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13 May, 2024 by Ny baker
They don't put enough stars here to select from when it comes to Lou. We hired him to represent us with the sale of our home. He was amazing. He was so professional and knows the legal biz like no other, yet serves his client with such a great "bedside manner" that we felt comfortable throughout the entire process. Can't thank him enough!
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14 Oct, 2020 by Nicole bliss
My husband and I just finalized the purchase of our first home, with Lou's help. From our first conversation, we could tell that Lou cared about helping us and making sure we understood the process. He knows White Plains backward and forward and we appreciated his commitment to the local community that we are now a part of. Lou is personable, knowledgeable, and pays close attention to detail; on top of that, his pricing was very reasonable. We would use him again and would recommend him to anyone looking to buy property in the area.
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25 Nov, 2018 by Brian tschinkel
My wife and I were in need of an attorney when purchasing our first home. I spoke to a few attorneys, but Lou came via way of a good friend. Lou came across as fair but firm, knowledgeable, and experienced. My wife and I knew he would get the job done and he was the type of person we needed to help us close on our first home. Lou was extremely professional, responsive at all hours of the day and even on weekends, more than patient with our many questions, and meticulous and thorough as he guided us through the closing process. Everything went smoothly -- much smoother than we ever could have expected for our first home purchase -- and we couldn't be happier. Thank you, Lou!
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27 Jun, 2023 by Hayden farmer
Collegial and professional place to work. The full service law firm has many experienced attorneys and a wonderful support staff!
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27 Jun, 2023 by Hayden farmer
Collegial and professional place to work. The full service law firm has many experienced attorneys and a wonderful support staff!
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27 Jun, 2023 by Hayden farmer
Collegial and professional place to work. The full service law firm has many experienced attorneys and a wonderful support staff!
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27 Nov, 2021 by Stacy t
I had a very complicated divorce, including a custody trial, and Mr. Bernstein was able to make sure that I received custody of my children. I am very appreciative of his services.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Scott
Bernie Krooks is a top-rate person, diligent and has true empathy for those facing caregiving and aging challenges. Highly regarded by his peers, Bernie has earned an excellent reputation for his quick intellect and his ability to create innovative solutions for the infirm elderly and their caregivers, estate planning clients and people with special needs.
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17 Jan, 2017 by Ana de sousa
Retaining Mark Bernstein was one of the smartest decisions I've made. He replies to questions quickly, anticipates issues before they come problems and always bills fairly. Working with him made me feel like had a real partner, instead of a contractor that I needed to monitor. I recommend him to anyone looking for an exceptional attorney.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Laly
29 Jul, 2021 by Solomon sharaby
The best
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28 Aug, 2020 by Harold glassberg
Always great
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04 Dec, 2019 by Carole friedler
12 Sep, 2023 by Stoneleigh farm
I had the good fortune of retaining Lydia Milone for my divorce proceedings in 2019, and I say this with the utmost respect and gratitude- Lydia is a lioness; ferocious in her client’s defense and protective of their needs and emotions in what are for them, very turbulent times.
Lydia shepherded me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life- listening to my concerns, protecting my interests and offering sage advice through the entire process. I’m eternally grateful that it was she by my side through such conflict, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance traversing the legal system in matters of divorce and family law.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Stoneleigh farm
I had the good fortune of retaining Lydia Milone for my divorce proceedings in 2019, and I say this with the utmost respect and gratitude- Lydia is a lioness; ferocious in her client’s defense and protective of their needs and emotions in what are for them, very turbulent times.
Lydia shepherded me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life- listening to my concerns, protecting my interests and offering sage advice through the entire process. I’m eternally grateful that it was she by my side through such conflict, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance traversing the legal system in matters of divorce and family law.
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29 Jan, 2021 by Stephanie f
John Jones was so great! We'd been working with another law firm to try to close on some land in upstate NY. The closing date was supposed to be in September 2020. We switched to working with John in January 2021 and he was able to do in 4 weeks what had taken the other firm over 4 months. If only we'd switched sooner, perhaps we could have avoided the extra time spent, interest paid, and all the price hikes on building materials. However we are SO SO SO pleased with how diligently John worked on our closing. He was responsive, informative, and thorough. Thanks John!
