short notice and gave me very sound advice. His fee was reasonable and I look forward to asking him to represent me if necessary.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Steven
Mr. Khalil did an amazing job with my case. He was very informative, very knowledgeable, and catered to all my needs and requests. I don't know where I'd be right now if it wasn't for his expertise.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Christine
I recently went through some personal struggles and Frank was there to help me through every step. He was very professional and took the time to explain legal matters in a way I could understand. He helped me see all of the options that were available so I could make a informed decision. I have and will continue to recommend him to family and friends and look forward to working with him the future.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Joshua furnald
Frank Khalil was really knowledgeable and answered my many questions easily, and in a way that I could understand. His fees were reasonable, and he finished my estate plan promptly. I would definitely hire Frank again.
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24 Nov, 2020 by Barbara
My husband and I used Brandon to write our wills and assist us in setting up a trust. He handled everything down to the last detail. We were very pleased with Brandon's knowledge, assistance and patience. He took time to explain everything to us in terms we would understand. We highly recommend his firm.
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21 Nov, 2020 by Taylor
Working through legal issues when it comes to family can be tough, Brandon not only made the process of selling my mother's house and working through our family Trust efficient, but was thoughtful in his consultations and compassionate to the situation at hand. A true professional in every sense of the word, demonstrating his expertise in all areas, the sale, the Trust and the tax implications of the process. Never hesitating to walk us through any complications and problem solve when there were issues. Extremely detail focused and alleviated any worry that everything would be taken care of in what was a very traumatic time for my family. I would absolutely recommend Brandon for any of your legal needs, he was a pleasure to work with.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Sanjay
Brandon helped me set up my estate. He explained everything to me in the most basic terms. I had several questions and he answered them all in an easy to understand terms. I would HIGHLY recommend him.
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Tomas supported me through a process that could have been handled without representation but that could have easily become mired in an extremely stressful back-and-forth trial that I might have lost. With his help and representation, an agreement was reached without going to trial that gave me everything I needed for peace of mind. That would never have happened without his expertise. I couldn't recommend him more highly!
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30 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Tomas is an excellent lawyer. I had an unfortunate running with the law (racial profiling) that resulted in some trumped up charges. Tomas was low key, calm and collected. When I saw him at court he was reassuring and came out with a good offer from the persecutors. I would recommend Tomas he is an outstanding lawyer.
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11 Mar, 2013 by Ryan
I originally contacted Mr. Flores with questions regarding a business I was starting. His responses were always prompt and well researched.
As a result of the positive results I had, I began consulting with Mr. Flores on a wider and wider array of subjects. He has helped me many times over the years and has become indispensable! He is my go-to guy with all of my legal questions.
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18 Jul, 2014 by Hillary
Tim is one of the best real estate lawyers in the area and I've work with a lot of lawyers. He's well informed, gives astute advice and always kept me well informed about my case. He helped me with a very difficult real estate situation and I call him often for real estate and business law advice. And, he's a fine person. I'd highly recommend him and his colleagues.
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18 Jul, 2014 by Pamela
We needed a verbose and lengthy lease agreement reviewed in a quick time frame. Mr. Williams reviewed it quickly with great scrutiny and saved us from possibly finding ourselves in a bad situation. His detailed observations were invaluable.
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20 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
• Mary Grace helped me with my Moral Character application and I could not have asked for someone better. Regardless of the outcome she helped achieve (which was positive) she was helpful and informative every step of the way. Important things that many attorneys often overlook are very simple: responsive to emails, and receptive to suggestions. Mary Grace was both of these. I would recommend her to anyone needing counsel for State Bar and moral character related matters.
