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Best Business lawyers in Wisconsin

3,167 Business Lawyers in Wisconsin

>3.2k

experienced lawyers

Michael D. Aiken

N19 W24200 Riverwood Dr. Suite 125, Waukesha, WI

Business Insurance +2

3.3/5

3.3

15 Reviews

22 Jun, 2024 by Sue matson

When considering which attorney to represent me, the following characteristics were of key importance: integrity, honesty and respect for my thoughts and words. My divorce settlement was quite contentious and lingered nearly two years from start to finish. Attorney Bagley remained steady, focused and considerate of my input and thoughts. On many occasions, Attorney Bagley would present our options, ask how I would like to proceed and then listen intently to my explanation. Each time after our conversations, she and I were on the same page. Thank you, Elizabeth, for honoring my desire to walk above reproach through a very difficult process and confidently supporting and encouraging me to finish strong. I couldn't have done it without you. When all was said and done, we finished well.

17 Jan, 2024 by Matt retzlaff

Attorney Elizabeth Bagley was excellent. She was super easy to work with and was very helpful with all the questions I asked. She was the best, and I would recommend her to anybody!

16 Jan, 2024 by Michael l

Dealing with family situations can be stressful, however Elizabeth was knowledgeable, efficient, and able to secure a favorable outcome. I highly recommend her.

Matthew Richard Demark

N19 W24200 Riverwood Drive Suite 145, Waukesha, WI

Bankruptcy Business Estate Planning +2 +5

3.3/5

3.3

15 Reviews

22 Jun, 2024 by Sue matson

17 Jan, 2024 by Matt retzlaff

Attorney Elizabeth Bagley was excellent. She was super easy to work with and was very helpful with all the questions I asked. She was the best, and I would recommend her to anybody!

16 Jan, 2024 by Michael l

Dealing with family situations can be stressful, however Elizabeth was knowledgeable, efficient, and able to secure a favorable outcome. I highly recommend her.

Susan M. Meade

1812 Brackett Ave Ste 8, Eau Claire, WI

Business Criminal Defense Juvenile Law +3

3.3/5

3.3

15 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Wacka doodle 1339

Jon stanek did a great job in my case, keep in mind they have a ton of clients not just you so what may seem short or "rude" is really them trying to jumble a million tasks all at once witch is not easy and I'd say for my experience he did a great job with my case from explaining what he knows to getting my case resolved as quickly as possible as I had requested. He was more than patient in answering all my questions and made sure I understood the process very well I have no complaints whatsoever

08 Jul, 2024 by Shane kennedy

I hired Jon stanek for my case with a former employer who refused to pay me.jon was very professional and always available for my calls.we took the case all the way to the supreme court level and won eveytume it went to a different court. I was very pleased with his service and always think of him first if I'm asked if I know a good attorney

08 Jul, 2024 by Austin zembel

Called for a consultation and the guy that answered is very rude. Do not recommend even calling! Wasted $30 on a consultation just for him to tell me to email him.

James R. Sickel

125 S Jefferson St Ste 101, Green Bay, WI

Business Criminal Defense Government +1 +4

3.3/5

3.3

9 Reviews

11 Jul, 2022 by Mary d

11 Nov, 2021 by Tama begley

Mr. Kurt Weiting, I highly recommend. Professional and a great source of protection.

31 Dec, 2019 by Terens tachitta

Never called me back

Amanda M. Halderson Jackson

201 Main St Ste 1000, La Crosse, WI

Business Estate Planning Government +2 +5

3.3/5

3.3

7 Reviews

26 Aug, 2022 by Cory storandt

13 Jan, 2021 by Chris heighway

10 Apr, 2020 by Nic mininni

Mark R Franklin

Po Box 400, Independence, WI

Appeals Business Family Law +1 +4

3.3/5

3.3

3 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Nerd squad

08 Jul, 2024 by David foucault

18 Mar, 2024 by Jason breecher

Chris McGough

165 N Central Ave., Richland Center, WI

Business Estate Planning Government +1 +4

3.3/5

3.3

3 Reviews

19 Aug, 2022 by Gail ramsden

18 Dec, 2017 by Joni white

13 Nov, 2017 by Jt beatty

Very helpful; expertise in real estate.

