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

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

Does E. offer a free consultation?

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

Can E. take my case if I'm outside Fort Pierce?

E. 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 — E. 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 E.?

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

Is E. accepting new business clients right now?

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

E. Clayton Yates, Business Attorney in Fort Pierce

Quick answer

E. Clayton Yates is a member based in Fort Pierce, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation. E. has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fee, Yates & Fee, PLLC. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Fort Pierce, FL
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Business · Criminal Defense · Estate Litigation

Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation matters from Fort Pierce, FL.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

E.'s practice areas in Fort Pierce

E. concentrates on business, criminal defense, estate litigation, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case E. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Fort Pierce, Florida

E. takes business matters in Fort Pierce, 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 E. agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Fort Pierce, Florida

E. takes criminal defense matters in Fort Pierce, 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 E. agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Fort Pierce, Florida

E. takes estate litigation matters in Fort Pierce, 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 E. agrees to represent you.

General cases in Fort Pierce, Florida

E. takes general matters in Fort Pierce, 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 E. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Fort Pierce, Florida

E. takes litigation matters in Fort Pierce, 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 E. agrees to represent you.

Biography

E. Clayton Yates, business attorney serving Fort Pierce

E. Clayton Yates is a member based in Fort Pierce, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation. E. has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fee, Yates & Fee, PLLC. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 6 client reviews. E. works from Fort Pierce, Florida and takes on business matters across the region.

E. CLAYTON YATES,

born in Fort Pierce, Florida, January 10, 1957; admitted to bar, 1984, Florida, United States District Court, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida and the Supreme Court of the United States. Education: Indian River Junior College (A.A. 1977): Stetson University (B.A. 1979); Stetson University College of Law (J.D. 1983). Phi Delta Phi. Experience: All Lines Insurance Adjuster, G.A.B. Business Service, Inc., Cocoa, Florida and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., 1979-1981; Assistant State Attorney, 13th Circuit, Hillsborough County, Career Criminal Prosecutor, Deputy Division Chief and Designated Environmental Crimes Prosecutor, Tampa, Florida, 1984-1992; Assistant State Attorney: 19th Circuit, Saint Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee and Indian River Counties, Economic Crime Division Nineteenth Circuit 1995-1998; Representative Reported Cases: Asplundh Tree Expert Co. v. Diamond Tomato Pshp. 770 So. 2d 691 (Fla. 4th DCA, 2000); Buckeye Check Cashing v. Cardegena, 126 S. Ct. 1204 (U.S., 2006); Mackenzie Check Advance of Fla. L.C.C. v. Betts, Supreme Court of Florida, 31 Fla. L. Weekly S. 255, April 27, 2006. PRACTICE AREAS:

General Civil Litigation; Real Estate Litigation; Business Transactions; Criminal Defense; Trial experience with over 140 Cases concluded by jury verdict.

How E. handles business matters

E. CLAYTON YATES, born in Fort Pierce, Florida, January 10, 1957; admitted to bar, 1984, Florida, United States District Court, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida and the Supreme Court of the United States. Education : Indian River Junior College (A.A. 1977): Stetson University (B.A. 1979); Stetson University College of Law (J.D. 1983). Phi Delta Phi. Experience : All Lines Insurance…

The kind of cases E. takes

E. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and estate litigation matters in Fort Pierce and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where E. studied and practices

Stetson University College of Law
J.D. · 1983
Indian River Junior College
A.A. Stetson · 1977

Jurisdictions

E.'s state bar admissions

Florida
1984 · ACTIVE

E. studied at J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and A.A. Stetson in Indian River Junior College.

Law school and academic background

E. completed J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and A.A. Stetson in Indian River Junior College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice E. runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

E.'s legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

E. Clayton Yates's office in Fort Pierce

E.'s primary office is at 426 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, FL, 34950. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fee, Yates & Fee, PLLC

426 Avenue A

Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of E. Clayton Yates — 4.2/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

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

4.2

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once E. Clayton Yates claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire E. Clayton Yates — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Fort Pierce, 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 E.

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

Payment methods and payment plans

E.'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 E. Clayton Yates

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

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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
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Areas served

Business attorneys serving Fort Pierce, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

E. Clayton Yates, Business Attorney in Fort Pierce, Florida

Quick answer