
Brian J. Lake, Business Attorney in South Bend, Indiana
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Employment Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratBarnes & Thornburg LLP
South Bend, IN
Practicing business in South Bend since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Brian J. Lake?
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Quick answer
Brian J. Lake is a partner based in South Bend, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Brian has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- South Bend, IN
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Employment Contracts
- Handles Business, Employment, and Employment Contracts matters from South Bend, IN.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Brian J. Lake: Brian J. Lake is a partner based in South Bend, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Brian has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on business, employment, employment contracts, estate planning, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Employment Contracts
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Estate Planning
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General
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Health Care
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International
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M&A
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Tax
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Business cases in South Bend, Indiana
Brian takes business matters in South Bend, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in South Bend, Indiana
Brian takes employment matters in South Bend, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Employment Contracts cases in South Bend, Indiana
Brian takes employment contracts matters in South Bend, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in South Bend, Indiana
Brian takes estate planning matters in South Bend, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
General cases in South Bend, Indiana
Brian takes general matters in South Bend, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brian J. Lake — business lawyer in South Bend
Brian J. Lake is a partner based in South Bend, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Brian has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Brian J. Lake is a lawyer practicing corporate, compensation and benefits, defined benefit plans and 11 other areas of law. Brian received a B.S. degree from University of Notre Dame, and has been licensed for 55 years. Brian practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in South Bend, IN.
Working with Brian on a business matter
Brian J. Lake is a lawyer practicing corporate, compensation and benefits, defined benefit plans and 11 other areas of law. Brian received a B.S. degree from University of Notre Dame, and has been licensed for 55 years. Brian practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in South Bend, IN.
Clients Brian works with
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and employment contracts matters in South Bend and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Michigan J.D. cum laude
—
University of Notre Dame B.S. cum laude
—
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
Indiana
1972 · ACTIVE
Florida
1972 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1971 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at — in University of Michigan J.D. cum laude and — in University of Notre Dame B.S. cum laude.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed — in University of Michigan J.D. cum laude and — in University of Notre Dame B.S. cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Brian J. Lake's office in South Bend
Brian's primary office is at 700 1st Source Bank Center, 100 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN, 46601-1632. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
700 1st Source Bank Center, 100 N. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46601-1632
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Brian J. Lake — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in South Bend.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian J. Lake claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian J. Lake — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian'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; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in South Bend, Indiana
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 Brian
Brian 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. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian'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 Brian J. Lake
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Indiana 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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside South Bend?
Brian is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian 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 Brian?
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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new business clients right now?
Brian'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 South Bend, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana
Brian handles business matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Indiana
If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in South Bend handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





