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28 May, 2022 by Fumi
I had an initial consultation with Maile. She was very polite, attentive, and not judgmental. Her explanation was easy to understand and the strategy that she suggested was straight-forward. I believe that she is a very good lawyer.
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18 Apr, 2022 by Stacey
Maile provided great counsel through an eviction matter with a difficult tenant. She and her team also prepared a very thorough lease document at a fair price. Maile had up to date knowledge of tenant law and will be my go to for any landlord/tenant legal matters from now on.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Bryna
Maile Kobayashi was extremely helpful on a tight turnaround. She is attentive, knowledgable and dedicated to receiving the best outcomes for her clients.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Roger
It's been awhile since I used his service, but I am very pleased with the results. It's difficult to explain, but for the short story, my identity was "stolen" by a debt collector by adding my name name as an "alias". This was all done without my knowledge. You see, I was in the middle of getting my house refinanced through the Home Affordability Act. I was going through a very rough time time due to disability and the mortgage company was on the side pushing for Fore Closure. As a result I was keeping very close tabs of my credit history making sure I was aware of everything possible. During this time I had received notification of some negative information on my credit report. Knowing I have been working very hard to get back on my feet I was sure all of my payments were on time, etc. so I got concerned about maybe some foreclosure event taking place. I went to Adams County web site and checked public records on myself just to see what was or wasn't in there. I was shocked what I found next. There was a judgement listed under my name, and my name was listed as an alias. Went down to Adams County to find out what the heck was going on only to be detained (without choice) because there was an arrest warrant and my name was listed as an alias. After embarrassing the deputies when the ran my fingerprints through CBI, I was released and given copies of the case for which this all happened. After careful review I found a sleazy debt collected had basically convinced himself and then Adams County Court that my name should be added as an alias to a debt collection. Well I was upset to say the least. After trying to address this on my own first it was apparent that I needed help. I had contacted Marks office and explained my situation. Mark was very generous in coming to my home and listening to my situation. Mark attempted to resolve issue out of court first, however as one might expect we ended up in filing for action. Once that was done, things were very different. Mark was able to keep me calm while handling the case. I'm not real easy to deal with when I'm upset, my emotion gets in the way of clear thinking. Mark was able to navigate through the process to a clear resolution. Mark was very gracious in understanding my financial situation and worked out a payment plan so I could rest at night knowing I'm being taken care and I'm not going to go bankrupt. My good name has been restored, and judgement removed! No one should have to go through this, but I'm glad Mark was around to help.
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14 Mar, 2014 by Guillermo ortiz
Mark is very passionate about helping people. I really appreciated his insightfulness and patients in the time he spent going over my situation. He was very honest and clearly cared about my best interests I felt confident with the guidance he provided me!
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28 Nov, 2016 by Mr. davis
Mr. Garlan is a remarkable lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients and is affordable!! I (unfortunately) had to use him twice in one calendar year, very stressful time and he put my wife and I at ease. He deeply cared about my case, he cares about me as a person and how I was handling it all. Both times he was completely invested in my case, was easily accessible anytime of day and responded quickly. He was aggressive and got the results in our favor. Thank you Michael for your compassion!!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Urban sanctuary
Attorney Matt Athey was incredibly helpful and knowledgable!
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01 Jun, 2024 by Patrick ryan
I had the pleasure of representation from J, B & P through a very difficult time in my family with my father being very ill and my needing to take over for his health and finances. My attorney, John Konz, was very kind, professional and effective. Good firm, good people. I am grateful for their kind expertise.
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30 Apr, 2024 by John goneau
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13 Dec, 2024 by Paula erez
I'm very appreciative of all that Bethany and Oath has provided me with, Information that I had no knowledge of. I feel a weight has lifted off me since my husband passed, knowing all is in place so my children will be fine when my time comes to join him. Thank you again for putting everything in place and giving me a peace of mind. Paula
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13 Dec, 2024 by Bruce browne
Bethany was very patient and accessible in answering all of our questions. We were instructed in options available to us in protecting our assets and our plan was tailored to our unique circumstances and wishes. Thank you, Bethany!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Bob k
Very professional and efficient experience!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Urban sanctuary
Attorney Matt Athey was incredibly helpful and knowledgable!
