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04 Feb, 2018 by Greg
We were absolutely thrilled with the work of Albert Durante, Dan Tota, and Amanda Abel during the purchase of our home in April 2017. They helped guide us through every step of the process, clearly explained all our options, and advocated for us from contract through closing. They are a full-service shop, able to work seamlessly with all parties, from the mortgage broker, the bank, the real estate agents, and the title company. These professional relationships developed by Durante, Bock, & Tota saved us both time and money, both values so critical during a closing! We can't recommend DBT strongly enough! Call them today!
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14 Jun, 2017 by Melanie
Dan Tota assisted us with the purchase of our first home. He was wonderful to work with thoroughly walking us through the process and answering all our questions along the way. His team was also equally helpful and knowledgeable.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Janet
The results from having Dan Tota represent me were nothing short of a miracle! I was really in the worst position in my life when I was given Dan's number. I had signed an agreement with the sellers without a mortgage contingency. I put my life savings down as a deposit and was about to lose it if I couldn't close the deal. Everything was falling apart and the lawyer I was using told me he could no longer help me. Dan worked with me every step of the way in a friendly, kind, and informative manner. He negotiated with the sellers for more time and helped me find the right financing so I could close the deal I could not recommend anyone more highly and because of Dan I am now the very happy owner of my dream home!
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16 Nov, 2016 by Les
Joe assisted me with the sale of my late mother's house. He was wonderful throughout the process, responsive to my (many) questions, explaining the various steps and making sure we got to closure. When an issue unexpectedly arose the day before closing (balky furnace), Joe make sure we got the sale closed by escrowing a portion to address the potential area of concern. I would use him again and highly recommend him.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Carolyn
We had a great experience with Joe during our house sale. Joe was thorough, expedient, timely, funny, kind and helpful. We had difficult buyers and he was able to keep us calm, and get us what we needed.
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30 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Joe explained very clearly our options regarding our house closing. He did a great job and was a pleasure to work with.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Joel mason
I know al for 40 years. He has represented me on real estate matters. He is a straight shooter. Tells you like it is. He is very knowledgeable in town matters and spent his entire career representing people in town matters. He served as Town Attorney, and Supervisor prior to opening his office.
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04 Mar, 2016 by Margaret
Jeannette Koster recently represented me in a contract dispute and succeeded in achieving full relief. At the same time, I was consistently impressed by her legal acumen, intelligence, accessibility, responsiveness, willingness to explore different options, and patient persistence. I would trust her completely. She is experience in transactional work as well as litigation, which gives her the ability to understand all the potential ramifications of a course of action.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with businesses like mine?
    Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry.
  2. What services do you offer?
    Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution.
  3. What are your fees, and how do you bill?
    Get clarity on how you'll be charged - whether by the hour, flat fee, or retainer.
  4. How do you handle conflicts of interest?
    Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business.
  5. Can you provide references from other business clients?
    Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism.
  6. Do you have experience in my specific industry?
    Industry-specific knowledge can be crucial, especially in highly regulated fields like healthcare or finance.

How to Check the Credibility of a Business Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable business lawyer:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for client reviews or testimonials: Online reviews, testimonials, or word of mouth from other business owners can provide insight into the lawyer's reliability and effectiveness.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
  • Check professional memberships: Membership in respected legal organizations (such as the American Bar Association or a local business lawyer association) can signal credibility.
  • Review their website and professional profile: A well-established lawyer typically has a professional website showcasing their areas of expertise, credentials, and case success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a business lawyer, prepare the following:

  • A description of your business and its structure: This will help the lawyer understand your legal needs.
  • Any current contracts or agreements: If you're seeking contract advice, bring copies of existing contracts.
  • A list of legal issues or concerns: Be ready to discuss any potential legal challenges, such as regulatory compliance, disputes, or transactions.
  • Financial documents: If applicable, bring financial records related to the legal matter you're seeking help with.
  • Questions about fees and billing: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s payment structure and fees upfront.

By preparing these materials, you can ensure that your first meeting with a business lawyer is productive and informative.

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