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5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
101 Reviews
23 Dec, 2024 by Nick b
Annabelle is smart, experienced, thoughtful and creative. Her ingenious approach and thorough preparation allowed our family to achieve great results in a complex process in a very short time. 5 stars doesn't do her justice.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jordana kozupsky bel
Professional, reliable, communicative, helpful, and honest. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by David lawrence
Annabelle has been exceptional counsel, both in her judgment and communication. Her work has been very meaningful to myself and my family and I would recommend her highly to others.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I consulted Alexander on a legal issue, and he provided valuable advice after carefully reviewing my documents. I highly recommend his services!
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16 Dec, 2023 by Mustafa alkhasoneh
Alex is an excellent attorney who can fix complicated matters. Very trustworthy and dependable. I highly recommend.
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16 Dec, 2023 by Christopher
I felt heard and understood. Alex is ability to take difficult situations and make it easy for people to understand was extremely helpful in my case. I highly recommend him.
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4.9
9 Reviews
5.0
36 Reviews
19 Oct, 2024 by Sara mojtahedi
I recently had a consultation with Ali Shahrestani and I can't recommend him highly enough. He was incredibly thorough and took the time to explain everything in detail, clearing up so many questions I had. His professionalism, patience, and ability to break down complex legal matters made me feel confident and well-informed. I truly appreciate the time he dedicated to ensure I fully understood my options. Thank you so much, Ali Shahrestani for your outstanding service!
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02 May, 2024 by Cassie w.
Efficient, receptive and cares about his clients. Love having him on board for our entertainment legal matters. First call we make!
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04 Mar, 2024 by Devin mcknight
Michael never misses any details and has always been a stable and reliable force on my small team. I would recommend him to anyone!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
214 Reviews
26 Feb, 2025 by Vijay bhartiya
Thanks, Johnathan, Hanna what a smooth process you did for Anu Manocha to compensate the lost funds years ago. Its "Kurta Law Firm" who contacted and prepare a case for us. They worked hard up to mark and put us in a win position.
Thanks Again.
Anu Manocha
Vijay Bhartiya
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11 Feb, 2025 by David newman
Had a great experience with Kurta Law. They contacted me proactively about a loss that I had incurred with a securities firm, explained my options and then included me in a group case. Their research and preparation was excellent and produced a result that helped me to recover a good potion of my assets.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Dennis wolpert
We reached out to Jonathan Kurta of Kurta Law Firm for help with a dire financial/investment crisis. We immediately felt at ease upon meeting and talking with Jonathan about our case. He is very compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, very reachable, and very professional. We are indebted and thankful to Jonathan and his staff for their help and support. If I could I would give him 10 stars.
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5.0
23 Reviews
4.6
1228 Reviews
24 Feb, 2025 by Ashanty najee
Maria Morano is very polite kind and understanding she handle most of my case and made me feel secure and comfortable with the settlement and made sure I was comfortable and fully understood what we were dealing with. I can honestly say this wasn’t an easy experience but she made matters so much better for my child and I . Her commitment, compassion, and communication is phenomenal. Thank you so much Maria as well as Sanocki Newman &Turret.
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07 Feb, 2025 by Betty williams
When looking for a great law firm, Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP is
the way to go with their professional teams. Maria and Jonathan, has worked diligently throughout my family case. They keep me informed in every step of the way.
The Williams's family, deeply appreciate the firm's services.
Franklin Williams
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05 Feb, 2025 by Snuggs p
Very helpful & and respectful. Smooth process I couldn’t have wish for a better experience.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Denise ray
29 Oct, 2024 by Sean b
Max and the team handled my case quickly and efficiently. They were very communicative throughout the process.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Partha gopalakrishna
Max and his team handled my case very professionally and I am pleased with the outcome . I would recommend them strongly for anyone requiring any of the services they offer, thank you Max, Julia and the team,
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07 May, 2018 by Bonnie miskiewicz
18 Feb, 2016 by Chris
Our Credit Union uses Michael to handle our Bankruptcy and Foreclosure issues. Michael is extremely knowledgeable in both areas. He has always been very responsive and his work is always detailed. I give Michael my highest recommendation.