Ryan C. Cari

816 Dominion Drive, Suite 100, Hudson, WI

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +3

3.2/5

3.2

13 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Nick mosing

A law office. Nothing special about these guys, odds are you owe money if you're going here.

08 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn wanken

Ryan Cari and Chris Anderson are amazing and have provided great service for my business and I in the past but did not handle divorce. I have referred them several clients with the excellent service from them. I was passed to Sam Cari to handle my divorce and my unfortunate experience began. I was charged for everything yet had no progress in my divorce and it dragged on! The divorce was very simple (no children and only a house to sell) yet became complicated for no reason. I was charged for every photocopy, email (even emails and calls from the man I was divorcing if he had a question or comment), and quick phone call with a question (rounded up to the nearest 30 minutes). I fired Sam Cari and hired Angela Olson in Hudson. She did a swift, terrific job for a fraction of the cost. Despite the high fees and poor service, Sam will not negotiate the bill to reduce his ridiculous charges despite my attempt to reason with him. As with most reputable businesses, if the customer has a poor experience the fees are usually reduced. Not here...

08 Jul, 2024 by Eileen felix

Charged 3 times more then quote. Terrible presentation at sentencing. Unprepared

Philip A. Helgeson

816 Dominion Dr Ste 100, Hudson, WI

Business Family Law Real Estate +3

3.2/5

3.2

13 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Nick mosing

A law office. Nothing special about these guys, odds are you owe money if you're going here.

08 Jul, 2024 by Michael obrien

My appointment is coming up, but so far...communication is very good

08 Jul, 2024 by Mike james

My only experience is with Chris. I hired him paid a retainer ($5k if I remember correctly) for a small business matter. It was over a customer trying to personally Sue me. I had zero personal involvement in his contract or pricing, and our contract was between the company and the customer, as well as having a very strong arbitration clause. Rather than fight them and make them abide by the contract, Chris almost strong armed me into settling. I paid the customer a portion (shame on me I guess) then Chris and the law firm sued me for addition “fees”. I personally think these people are fraidulant in there practices and violate their commitment to their clients. They charged me around $10-15k for a paper push. Go elsewhere!

Samuel Barrett Cari

816 Dominion Dr Ste 100, Hudson, WI

Business Estate Planning Litigation +3

3.2/5

3.2

13 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Nick mosing

A law office. Nothing special about these guys, odds are you owe money if you're going here.

08 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn wanken

08 Jul, 2024 by Todd bower

Stole my 2500 dollars

Debra S. Bursinger

819 N 6th St Rm 382, Milwaukee, WI

Business +1

3.0/5

3.0

40 Reviews

12 Oct, 2023 by Yahneisha

After calling back to back for a week still haven’t heard anything back. My public defender doesn’t even answer the phone. I’ve left more than 4 voicemails and haven’t received anything back.

26 Sep, 2022 by Keiona brown

03 Apr, 2022 by David ziegler

Months behind. Expect to rot in county jail w postponed court dates until a pretender shows up.

Mark A. Schroeder

303 E Court St, Janesville, WI

Business Car Accident Government +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

24 Reviews

30 Jul, 2024 by Austin leverenz

If recommended a third party guardian by an attorney at this firm I recommend you do your due diligence. Ask for an answer about any potential conflicts of interest in writing. My family should have.

15 May, 2024 by Anthony flitcroft

Attorney Mark Schroeder is excellent to work with.

24 Apr, 2024 by Chris mcbride

People misunderstand what it's here for. They get the job done. It's as simple as that.

