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10 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Terry charges $500 and hour. He blew through my $5,000 retainer quickly. I never received one invoice in the mail.
In fact, I never met this man except for we had a conversation over the phone and I trusted him. He didn't do much to help my case except for he went and filed a document at court.
After several months, I decided to meet Terry in person because at that point we were getting close to mediation and something didn't sit well with me because the last conversation we had he demanded another $5,000 retainer if not he didn't want to speak to me and hung up the phone. That did not sit well with me!! At that point I was contemplating whether or not I wanted to continue to keep him as my attorney .
Well my intuition was spot on the whole time he kept on looking at his watch. I thought that he was so rude and unprofessional this man already blew through $5,000 for a set of paperwork and a ton of emails and here's the kicker he ended up charging me $450 for meeting him who does that?? I feel that Terry totally took advantage of me and I've learned a lot along the way that will never happen again!!
Rule #1 never do a consultation over the phone always meet the person face-to-face.
I was told by a couple other attorneys that the little amount of work that Terry did was not much. I basically got ripped off.
At that point I knew I needed to cut my losses and move on.
I finally came across a great attorney named William (Bill) Koehler $310 an hour very knowledgeable, professional, assertive and most importantly HONEST! Did I mention he's also the mayor of Agoura. Yup, that''s right Bill really knows his stuff. You definitely want him in your corner. At the end of this whole nightmare I ended up winning my case with Bill.
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17 Apr, 2013 by Meyer
I was referred to Mr. Sternberg by a large firm that handles my business transaction matters after being sued collaterally over my involvement in a real estate investment. He proved to be an exceptionally capable attorney and class act. We won that case and I have since retained him to handle several matters, some small, some larger, of varying complexities and involving different industries. I have and will continue to recommend him.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
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23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
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23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
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17 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Bonnie is Semi retired and running a small home office. She prepares some Wills and basic documents but she is overall pretty ignorant about probate law. I hired Bonnie and many of the questions regarding my case were unanswered, she said she would get back to me later on the questions but she never did. I needed help on State planning but Bonnie turned out to be un dedicated to Law. She works from home and most days she has no help or staff making everything slower to process when she is charging over $450/hour.
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02 Nov, 2012 by David
Bonnie Braiker-Gordon was a god-send for my wife and I. My mother-in-law passed away almost immediately after my father-in-law, and there was no provision in the meantime for financial controls and home ownership, as my mother-in-law had severe Alzheimer's and my father-in-law failed to change his will to reflect things such as home ownership, etc. With Bonnie's amazing help, we were able to declare my mother-in-law a ward of my wife and ownership of the home and all property as well as the control of my mother-in-laws welfare was granted to my wife as well. Bonnie did a fast and efficient job of convincing the court (rightly) that her parents would have wanted their home to be in her control, and not go to the state as a way to pay for her medical treatments. I cannot recommend Bonnie highly enough, as she and her team helped expedite a very difficult (and emotional) situation for us and did it with care and concern.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Look elsewhere! She does not listen, thinks she knows you without listening & foolishly fumbles. Waste of time & lots of money. I would not recommend hiring.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Sylvia
Mr Levine is representing my 2 Brothers, he has never mail me any paper work or new who he was? My Daughter and I called him in a 3 way on 9/6/24 to find out about this case, he was rude and used volgar language toward my Daughter and I.
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19 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I have been dealing with this company for 1year and 6 months they don't return phone calls they don't keep you updated on your case I'm so sick of dealing with these people it's a shame. I still haven't received my settlement and it will be 2 years soon . Stay away from Walter Wabby and his team. If I could have given 0 stars I would have!!! I need my case settled NOW!!!!!!!
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04 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I have had such a nightmare with this law firm, very unprofessional and won't return calls. Showing up in person seems like your best shot. I will never recommend this law firm to anyone and would give it a 0 star rating If possible. It's been 5 months and still no response from them.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Cindi
Sohalia Sagheb is one of the worst Lawyers we have ever encountered. We hired her and never saw her again!!!!! She ran with our retainer check and then billed us thousands more and never even reviewed our case with us.
Small claims court put her in her place with a nice Judgment against her. Next we are filing with the California Bar Association so everyone can be forewarned about this AWFUL LAWYER
She was unprepared and rude to the Judge in Small Claims court by telling him "its only small claims" The Judge showed her!!!!!!!!
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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.
