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Marian Shands Lee, Business Attorney in Gainesville, Florida

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation

AssociateatAvera & Smith, LLP

Gainesville, FL

Practicing business in Gainesville since 1997.

29+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Marian Shands Lee is an associate based in Gainesville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Marian has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avera & Smith, LLP.

Based in
Gainesville, FL
Experience
over 29 years
Known for
Business · General · Litigation
  • Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Gainesville, FL.
  • Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Marian Shands Lee: Marian Shands Lee is an associate based in Gainesville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Marian has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avera & Smith, LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Marian takes on

Marian concentrates on business, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Gainesville, Florida

Marian takes business matters in Gainesville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marian agrees to represent you.

General cases in Gainesville, Florida

Marian takes general matters in Gainesville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marian agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Gainesville, Florida

Marian takes litigation matters in Gainesville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marian agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Gainesville, Florida

Marian takes personal injury matters in Gainesville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marian agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Marian Shands Lee — business lawyer in Gainesville

Marian Shands Lee is an associate based in Gainesville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Marian has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Avera & Smith, LLP.

Marian Shands Lee is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, personal injury, commercial and 1 other area of law. Marian received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1988, and has been licensed for 29 years. Marian practices at Avera & Smith, LLP in Gainesville, FL.

Marian's approach to business cases

Marian Shands Lee is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, personal injury, commercial and 1 other area of law. Marian received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1988, and has been licensed for 29 years. Marian practices at Avera & Smith, LLP in Gainesville, FL.

The kind of cases Marian takes

Marian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Gainesville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Florida

    J.D. · 1997

  • Boston University

    B.A. Georgetown · 1988

Jurisdictions

Marian's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1997 · ACTIVE

Marian studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. Georgetown in Boston University.

Law school and academic background

Marian completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. Georgetown in Boston University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marian runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Marian's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Florida Bar Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Marian Shands Lee's office in Gainesville

Marian's primary office is at 2814 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32608. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Avera & Smith, LLP

2814 SW 13th Street

Gainesville, FL 32608

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Marian Shands Lee

Marian has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Marian Shands Lee — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Marian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Marian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marian's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Marian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Gainesville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Marian

Marian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Marian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Marian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Marian Shands Lee

  • How much does it cost to hire Marian for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Marian offer a free consultation?

    Marian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marian's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Marian's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Marian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Marian take my case if I'm outside Gainesville?

    Marian is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Marian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Marian?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Marian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Marian accepting new business clients right now?

    Marian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Gainesville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Marian handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Marian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Gainesville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.