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07 Apr, 2017 by Curtis
I met Brent through a handful of colleagues, and hired him to aid in business planning. Brent is one of the most approachable and down to earth attorneys that I have ever met. He is willing to take time and put forth effort, not commonly seen with other attorneys.
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25 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I needed assistance reviewing and negotiating a business contract, and Brent was extremely helpful. He explained everything in simple terms that I could understand, and he kept me informed throughout the process. I would definitely work with Brent again in the future.
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18 May, 2016 by Joe
Brent helped my wife and I with our wills, and other estate planning docs. Great experience, no pressure, and answered all our our questions. I have also referred my clients and friends to him... It is good to have an attorney that I can trust with my own stuff, as well as my clients and friends.
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22 Dec, 2023 by Kurt rader
Amazing experience. Highly recommend this firm.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Irene karavolos
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16 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I launched my technology start-up in 2011. I had yet to discover exactly how much I did not know – including how to identify appropriate counsel. My first stop for legal advice was with a big name legal firm. They certainly knew their trade, but they also treated my account no differently than US Steel. The large legal organization was accustomed to ‘taking care of business,’ and then sending the bill. I learned my lesson via a bill for $10,000 to review a contract (the contract was for $35,000). Mark was recommended to me by someone who was a few years ahead of me on the tech start-up timeline, and who was successfully emerging from his first priced round. Like me, his start-up began on a shoestring budget. In those early days it is imperative to focus your limited budget on ‘core’ issues. It would be wonderful if there was enough cash from the start to address everything from contract development to shareholders agreements, but the reality is there is not. So how does the new entrepreneur decide which issues are ‘core’ and which can evolve over time? And exactly how will the legal terrain evolve as the organization matures? Mark has been nothing short of a godsend in these regards. At the end of the day the decision is always mine, but he is completely candid regarding the pros and cons of prioritizing one legal action over another. This alone would win him a high recommendation, but he also takes it to another level. He has made it a point to get to know the vision of my company, and to get to know me personally. As a result, his legal advice is tailored to my organization and to my temperament. I recently took a moment to consider the significance of this approach – He would never ask me to implement a strategy that stands in contrast to my personal strengths, and as a result my business strategy has evolved in a way that plays to my strengths. My start-up is now sitting at the threshold of entering its first priced round, and if I had it to do all over again, I would again pick Mark Sullivan.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Alvin estevez
He is the real deal!
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23 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Claire to do our wills after we heard her speak at a seminar at the Northland library. We found her knowledgeable and very easy to work with, almost fun if you can say that about a lawyer. She took time to explain things to us clearly and the experience was overall very positive. Also her office is in a convenient location. I have recommended her to friends.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Luke
This was the 2nd time I used him during an assessment appeal and both times he submitted the best possible evidence as to why they should lower it and both times it was a success. I would highly recommended him and will definitely be passing his name around!!!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
He hates veterans and hard working people. He goes out of his way to sue disabled veterans.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Nicholas furlani
David is very professional, very quick to respond, and kept us updated on the process for our tax assessment appeal. He did a fantastic job and we will be using him in the future.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Sheila reed
Colleen is patient in answering questions. I highly recommend meeting with her for your elder law needs. Thanks Colleen!
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06 Sep, 2023 by Pat balok
James prepared my legal documents with professionalism and knowledge. I felt very comfortable and confident with the process.
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28 Feb, 2023 by Maxine kostrzewa
James was very professional and explained everything to us which made it so easy to prepare our will. James was so friendly and talked about where he grew up which I knew where it was because very close to where I grew up in Elizabeth . Mike and I felt very comfortable with James and made our experience of our making our will a good experience! I would highly recommend James to family and friends. He helped my nieces when my sister passed away in May of 2022. They had a great experience and recommended James to us. Maxine Kostrzewa
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14 Aug, 2024 by Beth
Requesting the courts as grandparents for permission be allowed to intervene is a difficult legal road. Requesting full legal custody takes this to a new level. It is painful and exhausting. John’s expertise in keeping firm focus, ability to separate the detail in importance of fact versus fluff, his ability in concise detail and how this is articulated to the decision makers is stand alone. Close to twenty (20) plus years of documentation and keeping this Grandma in check was no easy task. John accepted this challenge. Each time we have gone into court confident that we were prepared and our attorney was knowledgeable on the laws and would navigate as required. John sincerely had our granddaughter’s best interest at heart. He was gentle and sincerely kind to a traumatized 8 year old. I do not believe many can say they trust their attorney however we do. We recommend John at every level of family conciliation and family court. His READINESS, RESPONSE and his RESULT need no introduction. Forever grateful.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Krystal crow
John is amazing. He was very professional and understanding. I have already recommended him to a friend and I'd don't again. Thank you John and your office for all of your help.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Krajis32
My biggest regret is that I did not have John representing me from the beginning of my custody case. John encompassed everything you would expect from an extraordinary lawyer and represented me to the greatest of expectations. He was clear and concise with advising me, and his communication was excellent. He was very responsive and strategic in handling any situation that arose from my case. He was truly invested into my case and brought results that I could not get from anyone else. Highly recommend attorney John M. Schaffranek!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Rob potter