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03 Dec, 2015 by Elyse
knowledgeable, responsive and thorough. competitive fees. I would not hesitate to use him again.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jose fernandez
Absolutely professional and passionate about his work. Constantly communicating which insured me he really there to help me and family. Highly recommend him as he was Highly recommended to me.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Cirano paredes
I have had the honor of working with Jason to help me out of “wrong place/wrong time” situation. He was professional, knowledgeable, and confident. Jason quickly developed a plan and provided me with expert legal advice. He successfully defended my innocence and because of that, the nightmare is over for me and my family. I highly recommend Jason to aid anyone in legal needs. He is truly one of a kind!!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Benjamin boateng
Folks!! does anybody battling with any legal/criminal issues?? , you better talk to Jason Steinberger or you risk losing your case. He is the finest… He just save me
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14 Feb, 2025 by Artem sirak
I reached out to Russel Morgan for assistance in setting up a trust for my family, and I couldn't be more satisfied. He carefully explained all my options, ensuring my assets are protected and my beneficiaries are taken care of. The process was seamless, and his expertise is unmatched. I highly recommend Morgan Legal Group for anyone looking for trust and estate planning services.
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14 Feb, 2025 by Виктория козуб
I had an excellent experience working with Russel Morgan at Morgan Legal Group for my estate planning. He took the time to understand my needs and crafted a comprehensive trust and will that ensures my family's future is protected. His professionalism, patience, and deep knowledge of estate law made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top estate planning attorney in New York City!
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14 Feb, 2025 by Maria bolotskikh
If you need a will, trust, or estate planning attorney in NYC, look no further than Russel Morgan! His attention to detail, legal knowledge, and genuine care for his clients set him apart. He helped me create a trust that ensures my family’s financial future is secure. The process was smooth, and I felt supported every step of the way. Thank you, Russel, for your exceptional service!
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28 Feb, 2025 by Joe amato
Brett and James were both great in helping me from start to finish. They were very efficient, updated me throughout the process, and helped resolved my issue. I am very satisfied and would highly recommend. Thank you both for your help.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Christy marth
Very nice gentleman asked repeatedly if I had questions very smooth process
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04 Feb, 2025 by Michelle hess
My experience with Shapiro Legal Group PLLC WAS GREAT. I must say the representative that called me was very nice and he made me feel comfortable with the whole process and explained in detail how everything went from here. There's no amount of money that could buy out the suffering with headache's and everything else that goes along with the tumor, but the people (same people who made some COVID injections) (Pfizer) let millions of women get the Depo- Provera shot for over a decade while neglecting to label the side affect that it could cause brain tumors. At least they could do is compensate/ Settle out of court with us women who did develop a brain tumor due to their negligence
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23 Jan, 2025 by Ron
It was a pleasure working with this law firm. They took my case, kept me informed the entire time and brought my case to a closure quickly. I’m very thankful for them and would recommend them to anyone looking for a great law firm to handle their injury case
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23 Jan, 2025 by Romano reid
Ari Mor has an impeccable record of winning 🏆 cases involving landlord tenant issues. This is definitely an attorney whose moral compass exceeds expectations. I’d personally recommend Ari to any and everyone
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14 Jan, 2025 by Wilson weng
The experience was nothing short of amazing. Kinga and Jay were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I was up to date on everything. They never hesitated to reach out to me, return my calls and answered every question I had.
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20 Jan, 2020 by Nicole
After seeking for a competent attorney in the metropolitan area Mr. Levine was the only attorney displayed wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
I”ve been to court with him and they opposing council in my presence complemented Mr. Levine’s competency. I”ve had many sleepless nights before I call him. I highly recommend Mr. Levine too every and any one seeking an attorney who cares about upholding the laws and justice for all.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Lester
I consulted with lawyer Barton Levine to give me clarity on estate planning and living will. He was very helpful in helping me understand the law on each issue and laid out a course action when I was ready to go forward. I was so impressed with is knowledge that I had him conduct a seminar on the issues for people in my community. He was great and the community learned a lot. Thank you mr. Levine
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24 Jun, 2019 by Tristan
He tried to contact me within a day after I tried to leave a message. After consultation, he even called a few more times after coming up with extra options regarding our case even calling after regular business hours. It goes to show how hard he works and how much he would care for your situation if he went that far just for consultation.
If I ever have to move forward with my case, I will definitely use Barton in the future.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Jean jeune
We are strongly recommending Mark E. Seitelman Law offices to everyone.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Michael j. greenberg
Mark Seitelman is an excellent attorney. He is intelligent, hard working, and easy to talk to. I would recommend that any of my clients and friends work with him if they ever need representation for a personal injury.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Kendrah catherine
The attorneys & staff at Mark Seitelman’s office provided an exceptional customer service experience & I am immensely grateful for their assistance and compassion throughout my case. Mr. Seitelman & Mr. Goldfarb made sure to keep me updated, always have my best interest & were sure to work diligently to provide me with an amazing experience all around. I would refer them to everyone I know!
