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20 Jun, 2024 by Tyler jones
Ms vesper was assigned to my custody case it was the most unpleasant experience I could have imagined. Guessing her law degree came through education connection.
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09 May, 2024 by Jason
She is horrendously unable to respond in the timely manner. If you need a divorce and you want it done in the timely fashion this is the worst person you could possibly choose
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08 Jan, 2024 by S w
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20 Jun, 2024 by Tyler jones
Ms vesper was assigned to my custody case it was the most unpleasant experience I could have imagined. Guessing her law degree came through education connection.
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09 May, 2024 by Jason
She is horrendously unable to respond in the timely manner. If you need a divorce and you want it done in the timely fashion this is the worst person you could possibly choose
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08 Jan, 2024 by S w
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17 Jun, 2024 by Michael nigrin
Excellent Attorney. Everything played out exactly how he described it would, in our first visit, 7 months earlier. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Highly recommend!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Jesslynn
Keith is a fabulous attorney. He knows what he’s doing, and how the court system works. He can’t give everyone exactly what they want all the time, as the end decision is the Judges (not his), but he will work hard to get the best results he can for you. He explains everything… so you understand what happens before, during and after every court appearance. He truly cares about his clients and I’m really grateful I found him. Joy is awesome too.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Holly
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25 Jul, 2021 by Prem chand
She helped me with my case for ticket on overspend. I would recommend her as used to respond promptly to my questions. Only thing is this that, bit expensive for me based on level of case. But she is professional and reliable.
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20 Jul, 2021 by Julia domiano
Amy handled a few issues for my family and was also very prompt, courteous and professional and was able to negotiate fair outcomes in all instances. I highly recommend her.
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28 May, 2021 by Marissa franklin
My experience with Amy was wonderful, she was the only public defender I’ve had out of the 3 I’ve had that has genuinely cared about me, showed empathy, compassion, and went out of her way on multiple occasions to ensure I was being treated with the highest dignity and respect through the courts. She was always incredibly responsive, supportive and encouraging for me. As a public defender, she can only do so much, I had to put in work and do my part to ensure my case could be completed & closed successfully, and even through the mistakes I would make in my time with her, she never gave up hope in me and always let me know she would help me through anything as-long as I kept trying.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Rachael
Tony was absolutely exceptional to work with throughout my divorce. From the moment I met him he immediately put my mind at ease. A divorce is never easy but he helped the process go smoothly and kept everything on track. He has extensive knowledge and was very informative. I would recommend him a million times over. Thank you again for everything you did for my children and I.
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25 Jul, 2021 by Prem chand
She helped me with my case for ticket on overspend. I would recommend her as used to respond promptly to my questions. Only thing is this that, bit expensive for me based on level of case. But she is professional and reliable.
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20 Jul, 2021 by Julia domiano
Amy handled a few issues for my family and was also very prompt, courteous and professional and was able to negotiate fair outcomes in all instances. I highly recommend her.
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27 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Jeff took our very sensitive family law case and assured us he could properly represent me, but it was clearly out of his scope . Jeff doesn't make clients a priority, never communicated and would get upset when I called him. He made a bad experience absolutely horrible, best yet in 2 months not one thing got resolved, besides a lunch with the opposing attorney. Thank god for Bob Vario, resolved our issue to a favorable outcome and at a reasonable and more than worthwhile price.
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31 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Jeff seems to be a very worked up individual. I don't know if he has too many cases to deal with or just does not work well under pressure. Jeff seems to be knowledgeable enough in the field, but he did not work well with me as a client. He wouldn't respond when I needed him, but if he needed something he would call and scream over the phone that he needed me to do something that very minute. For these reasons I was assigned to another attorney, but after that attorney left the firm I was stuck again with Jeff. Jeff never told me that he left the firm as well months later and he was still treating me like his client. After his old firm notified me of this we ceased all communication with him for good. Would never want someone who is seeking real help to go through this and therefore he is getting a poor review.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I had some legal issues and was recommended to Jeffery. He handled everything on a timely matter and was very thorough. I would strongly recommend his services.
