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16 Aug, 2024 by Kathrina hall- williams
I would like to thank the attorneys at his firm on behalf of my family member, and for their time and patience with his case. They worked tirelessly and was always positive when it came to everything. I highly recommend. I highly recommend Emily and Mali for your legal needs. Signed, E.Kathrina Williams, Aunt of Stephon A.
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13 Aug, 2024 by May
Absolutely the worst representation I have experienced. It was embarrassing leaving mediation, I will also shed light on how Mrs. Andyne walked out of the room and just left. Spent over 10K. I could have easily hired a student and would have received better representation than what this firm states they are able to provide. I would never suggest this firm to a single mother or father having to go through this experience.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Kays vlogs
Mali, Emily & the team helped my son win his case. It was very sensitive to us with his custody battle, but they were very compassionate, understanding and treated us like family. They are very meticulous, listen and work hard to ensure the best outcome. They are very realistic, which makes you appreciate them and respect them even more. The best Family Law Firm! Please don't hesitate to use them. They saved our lives and advocated to until the end. Much appreciated! Kay, Step & Family!
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28 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
She does not respond to emails in a timely manner, if at all. If you want a lawyer to be there just at closing, then go ahead and hire her, but if anything happens post-closing, good luck with getting any help from her.
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11 Dec, 2013 by Wayne
I have done business with Sylvia since 2004. She and her entire team have always provided an exemplary level on service to me, my company and most importantly, my clients. When unique or challenging circumstances come up - they are just handled. I recommend Sylvia to anyone looking for closing services or real estate questions.
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18 Nov, 2013 by Brook
Sylvia Is an outstanding attorney who is extremely professional. I have worked with her for 10 years and my clients think she is the best. She goes above and beyond the call of duty whenever we need her to and she is very dependable. I would highly recommend her services to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2023 by John paulus
Frankly, I was disappointed. There was very little communication. I had to call to confirm they received my wire. I had to call to request the settlement statement to review. I had to call to see if the property closed. And I had to reach about yesterday because I received zero paperwork from the closing. It would serve their clients better if there was communication that didn’t have to be initiated.
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31 May, 2018 by Karina miles
Good customer service. Handled my clients closing with no snags.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Phani vajjha
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28 Jul, 2023 by John paulus
Frankly, I was disappointed. There was very little communication. I had to call to confirm they received my wire. I had to call to request the settlement statement to review. I had to call to see if the property closed. And I had to reach about yesterday because I received zero paperwork from the closing. It would serve their clients better if there was communication that didn’t have to be initiated.
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31 May, 2018 by Karina miles
Good customer service. Handled my clients closing with no snags.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Phani vajjha
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07 Feb, 2023 by James
I recently used the services of Lisa for a real estate litigation case as my co-counsel and I am incredibly impressed with the results. Lisa is very knowledgeable about the law and the various procedures involved in litigation along trial preparation. She was very responsive to my questions and concerns and was able to help me settle the case before it even went to trial. She was also very professional and was able to manage the process efficiently and effectively. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone who is in need of a real estate litigation attorney.
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24 Aug, 2007 by Anonymous
Trustworthy: she completely went to the other side of the case, the plaintiff's side Responsive: In an extremely critical situation she hardly ever returned any questions that I may have had about the case Knowledgeable: She sat in the court room with vital information and proof that I produced and did not use the information to protect me and my children. Keep me informed: Rarely and when she did could not present any reliable information. She worked for a law firm who has now been sanctioned and disbarred.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Krista
Ms. Blackstone handled a real estate closing for my parents a few years ago. The seller's real estate agent chose her. My Mother has just passed away and my father and I have been trying to contact Ms. Blackstone with questions regarding the deed that was recorded, type of ownership, etc. and will most likely need an estate attorney in helping with the issues we are encountering. Unfortunately, after several messages, we still have not been successful in getting a return call, (and have been trying for 2 weeks). There are 2 phone numbers for Ms. Blackstone listed online, one as an office number, the other, a cell phone. When I first tried the office number, I expected a staff member to answer, be able to answer questions and schedule an appointment, but I have only heard a recorded message from Ms. Blackstone with no mention that I have even reached an office?? Ms. Blackstone, it is very disappointing that you are apparently too busy to return a phone call. My family would have preferred to pay you to help with the estate issues, but you are no longer even a consideration.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Tae
Anton is worst lawyer I ever met and hired. After three long years of waisting time. I ended up firing him and presenting my case on my own. Dave, if you reading this, this is tae kim.
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What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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