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14 Jul, 2016 by Kavy
John Lenoir is a great lawyer and I strong recommend him to anyone going through foreclosure. He knows what he is doing and he knows the tricks that the banks use to fraudulently take people's homes. He has helped me win my case against the bank and he can do the same for anyone.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
LeNoir is a true outlier in the best sense of the word. Worked with him on a foreclosure case in Queens court and LeNoir was efficient, thoughtful, thorough, passionate and professional. Our work together resulted in the foreclosure summary judgement being dismissed by the judge, ending years of harassment on behalf of the banks. Would work with him again and recommend him in a heartbeat. He is the real deal.
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29 Nov, 2015 by Don
Mr. Lenoir has been my attorney for a couple of years. The foreclosure work he has been litigating against a large bank has been every bit of amazing. If you have a case that seems like its not winnable you should contact him. He's not like a lot of attorneys that try to get you for every dime. Mr Lenoir will work with you. Mr. Lenoir saved my home. The attorney i hired prior to him did a poor job. After the consultation i felt like i was in good hands, he assured me what the bank was trying to do was not gonna work. Nothing but Positive !!!
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15 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Adam Friedman is a fantastic lawyer. Although busy, he made himself available immediately for my emergency case. He was available at all hours for quick questions and decisions. He is thorough, quick thinking and covers every base. He is so ethical, and advised me with my best interests first. Adam tried and succeeded at saving me a lot of money. His staff is knowledgable and efficient. He is a rare gem whom I highly recommend. He obviously loves what he does.
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03 Mar, 2014 by Maurice
I have been very impressed by Mr. Friedman's due dilligence on every file we have given him to date. Mr. Friedman has demonstrated an overwelming commitment to his work and I recomend him to anyone who is seeking a true law professional.
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25 Feb, 2014 by Lindsay
Adam was always professional, thorough, and extremely easy to communicate with. He made an already stressful situation - negotiating and closing on a condo in NY - manageable and simpler. He helped manage several parties and all of the things needed - the bank, the seller, insurance, etc. His attention to detail and knowledge was reassuring, and everything with my closing went without a hitch. I would highly recommend working with Adam, and may do so again in the future for any other real estate ventures.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Michelle
We used Stavros Skenderis on two separate occasions as legal representation. He answered all of our question, explained the process and all paper work when we refinanced one home and purchased our 2nd home. He was always available and maintained communication between us the other parties.
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16 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Always responds, easy to understand, great negotiator, very knowledgeable in all fields. I used him for my business sale and daughter's accident case. I felt assured that I was in good hands, he explained every detail along the way and was very reasonable when it came to his fees.
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03 Feb, 2014 by Mike
Steven is very knowledgeable with lots of experience and very personable, and easy to work with. He has walked us through every aspect and has taken great care of us. It is a great comfort knowing that everything will be handled and I will get the best settlement.
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08 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Jackie served us very well. She expedited the eviction of our freeloading tenant and answered all of our (many) questions patiently and thoroughly. I would highly recommend her!
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20 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
I came to Jackie Halpern's firm because it was well established in teh city of New York that it is the top real estate law firm for landlord/tenant issues. My experience with the firm certainly lived up to the impeccable reputation that it has developed. I had the honor and privilege of working with one of the most outstanding attorneys with whom I have been in contact with in my career and personal life, namely Jackie Halpern. She is an extraordinarily gifted and talented attorney, who I am glad represented me in two consecutive cases that I had the misfortune of having to deal with. Quite honestly, without the help of Jackie Halpern I would have been at a loss.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Fantastic lawyer and very honest and smart. He is a very rare find. Beyond highly recommend him. He actually cares about his clients. He saved me after being taken advantage if by some typically unscrupulous attorneys who were all about the billable hours and very little about defending my case. This man is a prince.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Sherry
This lawyer is a very good housing lawyer. He gave great advice and kept me informed with every move. I love him and will recommend him to everyone.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
While on an overseas deployment, I had received a citation for a Dept of Buildings violation that I was not responsible for. Due to my deployment, I was unable to appear at hearings to defend myself. For a year, Samantha diligently reviewed my case and appeared at hearings on my behalf. Upon my return, I met with Samantha and we discussed how we would proceeed. Once we had a plan in place, we went to the hearings which resulted in a dismissal. Thank you Sam!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Samantha diligently worked on my behalf to achieve my dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. The process was a long and strenuous one. Frustration led me to a point of hopelessness, seriously considering giving up on this endeavor. For Samantha this was not an option for me. Instead, her positive attitude and continued encouragement pushed me to continue with my dream. On July 30, 2018 I was officially sworn in as a U.S. citizen. This date just so happened to also be the day of my son's birthday, which made this occasion that much sweeter.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Ping
We hired Shin-Yi for the sale of our apartment. Shin-Yi helped make the contract, and reviewed and negotiated the contract with counter party's attorney. Shin-Yi always gave us helpful advice when we had questions about the contract. With Shin-Yi's work, we closed the deal smoothly within the expected timeline.