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02 Apr, 2014 by Michael-cheektowaga, ny
I have had the need to work with Harvey Siegel numerous times over several years and he has immensely helped myself, my friends and my family. Harvey has always been up-front, honest, sincere, compassionate and genuinely concerned for my interests. I have used Harvey for my Divorce, Child Custody matters, and several other issues. I highly recommend this attorney if you are looking for excellent, down-to-earth legal representation by an experienced attorney who will respect your legal expenditures while fiercely and passionately addressing your concerns.
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02 Apr, 2014 by Michelle-lancaster, ny
I was referred by a friend to see Harvey Siegel following a DWI charge. I was going through a hard time in life and made a bad decision to drive after having some cocktails with friends. I found this attorney very knowledgeable, honest and responsive to my needs. He walked me through this disaster I created, represented me fairly and worked with the courts passionately to come to a resolution that I could live with. I would have made out much worse had I not had his help!
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22 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Harvey became very unresponsive in the first few months of my case. he didn't do a lot of the work which was left for me to do and in the end I received an extraordinary bill. For months at a time I would not know what was going on with my case and when I'd ask for an update, I would not get a response as well. In the end, all of the things that I originally wanted changed in my custody agreement had not been addressed or resolved. Very overpriced for the quality of service he offers.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jimmy santos
I have no idea what happened I was called in sat down and this lady without hesitation tells me that a judge don't care the new laws don't help tenants. I'm being evicted because I refuse to do yard work for free after 15 years so he wants me out. I refused the eviction notice what is happening
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03 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth reger
This attorney office is God awful. They support the other side and are against low income individuals. They are obviously an organization that supports the real estate market and contributes to putting people on benefits in the street. Sharon, a lawyer there lied and said Good Cause Eviction Law wasn't good across NYS and went against Assemblyman Pat Burke's office. I called to make sure my illegal, discriminatory eviction case was closed, and at first told me it was closed, then proceeded to give me 5 outcomes and go against Pat Burke's office and NYS Division of Human Rights Bronx, NY. She then told me I supposedly had no understanding of the Good Cause Eviction Law. Sharon ought to be fired and get a job at something she is good at, not law.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Jean klimczyk
Best landlord/tenant defense. My problems started when I was admitted to the hospitsl for six
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04 Sep, 2024 by Michael davidson
This firm makes the impossible possible
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12 Sep, 2023 by Tim m
Erin Bahn was a pleasure to work with in regards to my US citizenship needs. She was extremely clear on what to expect, very thorough with the information she provided and was extremely friendly. I've dealt with many law firms in the past and my experience with Erin and Kavinoky Cook really stood out and deserved to be shared👌 Thank you Erin!
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01 Aug, 2021 by Linda ferraro
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04 Sep, 2024 by Michael davidson
This firm makes the impossible possible
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12 Sep, 2023 by Tim m
Erin Bahn was a pleasure to work with in regards to my US citizenship needs. She was extremely clear on what to expect, very thorough with the information she provided and was extremely friendly. I've dealt with many law firms in the past and my experience with Erin and Kavinoky Cook really stood out and deserved to be shared👌 Thank you Erin!
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01 Aug, 2021 by Linda ferraro
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02 May, 2024 by Scott wilcox
I have worked a very complex case with this firm (and Hogan-Willig before it) for over a decade. The case had it is ups and down but throughout it I was impressed by the professionalism and care that they showed me as a client. As the case draws to a close, I wanted to leave a review to say I would definitely recommend them and the staff to others and say thank you for sticking with me.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Ciji vandyke
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31 Jul, 2023 by R gh
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02 May, 2024 by Scott wilcox
I have worked a very complex case with this firm (and Hogan-Willig before it) for over a decade. The case had it is ups and down but throughout it I was impressed by the professionalism and care that they showed me as a client. As the case draws to a close, I wanted to leave a review to say I would definitely recommend them and the staff to others and say thank you for sticking with me.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Ciji vandyke
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31 Jul, 2023 by R gh
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14 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Daria Pratcher is unfortunately extremely rude. She does not like answering or explaining matters concerning your case. She has a very negative nasty/offensive attitude. No compassion or respect for clients who are patronizing her business. Talks highly disrespectful with no professionalism at all. SAD SORRY & DISSAPOINTING.
