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28 Oct, 2024 by Heath inman
28 Jun, 2024 by Randy jones
I would recommend Speaks Law firm to anyone in need of a workers comp lawyer in my opinion they are the Best. Don't settle for just anyone Settle with Speaks
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18 Jun, 2024 by Wu harrison
Speaks law is A1 service they are the way to go when you need top compensation for you Injuries
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17 Oct, 2022 by Jimm girdler (slim)
17 Feb, 2022 by Stanley godwin
Great lawyers!! Patti Jenkins the best
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30 Nov, 2021 by Danehitchcock@gmail.com danigabi11
i was in the hospital twice - both times this firm fired me even though I paid them.in advance. in two instances while I was in the care of my Doctor I received inappropriate phone calls from my assigned attorney asking where I was and what was going on. Lastly, I told my attorney to stop work.... well he kept working and billing. Theft is theft, and inappropriate contact with my doctors violate HIPA Laws.The refuse to send my refund back to me!
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12 Jan, 2018 by Albert
I broke my back on a boat driven by Jim Hinds of Grand Slam Yacht Sales there in Morehead City. I hired Clark, Newton & Evans, PA (Don Evans and Seth Buskirk) to represent me in my maritime personal injury case. I had already been through 2 other firms, who basically dropped my case because they thought there was no insurance coverage (it had been denied by the main insurance company). I was a little bit reluctant at first because they are mainly a transportation law “defense” firm, but since they came highly recommended, I decided to try them. They didn’t have a conflict, reviewed my case, and said they hated to see me get screwed, so they agreed to take it. It was a knock-down, drag-out fight from the beginning, and it was four years before I got anything. There were four lawyers on the other side, who tried every trick in the book, but these guys stuck it out, won all of the legal battles, and the other side finally coughed up 7 figures after 3 mediations, on the courthouse steps of a federal trial. Even after we settled, they went out after 2 other parties and got me even more money. I cannot say enough to recommend these guys, especially for admiralty cases, as they were the only lawyers in the case that apparently understood it. If they don’t have a conflict, you should hire them.
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02 May, 2016 by Anonymous
We used Don for both our buying and selling process. Buying process went smoothly. For the selling process, we had issues with the buyer's attorney and Don went above and beyond to dispute invalid charges on the closing statement. We didn't expect him to be so responsive but he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone looking for real estate closing attorney for buying or selling side.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Jane
Don did an excellent job at a reconsideration hearing for a small practice at DHHS in response to a DMA Integrity Unit review that resulted in no pay-backs.
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10 May, 2022 by Dave
We went in to review/update our will. He. Listened to our wishes and crafted our estate and medical/healthcare documents. There is quite a few. He took the time to answer our questions thoroughly.
It was a good experience and I feel better knowing my wishes will be followed and even more importantly I have made it easier for my heirs to close out my estate when that time comes.
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13 Aug, 2019 by Elizabeth
I was extremely pleased at how knowledgeable he was related to wills and trusts and late stage planning.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Jerry
Rob helped us with so many aspects that we had not thought of and we have recommended him to family and friends. He has helped us with real estate questions and closings for twenty plus years. His firm is small and personal. He always has time for his clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Robby collins
Great attorneys and a pleasure to work with.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Whitney harrison
James is knowledgeable, honest, and so helpful. Appreciative to have him in our corner and look forward to continue working with him in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gloria macdonald
They advertise ‘estate probate’. Asked me several questions. Advised “at this point can’t help you”, call attorney that drafted your mom’s will’. It’s very hard to have a parent pass, adding on the loss of a sibling communicating, the estate probate closed. When does this office assist ??? My brief experience is that what they advertise as a service is not what they do or they have plenty of work and helping to right a wrong is not on the list of ‘to do’. It would have been professional to at least say why he couldn’t do anything.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Cynthia
Mr. Varnum has provided excellent and timely advice on several challenging business decisions over the past year. His expertise in both business law and intellectual property law allowed me to make fully informed choices. He is an excellent listener and provided timely and creative options to meet my needs. I would recommend him highly!