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11 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Condzal provided economical and efficient services in complex business dispute with great results. He was easy to deal with and always available to field questions and deal with issues as they arose.
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05 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
James Montano is an excellent attorney that helped me to win an employment related case. He gained my confidence in his abilities by his extreme attention to details and professionalism in representing me to third parties. He was incredibly comprehensive in his preparations and had a game plan for every conceivable scenario. More importantly, he kept me calm throughout the process by demonstrating that there were no issues which he can't handle. Jim is the type of attorney that genuinely cares for his clients and derives a great sense of satisfacation in helping them resolve their difficulties.
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14 May, 2024 by Fred ferd
23 Aug, 2021 by Humberto baez
Very Professional
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22 Jan, 2020 by Walter neville
Dan Ollen is the best lawyer to call when you need proper Defense. A good man, and a great lawyer. Thank you.
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07 May, 2018 by Bonnie miskiewicz
17 Feb, 2025 by Jordan torti
My partner and I were represented by Zandi Rutstein in our recent apartment purchase. I can't imagine a better experience than what David and team provided. He was diligent, responsive, and made the nuances of the process digestible for us every step of the way– even as first time home buyers . He and his firm took a digital first approach to the work, as well. As millennials who don't own printers or know how to send a fax, this was welcomed and made the process more efficient.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Janina mccormack
I had the pleasure of working with attorney David Zandi to sell my co-op in NYC, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. As a real estate agent, I work with many attorneys, and I chose David because I felt I could trust him with an important life decision, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
David is extremely knowledgeable and provided sound advice throughout the entire process. He is highly responsive, and I always felt like he had my best interests in mind. He was friendly, professional, and made sure I understood each step of the transaction. He did a fantastic job, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney for their real estate needs.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Mario aragona
I had fractured my ankle in two places, and Mr. Levine personally attended to my case. When I had the occasion to reach out to the office, everyone was so polite, competent and professional. I highly recommend this law firm. They accommodated my injury by visiting at home and by video chat all in all of very friendly and compassionate law firm quite Different than what you expect from lawyers. Thank you, Mr. Levine and associates.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Khoocommerce
We enlisted the help of David to help with patent, trademark and filing work. He was professional, clear in communication, proactive and easy to work with. Thanks for your help!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Jacey shuber
I have used other services before and David's firm has by far been the absolute best. Initially I spoke with Jenn and she was very professional and knowledgeable and put my mind at ease. I knew I was in great hands when I spoke with her. David was awesome and worked my case with a sense of urgency that I needed. My account was reinstated faster than I expected. I will never choose any other firm to handle my issues with Amazon. I highly recommend!!!.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Sizzle & serve llc
Super helpful with all my legal questions, specifically regarding Amazon selling. Can't recommend enough!
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25 Feb, 2025 by Oilda barreto
If NYC chose this woman to be a judge... I thought, gee, I could choose her to be a lawyer. And there are no regrets. Easy going, intelligent, she's a NY City gal, I'm a little upstate, and she went out of her way to meet up when it was important. They don't make them like that, she's a role model in my book.
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12 Feb, 2025 by George compton
Accessibility being one of the keys to a good Estate Attorney, Bracha excels in this regard. Communication is another great need personal representatives have of their estate attorney, another Bracha strength.
As many Executors flounder over the overwelming tasks of estate settlement, a focus on moving an estate forward is the mark of a good estate attorney.
That's Bracha Law.