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13 Mar, 2012 by Howard, buffalo ny
Ms. Pratcher is and was a great help to me during a critical time of my life. She very thorough and conscience in her dealings with me. she handled the leg work and explained what was expected during the settling of my family's real estate, (Will) establishing guardianship and setting up of trusts of my nephews. She is well versed in what she does, and knows how to explain your specific concerns in language you can understand. She is fantastic.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
This man will literally tell you to your face he doesn't care and will do nothing to help he had to put his dog down had a mental breakdown and quit 3 hr before my court case started will not respond to calls emails or text but gets paid for it all refused to do anything I asked as an employee they work for us Could not even look sober when I seen him with a different person like did ypu shoot up in the bathroom
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19 Nov, 2015 by Jennine
I was lost on how to take care of my legal issues on my own. After presenting my case to Mr. Potenza, he was confident he could assist. He did extensive research and presented my case in the best way possible. His enthusiasm and passion for the law along with his steadfast belief that you should go in with a winning attitude, was instrumental to our success. He made sure that I had ample practice and understood the process prior to my hearing date. It was because of him that we won our case! I will forever be grateful for everything he did for me!
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26 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Told me about some of her personal ethics in more personal conversation, which was weird to begin with. Seemed like she needed to vent, and I didn't think it was appropriate to vent with a client. . At first I laughed it off, tried not to take it seriously, but the more I thought about, the more of an ethical boundary it seemed she crossed. She did okay on my case, but I seriously question her personal ethics.
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10 Jan, 2023 by Shaun
Reading the other 3 reviews honestly made me sad. We are all human after all... and she obvious has issues just like all of us... And while she personally could relate to my case do to a family member... I cant help but feel let down with the results we had. I had to advocate for myself... and thank god I held my ground. She was ready to plea for something that would have cost me a year of my life... Instead... She asked the judge for what I wanted... and the Judge approved the conditional discharge. What bothers me the most is I had 2 charges... and the one she told me to keep (cuz 1 was throw away) Has cost me several job opportunities... That the other charge wouldnt have. I literally was Hired and fired due to the choice of taking the 1 Misdemeanor. And while it was hard to get a hold of her... I think she did care but maybe had too much on her plate. This was also in 2014, so maybe things are better now. I wouldnt say dont go to her, I think she really does carel But you need to gage it for yourself. Remember, most ppl dont post positive reviews, they only post when they are really upset.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
after representing me in a case she told me how she promised to fight for me and counter sue and how she would make the other side pay for all the damage they had done, but after doing the bare minimum she never returned my phone call after wards and then told me i was harrasing her because i called several months later to get an update.... DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH HER GET YOUR SELF A FREE LAWYER WHO WILL DO MORE THEN HER
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10 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Gail does the bare minimum as a laywer. She can not even return a simple phone. I've been working with her for 6 months now. There has been no improvement in my family court case. Its like it went stagnant. Do NOT waste your money. Your child's life is on the line and Gail will not fight for you.
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24 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
I used Sam Puleo when I was in the process of purchasing my first home. He was absolutely amazing when everything first started. Once the loan fell through and Sam realized he could have possibly not made any money, he started ignoring me. I still have deposit money that I put in an escrow account as downpayment on the home. The mortgage fell through and I still haven't received ANY of my money back. The attorneys are supposed to be there to help EXACTLY for situations like this. He even bluntly said to me "You, know I'm not making any money off this". I told him I'd pay him for his services and any other costs if he would just help me get my deposit money back- which he should've done anyway. I can't review how knowledgeable he is. I am sure he is a very smart successful man. But this is certainly a big judge of character. I don't recommend Sam Puleo to anyone. He went from being available at all times, to never being "in the office" or having a day off everyday of the week for 3 months? I don't think so. It's been 9 months now and I have still no word on my deposit money. OH!- He did give me the contact information for the seller's attorney and said I was more than welcome to call them myself...
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29 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired John to represent me in my divorce. He seemed very good at the beginning but after many court dates and repeated calls and unreturned phone calls I came to realize this guy was just telling me what I wanted to hear. He didn’t follow through on anything he said he would do and did the bare minimum to protect me and my children. Do yourself the favor and hire the attorney that costs a little more and doesn’t have their own problems to deal with.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Minimum effort, hour padding, waste of time. I regret ever dealing with this attorney. Easy payday for him as nothing was really accomplished.
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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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