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15 Oct, 2019 by Ray
We had a 10 year old living will, that served as a living will, will, and pre-nup. The kids and grown older, so had we and we were now in North Carolina. Kevin spend enough time with us to fully understand our needs and desires and outlined some changes he thought we should make and a few things that had to be changed because this is North Carolina. A couple of weeks and not a lot of money and we're set for another 5-7 years. Even if you're just thinking about Estate Planning see Kevin and pick his brains. You'll be glad you did. Ray F
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19 Jun, 2024 by Kyle card
Highly recommend!
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16 May, 2024 by Brittany kelly
Highly recommend! Prompt, professional, and compassionate.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Christen hanson
Staring a business in the alcohol/beverage industry in this state (NC) can be pretty overwhelming and Brian Akers, at Roundtree Losee LLP, made the experience so much better! He was able to explain the laws in terms I could understand and inform me exactly what services our company could offer, while making sure that we stay in complete compliance with the ABC laws. He got back to me quickly and made the whole process very streamlined. He was also always very responsive whenever I had additional questions. If you’re looking for an attorney who is dependable and knowledgable in many areas of law, I highly recommend working with Brian!
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12 Feb, 2025 by Izaak torres
Lauren was very attentive and accessible she helped my college freshman out of a jam which was a great relief for us being that he is far from home. Very compassionate person definitely will recommend her services!
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12 Feb, 2025 by Ferris clifford
Greg is very dedicated to getting your case settled.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Neven vrbetić
I can wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Gint when it comes to legal representation. He distinguished himself with such a high level of professionalism and empathy guiding me through the process every step of the way as well as quickly answering my emails and returning my phone calls. If you have any legal issues I can attest that your money will be well spent here.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bonnie hunt
08 Jul, 2024 by Edward salkind
Excellent , pleasant caring service. I had to redo my wills after my wife passed and the excellent service and knowledge supplied by the lawyers and Kim the paralegal helped me to return to work after accomplishing needed documents. I have used this firm before to support my work. I want to thank Kim for working so hard and efficiently to provide me with needed services in a timely manner.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dennis crocker
WE have used Shipman and Wright for several years, they have successfuly provided us with a high level of expertise. The staff is excellent and well prepared for legal issues. the addition of Jennifer Scott has been excellent, she is very professional and knowledgeable, very responsive to all inquiries and communicates in a quick and precise manner. we highly recommend this firm and Jennifer Scott to handle complex legal matters as well as day to day issues. The paralegals are top notch and communicate quickly.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Kriste s
Jim is an outstanding attorney who exceeded my expectations and got me the best outcome possible. I consulted multiple attorneys prior to finding Jim; no one came close to his level of professionalism and experience. Jim was an invaluable resource during a very difficult time and he truly has his clients' best interests in mind. I cannot recommend Jim more highly.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Kurt elkins
Had to find new law firm because this one lied to us and here is the last email I sent to their office after finally getting my documents back along with half retainer due to the non refundable clause in the contact. Even though they breached the contract with dishonesty and poor standard of care. Placing my grievance with the state for our wasted time and funds.
email from me to office manager:
Is it a breach of contract to lie to your client or just a breach of ethics? We have honored our side of the contract with the expectation to get honest representation and a standard of care. Now we have a huge waste of time and money because of the professional performance of your firm. I will attach the email communication that proves that we have been told two different statements. First being an email labeled (receipts), In which I provided Mrs. Frey with the receipts she requested. In her response, "I have reviewed the discovery served upon you and have made my objections; I'll scan over to you once I return to the office. Along with it, I'll send you a tip sheet to make the process less daunting".. Document was never sent. A week later, I asked through email for an update on our CS case since I have heard nothing since the last email stating that she would scan and send documents. Her reply was "how's it going with the discovery?". Which is ridiculous to ask seeing as she had the discovery and never sent it back with the corrected questionnaire. I responded, informing her that she has the discovery and was reviewing it last week. Her response was " just double checked, looks pretty straight forward!"..... This is completely opposite of what was said the week before. Both cannot be true and can only conclude that one statement is a lie. This is a complete abandonment of trust along with the lackadaisical update on our case, especially when I am asking on a Friday evening whether we are showing up for court Monday morning because I have gotten no word from my paid attorney.
I believe this is gross negligence of standard of care from your firm. I will leave a detailed review of my experience with your firm and place my grievance with the state.
