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02 Jan, 2015 by Kathleen smith
I have been looking for an eviction lawyer, and receive E.L. Blum's name as a respected lawyer. I wrote to him, explaining our challenge in an eviction for non-payment of rent issue. Within 30 minutes, Mr. Blum responded that he did not do eviction cases, BUT he gave me an email address that allowed me to view By Area lawyers who do handle eviction cases, and at Mr. Blum's suggestion and guidance, I was able to check out Oakland lawyers both by peer review and reviews by customers. Mr. Blum's response and suggestions have been much appreciated, and shows what a good lawyer he is - no wonder he is held in such high esteem. (Now if only he handled eviction cases......) Thanks, Mr. Blum
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18 Nov, 2014 by Scott
Ed was referred to me via one of the best real estate agents in Sonoma County, Peg King. I tried to find someone in Sonoma County, but I was not impressed with the referrals. Ed turned out to be a great find. He was straight forward, helped me with selling my house to my tenant. I was impressed with how quickly he responded to my questions and promptly stepped me through the process. Best of all, his billing made sense without trying to rack up the bill. The transaction was completed quickly and at a fair cost.
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11 Oct, 2013 by Paul
We needed an attorney in the bay area for a real estate matter, but don't live there so we were unsure where to turn. We received a very positive referral from someone in the area to Ed. From the beginning he was very professional and attentive. Phone calls and emails were always returned quicker than expected. He was also VERY knowledgeable on the law relating to the issues involved in the dispute - hours of research were not necessary, which we really appreciated. He gave sound, objective advice and was very fair with his billing practices. I would absolutely reach out to Ed should I need further representation in the bay area in the future. Thank you Ed.
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01 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
After a relationship ended, I found myself in litigation -- a situation I would not willingly choose. Dividing property became impossible when my former partner adopted an extreme position and doubled down on it. Sunena helped me defend myself through many steps of the legal process. Over time, both the facts and the law came out. Although the adversarial nature of the legal system made that a slow and painful process, and I felt overburdened at times, at heart I felt confident because I had a good lawyer and the truth on my side. Sunena is very busy, but knew how best to employ her time and skill to resolve the matter, and where to place both our energy. She understood my situation, the outcome I needed, and demonstrated when it counted that her commitment to advocacy, safety and integrity on behalf of her clients is real. On top of that, she's a fun and interesting person with fighting spirit. In the end, Sunena was able to avoid trial and achieve a financial outcome for me that was significantly more than I originally envisioned. Given the circumstances, that felt very just, and I am grateful.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Reet m singh
A close friend of mine hired Sunena in his divorce case. He was highly impressed by her Honesty, Ethics, Hard work and Professionalism. Very few attorneys are respected the way she gets respect from her clients.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Donald
I am currently represented by Sunena in a family law matter and I am extremely impressed with her substantive knowledge, strategic ability and the deep compassion that she holds for her clients. Although Sunena is extremely busy, she somehow manages to make sure she is on top of all things related to her client's cases. Moreover, I appreciate the fact that she definitely tries to address issues with honey, before vinegar, so to say, which is extremely helpful given the naturally contentious nature of family law. Without reservation, I would recommend Sunena for any family law matter in the Bay Area counties. I am currently represented by Sunena and I've been extremely happy with her work. I am also an attorney and I can professionally attest to the quality of her legal skills and knowledge, as well as her high level of compassion and care that she has for her clients. I strongly recommend her.
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15 Nov, 2019 by Exceptionally satisfied client
My son and I had initially retained David Tchack's legal services to defend against an unlawful detainer filed by my son's landlord. After David successfully resolved the unlawful detainer, he represented my son in filing an affirmative civil lawsuit against the landlord. David tirelessly fought for my son's tenant rights and protections and ultimately achieved a favorable outcome for him. David applied his arsenal of knowledge, skills and expertise to meticulously build an airtight case. His brilliant writing talents enabled him to carefully craft his arguments while citing pertinent laws. As a strategic thinker, he anticipated the other party's tactics in order to plan an appropriate course of action to move the case forward. David is an exceptional lawyer through and through. He maintained the highest level of professionalism and ethics and always had my son's best interest at heart. I appreciated his open and honest communication and his ability to view the case through a lense of optimism, while also confronting reality. If we were to ever find ourselves in a legal bind in the future (knocking on wood), I would definitely seek his counsel again. He is the attorney you definitely want to have fighting for you.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
David provided brilliant, thorough legal counsel and he did it with our best interests in mind at all times. He was our advocate through all of the stresses and victories and displayed unimpeachable ethical standards, as well. Most importantly, he fought smart, fought hard, and won for us. I have already recommended him to multiple people and will continue to do so at every opportunity.