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01 Jun, 2024 by Patrick ryan
I had the pleasure of representation from J, B & P through a very difficult time in my family with my father being very ill and my needing to take over for his health and finances. My attorney, John Konz, was very kind, professional and effective. Good firm, good people. I am grateful for their kind expertise.
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30 Apr, 2024 by John goneau
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11 Nov, 2024 by Joshua newsom
Very easy to use website that provides a lot of information on the services provided.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Raichel cope
Great website and company has answers to all of your questions, very informative too!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Cheunglyu willis (lasette)
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11 Dec, 2024 by Hector ramirez
Great attorney help mebin my case by a lot thanks sir i will send anyone that needs a lawyer your way.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Sushil deo
Nope! Not for me.
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26 Apr, 2023 by Will strong
We used this law office to help us set up our trust , will, and durable power attorney . The process was As painless as you might hope it Could be
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17 Jan, 2024 by Delores strayer
Do not hire Bruce Danford. He is unprofessional and unethical. 1. He has billed me hundreds of dollars for items he refuses to clarify for me. 2. I had to call him to tell him the email he sent to myself and opposing counsel was blank. Then he blamed opposing counsel stating that something was wrong with his email. Well there was nothing wrong with my email and I received a blank email as well. Guess who paid for that phone call. His mistake he should pay for it. 3. He billed me once for having some papers notorized. If his wife would have been there on time there would have been no need to have a conversation with Bruce. In addition he stretched out this time by speaking to his wife about traffic. 4. He states he has made and received calls and will not clarify who these conversations were with. 5. He billed me for research but won't tell me what was researched. If an attorney needs to research anything that's not my problem you don't know what you are doing. 6. He billed me as he needed to consult with another attorney. Again not my problem if you don't know what you are doing. Again I asked for details on this by email before I fired him and he still won't respond. I don't believe he ever consulted with another attorney. 7. On one invoice he billed me 2x for the same service so watch these charges closely. 8. Bruce failed to respond to opposing councils email. After 2 weeks I called to remind him. He told me he was busy with court. I do not appreciate looking like an idiot because you won't put in overtime to respond to opposing council. Guess who paid for that as well. 9. He missed a entry on the closing documents made by opposing council that would have been put in escrow over an entirely separate matter. He called me and was pretty angry that I would not sign the closing documents. After I explained it to him he agreed. That was his job to look over the closing statement. Guess who paid for that call. 10. Bruce way overestimated some rental income that kept this case going. I explained to him several times the figure he estimated was way overinflated. This resulted in hundreds of more dollars being billed to me. 11. I had to keep calling him as he would not update me on the status of my case. I have sinced fired him and now he won't tell me if there is a court date coming up. Now I have to clean up his mess again. Due to a court technicality I have been informed the estate will not pay me any rental income. 12. He sent me a bill for $1,800 and I fired him then he credited my account $1,800.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Rosann jurestovsky
I was very happy to have Bruce Danford help me do my Name Change with Jefferson County court documents. He was very helpful and friendly.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Connie spanjer
A very pleasant experience. We were in need of an attorney that could help us with our will. He made it very easy to understand the process. We felt very comfortable in his office. He has a great sense of humor. We would highly recommend him for any of your legal needs.
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24 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
This office is not professional. Trust me when I say stay away from this attorney's office! Sure they seem to care and be professional at first but once you give them money it is a whole different story. I lost my appeal with child support. Then I said ok we can do another appeal but the attorney wrote me an a email saying I would lose and no longer be representing me because I was upset they wrote a terrible appeal in the first place! They turned in an appeal last minute to the court as well as overcharged me for telling them they forgot certain detail and to fix some grammatical errors.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Terry
In the end did not deliver on our personal injury case and was very, very slow. We needed closure and feel like Craig Johnson and associate Hank failed.
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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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