63/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 137 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Business attorney”.
Business Lawyers in Durham, NC: 2026 rankings
34 business lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Durham: Liles Law, LFR Score 63/100; 5.0★ from 137 Google reviews.
- 5
Open 24 hours (per Google): King Law, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #5 of 34.
- 3
Most-reviewed: Hopler, Hanna & Associates, PLLC, 261 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 34 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
34 Durham business lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 4 are open 24/7, 4 open Saturdays and 4 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 34 rated law firms.
Top 10 business lawyers in Durham at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liles Law | 63 | 5.0★ (137) | Raleigh, 20 mi away | — | Top score |
| 2 | Eldreth Law Firm, PLLC | 61 | 4.7★ (77) | Raleigh, 20 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Hopler, Hanna & Associates, PLLC | 60 | 4.9★ (261) | Durham | — | Most reviews |
| 4 | Anderson Legal | 59 | 5.0★ (25) | Cary, 17 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | King Law | 59 | 4.8★ (63) | Chapel Hill, 9 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 6 | Morgan & Morgan | 59 | 4.8★ (221) | Raleigh, 21 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 7 | Jenifer Wolfe | 58 | 5.0★ (6) | Carrboro, 11 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | NC Planning | 57 | 4.9★ (62) | Raleigh, 16 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 9 | Fisher Corporate Law | 56 | 5.0★ (11) | Durham | — | — |
| 10 | Roth Law Group PLLC | 56 | 5.0★ (10) | Raleigh, 21 mi away | — | — |
All 34 business lawyers in Durham, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Raleigh, 20 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 77 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Business attorney”.
Based in Durham
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 261 Google reviews, the most in Durham.
Based in Cary, 17 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Business attorney”.
#5 King Law
Based in Chapel Hill, 9 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 63 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 221 Google reviews.
Based in Carrboro, 11 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Business attorney”.
#8 NC Planning
Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 62 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Durham
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Business attorney”.
#11 High Tide Legal
Based in Durham
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Intellectual property registry”.
Based in Raleigh, 18 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 194 Google reviews.
#13 NC Planning
Based in Cary, 19 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 213 Google reviews.
#14 King Law
Based in Raleigh, 17 mi away
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 49 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in Durham
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 162 Google reviews.
Based in Durham
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 187 Google reviews.
Based in Wake Forest, 25 mi away
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 159 Google reviews.
#20 Triangle Legal
Based in Cary, 19 mi away
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 91 Google reviews.
Based in Cary, 14 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 37 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based in Durham
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Divorce lawyer”.
Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based in Chapel Hill, 8 mi away
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away
49/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 25 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
All 34 business lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #34, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Hammer Law PLLC | 49 | 4.8★ (16) | 16 mi |
| 27 | North Raleigh Law | 48 | 4.5★ (25) | 20 mi |
| 28 | The Law Offices of John K. Cook P.A. | 48 | 4.7★ (22) | 22 mi |
| 29 | Hook Law | 48 | 5.0★ (4) | 9 mi |
| 30 | The Law Offices of Benjamin T. McLawhorn | 48 | 4.3★ (18) | 19 mi |
| 31 | Van Horn Law Firm | 48 | 3.7★ (17) | 15 mi |
| 32 | Executive Legal | 47 | 5.0★ (12) | 21 mi |
| 33 | Pinna, Johnston & Burwell, P.A. | 47 | 4.9★ (9) | 19 mi |
| 34 | Miller Monroe Holton & Plyler | 47 | 5.0★ (7) | 20 mi |
Also serving Durham
20 more business lawyers within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Cabrejas Law Firm P.A. | 4.9★ (141) | In Durham |
| Diener Law | 4.8★ (748) | In Durham |
| DSR Legal | 4.8★ (144) | In Durham |
| Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. | Durham Divorce & Family Lawyers | 4.7★ (176) | In Durham |
| Frasier & Griffin Durham | 4.8★ (175) | In Durham |
| Hudson Law Group PLLC | 4.9★ (338) | In Durham |
| Hyland, Padilla & Fowler PLLC | 5.0★ (135) | In Durham |
| Kenneth J. Duke | 5.0★ (352) | In Durham |
| Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A. | 4.9★ (200) | In Durham |