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29 Jan, 2021 by Stephanie f
John Jones was so great! We'd been working with another law firm to try to close on some land in upstate NY. The closing date was supposed to be in September 2020. We switched to working with John in January 2021 and he was able to do in 4 weeks what had taken the other firm over 4 months. If only we'd switched sooner, perhaps we could have avoided the extra time spent, interest paid, and all the price hikes on building materials. However we are SO SO SO pleased with how diligently John worked on our closing. He was responsive, informative, and thorough. Thanks John!
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12 Sep, 2023 by Stoneleigh farm
I had the good fortune of retaining Lydia Milone for my divorce proceedings in 2019, and I say this with the utmost respect and gratitude- Lydia is a lioness; ferocious in her client’s defense and protective of their needs and emotions in what are for them, very turbulent times.
Lydia shepherded me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life- listening to my concerns, protecting my interests and offering sage advice through the entire process. I’m eternally grateful that it was she by my side through such conflict, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance traversing the legal system in matters of divorce and family law.
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29 Jan, 2021 by Stephanie f
John Jones was so great! We'd been working with another law firm to try to close on some land in upstate NY. The closing date was supposed to be in September 2020. We switched to working with John in January 2021 and he was able to do in 4 weeks what had taken the other firm over 4 months. If only we'd switched sooner, perhaps we could have avoided the extra time spent, interest paid, and all the price hikes on building materials. However we are SO SO SO pleased with how diligently John worked on our closing. He was responsive, informative, and thorough. Thanks John!
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15 Dec, 2024 by Shawn rea
03 Dec, 2024 by Ally neil
Used them via OffTheRecord for a speeding ticket and they were great! They were very communicative and responsive. They were able to bring my 4 pt speeding ticket to a 0 pt parking ticket. 10/10 would use them again!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Sarah brune
15 Dec, 2024 by Shawn rea
03 Dec, 2024 by Ally neil
Used them via OffTheRecord for a speeding ticket and they were great! They were very communicative and responsive. They were able to bring my 4 pt speeding ticket to a 0 pt parking ticket. 10/10 would use them again!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Sarah brune
11 Dec, 2024 by Alexandra
I cannot express enough gratitude for Jessica and Meredith and their incredible team for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my court case. From the very beginning, they were not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and understanding of my situation.
Jessica and Meredith fought tirelessly on my behalf and ensured that every detail was handled with care and precision. Their dedication to my case was evident in every interaction, and they always made me feel supported and heard. The entire team was equally remarkable, always responsive, organized, and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Thanks to their efforts, we achieved a settlement that exceeded my expectations. The outcome will make a significant difference in my life and my children’s lives, and I owe it all to Jessica’s hard work and determination.
If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica and Meredith. They are truly exceptional, and I feel so fortunate to have had them in my corner during this challenging time.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany eastman
My experience with Jessica Ressler and her firm has been amazing! It is very difficult to find the delicate balance of not only an attorney that listens and hears you, but represents your best interest. I am been involved in an extremely complex and litigious battle. Without her caring yet determined approach, I am not quite sure if I would have been able to make it through.... Every step of the way, Jessica has been communicative, forthright, and available. I have always been made to feel heard, which is invaluable when going thru the complexities of such emotional and financial stress. Jessica is beyond brilliant, the hardest worker I know, and is so determined to fight for her clients best interests, my best interests. I am thrilled to have found her and her firm! Every single person in that office deserves more than 5 stars!!
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29 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer satter
I had a very frustrating, and potentially negatively life altering, experience with Ms. Ressler earlier this year. The error on her part cost my family time, frustration, and stress to myself and my children.
I was advised to file a temporary order of protection which involved making claims against family members. Unbeknownst to me, Jessica Ressler has a general modus operandi of being an extremely aggressive attorney, regardless of the situation. Her tactics involve getting her clients temporary orders of protection, involving the police, and using false statements. For those who are not aware, these tactics often negatively impact children. She treats every case the same, and her reputation in the industry is well known as being overly aggressive to the point of being detrimental to her clients and their cases. Further, her strategy unnecessarily involves child protective services who are legally obligated to investigate each case, and each parent, regardless of the accusations made.