Julianne Marie Lennon

9303 Riverbirch St, Rothschild, WI

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

03 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous

If I could give zero stars, I would. If you're thinking of hiring this broad, please save your time and money. Her attitude is beyond atrocious, and she so desperately needs to be knocked off her high horse. If you're seeking out a professional, you're looking in the wrong place. Thank me later.

18 Oct, 2016 by Kimberly

She has been the best lawyer I've had. She took time came to see me all the time travel to see me. She won my revocation got lots of charges dropped. She is a beast in the court room. She is genuine and sincere about what she does. She changed my life for the better and fought hard me. She never gave up on me and lifted my spirits while I was incarcerated. She is truly amazing. Someone you can talk to and feel comfortable with. She's helped me in an appeal to and that was a plus as well. She can be relied on and will go out of her way for you. BEST DECISION I EVER MADE Sincerely, Kimberly. S

Priya Barnes

197 Overlook CT, Pewaukee, WI

Business Estate Planning Family Law +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

10 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous

She is unprofessional, has no regard for procedures. She should not be a lawyer. Only wants to make money. Does not work in the best interests of the client. Save your money and find someone else.

20 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous

Priya Barnes took on a very complicated case that involved a significant amount of "unchartered territory" legally. Out of state law was involved, and this attorney was incredibly resourceful for us. Finding the attorneys we would eventually need on the outside of WI but first getting answers through her own research. She prepared us for court proceedings here and out of state. There were times it seemed we shouldn't even "be in the game" but Priya found the ways-the laws that protected our family and kept us in step with our ultimate goals for our proceedings. We had a very different kind of family case, other attorneys found it difficult to find footing, onlookers and even judges had never experienced a situation quite like it. As challenging as it presented, Priya Barnes did a great job representing us and getting us where we needed to be.

J Thomas Haley

508 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI

Business +1

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

30 May, 2014 by Anonymous

Tom was amazingly helpful in ensuring that I received an appropriate settlement in a business dispute. He was able to help me negotiate a position in which I received everything I wanted as part of a separation agreement. I felt like the legal team that represented the business was top notch, so I was glad to have equally competent representation on my side. He was always punctual and provided guidance I would not have had going it alone in the process. Hopefully I never need to resolve a business dispute ever again. But if I do, it's good to know Tom Haley.

21 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous

Had I checked Avvo prior to retaining Mr. Haley I would have avoided him entirely, as I would never retain a lawyer that had even one sanction, no matter how long ago it occurred. Briefly speaking, I do not agree with Mr. Haley's billing tactics- he billed very aggressively for a relatively simple business structuring matter. Needless to say, I terminated my relationship with him.

T Wickham Schmidt

130 E. Walnut St., Ste. 800, Green Bay, WI

Business Civil Rights Insurance +3 +6

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

23 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous

T Wickham Schmidt was referred to us by another Green Bay attorney. We called him 2 months ago. He said he did NOT have a conflict of interest with any parties we want to sue. Said he would represent us for $2,500. I wanted to think about it. On January 19, 2024, I called his office again to say that matter have gotten worse and we could not resolve this case with the other party. I told him that I could send him a detailed e-mail and He agreed to read it. I sent it Sunday, January 22, 2024. He wrote back to me saying he wanted $500 for an opinion on my case and some information to help us resolve it in small claims court. I wrote back saying we would send him $500 after we got some detailed and useful information with some questions answered. To our shock, we got today, January 24, 2024, a 2 sentence message saying HE COULD NOT REPRESENT US. No explanation. No anything. We are very upset that this lawyer, in whom we put our trust treated us in such a shabby manner. We sent him confidential information, and put our trust in confidentiality. I can only hope that he, at least, destroys the sensitive and confidential information and sends me a postal letter that he has not shared the information we provided with anyone else.

10 Nov, 2010 by C. paul zeman

Wick took charge and made sure the responsible parties were told we are NOT going to play any games, we mean Business!

