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Top Quality, Local Legal Advice The McIntosh Law Firm fits Lake Norman
Top Quality, Local Legal Advice
The McIntosh Law Firm fits Lake Norman
BY » Jeff Winke | PHOTOGRAPHY BY » Lisa Crates
Dedicated to fostering an environment in which families, businesses, and the community at large can prosper is how The McIntosh Law Firm describes itself. Based in Davidson, the company is a general-purpose law firm with areas of practice focusing on business & corporate law, litigation, trademark, copyright, branding, commercial real estate law, community association law, divorce & family law, personal injury, wills, trusts, estate planning & probate.
As they say in their website description: “It is not necessary to drive to Charlotte to get top-quality legal advice. You have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals right here in the Lake Norman area.”
Collectively with more than a dozen attorneys on hand, the firm is said to offer insight based on 200 years of combined experience.
“The three most active practice areas for our firm would be Estate Planning & Administration, Litigation, and Business Law/Commercial Real Estate,” stated Angela Swett, director of marketing, client & community relations for The McIntosh Law Firm. “When you consider that with baby boomers the largest transfer of wealth in human history has been taking place for nearly 10 years and will likely continue for an additional 15. Each of the above
Chris Gelwicks, HOA & Litigation Attorney
Louise Paglen, Elder Law Attorney Jeff Gray, Commercial Real Estate Attorney
practice areas are affected and fed by this social dynamic.”
Unfortunately, lawyers suffer from an image problem.
Swett said, “The biggest misconceptions about hiring an attorney include: (1) I do not need an attorney. I can do it myself online, (2) Attorneys cost too much. I cannot afford one, and (3) All attorneys are greedy, self-serving, and devoid of any redeeming qualities.
“When you use an attorney, their primary concern is the client ... you! They look to your best interest and their duties are to you and ONLY you. The best resolution for your particular case is unique to you, not something that seemed to work the last time they saw this problem. Their recommendation should reflect what you, the client, want and need. You only get that attention when you retain your own attorney to look out for your best interest and there is no substitute.”
The thinking is that the security and peace of mind is in knowing that all of the reasonable steps available and necessary to protect one’s interests, comes only by asking an attorney who knows. The cost for that advice could pale in comparison to the “clean-up” cost should random information pulled from the internet prove to be unreliable, or even... wrong. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is the thinking.
For anyone in the 55 or older age bracket, there are situations that can arise where an attorney’s counsel can be beneficial.
Probate Attorney, Amy Issacs states “An estate planning attorney’s counsel can benefit in the following situations: (1) Estate/business succession/ management planning (2) Asset protection (3) Enacting how a person/ family chooses to age in relation to their assets It can boil down to the big question: What legacy will I leave behind?”
“Picking an experienced attorney with whom you can build a relationship is key,” Swett said. “A good attorney will listen carefully to your objectives, ask specific questions, and guide you on the best path to meet those objectives.”
It is clear that everyone needs to know an attorney who knows them and can be available as needs arise. Or as Swett refined the statement: “Everyone can benefit from knowing an attorney to whom they can turn for legal questions, including timely referrals.”
By their admission, The McIntosh Law Firm has enjoyed being and growing in the heart of the Lake Norman area. The firm is celebrating its 25th year and three members of the company have been there all 25 years.
Despite the Lake Norman area’s rapid growth, long-time residents are quick to point out that the community has retained a distinctly local flavor, including a genuine caring for others. No matter how much the area grows, the hope is that the community will continue to embrace one another with the same caring nature and respect that sets Lake Norman apart.
The McIntosh Law Firm The Historic Davidson Cotton Mill 209 Delburg Street, Suite 203 Davidson, NC 28036 TheMcIntoshLawFirm.com 704-892-1699 ?
