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28 Dec, 2023 by Michael
I had the pleasure of working with Nina for my family's estate planning needs. I was very happy with her level of knowledge and commitment to help me every step of the way. She was always responsive any time I reached out, that was a very important element to me as a client
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05 Dec, 2022 by Lois
I retained Ms. Khaimova to represent me, she showed compassion and great communication skills always returning my calls, text, or answering emails. Ms. khaimova was willing to listen to my problem and was honest in giving me excellent advice which is why I moved forward with her handling my case. She not only listens but takes the time to do the research involved and paid attention to detail in her correspondence, always letting me review before it was sent out. She was upfront, very professional and itemized everything to my satisfaction. I would not hesitate to recommend or use her again.
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21 May, 2019 by Marc
I have worked with Brad and his firm on multiple occasions on various matters related to commercial real estate. All matters were always handled professionally and fees were always what they communicated and no hidden surprises. What I liked most was when they were unfamiliar about anything they were upfront and communicated they would need to research the topic, not pretending to be an expert on everything. He took the time to explain issues so I understood them. I really appreciated the honesty. I would highly recommend the firm.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Richard
Unresponsible ? to mean he showed up to a hearing for a summary judgement motion telling me it was an inconsequential hearing and would not change my chances of prevailing. More than just being unprepared , he had not been assigned to my case, I had never seen him before and he and knew nothing about it. But through
his actions he did more for the other side than he did for me. He refused to look at any case changing documents, refused to hear anything I had to say, refused to honor my request to postpone the hearing, and plunged forward with cookbook defense while completely missing the critical details. Then he had audacity to blame me for his incompetence .It was as if he was being aid by the other side to loose the case, as it would be hard to be more incompetent than he was. But according to a A large number of reviews on line, and I believe a majority of on line reviews, state that the entire law firm he works for, Zelenitz+Shapiro et al, consistently demonstrates a lack integrity, responsibility, and ethical standards, and prefers to fleece the client of their money than actually trying to win a case, as evidenced by taking my money, and for an entire year, never even assigning an attorney to my case, refusing to review huge amount of supporting evidence I have, talking with my prior attorney who documented bad faith, never spoke with any of us to find out what happened and other critical details, never provide. d any statement of expenses for doing noting, misrepresenting a critical hearing as being inconsequential and discouraging me from attending, not talking to the prior attorney who documented the bad faith of the opposing side, never speaking with us or anyone who was actually involved in the case, and instead using a cookbook generic approach that was not appropriate in our case. They refused my offer to not point the finger at them or file complaints or hold them responsible so we could just move forward so I would not be wrongly evicted and end up on the street. That would mean requesting a re-hearing and filing a solid appeal. Instead they refused to discuss anything and dropped me like a hot potato, refusing to take my calls or answer my emails. They never provided any statement of account yet took the entire retainer. They also falsely told me there is noting I can do to correct their negligence or how to overcome it so I am not unjustly evicted. They refuse to admit they did anything wrong, when they did EVERYTHING, wrong. THE LARGE NUMBER OF ON LINE REVIEWS THAT SAY ALMOST THE SAME THINGS GO BACK TO 2O14 AND SHOW A DISTINCT PATTERN OF ABUSING CLIENTS TO TAKE THEIR MONEY AND NOT GIVE A FLYING ____ ABOUT WINING THEIR CASES.
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
