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02 Aug, 2024 by Cindy
I contacted Mr. Ring who was referred to me by a Realtor. He returned my phone call promptly. He was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and advised me on my situation. Highly recommend. Would definitely use again.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
We will be forever grateful to Larry Ring for his expertise, calm demeanor, and professionalism in handling a demand vacate order. Larry even emailed us while he was on vacation! The entire matter was handled without needing further legal action. We thank Larry for handling an unpleasant situation expeditiously.
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17 Oct, 2023 by Kathi
I’ve had the privilege of working with Larry Ring on a few complex tenant-landlord disputes, and I can't express how grateful I am for his outstanding legal expertise and unwavering dedication to my cases. Here are some key reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend him: 1. Expertise: Larry possesses an impressive level of expertise in California tenant-landlord law. They thoroughly understood the nuances of my situation and provided insightful guidance throughout the entire process. 2. Communication: One of the standout qualities of this attorney is his exceptional communication skills. He was responsive to my inquiries and kept me well-informed at every stage of the case. I always felt like I had a clear understanding of my legal options and the potential outcomes. 3. Legal Strategy: Larry’s developed a comprehensive and effective legal strategy tailored to my specific needs. He worked diligently to ensure my rights were protected and that I had the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. 4. Empathy: Beyond his legal prowess, Larry showed a genuine understanding of the emotional stress and financial burden that can come with tenant-landlord disputes. They provided not only legal support but also emotional support, which I deeply appreciated. 5. Cost Transparency: Larry was transparent about his fees and billing, and I never encountered any hidden costs or surprises. He provided value for the fees charged. In conclusion, Larry Ring is a consummate professional who truly cares about his clients and their cases. He is highly skilled, reliable, and trustworthy. I have no reservations in recommending him for any tenant-landlord legal matters. His dedication to their clients and his exceptional legal expertise makes him a top choice in this field.
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24 Sep, 2017 by Jennifer
Great Lawyer....I would recommend him to anyone.
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11 Sep, 2017 by Diane
We have hired Brett to represent us for 2 personal injury claims. He has been very helpful in answering all our questions. He responds back to us almost immediately when contacted by phone or email. He is thorough in his record keeping and the best part is that he does all the work for us in acquiring everything needed for our case. He personally contacts the insurance companies involved and deals directly with our physicians and health care providers. He keeps us informed as to the status of the claims. With Brett, I feel like we have someone in our corner in a very intimidating and overwhelming situation.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Shelly and charlie boggus
Brett goes the extra mile for his clients, he truly cares and it shows. Twice he was able to negotiate the highest settlement possible to compensate the injuries sustained as a result of two separate motor vehicle accidents. He would not back down when opposing insurance companies submitted grossly low - ball offers. He consulted with us every step, provided all possible options and respected or final decisions. I hope we never have the need to utilize his services, but are comforted knowing if the need arises, he will be fighting for us; the trust we have built is invaluable. We not only highly recommend his services, but also would not trust any other attorney for our personal injury needs. Thank you Brett.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Jim
Jake acted as our attorney when we sold our home privately. He came to us through the recommendation of a friend. We feel we must pass on our good fortune to others. Great communication skills and very knowledgeable regarding real estate law. When he makes a time and place to contact you, Jake will keep that commitment. One specific example- although there were a number of incidents when we said, " this guy is good!". The roofer had checked the wrong type of material on the inspection, he missed the mistake, as did I, the buyer and the buyer's attorney. Jake caught the error, and I imagine saved time /paperwork during the process. It was daunting to undertake a home sale without a Real Estate agent, but in no small part to Jake, the process was painless, expeditious and successful.
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09 Jul, 2023 by Dennis meyer
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15 Jun, 2023 by Sam hales
Katy Lyon should not be practicing law. Hiring her to represent me was one of the worst professional mistakes I have ever made. Her inability to understand simple accounting or technology cost me dearly. There are plenty of attorneys out there....keep looking!
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16 May, 2021 by Katie prado
Most professional team i have ever worked with.
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09 Jul, 2023 by Dennis meyer
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15 Jun, 2023 by Sam hales
Katy Lyon should not be practicing law. Hiring her to represent me was one of the worst professional mistakes I have ever made. Her inability to understand simple accounting or technology cost me dearly. There are plenty of attorneys out there....keep looking!
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16 May, 2021 by Katie prado
Most professional team i have ever worked with.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
He lacks professionalism and seems as if just likes to intimidate and harass the other party. I'm glad my case went well, but he was saying some things that were not 100% true on the stand under oath. Im not sure if i would ever work with him again.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I had him for a case a few years back and the way he handles cases and deals with the opposing side is very sketchy. i was scared the whole time that the opposing side would point out his illegal wrongdoings and I would lose my case (however that did not have an attorney and seemed bullied by him). As much as I love an aggressive lawyer, he is not trustworthy. He should not be able to practice law, he is not an honest lawyer.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Chris
I was referred to Ed Koons and consulted him regarding a matter of property. He never once mentioned price of the consult in any emails or via phone conversations. However he did say I have a case and he did mention a set price roughly $1300 to move forward with my case. I told him I would be deploying out of country and would have to wait until I got back. While deployed I received numerous bills of $225 for the consult (which he never once mentioned before). I called his office in attempts to have that fee removed and proceed with the case which would cost roughly $1300. However his office was determined that I owed $225 for the consult and the bill would stand, telling me it was a “verbal contract” (I did not know there were such things as verbal contracts in the matters of law) May I say again, *There was never any mention of a consult fee at all!* Sorry Mr. Koons but you just lost $1300 because you wanted $200. ***Any one consulting this office, get all the charges in writing, or you may end up getting unexpected bills from this Firm***
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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.