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

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

Does W. offer a free consultation?

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

How long do business cases in North Carolina 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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can W. take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?

W. is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — W. 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 W.?

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

Is W. accepting new business clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

W. Scott Cooper, Business Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Securities · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

ShareholderatRayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.

Charlotte, NC

Practicing business in Charlotte since 1977.

49+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Business M&A Securities

Are you W. Scott Cooper?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

W. Scott Cooper is a shareholder based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. W. has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Charlotte, NC
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Business · M&A · Securities

Handles Business, M&A, and Securities matters from Charlotte, NC.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

W.'s practice areas in Charlotte

W. concentrates on business, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

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

M&A cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

W. takes m&a matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

W. takes securities matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Biography

W. Scott Cooper, business attorney serving Charlotte

Scott Cooper assists entrepreneurs in growing their businesses from the initial stage of formation to the growth stage of acquisition and financing to the final stage involving the sale of businesses. Mr. Cooper provides advice on how ownership and management of the business should be organized and how to structure contracts for the sale of services and products. He has specific experience in advising entrepreneurs on acquiring capital for the growth of their businesses through loans or equity instruments. Mr. Cooper began his career with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington and has broad expertise in matters of securities regulation affecting public companies and their shareholders, directors, and executive officers, broker dealers, investment advisors, mutual funds, and the public and private offering of securities. He is rated “AV® Preeminent™” by Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Business North Carolina magazine’s “Legal Elite” (Antitrust), 2012; (Corporate), 2022-2023; (Business) 2021, 2024

North Carolina Super Lawyers (Business/Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Securities & Corporate Finance), 2013, 2017-2021; (Business/Corporate) 2022; (Business) 2024

North Carolina’s Top Rated Lawyers, 2013-2015

Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Our regular clients are engaged in a variety of industries and services: retailing, digital advertising and communication, manufacture of industrial products, distribution of trucks and other vehicles as well as industrial products, restaurants, and food services, financial services, consulting services for various industries, and real estate development. We also provide representation to management, boards of directors, equity owners, and other participants in financial transactions that often involve change of control events. In addition, we often provide opinions under North Carolina law or Federal Securities laws in connection with financial transactions.

Recent transactions for which Mr. Cooper had primary responsibility include:

Represented a foreign ownership group in the acquisition of a 150+ store retail chain and subsequent business activity including commercial leasing.

Represented a majority shareholder in the sale of a multi-location automotive repair business.

Represented an e-commerce software company providing point of sale technology solutions.

Represented an ownership group in the acquisition of a specialty hardwood distribution business.

Represented a foreign lender and investor in the acquisition of a U.S.-based distribution business.

Represented an ownership group in the formation and the acquisition of financing for an equity capital investment business.

Represented a commercial warehouse developer in leasing of warehouse properties and financing transactions.

Represented a commercial truck dealer in the acquisition of two new dealerships.

Represented a distributor of audio diagnostic equipment in the sale of its assets.

Represented an equipment leasing company in a multi-million dollar financing of new and amended loans.

Represented a travel consulting company in a corporate restructuring and a strategic acquisition.

Represented a financial services firm in the placement of preferred stock.

Represented a real estate developer in a private offering of equity.

Represented an industrial products manufacturer in a multi-million dollar cash merger with a European acquirer.

Represented a real estate developer in negotiation and refinance of multi-million dollar real estate portfolio with a major U.S. bank.

Represented executives in several companies in new or amended employment and benefit agreements as well as severance agreements.

The cases mentioned above are illustrative of the matters handled by the firm. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Not all results are provided, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Business Law Section, American Bar Association

Business Law and Real Estate Law Sections, North Carolina Bar Association

North Carolina Limited Liability Company Act Task Force, 2008-2013

Treasurer Business Law Section Council, 2005-2007

Chairman, Securities Regulation Committee, 1993-1995

Association of Securities and Exchange Commission Alumni, Inc.

Working with W. on a business matter

Who W. represents

W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and securities matters in Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area.

Credentials

Credentials — where W. studied and practices

Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary
J.D. · 1977
Duke University
B.A. · 1974

Jurisdictions

W.'s state bar admissions

North Carolina
1983 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1977 · ACTIVE

W. studied at J.D. in Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary and B.A. in Duke University.

Law school and academic background

W. completed J.D. in Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice W. runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

W.'s legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

W. Scott Cooper's office in Charlotte

W.'s primary office is at 227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC, 28202-1672. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.

227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1200

Charlotte, NC 28202-1672

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of W. Scott Cooper — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once W. Scott Cooper claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire W. Scott Cooper — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina

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 W.

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

Payment methods and payment plans

W.'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 W. Scott Cooper

How much does it cost to hire W. for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. W. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does W. offer a free consultation?
W. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check W.'s current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in North Carolina 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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can W. take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?
W. is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — W. 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 W.?
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. W. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is W. accepting new business clients right now?
W.'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 North Carolina residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like W. Scott Cooper. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina

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

More counsel

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

W. Scott Cooper, Business Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina

Quick answer

W.'s practice areas in Charlotte