Without going into significant personal detail, the filings I made under Ms. Ressler's guidance landed me in the cross hairs of CPS for no apparent reason. The result could have led to a permanent record, termination from my job, and an inability to be involved in some children's activities. When I pointed this out to Ms. Ressler, I was met with vague explanations and no real accountability, nor help to assist me from a legal standpoint. While initially she was attentive to my questions, once this occurred, her communication stopped instead of following up on ways to assist me, as though she signed off from my case. Ultimately, the CPS case was resolved without issue based on evidence provided by my family.
It should be noted that Ms. Ressler was recently formally admonished in court for her tactics and procedures. As previously stated, her reputation amongst attorneys in the NYC metro area is well known, and not well regarded.
I would not trust this lawyer with anything important and would highly caution others to do their due diligence before hiring her. I strongly suggest looking elsewhere for legal counsel.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
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27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
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27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
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27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
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27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
Read more
27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
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27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
Read more
27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
Read more
14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
Read more
08 Feb, 2025 by Karen bobadilla
I found the communication to be less effective than I had hoped. There were instances where my questions went unanswered, and I felt a bit lost in the process without sufficient guidance. I believe there may be opportunities for improvement, especially when assisting new buyers, particularly within the Hispanic community.
I do not recommend him
Read more
27 Jan, 2025 by Fernanda martínez
Doy gracias a la abogada y su equipo de trabajo por la ayuda que estamos recibiendo mis hijos y yo pudiendo obtener nuestro permiso de trabajo y social,una persona muy responsable en todo lo que hace siempre pensando en el bien de sus clientes,excelente abogada y no duden en contactar sus servicios,Dios la Bendiga a usted y su equipo de trabajo
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael sussman
Harry Kaufman was a pleasure to work with, efficient, honest, and most importantly, handle our legal matter with great success. We highly recommend him!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Sarita ovimeleh
09 Nov, 2024 by Mayela flores
A lo contrario a todos los comentarios que veo no puedo decir lo mismo ya que quedamos con un mal sabor de boca no recomiendo algo que para mí no uno no ví resultados ya que unieron varias cosas que no entraré en detalle solo diré que Dios los bendiga y que sean más serios en tomar casos y demostrar que si pueden ya que al cliente nunca lo vieron ni hablaron con la persona
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04 Nov, 2024 by Ann rento
Working with Stella and her team at the law firm was truly an outstanding experience. Very professional, accomodationg, patient, kind, and always one step ahead! How lucky we were to have such a wonderful lawyer to help us through the process of creating a will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy. Thank you so much!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Kimberley b-p
With great gratitude, thank you Duane and Adam! You believed that I was injured and you fought hard to bring us a big win. If anyone wants to win, contact Fiedler and Deutsch for all of your legal needs!
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29 Oct, 2024 by Brian canavan
Greg did not fight for me. He just wanted an easy payday. It was like my wife had two lawyers
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28 Oct, 2024 by Dimitry desavy ralph
20 Jan, 2025 by Rich
I called Lever and Ecker for an initial consultation and had the opportunity to speak with Adam Weiss. In the short discussion Adam provided me with guidance on my potential case and put me in touch right away with someone in his network as this was an out of state case. Adam followed up shortly afterwards to make sure that the connection was made. I was very pleased with how Adam and his firm helped me and set me down the right path.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Juan valencia
Six years ago I was in desperate need of help after my accident. I was desperate and had no idea what to do. I reached out to this law firm. This was the best decision I have ever made. My lawyer Daniel Ecker is one of the best he has an immaculate talent. Mr.Ecker is companionate, passionate, and extremely helpful. Daniel Ecker is the best, to say the least. Mr. Ecker was the person who helped me through the toughest time of my life. The person who believed in me and wanted justice to be served. He was the lawyer who kept me in mind throughout the long 6-year case. Although time passed and the case went long he was extremely attentive to me, my family, and my case. About a month ago Mr.Ecker and his partners were able to successfully win our cases. I recommend this law firm 1000 percent. If you believe in yourself and your case these are the lawyer you want to defend you. l especially recommend Daniel Ecker. This is an amazing law team full of individuals who are dedicated and want the best for their clients. A special Thank you to Mr. Ecker and Diana. I appreciate all you have done for me and my family.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Shuyi li
I consulted Daniel Ecker regarding a malpractice concern about the dental care I received. Dan thoroughly reviewed the documents I had collected, discussed the case with me, and provided excellent advice. He was incredibly caring, respectful, and professional throughout the entire process.
