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11 Jun, 2021 by Laura
Mr. Davidson listened to my case with compassion and gave me clear answers as to whether or not my case was valid and why. His answers were direct and he knew the law.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Paul
He took my case for a lawsuit for a student loan which was past statue of limitations and put up an excellent defense for me. He was on point for writing up legal correspondence to the courts. I highly recommend him for anyone wanting get the job done! He takes the time to explain the process with you anytime of the week and on weekends. I can never thank him enough!
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13 Jun, 2014 by Lee
He tells you everything you need to know during the appointment where you and him talking about the franchise and what next for you. I hire him last year and today he is still my franchise laywer. Today date is 06/13/2014.
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13 Sep, 2016 by David
Jim has handled several things for me including real estate purchases and represented me in a lawsuit. He has always been concise and accurate. He knows his stuff and stays up to date on changes in the laws.
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07 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Brown helped me with a DUI charge earlier this year. He was thorough and get me an excellent plea deal. I strongly recommend him for DUI representation.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Angelica sigala
I highly recommend Adam Levine. He’s very ambitious and client oriented attorney that will work endlessly to help his clients. He is highly experienced and knowledgeable in field, I wouldn’t go else where !! Thank you for making this process as peaceful as possible
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17 Oct, 2024 by Bingxuan wang (steve wang)
Great and fast service. Definitely recommended.
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04 Oct, 2024 by John boos
Adam is a consummate professional who cares about you as a client, will treat you with respect and dignity, and knows how to get stuff done! I highly recommend retaining him if you have any legal issues requiring his services. He worked hard for me and did everything in his power to ensure a positive outcome in my case. Head and shoulders above his peers!
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04 Apr, 2024 by Roberto gonzalez
Best lawyer in Athens hands down. I've worked with like 7 different lawyers in Athens and none compared to how fast and got me a better result than Mr. Kirby.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Melissa mcdowell
Child Custody/Child Support Case I would highly recommend you and your family to this law firm. Jenni stood by me the entire time. Billy and Jenni are highly knowledgeable in thier field. Watching them was an honor to see. Plus they found out I was being "way" under paid in Child Support. Theres a law where a teen can sign legally at age 13-17 to decide where they live. We never knew that! They fought and won our case plus some.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Kim woody
I went through a traumatic divorce and Billy and Jenni were there for me every step of the way. They were very patient with my many emotions, questions, and concerns and supplied rational and quick action throughout the process. With every curveball thrown our way, they were professional and ready to keep the case moving forward. I would not have survived this last year without them. This team is not just an average lawyer you call and then receive an astronomical bill later. They are direct, upfront, and truly care about your case. This team is a gem and I highly recommend them as I finally feel like I’ve been seen, heard, respected, and can move on to life after divorce with confidence as we had a very successful outcome. Thank you for everything you’ve done for my family, it is beyond appreciated and I will forever be grateful for you.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Cristian david carvajal cifuentes
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01 Sep, 2024 by Sadac sanchez
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21 Aug, 2024 by Ryan mcdougal
These professionals are truly exceptional! During a difficult time, they managed to make my ex-wife’s lawyers quit one after another. They are like real-life Jedi masters, always available and by your side throughout the entire process. Hands down, they are super lawyers!
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03 Mar, 2024 by Candace rader
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12 Dec, 2023 by Greg garcia
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31 Jul, 2023 by Tiffany t. shaw - broker associate, amelia island
Integrity and Accommodation. What more can you ask for from a business. Even after the transaction, Cook & Tolley comes through taking care of someone else's mistake. They find the way to get it done with style and grace.
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26 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
David Ellison does not like women or children. He will not fight for a stay at home mom. David Ellison was the worst lawyer one could possibly have. He took my money and did not even provide the services paid for such as a discovery. I continue to have a hard time with my kids father due to the lack of help by David with custody issues. I could go on about how he did not represent me. He is not a nice person. A lawyer is supposed to guide his client not railroad them. I do not recommend this lawyer even if he is the only one in your price range.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Brandon mintz
David did an excellent job resolving my matter. First of all when you call him you get David on the phone. Not some answering service or assist but actually David every single time. Second, David has a sense of urgency unlike most lawyers and gets back to you immediately with an intelligent and informative response. From the time I spoke to him to the time my situation was resolved in my favor it was 2 days. I was super impressed with this crazy fast resolution. Lastly, his rates are affordable, and I will be using him for all of my legal needs from here on out. Wether you are in Athens, Ga or not David has your back!
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30 Aug, 2017 by Jenny
If you live in the Athens area and will be using a closing attorney—listen up! Do not use Tom Beisswenger! He kept $1k of our money on a sale of a mobile home 5/30/17 to “ensure our cooperation” in getting the mobile home titles from our mortgage company. Once we got the titles and took them to him (1st week of July) like he’d asked, we did not get our money. He said he had to mail them to MC courthouse to get them retired. One month later, we finally heard back from him after leaving him numerous phone calls that weren’t returned. He said “these things just take time” and said that his assistant was following up on this. When I reached his assistant, Kristin Corbin, in August, she told me this was Tom’s job and not hers and that neither of them had called the MC courthouse. When I called the MC courthouse, they told me they process these SAME DAY and that they had never received the titles from Beisswenger. I was also told by the MC Tax Commissioner that there was NO REASON for them to mail the titles to MC courthouse because when the mobile home was purchased, it was a cash closing. I called Tom to tell him this, and he HUNG UP THE PHONE ON ME after saying he was in the middle of a closing and couldn’t talk (closing attorneys don’t just get out of closings to answer a random call . . .) I went to MC courthouse and paid (AGAIN) to get titles re-issued to me. When we received the titles, my husband called him to let him know we will bring him the titles, but we want to pick up our $1k when we give him the titles, as there is nothing else for us to do. He proceeded to HANG UP THE PHONE on my husband. We promptly called him back and demanded our money from him. The next day, my husband took the titles down and got the money. Do not use TOM BEISSWINGER unless you want to be lied to and hung up on! I have been to countless closings for my boss, and he is the most unprofessional closing attorney I have ever met. Word to the Wise!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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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