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09 Apr, 2017 by Christine
David is a caring bilingual/intelligent attorney who has the drive to put together very complex legal docs in short amt of time w/ care. He understands complex legal issues and gives you the best defense. I will use him again and again for landlord/tenant issues in Civil Court and appeals. I am so thrilled that I was referred to him to fulfill our legal needs!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Guilherme sttellet
I first worked with Cara Jobson when she helped me successfully obtain asylum, and I’m back now to update my review with more good news: I just received my green card, asylum-based, in the mail! I arrived in this country facing many challenges, but Cara gave me hope from the moment she accepted my case. Throughout the entire process, I never felt alone, and she provided me with unwavering support. If you’re reading this and searching for an immigration lawyer, Cara Jobson is absolutely the one you want by your side. Thank you Cara, for everything!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Shinwari sab
One of the best lawyer keep it up
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24 Jul, 2024 by Kendrick garcía dirkzwager
Cara Jobson is an extraordinary immigration attorney. My wife and I were facing a complex situation involving our asylum case. From the beginning, Cara was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and responsive. Her compassion and professionalism made an immense difference during a stressful time. Thanks to her expertise, I was granted asylum, and she successfully guided me and my wife through the process of obtaining a green card and travel document. I am eternally grateful for her guidance and support.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Guilherme sttellet
I first worked with Cara Jobson when she helped me successfully obtain asylum, and I’m back now to update my review with more good news: I just received my green card, asylum-based, in the mail! I arrived in this country facing many challenges, but Cara gave me hope from the moment she accepted my case. Throughout the entire process, I never felt alone, and she provided me with unwavering support. If you’re reading this and searching for an immigration lawyer, Cara Jobson is absolutely the one you want by your side. Thank you Cara, for everything!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Shinwari sab
One of the best lawyer keep it up
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24 Jul, 2024 by Kendrick garcía dirkzwager
Cara Jobson is an extraordinary immigration attorney. My wife and I were facing a complex situation involving our asylum case. From the beginning, Cara was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and responsive. Her compassion and professionalism made an immense difference during a stressful time. Thanks to her expertise, I was granted asylum, and she successfully guided me and my wife through the process of obtaining a green card and travel document. I am eternally grateful for her guidance and support.
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03 May, 2024 by Hyeong suk yoon
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20 Sep, 2023 by Tamara
Mr. Kim is a superb immigration lawyer. He is very detail-oriented, analytical and explains every possible scenario that may arise throughout the case. He caught couple particular details in our case that another attorney totally missed. Mr. Kim is very generous with his time and his pricing is flexible to save client's time and money. Needless to say, we sailed through the case, thanks to his attention to every little detail in the documents that we were submitting. I am very glad we found him.
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14 Jul, 2023 by Moldover
Jin was incredibly helpful throughout every step of this long and complicated process, exceeded all of our highest expectations for this kind of work. His attention to detail, quick response times, and deep knowledge of this very complex and constantly shifting system are all outstanding. Before hiring him we were very dispirited by bad advice from outside sources and many complications resulting from the pandemic. With his support we are now on the other side of the whole greencard ordeal, and are leading the happy and peaceful life we have been looking forward to for so long! Thank you Jin!
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24 Apr, 2019 by Elizabeth c
This review is long overdue. I reached out to Joel in 2018 after being self represented for the majority of my divorce proceedings. I needed help with finalizing the remaining steps in my divorce. Although my divorce was initially filed in the Bay Area and had since relocated to Southern California, Joel was not only able to meet with me on short notice while on a trip there, he was also able to represent me from afar. A few months later, my divorce was finalized with no hiccups along the way. He was always pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and extremely responsive given that most of our communication was via email and sometimes even txt. I couldn’t be more thankful to him and his expertise. Joel, thanks again for helping me to close this chapter of my life. Do not hesitate to hire this attorney. If you’ve worked with Joel before, remember to leave a review as it may help someone else in need of legal representation.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Yesenia sierra
Mr.Juarez & lia Where very professional lawyers that represented us very well on a fire case that we had little to no faith in . They took care of all 6 in our family and made a fair deal to get us taken care of . His college lia is very professional highly recommend her and mr Juarez and I know I can call them and rely on them .