Robert J. Riegelman

917 S Main St, Racine, WI

Business Debt Collection Estate Planning +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

28 Mar, 2022 by Marcus cannon

On February 01, 2012 my newly purchased home title was delivered to the Register of Deeds office without my consent. My title to 1040 Birch Street, current adobe. I'm still consistent demanding my house Title.

17 Sep, 2019 by Joshua

I've worked with Mark through my professional capacity for six years and have found him to be very efficient, as well as personable.

Christina Marie Writz

215 N. Lake Ave., Phillips, WI

Business Criminal Defense Debt Collection +3 +6

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

18 Oct, 2022 by Brittany

Christina is an amazing lawyer! She’s very informative, thorough, and personable. Christina will make sure to treat you with respect and fights for your rights!

08 Jan, 2016 by Mike

I wanted to add that since I wrote this review I have gotten a hold of emails she sent saying that I refused to give her my taxes. Which is ironic since i had a letter from her dated before these emails saying that she had my taxes. If she says anything different I can send proof. So if you want an attorney that is going to lie about you to other people in the court system then hire her. There is no free consultation. I hired her for a child custody case. My ex lied about her income she did nothing, my ex lied about where she lived at so that I had to drive a mile past where my daughter lived for the exchange. she did nothing. I am self employed and I was not allowed tax deductions she did nothing. I getting a temporary placement of 50/50 and I had to pay her over 30% of my income. I gave her the proof she said she didn't believe it was legal I had consulted two different attorneys and multiple online articles. The online article should have been plenty good because when I asked her question about a law she told me to google it. I told her about what I was told and found on the internet she promptly withdrew from the case. If you want someone to represent you based on her beliefs then hire her if you want to be represented on actual laws hire someone else. Or just google it and save a lot of money. She charged me over $2000 for one court appearance and a very little amount of paperwork. She is equal to flushing money down the toilet stay away. She is a one star lawyer because the website makes you give her a star. I personally wouldn't give her negative stars.

Bruce J. Meagher

PO Box 335, Iola, WI

Business +1

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

20 Jul, 2019 by Tricia

Bruce was hired to write up a will and help uphold that will one your family member past. It became very clear that Bruce is not the lawyer we should have hired to do a will. He seemed to be in over his head. Needless to say the estate had to go through probate even though there was a will written but, it was written so poorly that the judge would not close the estate. Now after 2 years and having to hire a new lawyer the estate is finally closed. Client beware!

22 Sep, 2009 by Russell

I have used Bruce Meagher for personal as well as business matters. He was excellent in all matters. I would recommend him with absolutely no exceptions. I lived in Iola during the time he was suspended and thought his suspension was a travesty. When the suspension was over, my family and I couldn't wait to get back on his client list. I now live in Florida, and he still handles matters for two Corporations I have interest in located in Iola.. I wish I had a lawyer down here I could trust as I do him.

Katherine Marie Holiday

Cross Law Firm, Milwaukee, WI

Business Consumer Protection Litigation +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

15 Feb, 2020 by Tanya

Attorney Holiday saved my job a few years ago when she worked at Cross Law firm. She cares about her clients and is very knowledgeable about the law and made it very clear and concise about my rights in the case and what was being violated by the employer. It is not about money with her, she worked with me on a payment plan that made it possible for me to retain her legal help. She really cares about helping people and will fight for you until justice is served. An outstanding attorney and an awesome person! Attorney Holiday ROCKS!

10 May, 2016 by Anonymous

Told her I wasn't interested in pursuing a certain tactic but she said that was the first step which I later found out wasn't true after over $2k in fees. Was a waste of my time and money. She dangles hope of representing you in court on a contingency basis but then drops you after the hourly work is done that she talked you into. I have seen other reviews saying similar things.