Dan maintained consistent communication through emails and phone calls, keeping me informed about my case and ensuring I clearly understood every step. He also represented me during negotiations with the opposing side, and his expertise in his specialty areas of law helped me achieve a highly satisfactory outcome.
This case was incredibly stressful, especially since I had never been through anything like it before. I feel deeply grateful to have had Dan’s support during this challenging experience. His thoughtful advice and the time he dedicated to helping me meant more than I can express.
Thank you, Dan, for your exceptional support and dedication!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Rodrigo sanchez
Excelente abogada, responsable; Y muy dedicada y leal a su cliente. La recomiendo por su profesionalismo.
Excellent lawyer, responsible, very dedicated and loyal to her clients. I recommend her for her professionalism.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Noelle maoriello
We highly recommend Ettinger Law Firm. They continue to be knowledgeable, respectful of our time, and helpful in meeting our elder care estate planning needs for almost two decades. They have answered our questions -even those we hadn’t thought to ask. Their professionalism and courtesy is unparalleled and much appreciated.
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12 Oct, 2024 by A samuel
Faith Miller was truly heaven-sent in my battle that felt like a classic struggle of good vs. evil. With her professionalism and unwavering support, we achieved victory together. Having worked with many attorneys and judges, I know how rare it is to find someone who is not only efficient and thorough but also possesses a strong moral compass. The public often overlooks the complexities of this profession, but Ms. Miller exemplifies what it means to be dedicated and compassionate in this challenging field.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Rodrigo sanchez
Excelente abogada, responsable; Y muy dedicada y leal a su cliente. La recomiendo por su profesionalismo.
Excellent lawyer, responsible, very dedicated and loyal to her clients. I recommend her for her professionalism.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Noelle maoriello
We highly recommend Ettinger Law Firm. They continue to be knowledgeable, respectful of our time, and helpful in meeting our elder care estate planning needs for almost two decades. They have answered our questions -even those we hadn’t thought to ask. Their professionalism and courtesy is unparalleled and much appreciated.
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12 Oct, 2024 by A samuel
Faith Miller was truly heaven-sent in my battle that felt like a classic struggle of good vs. evil. With her professionalism and unwavering support, we achieved victory together. Having worked with many attorneys and judges, I know how rare it is to find someone who is not only efficient and thorough but also possesses a strong moral compass. The public often overlooks the complexities of this profession, but Ms. Miller exemplifies what it means to be dedicated and compassionate in this challenging field.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Rodrigo sanchez
Excelente abogada, responsable; Y muy dedicada y leal a su cliente. La recomiendo por su profesionalismo.
Excellent lawyer, responsible, very dedicated and loyal to her clients. I recommend her for her professionalism.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Noelle maoriello
We highly recommend Ettinger Law Firm. They continue to be knowledgeable, respectful of our time, and helpful in meeting our elder care estate planning needs for almost two decades. They have answered our questions -even those we hadn’t thought to ask. Their professionalism and courtesy is unparalleled and much appreciated.
Read more
12 Oct, 2024 by A samuel
Faith Miller was truly heaven-sent in my battle that felt like a classic struggle of good vs. evil. With her professionalism and unwavering support, we achieved victory together. Having worked with many attorneys and judges, I know how rare it is to find someone who is not only efficient and thorough but also possesses a strong moral compass. The public often overlooks the complexities of this profession, but Ms. Miller exemplifies what it means to be dedicated and compassionate in this challenging field.
Read more
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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.