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24 Jul, 2015 by Konstantine
Mary Grace is a very thorough and dedicated attorney. She has earned a reputation in the legal community for effectively representing clients in very difficult matters. I have referred numerous people to her and I have heard nothing but good things about their experiences with her. Mary Grace is actively involved in the Contra Costa County legal community and cares about people and making a difference. I would highly recommend her to people seeking effective representation.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Chris
I met Marcin a few years ago when I was searching for a family trust lawyer. Although this wasn't Marcin's area of expertise he referred me to someone and then our paths crossed again a little bit later. Marcin is very professional, presents well thought out advice and I would recommend him as a first point of contact for your legal needs. I look forward to working with him when my legal needs arise.
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18 Sep, 2015 by Robert
Martin has represented me over the years. His lawyering skills are superb: he is an aggressive and tireless litigator; conscientious; meets all deadlines; is always prepared and is reasonable in his charges. To cite one case in particular: it involved a partnership dispute over commercial property. The other side papered us for almost two years, we were in the second week of trial when halfway through Martin's cross examination of the plaintiff, the trial judge suggested that the other side work out a settlement with us.
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03 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Over the past 4 years, we have used Don for several complex business situations. In each case, his service has been superb compared to other attorneys that we have used over the years. His quiet demeanor overlays a strong intellect that is able to quickly grasp the essence of the critical business areas. In complex healthcare legal areas, his broad and detailed knowledge of the many interacting legal elements has been helpful in understanding ways to get things done while staying in compliance with the many, varied rules and regulations. His thoughtful comments have helped us to create effective solutions to complex, thorny problems. In negoations, his low key approach makes him "a problem solver" for all of the involved parties. His broad gage experience makes him an invaluable advisor and team member for any business effort. His ability to deliver opinions and finished work products on time and on budget have madehim very popular with our group. We heartily recommend Don as a superb attorney and counselor.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Nathan was referred to us by a friend and has gone above and beyond in servicing us. His work ethic and knowledge is impressive and his willingness to resolve issues with as little legal intervention as possible, really tells you that he is not attempting to make a fast buck. He is professional, polished, and above all honest.
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10 Mar, 2013 by David gallagher
Bob was very helpful to us on three occasions a few years back. I found him very ethical and willing to get the job done without complicating it unnecessarily. He helped us compose our own letters to our franchisor and edited them only when needed here and there. He steered us through some important negotiations with a light touch. Things ended up well with this tact. He also was happy to have a few conversations on the phone and provide a simple billing just for the time of the calls. I am happy to say my experiences were very satisfactory.
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31 May, 2016 by Jean
Steven Wood has served as my legal counsel for nearly 20 years. First engaged as private counsel for plaintiff in civil litigation, and later as family counsel in estate planning and elder care issues, I have been impressed with his dedication and service in every realm. Mr. Wood allows and encourages client participation, assuring my voice is heard and concerns voiced through his. With integrity and a genuine passion for the law, Mr. Wood successfully represented me through depositions, mediation, and trial. He is adept in assembling legal teams, expert witnesses, and appearance in multiple counties across the state. At a time in my life when trust was difficult to extend, Mr. Wood proved himself steady by every measure, and in this continues. Thank you Steven!
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02 Nov, 2014 by Keith
I worked with Corinne and Krista Kim at Valence Law for over 6 months as they reviewed multiple commercial leases for me.
As a new business owner, the experienced advice she consistently provided was priceless.
They helped me avoid a couple of bad situations and I ended up getting a very favorable lease at my space.
Both Corinne and Krista went above and beyond every single time I had an inquiry.
I am so thankful for their support and can't imagine the nightmare I would be stuck with if I never consulted with them.
Thank you Corinne/Krista!
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16 Jan, 2013 by Rick
John is by far one of the most trusted attorneys I've worked with both professionally and personally. He walked us through each phase of our Will and Estate Planning and personally delivered our final documents to go over each and every step so my wife and I understood.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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11 Oct, 2024 by Umut sarice
11 Oct, 2024 by Zaur salamov
When I first came to America, I was having problems, lawyers were cheating on me, after getting to know you, my documents came quickly, thank you, good luck in your work
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10 Oct, 2024 by Furkan kocak
Çok teşekkür bir telefonla her soruma rahatlıkla cevap buldum.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