Daniel J. Schlichting

33 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Madison, WI

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

30 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous

Incredibly rude and unwilling to clarify basic questions on a contract. Was supposed to get a 30 minute conversation, instead got a sales pitch and a very pushy attitude. Do your job next time Dan

16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous

Dan Schlichting was recommended from a good friend, and I was very happy with the lawyer that I choose. I was scared and nervous and he was so understanding. He was also very trustworthy, knowledgeable and dependable. I definitely recommend him....I plan on hiring him if I need a lawyer again and if he can't help me I will ask him for a recommendation.

Jacques Mann

PO Box 14424, WEST ALLIS, WI

Business Insurance Litigation +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

02 Oct, 2017 by Geronimo

He was a state bar association referral. He has a laser sharp intellect and legal knowledge, I discovered in my initial and only phone call. Answer his questions, don't digress, or he'll prick, make that ice pick, your feeble ego. He gathered my whiny complaints, reassembled them properly, and made me grateful for how my lawyer had represented me, not happy, but accepting. I'm moving on.

29 May, 2015 by Anonymous

I called this lawyer because I had received a referral. I tried explaining my case to him and was cut off several times by him. He would say "let me finish." I could tell right away that he was a jerk by the way he was talking to me. I told him that I had first contacted gruber law offices and my case wasn't something they dealt with so they gave me a number where I was referred to him. He said to me that gruber not taking my case should have been my first message.. Which I guess means he knows that he's not on there level. At the end he ended up yelling at me saying " I do not know the law ". NEVER ever in my life would I recdomened this lawyer to ANYONE for ANYTHING. He was absolutely WORTHLESS!

Marilyn M. Carroll

300 N Corporate Dr Ste 150, Brookfield, WI

Business Litigation +2

3.0/5

3.0

1 Reviews

08 Apr, 2023 by Becky

Your husband tom used to come to a bar I worked at. Now his name is coming up on my phone alot in emails and other things. Please ask him if he is trying to contact me. If so please tell him my email address. Thank you Becky Stein

David C. Keating

1505 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

1 Reviews

05 Sep, 2017 by Tina m.

Be very very careful when requesting the services of Atty. Keating. He comes highly recommended but he did not meet up to my lowest expectations. As the buyer, he was hired to represent me, but never provided any support at closing and did not review any documents. The attorney was not aware of my closing date after receiving an official letter from the title company. Without any communication with the buyer or seller, he requested a separate title after we sent four emails about the title and an order confirmation was sent by the seller's title company. He gave a quote for services but we received a bill for over $1,200 for assistance with the purchase of a property. Plus after requesting the bill in June I finally received the bill on September 1st. Stay away from this attorney. He may be winding down in his career and no longer has the energy to meet your demands. I am sharing my truth to help you make the right decision. I just hate that I had to close on the home without his guidance. He seems like I could have learned a lot from him.

Michael Evan Banks

148 E Wilson St Ste 200, Madison, WI

Business Real Estate +2

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

20 Jul, 2023 by Anna carlson

Atty. Roman did not represent me competently and diligently and did not earn her fee. Atty. Roman committed a criminal act in my presence; I rode with her to my first court hearing and she hit a parked car while she was parking then proceeded to say as we were walking away “I’m going to Pretend like I didn’t do that” I would never have assumed a lawyer could be capable of such disregard and shameless conduct. She said things to me such as “Please just sign the document and stop trying to add or change language” I never received a thank you, any inquires if was satisfied with services rendered etc. At no point in time did I feel like Attorney Roman negotiated in my name or on my behalf, advise or represent me efficiently in court, and before the GAL, communicate effetely, proficiently, or professionally, conduct research into the information provided to her and analyze provided information, nor did she interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for me to understand or advocate for me whatsoever. Attorney Roman certainly had no problem taking my money and, in my opinion, charging me for the same thing over and over i.e., going over the same emails and attached documents she had previously charged me for going over, she also had no problem charging me for all the "work" she had to do after her self-admitted mistake when she mis informed me during our settlement discussions. I had to pay Attorney Roman thousands of dollars, depleting my savings for email correspondences, phone calls and mistakes.