Mees Morrison was well prepared. She was excellent before the arbitration started as far as educating us as to the process. She was precise and prepared in the courtroom. Our outcome could not have been better.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Dom decinti
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08 Dec, 2023 by Tim k
I’m a little disappointed I dealt with this law firm for a long time . I sent dornish law over a lease that was not fulfilled from one of my previous tenants. Two years went past and absolutely nothing happened. I had to keep calling and asking Anthony what’s going on and he would always tell me well you didn’t pay your bill so we stopped working on it . Soon as he said that, I would pay my bill and not hear from him for months. When I call back, he would tell me the same thing. They have gotten nowhere with this case I lost $30,000 because I never got rent from these tenants that signed the lease. Dornish law Keeps sending me a bill with interest compounding and I keep telling them just have Brad call me so I can talk to him and I will pay my bill. They are ignoring me and letting the interest compound. . A business owner every time my customers said they wanted to talk to the owner. I would call immediately this unprofessional I don’t know what happened to them. They used to be a good law firm, but I will never use them again. No, they build me over $3500 and I owe them about $1800 over $300 of that interest . Beware of this law firm they are lazy, disorganized, and don’t know how to communicate
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24 Apr, 2024 by Rob potter
Mees Morrison was well prepared. She was excellent before the arbitration started as far as educating us as to the process. She was precise and prepared in the courtroom. Our outcome could not have been better.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Dom decinti
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08 Dec, 2023 by Tim k
I’m a little disappointed I dealt with this law firm for a long time . I sent dornish law over a lease that was not fulfilled from one of my previous tenants. Two years went past and absolutely nothing happened. I had to keep calling and asking Anthony what’s going on and he would always tell me well you didn’t pay your bill so we stopped working on it . Soon as he said that, I would pay my bill and not hear from him for months. When I call back, he would tell me the same thing. They have gotten nowhere with this case I lost $30,000 because I never got rent from these tenants that signed the lease. Dornish law Keeps sending me a bill with interest compounding and I keep telling them just have Brad call me so I can talk to him and I will pay my bill. They are ignoring me and letting the interest compound. . A business owner every time my customers said they wanted to talk to the owner. I would call immediately this unprofessional I don’t know what happened to them. They used to be a good law firm, but I will never use them again. No, they build me over $3500 and I owe them about $1800 over $300 of that interest . Beware of this law firm they are lazy, disorganized, and don’t know how to communicate
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24 Apr, 2024 by Rob potter
Mees Morrison was well prepared. She was excellent before the arbitration started as far as educating us as to the process. She was precise and prepared in the courtroom. Our outcome could not have been better.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Dom decinti
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Dec, 2023 by Tim k
I’m a little disappointed I dealt with this law firm for a long time . I sent dornish law over a lease that was not fulfilled from one of my previous tenants. Two years went past and absolutely nothing happened. I had to keep calling and asking Anthony what’s going on and he would always tell me well you didn’t pay your bill so we stopped working on it . Soon as he said that, I would pay my bill and not hear from him for months. When I call back, he would tell me the same thing. They have gotten nowhere with this case I lost $30,000 because I never got rent from these tenants that signed the lease. Dornish law Keeps sending me a bill with interest compounding and I keep telling them just have Brad call me so I can talk to him and I will pay my bill. They are ignoring me and letting the interest compound. . A business owner every time my customers said they wanted to talk to the owner. I would call immediately this unprofessional I don’t know what happened to them. They used to be a good law firm, but I will never use them again. No, they build me over $3500 and I owe them about $1800 over $300 of that interest . Beware of this law firm they are lazy, disorganized, and don’t know how to communicate
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star star star star star
24 Apr, 2024 by Rob potter
Mees Morrison was well prepared. She was excellent before the arbitration started as far as educating us as to the process. She was precise and prepared in the courtroom. Our outcome could not have been better.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Feb, 2024 by Dom decinti
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Dec, 2023 by Tim k
I’m a little disappointed I dealt with this law firm for a long time . I sent dornish law over a lease that was not fulfilled from one of my previous tenants. Two years went past and absolutely nothing happened. I had to keep calling and asking Anthony what’s going on and he would always tell me well you didn’t pay your bill so we stopped working on it . Soon as he said that, I would pay my bill and not hear from him for months. When I call back, he would tell me the same thing. They have gotten nowhere with this case I lost $30,000 because I never got rent from these tenants that signed the lease. Dornish law Keeps sending me a bill with interest compounding and I keep telling them just have Brad call me so I can talk to him and I will pay my bill. They are ignoring me and letting the interest compound. . A business owner every time my customers said they wanted to talk to the owner. I would call immediately this unprofessional I don’t know what happened to them. They used to be a good law firm, but I will never use them again. No, they build me over $3500 and I owe them about $1800 over $300 of that interest . Beware of this law firm they are lazy, disorganized, and don’t know how to communicate
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04 Dec, 2020 by Sonia
She has a high opinion of herself and I wonder if she actually wanted to complete the transaction or derail it. She wastes time going over the same issues and then charges for it.
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04 May, 2012 by Douglas.betar
As a business banker, I have done a great deal of business with Kathy over the years. She is a very personable, conscientious, motivated and talented attorney. I would recommend her highly.
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02 Jul, 2017 by Candace
Hired to help with local tax issue - She never even contacted the borough office. Doesn't answer phone messages or e-mail - very rude and defensive so don't get your questions answered before she hangs up on you. Sometimes her voice mail is full so can't even leave a message. Big waste of considerable money.
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27 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer changed her cost when it was too late for me to find another lawyer... Then was unresponsive and disrespectful to me... I would not recommend using her for anything!
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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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