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SIMONSEN LAW FIRM, PC

Areas of Practice

Environmental Law

Petroleum and Convenience Marketing

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Highway Condemnation

Business Law

Civil Litigation

Municipal Law

Trusts, Wills and Estates

 

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Environmental Law

We represent businesses and individuals in all aspects of environmental law and regulation. We have handled many complicated cases involving hazardous waste sites and Superfund litigation, leaking underground storage tanks, chemical exposures, soil and groundwater contamination, toxic injuries, municipal solid waste, wetlands and coastal issues. Environmental law is a priority for Simonsen Law Firm. We represent numerous large petroleum marketers as well as owners and operators of country stores and convenience stores. We also represent commercial fisherman, land owners, developers, livestock farmers, and others who are subject to environmental regulation. We remain current with all changing legislation and are well versed in regulation requirements. Clients who need to obtain permits and maintain compliance with regulations employ us to help protect them from violations and penalties, and advise them on issues regarding hazardous substances, waste, environmental cleanup, Superfund and other general environmental issues. We also have a great deal of experience litigating environmental cases, in administrative hearings, North Carolina District and Superior Courts, North Carolina Appellate Courts, as well as the North Carolina Federal Courts.

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Petroleum and Convenience Marketing

We have been representing oil companies and petroleum and convenience marketers since 1990. Because of our vast experience and knowledge in this area of law, in 2020, Lars was honored to be named the General Counsel for the North Carolina Petroleum and Convenience Marketers Association, the trade association for oil companies and convenience store owners and operators throughout the state. Due to increasing regulation by state and federal agencies, NCPCM has become a trusted expert with the executive, legislative and administrative branches of state government. With more than 200 marketer/c-store members representing approximately 50,000 employees and more than 3,000 retail outlets around the state, NCPCM continues to expand influence.

Lars and Micah have the needed experience to assist in all aspects of petroleum marketers’ legal needs; contracts, acquisitions and sales, environmental and regulatory compliance, and general advice.

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Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

We represent individuals who have been injured by the negligence of others. We also handle cases involving the death of another. Under our legal system, the only remedy that may ease burdens and help provide for those who have been injured or killed by the negligence of another person is to recover money, either by settlement or by a successful jury verdict. Lars Simonsen has handled many such cases over more than 20 years of practice, and has an excellent track record of obtaining favorable results for his clients. While money does not ease your physical pain, it is something in hand serving as a sort of compensation for your suffering. Most of these cases are generally taken on a contingency fee basis agreement, meaning that if we can’t win you compensation, you do not pay us anything.

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Highway Condemnation

When your land is taken by the government for the construction of a highway, the installation of power lines, or for some other public purpose, you have a constitutional right to be paid fair compensation. The compensation paid must be based on the highest and best use of the property. If you cannot reach an agreement with the government on the price of your property, you have a right to a jury trial. We can help recover compensation for the land taken, both by negotiation and trial. These cases are normally taken on a contingency fee basis.

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Business Law

When you set up a business, you should always consider the benefits of setting up a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity. The type of entity you choose can affect every aspect of your business. We can help you to decide what business entity is best for you. If you are an established business, we can help you with all of your legal needs, including the negotiation, review and drafting of contracts, regulatory compliance issues, collections, corporate formalities, shareholder and partnership agreements, to mention a few. We also have extensive experience handling transactions, including large and small asset purchases and stock purchases. Over more than 20 years of practice, Lars Simonsen has handled transactions for agricultural facilities, oil companies, lubricant businesses, furniture manufacturers, propane gas suppliers, communication tower companies, and many others. Whether your business is buying or selling, and whether it’s a small deal or a multi-million dollar transaction, we have the expertise and ability to represent you effectively.

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Civil Litigation

For various reasons, some disputes can only be resolved in court, either in court ordered mediation, arbitration, or by a verdict. Whether you are a business or an individual, if you find yourself involved in civil litigation, you need a lawyer who understands the court system and can be a zealous advocate for you, but also thinks outside the box for innovative solutions to difficult problems.

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Municipal Law

We have extensive experience representing counties, towns, cities, and other governmental entities. We also represent citizens in cases involving land use issues, zoning, subdivision regulation and permitting.

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Trusts, Wills, Estates

We can provide you with estate planning services such as the preparation and execution of your will, trusts, financial and health care power of attorney, and other estate planning documents. We can also assist in the administration of estates.