01 Jul, 2019 by Tommy lancaster

Michael John Fairchild

508 Wilson Avenue, Menomonie, WI

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +2 +5

2.9/5

2.9

16 Reviews

05 Feb, 2024 by Lisa knudtson

This guy doesn't even deserve a 1 star, he has not returned my lawyers, calls, emails, texts to get this divorce over between me and my soon to be ex. He doesn't return my calls either. I just want my divorce over.....my lawyer has been ready since 12/22/23 for the filing as it was our 4 months we had to wait.

17 Aug, 2023 by Veronica valencia

13 Dec, 2022 by Chuck peterson

Good lawyer. Helped me through a very difficult divorce. Acted as a lawyer and counselor on how to approach my very complicated situation. Communicated and returned emails in a timely fashion.

Richard W. Torhorst

500 Commercial Ct # 300, Lake Geneva, WI

Business +1

2.7/5

1.0

2 Reviews

4.5

2 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Carmen harper

Attorney and staff extremely great. When something is needed, they get the job done.

08 Jul, 2024 by Don anderson

Attorney Draper was very understanding and prompt with the results.

23 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous

This is by far the most absolutely worst lawyer I have ever used. He did not represent my case as he said he would. He miss lead consultation on behave of benefiting himself. He does not provide explanations for additional charges. All he is interested in is a retainer to hook you. Never use this lawyer NEVER! Smooth talker and easy to trust. Be prepared to get a loan once you receive his invoice.

Dean M. Dietrich

822 Niagara Ave, Sheboygan, WI

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

2.6/5

2.6

3 Reviews

21 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous

Good: He was courteous and respectful. He kept me updated on changes consistently throughout the process. He comes highly recommended based on his previous cases and knowledge. Bad: His presence in court was nonexistent. He basically got steamrolled by the other attorney and could not muster the energy to stop it. The other attorney even referenced being friends with him WHILE IN COURT. If you give him any feedback, he will become upset and instantly tell you to go find another attorney. I felt like my own private detective and attorney in my divorce case. I had to fire him. Within a month, my new attorney fixed his mistakes and started getting me results. If you are a male, get ready for him to do nothing for you.

14 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous

I retained Atty Dietrich a few years ago because his firm was highly recommended to me. I was very disappointed with the lack of communication, slow-moving process, and unpreparedness for court. I will not be retaining this attorney again.

05 Jun, 2018 by Orlando

Mr. Dietrich is a good lawyer but an even better person. I fired my first attorney and was desperate to find a replacement. It took 3 months to negotiate and settle my divorce. I wish I would have found him sooner. He's a solid negotiator and his focus is to get you out of court as soon as possible.

Elise Clancy Ruoho

122 W Washington Ave Ste 900, Madison, WI

Business Family Law Real Estate +3

2.5/5

1.0

1 Reviews

4.1

29 Reviews

25 Feb, 2024 by Joel kinzel

Worked with Will K after a recent layoff to review and understand my severance. Will was great, responsive, and laid things out in a way I could understand. I would recommend Pines Bach if you're looking for legal guidance.

15 Dec, 2023 by Todd bluhm

10 Dec, 2023 by Ann tress

Will Kramer is an excellent attorney. Some of his great qualities are thorough, patient, he took the time to explain things that were confusing to me, until I understood. I highly recommend him.

Mark C. Young

1011 N Mayfair Rd Ste 200, Milwaukee, WI

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +3

2.5/5

1.0

1 Reviews

4.0

4 Reviews

05 Dec, 2023 by Toby seider

Nice and friendly DR.

31 Oct, 2023 by Jim gaulke

Excellent business transaction attorney.

27 Aug, 2023 by Marybeth dueno

Atty Scott Benson helped me with several things and he is reliable and efficient. Highly recommend.

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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.

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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