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31 Dec, 2021 by Raul zetino
Excelentes servicios y muy professional, tuve un caso por accidentente de transito y busque los servicios del abogado Manuel Juarez, quede muy satisfecho con sus servicios y alto conocimiento en materia legal, lo recomiendo 100% para cualquier litigacion legal no dudes en buscar su servicio.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Fidel jaimes
Manuel Juárez un abogado muy honesto Practico muy agredesi con el por la ayuda Que me brindo muchas gracias MANUEl JUÁREZ
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05 Sep, 2024 by Yves g
Imagine opening a mail from the IRS stating that you owe several thousand dollars in taxes because you did not properly report your cryptocurrency. My partner and my heart's jumped into a panic! We knew Prerna also does tax law in addition to being an excellent immigration attorney, so we reached out to them. Prerna got back to us ASAP, and helped us file an amended tax return while running up against a tight deadline from the IRS. Prerna so skillfully and patiently walked me through how to properly document my cryptocurrency, with the appropriate cost bases! About a month after filing our amended return through Prerna, we actually got a nice return on our taxes instead of owing the nightmarish several thousand dollars to the IRS. Prerna also gave us tips of what to do better for our next years tax return so we do not make the same mistakes again. I highly recommend Prerna for taxes and immigration. Their knowledge, service, attention to detail and care is unmatched!
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18 Nov, 2023 by Tania arellano correa
Prerna is hands down one of the best immigration attorneys out there!! We are so glad we chose Prerna to helps us with my immigration case. She is very professional, kind, she’s quick to respond, she knows the laws, and she’s very straightforward so everything is easy to understand. We loved working with her and we 100% recommend her firm!!!
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14 Aug, 2023 by Sunny
I live in the Chicago area, and the little time she's been helping me. It has been the most help I've had in years. She gives me hope! Thank you!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Aidan
Chris came highly recommended and did not fail to impress. In a dispute with a contentious and unstable neighbor he efficiently guided us to a good resolution that seems to have avoided unnecessary litigation.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I feel compelled to share our exceptional experience with Chris Gribble. Litigation is as difficult as I have always heard and torturously draining (emotionally, financially, etc.). It made all the difference that we could feel Chris's personal interest in all elements of our case and our well being. We valued his honesty, even if it wasn't what we wanted to hear. We were struck by his sharp intelligence and ability to think on his feet. We wanted efficiency and Chris did not waste our time or money. He is gifted in his ability to cut through the noise and stay focused on the essence. To me this is the mark of a master of his craft. At the time he worked with a large prestigious firm and I am delighted he has started his own practice where his midwestern values will shine through in the client experience. Heaven forbid we should need his services again but should we have a need Chris will be our trusted counsel.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I consider Chris to be a rare blend of an astute legal mind and an approachable, pragmatic problem solver. He is my legal representative in a case with complex legal and interpersonal issues. His approach has been thorough, analytical and meticulous. He is a skilled issues spotter and excellent legal researcher, with a clear understanding of the law and its application.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Elizabeth a. cole
I highly recommend George McNitt for legal services. He's responsive, reliable, and knowledgeable in matters related to wills and related issues. I'm especially appreciative that he accepts ARAG and responds to inquiries from those who have this legal insurance via benefits packages such as those offered in the University of California system; no one else on the list of ARAG lawyers in the East Bay area responded to me. Highly professional and a pleasure to work with his office.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Glenn clark
George got all our paperwork in order. He was generous with his time and charged us a very fair price
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31 Mar, 2020 by C.c. bka cotton candi ch.1o
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29 Aug, 2024 by Alltalk noaction
I wanted to share my honest opinion about my interaction with James Chanin. I called in with a Police Misconduct case and immediately while speaking I kept getting interrupted and was unable to clearly explain what happened. Mr Chanin repeatedly talked over me and then placed me on hold. Once he came back to the phone I tried to continue on with my story but it was very hard knowing that this attorney is basically telling your story for you by interrupting every sentence I made which made it very hard and confusing. The case I have is with a former Stockton police officer who robbed me off some cash. This same officer has already been found guilty and also admitted guilt in another case just last year. I was unable to relay all the facts because I was being talked over and put on hold. Mr Chanin eventually stated that he can not represent me because it’s going to take $5,000 to 10,000 to take on my case. With that said I believe that number is a bunch of bull crap because for one this case is already in the hands of the District Attorney as well as Internal Affairs. All the evidence and paperwork leading to this officers wrongdoings are available. I have been tirelessly searching for an attorney that will represent me. I had high hopes for James Chanin since I looked up his information and seen that he does handles police misconduct cases and also his mission statement says that he became an attorney to help people. He also stated that he is not satisfied until he knows that he has done everything possible to help people. He also stated that he strives to do an exemplary and professional job with minimal costs to clients and that he is not afraid to try a case. All of this I found to be not true he was definitely afraid to take on my case and he didn’t do anything to help me when he has years of experience in police misconduct cases. I am very disappointed because it seems like attorneys are looking for the dollar sign and media coverage in order to take on a case. The mission definitely is not to help people the mission is to see who has the most money in a case. Knowing that these attorneys spend years in school and working hard just to end up not helping and being the voice for the people who don’t have the help is very disheartening and disappointing.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Rashid nasim
# 1 Attorney.
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05 Jun, 2020 by Shae brewer
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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.