This is a very important matter to my family and I. I hope that other cases you have, that you treat them with more respect and care than we have received.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Tommy sullivan
12 Oct, 2024 by Therese walters
09 Aug, 2024 by Brook hall
Jeff Porter has been a trustworthy and reliable source for me as a real estate agent in Wilmington, NC. I have dealt with some complex legal issues pertaining to real estate closings, and he has been nothing but extremely helpful, responsive and knowledgable. I would highly recommend his services.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Jordan nichols
I was able to work alongside the staff of Jeffrey Porter for the closing on a listing of mine, and I would highly recommend others do the same. Very friendly staff who asked for what the needed clearly, and provided things promptly for my end. Very excellent work done here.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Catherine marvel
I have used JC for more than dozens of transactions and would never consider going elsewhere. He is the best!
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15 Nov, 2024 by J.d. russell
06 Aug, 2024 by Katie marvel
I have been dealing with dozens of transactions with JC Hearne over the last 20 years. And I would never even consider going elsewhere. He's the best.
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20 Feb, 2025 by Meg'n williamson
12 Feb, 2025 by Cristina chiang
I am very pleased working with Granger Benson in my child custody and support case. It was not easy, however it is resolved now. Granger maintained a good communication with me and we discussed all the details and my concerns. He did a great job!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Devin seefluth
Kayleigh is by far the best! I met with her after I had met with 4 different lawyers and from the moment of consultation to the divorce she guided me through everything. She reassured me on different problems I had arise throughout this process. She answered every single one of my questions in ways that I understood and I felt confident going into this. She also told me when I was being unreasonable, and helped me put my mind on track and the end goal. Even while I was states away she took all the stress off of me for my breech of contract, and filing for divorce.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Robby collins
Great attorneys and a pleasure to work with.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Whitney harrison
James is knowledgeable, honest, and so helpful. Appreciative to have him in our corner and look forward to continue working with him in the future.
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02 May, 2024 by Linda resau
Unfortunately I've been conditioned to not expect a lot from attorneys in terms of responsiveness, communication and fair fees. James Seay has changed that and set a new standard with his flawless execution of my legal needs! He unraveled and fixed an unnecessarily complex trust structure and wasted no time getting probate underway for my husband's estate. He also expedited everything possible to meet a real estate closing and made himself available to consult with other attorneys involved. I have finally found a trusted legal advisor that I know I can depend upon. All those Google 5 star reviews are spot on!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bobby zimmerman
Jillian is an ace! Perfect execution, very supportive, extremely efficient!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Danny dahl
I have had a fortunate working relationship with Shipman and Wright for over 10yrs now. I can't recommend this law firm enough. The number one thing any client can ask for is communication and Shipman and Wright provides this. Most recently we have worked with Jennifer Scott and her work ethic is unmatched for her clients. I never hesitate to refer a client to them for any legal need.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian mccorkle
Jillian with Shipman & Wright has been an incredible asset to our business. We have years of experience with their office. Jillian is incredibly responsive, talented and we have complete trust in their office to handle all our legal needs. I highly recommend them!
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10 Nov, 2024 by J y
Repeat customer, satisfied with communications and efficiency in real estate transactions. Great staff and it shows!
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24 Jun, 2023 by Leeza thornco
Treated well and short wait.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Patrick adams
07 Jan, 2025 by Michael stanley
13 Dec, 2024 by Glenn schoonover
Brittany Hall handled my child support hearing. I am leaving 2 stars because the ultimate agreement was fair and was settled ahead of seeing a judge; however the initial agreement sent to me was full of basic calculation errors that you wouldn't expect from a professional. I ultimately pointed out the mistakes, and once the correct numbers were used in the calculator, she sent me an accurate proposal. I could have accomplished that myself. After the agreement was reached, I received a letter from the other party's state child support office indicating that they were not going to respect the agreement we had reached. Brittany refused to take my call.
The outcome was satisfactory. However, I believe given the entire experience, there are better options for the money.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Allison walker
Brittany Hall represented me in my child custody case and she was AMAZING! She answered all of my questions in a timely manner, was thoughtful in her responses, was extremely well prepared when we had to go to court, and was a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I would absolutely recommend Brittany to anyone looking for a trustworthy and tough attorney!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Shayna vincent
DO NOT HIRE BRYAN SMITH!!!!!!