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12 Feb, 2025 by Jeff weinberger
I have had the privilege of getting to know Bracha and her work and have been quite impressed. Her personable approach and style helps her clients feel comfortable and understood through a difficult process, and makes sure she helps them address even the questions they didn’t know they needed to ask. The straightforward advice and guidance she gave me about handling some of the more challenging planning aspects, like choosing healthcare and power-of-attorney agents, gave me the ability to arrive at the right decision in my own time. If you are seeing a trusts and estates attorney who can understand you and your needs and make sure your planning gets done right, I recommend Bracha.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Sue van der merwe
Fantastic
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20 Dec, 2024 by Alyssa mcgonagle
05 Dec, 2024 by Laura crawford
Ellie and Romano Law were helpful in every way! Courteous, competent, knowledgeable, , and went the extra mile for us! We would use them again! Laura Crawford
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23 Aug, 2024 by Hosgan tavira
The best lawyers in New York I highly recommend Ms jordan and Mr David and all team work they really help me with my situation and treat me like family and always answer my calls and my doubts and when I have to go to the court they fight for me very professional they never leave alone and every penny is worth they really know what is the best for you..satisfaction at the highest level..10 🌟 star's thank you..moss and tapia law llc
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09 Apr, 2024 by Daniela velez
I had an extremely negative experience with this law firm and would not recommend their services to anyone. If I could give them 0 stars I would do so.
I had my initial consultation with David which lasted only a few minutes. I had some questions about my situation, but he told me he does not work for free and he did not give me any further advice until I signed a retainer agreement. A few days later I received a text from a paralegal asking if I was still interested in their services and to pay a $2,500 retainer. The amount was a surprise to me because David had said that the retainer would be $1,000 during our initial consultation. The invoice they sent me for the retainer was also marked "Past Due" even though it was sent to me before I ever signed a retainer agreement. I believe they did this to get me to pay as soon as possible. After some back and forth with their paralegal over text, I paid $1,000 so that the firm could draft a letter to my landlord.
The paralegal then told me to send important documents that I had to the firm. I asked them what documents I should send but never got a response, which is ridiculous because they are supposed to be advising me as to what is important. After hearing nothing I decided to send them a small amount of documents showing I lived at the apartment like cable bills. I followed up with them, and they told me the letter would be ready by 5pm on a Monday. They missed that deadline without giving me any explanation and despite my multiple texts asking them for an update. And while they were very quick to respond to my messages when it came to paying their retainer, it took them several days to get back to me about the status of my letter.
Based on this, I told them I no longer wanted them to represent me and asked that they refund me. They sent me a receipt showing that I was only refunded $160 out of my $1,000 retainer, and without any explanation of the work they did. I wrote to the firm the next day requesting a full refund. David called me but mostly talked down to me instead of listening to my concerns and said things like "well you signed the retainer agreement." The firm then sent me a timesheet showing about 2.5 hours of work.
According to that time sheet, it took them 1 hour to review the documents I sent (which were just my cable bills and a certificate). They also apparently billed me 1 hour for drafting the letter, which I never received. They also refused to give me a copy of the letter until I said I would be filing a complaint. The letter that it apparently took them an hour to draft was a couple of sentences that I could have done myself. It's unbelievable that this letter reflects two hours of attorney work.
They also billed me for almost half an hour for texts I had with their office at their attorney rates. It was a complete surprise to me that I had ever texted any attorney because the person that was texting me said they were a paralegal, and I received messages like "all attorneys are in court right now". When I asked them about this, they claimed an attorney was texting me some of the time. If that is true, that attorney never identified themself as such and almost all of the texts were about payment of their retainer. Why should I have to pay them for that?
Ultimately, I received no value from this firm and they refuse to refund me in full. Avoid at all costs
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21 Feb, 2024 by Soham sen
Great service
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28 Jul, 2023 by Scott modlin
31 Jan, 2023 by Guido alessandrini
My experience with Micheal Ian Black and his team has been one of utter professionalism and etiquette. My first impression of Michael was right. Relentless in his pursuit to fight for his client's interests, and to deliver everything he said he'll do. Michael went far and beyond his duties as my attorney/representative.
I would, without a doubt, recommend Michael Ian Black, Esq to do the best to his ability in any case he might take on.
I will for ever be grateful.
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30 Jan, 2023 by Michelle walsh
Mr. Black is an amazing attorney! He is thoughtful, intelligent and will hand hold you through the toughest moments of your life. He is also very accessible. You will not be disappointed if you retain Mr. Black for your legal matters.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Foreclosure Lawyer Can Do for You
A foreclosure lawyer specializes in helping homeowners navigate the legal complexities of foreclosure, working to protect their rights and potentially save their homes. Foreclosure lawyers assist homeowners facing foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, filing legal defenses, and representing them in court. They also help with loan modifications, short sales, and other alternatives to foreclosure. Whether you’re behind on mortgage payments or already in foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you explore your legal options and work toward a solution.