| Kreger Brodish LLP | 4.9★ (247) | In Durham |
| Law Offices of James Scott Farrin | 4.7★ (1,063) | In Durham |
| Law Offices of John T. Orcutt | 4.8★ (381) | In Durham |
| Minick Law, P.C. | 4.9★ (147) | In Durham |
| NC Eminent Domain Law Firm | 4.9★ (183) | In Durham |
| Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Durham | 4.9★ (142) | In Durham |
| Sandhu Law PLLC | 5.0★ (162) | In Durham |
| The Clauson Law Firm, PLLC | 4.4★ (432) | In Durham |
| The Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick | 4.8★ (196) | In Durham |
| The Law Office of Julian M. Hall | 4.7★ (195) | In Durham |
| Velasquez & Associates | 4.3★ (238) | In Durham |
How we ranked Durham business lawyers
We scored 34 Durham business lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Durham data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a business lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many business law matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask for a written estimate or flat fee for a defined piece of work before it starts.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a business lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- Which of my contracts most need a review?
- Can you work on a flat fee or a monthly retainer?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Business lawyers in Durham: frequently asked questions
Which business lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Durham?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked business lawyer in Durham, NC is Liles Law with an LFR Score of 63/100. It has 5.0★ from 137 Google reviews. Eldreth Law Firm, PLLC (#2) and Hopler, Hanna & Associates, PLLC (#3) follow. We ranked 34 business lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many business lawyers are there in Durham?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 34 business lawyers serving Durham, NC. 6 of them are based in Durham; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which business lawyers in Durham are open 24/7?
4 ranked business lawyers in Durham post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are King Law (#5), Morgan & Morgan (#6) and NC Planning (#8). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which business lawyers in Durham work on weekends?
4 of 34 ranked business lawyers post Saturday hours and 4 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are King Law (#5), Morgan & Morgan (#6) and NC Planning (#8). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Durham business lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 34 rated business lawyers in Durham is 4.9★, with a median of 33 reviews. Hopler, Hanna & Associates, PLLC has the most, 261 reviews, and ranks #3. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank business lawyers?
Each business lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do business lawyers outside Durham count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Durham city center, our service radius for business lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can business lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do business lawyers in Durham, NC charge?
Business lawyers bill hourly for disputes and complex deals and often offer flat fees for company formation, standard contracts or a monthly general counsel arrangement. Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $400 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
When should a small business talk to a lawyer?
Common points are choosing a business structure, partner or shareholder agreements, signing a lease or major contract, buying or selling a business, and when a dispute starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of business lawyers in Durham, NC ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Durham?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Durham
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 34 business lawyers serving Durham.
More business lawyers and Durham pages
Business lawyers near Durham
- Business lawyers in Chapel Hill, NC25 ranked
- Business lawyers in Carrboro, NC22 ranked
- Business lawyers in Morrisville, NC36 ranked
- Business lawyers in Cary, NC36 ranked
- Business lawyers in Apex, NC35 ranked
- Business lawyers in West Raleigh, NC36 ranked
- Business lawyers in Raleigh, NC38 ranked
- Business lawyers in Mebane, NC7 ranked
- Business lawyers in Wake Forest, NC31 ranked
- Business lawyers in Holly Springs, NC33 ranked
Other practice areas in Durham
- Personal injury lawyers in Durham215 ranked
- Social Security disability lawyers in Durham37 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Durham152 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in Durham193 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Durham144 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in Durham35 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in Durham74 ranked
- Employment lawyers in Durham67 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in Durham94 ranked
- Tax lawyers in Durham32 ranked
- Intellectual property lawyers in Durham15 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in Durham35 ranked
- Mediators in Durham38 ranked
- General practice lawyers in Durham368 ranked
- All lawyers in Durham