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

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

Does Mary offer a free consultation?

Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Mary'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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Bonita Springs?

Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?

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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mary accepting new business clients right now?

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

Mary Beth Crawford, Business Attorney in Bonita Springs

Quick answer

Mary Beth Crawford is a principal based in Bonita Springs, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Mary has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cummings & Lockwood LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 21 client reviews.

Based in: Bonita Springs, FL
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Business · Estate Planning · General

Handles Business, Estate Planning, and General matters from Bonita Springs, FL.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mary takes on

Mary concentrates on business, estate planning, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Bonita Springs, Florida

Mary takes business matters in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Bonita Springs, Florida

Mary takes estate planning matters in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

General cases in Bonita Springs, Florida

Mary takes general matters in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Bonita Springs, Florida

Mary takes probate matters in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Bonita Springs, Florida

Mary takes tax matters in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mary Beth Crawford — business lawyer in Bonita Springs

Mary Beth Crawford is a principal based in Bonita Springs, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Mary has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cummings & Lockwood LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 21 client reviews.

Mary Beth Crawford is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is based in the Bonita Springs office . She focuses her practice on estate planning, tax planning and probate and trust administration.

Mary Beth brings a caring and comprehensive approach to estate planning and provides her clients and their families with both the technical and personal guidance they need in developing the proper plan.

Professional Recognition

•Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and & Estates - 2004-present
•The Best Lawyers in America, 2018 - Present
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
•Florida Super Lawyers, 2021-present
•The Women's Foundation of Collier County, 2017 Women of Initiative
•Gulfshore Business, '40 Under 40' Award, 2004
•Distinctive Women, 2011
•2017 Women of Initiative Honoree, Women's Foundation of Collier County
•Naples Illustrated Top Lawyers, 2019-2020
•Florida Legal Elite, 2020

Civic and Philanthropic Activity

•Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Board of Trustees
•Gulfshore Playhouse, Planned Giving Council
•Angels Undercover of Collier County, Inc., Board of Directors
•David Lawrence Center & Foundation, Board of Directors, Past President; Planned Giving Committee, Chairman
•Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Board of Directors, Past President
•American Red Cross, Planned Giving Committee, Past Chair
•Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida, Membership Committee
•Leadership Bonita, Class of 2004
•Junior League of Fort Myers, Past Member

Articles/Publications

•Probate: Florida, Practical Law Guide, co-author, Thomson Reuters

Articles

•Are You Prepared? The Importance of Planning Your Estate
• Defining Real Success

Books & Guides

•Probate in Florida

News & Press Releases

•Bonita Springs Office - 2023 Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch
• 35 Cummings & Lockwood Attorneys in Connecticut and Florida Have Been Named Among The Best Lawyers in America for 2021, 2 Attorneys Received Lawyer of the Year Awards and 8 Attorneys Have Been Identified as the Ones to Watch
• 34 Cummings & Lockwood Attorneys in Connecticut and Florida Named Among The Best Lawyers in America for 2020
• Cummings & Lockwood Attorneys in Connecticut and Florida Named 2019 Best Lawyers in America
• 32 Cummings & Lockwood LLC Attorneys Named to 2018 Best Lawyers List
• Mary Beth Crawford, Principal in Cummings & Lockwoods Bonita Springs Office, to Be Honored by the Womens Foundation of Collier County
• Mary Beth Crawford Named Principal-in-Charge of Cummings & Lockwoods Bonita Springs, Florida Office

Videos

•Probate & Estate Administration

Working with Mary on a business matter

Mary Beth Crawford is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is based in the Bonita Springs office . She focuses her practice on estate planning, tax planning and probate and trust administration. Mary Beth brings a caring and comprehensive approach to estate planning and provides her clients and their families with both the technical and personal guidance they need in…

Who Mary represents

Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and general matters in Bonita Springs and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Florida
J.D. · 1997
University of Florida
B.A. · 1992

Jurisdictions

Mary's state bar admissions

Florida
1997 · ACTIVE

Mary studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mary Beth Crawford's office in Bonita Springs

Mary's primary office is at The Brooks Grand Plaza, 8000 Health Center Boulevard, Suite 300, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cummings & Lockwood LLC

The Brooks Grand Plaza, 8000 Health Center Boulevard, Suite 300

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mary Beth Crawford — 4.9/5 rating from 21 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Bonita Springs.

4.9

21 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Beth Crawford claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mary Beth Crawford — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Bonita Springs, 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 Mary

Mary 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mary'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 Mary Beth Crawford

How much does it cost to hire Mary for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Mary'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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Bonita Springs?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new business clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Mary Beth Crawford. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Force A Partner To Sell Their Share In My Florida Business?
I have a co-owner in my Jacksonville, Florida, business who isn’t contributing anymore and I want to buy them out. I’m unsure if I can force them to sell their share. What legal op
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
Do I Need A Business License For My Food Truck In Florida?
I’m planning to start a food truck in Orlando, Florida, and I’m confused about the licensing requirements. I heard I might need several permits, including a health permit and a bus
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Bonita Springs, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

Mary Beth Crawford, Business Attorney in Bonita Springs, Florida

Quick answer

Legal matters Mary takes on

Business cases in Bonita Springs, Florida