After 3 years of EXTREMELY rare communication, rarely returned phone calls and having to BEG Bryan to literally do anything at all. I paid this firm over $13,000 for NOTHING. I got absolutely raked in my divorce, all because Bryan didn’t want to actually have to work. STAY AWAY!!!!!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Michael owen
We are new residents to the state of North Carolina having relocated from San Diego California. We had the opportunity to work with Attorney Melissa Gott to update our estate documents. We were impressed with her friendly approach, professionalism, knowledge and patience working through complex questions and offering helpful guidance insuring our docs comply with NC guidelines. This was accomplished while managing costs and not reinventing the wheel in the process. We are happy with the outcome and would recommend anyone needing existing document revisions/update or new estate planning preparation.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Caroline maultsby
26 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
He is representing a woman that allows her children to be abused, wished death on a Marine Vet & also her husband k!lled their puppy. Be careful if this is who he works for.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Bryan
I reached out to Brandon about a traffic ticket. We had a quick chat over the phone and he was friendly and honest about what he could do for me. He came through and met the expectations. I would use him and his firm again.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Shayne
Brandon’s GREAT!! Not sure why but I must stick out like a sore toe on the roads. 80 is legal isn’t it?? 62 in a 35 isn’t speeding, it’s getting there faster. Brandon definitely saved my A*#!!!!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
Read more
07 Jan, 2025 by Michael stanley
13 Dec, 2024 by Glenn schoonover
Brittany Hall handled my child support hearing. I am leaving 2 stars because the ultimate agreement was fair and was settled ahead of seeing a judge; however the initial agreement sent to me was full of basic calculation errors that you wouldn't expect from a professional. I ultimately pointed out the mistakes, and once the correct numbers were used in the calculator, she sent me an accurate proposal. I could have accomplished that myself. After the agreement was reached, I received a letter from the other party's state child support office indicating that they were not going to respect the agreement we had reached. Brittany refused to take my call.
The outcome was satisfactory. However, I believe given the entire experience, there are better options for the money.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Allison walker
Brittany Hall represented me in my child custody case and she was AMAZING! She answered all of my questions in a timely manner, was thoughtful in her responses, was extremely well prepared when we had to go to court, and was a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I would absolutely recommend Brittany to anyone looking for a trustworthy and tough attorney!
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
Read more
03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
Read more
25 Apr, 2023 by Duval
Did a hatchet job on my trust blamed it on intern never corrected the mistakes/doesn’t return phone calls/very unprofessional would not recommend took close to a year to get it?
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22 May, 2021 by Sandra
My Step daughter petitioned for guardianship for my spouse in a thinly veiled money and property grab against her father and me. She won against me even though I am the legal spouse. She kidnapped him into her care and won't let me near him even blocking my phone calls to him. Aaron did a very poor job with this case and I lost. He did little to no preparation and did not properly present my case . He did not obtain key elements i.e. medical records which would have proven our case. He also failed to pick apart the Medical documentation that the petitioner used to gain guardianship. She actually conducted the medical herself and had a doctor who was her former employer sign off on the incompetency. The medical that was presented was done virtually and she clearly lied on the form. The Petitioner even went so far as to admit in court that she was searching for her fathers property and admitted the doctor who did diagnoses was not my husbands regular doctor. The petitioner also failed to notify all next of kin. Aaron seems to be a nice fellow but if you need a litigator keep looking.
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12 Aug, 2018 by Melissa
Mr. Lindquist was a very professional, reasonable lawyer. He helped me determine the outline of a lease concerning my landlords responsibilities and my responsibilities at the end of our lease.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Peter gittrich
01 Jul, 2020 by Harrison skinner
06 Apr, 2013 by Bruce
HOA have been under a lot of pressure since the economic downturn of 2008. Charles is an expert in all HOA issues. He was able to provide our HOA with expert guidance and follow-through. Charles was always easily reachable and responsive. We have been working with Charles for over 2 years. He went after a large bank, when a investor walked away from the property and won the HOA a significant settlement. We would highly recommend Charles for any and all HOA issues, he is by far the most knowledgeable HOA lawyer in the area.
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FAQs
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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.