If you’re at risk of losing your home, a foreclosure lawyer can provide guidance on how to stop or delay the foreclosure process and protect your financial future.
When Should I Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a foreclosure lawyer in several situations where you are facing financial difficulties with your mortgage. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Facing foreclosure proceedings: If your lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you file a legal defense and explore options for stopping or delaying the process.
- Loan modification: If you want to modify the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable, a lawyer can help you negotiate with your lender and ensure that the modification complies with legal standards.
- Challenging the foreclosure: If you believe your lender has violated foreclosure laws or the terms of your mortgage agreement, a lawyer can help you challenge the foreclosure in court.
- Stopping a foreclosure sale: If your home is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, a lawyer may be able to file for a temporary restraining order or injunction to halt the sale.
- Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure: If you cannot afford to keep your home but want to avoid foreclosure, a lawyer can assist with arranging a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of the home to the lender to avoid foreclosure.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If you’re unable to manage your mortgage debt and other financial obligations, a lawyer can advise whether filing for bankruptcy might stop foreclosure and help you restructure your debts.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible - especially when foreclosure is imminent - can provide you with more legal options to save your home or limit financial damages.
What Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Do?
A foreclosure lawyer provides a variety of legal services to homeowners facing foreclosure, working to protect their rights and help them avoid losing their homes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Negotiating with lenders: A lawyer can negotiate with your lender to modify your mortgage or create a repayment plan, helping you avoid foreclosure by securing more favorable terms.
- Filing a legal defense: If your lender is improperly foreclosing or has made errors in the foreclosure process, a lawyer can file a legal defense, challenging the foreclosure in court. Defenses may include violations of foreclosure laws, predatory lending practices, or failure to follow the terms of the mortgage.
- Representing you in court: A lawyer can represent you in foreclosure proceedings, whether you are defending against the foreclosure, seeking more time to negotiate with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy.
- Stopping or delaying foreclosure sales: If your home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction, a lawyer can help file a motion to stop or delay the sale, giving you time to explore other options.
- Advising on bankruptcy: A foreclosure lawyer can assess whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be beneficial, as bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you time to reorganize your finances.
- Arranging short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure: A lawyer can help facilitate a short sale (selling the property for less than the mortgage balance) or a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transferring the property to the lender), which may allow you to avoid the foreclosure process.
How Are Foreclosure Lawyers Paid?
Foreclosure lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many foreclosure lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as negotiating a loan modification or filing a bankruptcy petition, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In more complex foreclosure cases, especially those involving ongoing negotiations with lenders or court appearances, a lawyer may require a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case.
- Contingency fee (rare): In some rare cases, particularly when suing a lender for wrongful foreclosure, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or settle on your behalf.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer upfront, especially if you are facing financial difficulties.
How Much Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a foreclosure lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of time required to resolve the issue. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Foreclosure lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. For example, a simple case with 10 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $3,000.
- Flat fees: For straightforward services such as filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a loan modification, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing foreclosure cases, a lawyer may require a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the length of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs, such as court filing fees or expenses related to property appraisals.
Top Questions to Ask a Foreclosure Lawyer
Before hiring a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and approach to help you. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with foreclosure cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling foreclosure cases similar to yours and has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure or negotiate better terms. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of their services. -
What are my options for stopping foreclosure?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different legal strategies available for stopping or delaying foreclosure, such as loan modifications, filing a legal defense, or bankruptcy. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the chances of successfully avoiding or delaying foreclosure. -
How long will the process take?
Foreclosure cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will I need to go to court?
Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare. -
What steps can I take to protect my home?
Ask the lawyer for advice on steps you can take to protect your home, such as making partial payments, negotiating with your lender, or exploring foreclosure alternatives.
How to Check the Credibility of a Foreclosure Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable foreclosure lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for foreclosure experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in foreclosure law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on foreclosure matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) or who have specialized certifications in real estate or foreclosure law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Mortgage documents: Bring a copy of your mortgage agreement, payment history, and any correspondence you’ve received from your lender, including foreclosure notices or demand letters.
- Financial information: Provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, as this will help the lawyer assess your financial situation and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
- Previous communications with your lender: If you’ve already tried to negotiate with your lender, bring any emails, letters, or records of phone calls that document these communications.
- Court documents (if applicable): If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, bring any court documents related to the case.
- Questions about your legal options: Prepare a list of questions about the foreclosure process, your options for avoiding foreclosure, and how the lawyer plans to help you.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for protecting your home from foreclosure.
