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23 Jul, 2024 by Sarah
I was in a very difficult situation where I purchased a house during the pandemic that was tenant occupied. The tenants barred me from conducting a professional inspection prior to purchase due to Covid concerns as one tenant was elderly. Against my better judgment, I purchased the house without a professional inspection and had to wait over a year after purchasing for the tenants to “feel comfortable enough” to allow an inspection. Had my insurance company not requested it, I don’t think they would have allowed it at all. Upon inspection, we discovered very extensive damage caused by negligence on the tenants part. Half of the kitchen was required to be demolished all the way down to the crawl space. After completing the work, I hired an attorney to represent me in an eviction on the basis of waste caused to the property. This attorney mishandled my case in every way imaginable. From being impossible to get ahold of, missing court deadlines, misplacing evidence, rejections of filings due to simple clerical errors, filing paperwork under my name for other cases, etc. I became so overwhelmed and ill with stress that I searched for a new attorney to substitute. I consulted with about 15 lawyers total and Tiffany Travillion was by far the best. She took on my case even though it was going to be difficult based on the errors and negligence in filings from my previous counsel. Not only was she thorough and promptly up to speed on everything, she was incredibly easy to get ahold of and really went the extra mile when she took the time to assure me, an anxious emotional mess, that she would not mishandle my case like my previous attorney. I finally had peace of mind and that meant the world. She kept me informed in real time on the status of my case and filings. She was easy to talk to and I finally felt like someone had my back. Her staff are very friendly, helpful, and efficient. We worked on this case for nearly a year and in the end, she won my case and got my house back. I was months away from having to cut my losses and sell my house at a huge loss. I can’t thank Tiffany and her team enough. I don’t know where I would be without them.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Tiffany represented my husband and I with an eviction case this year. She was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Tiffany was always responsive and made sure all our basis were covered. She has great negotiation skills which were demonstrated in court. We are glad she represented us as nothing was missed. We successfully got out property back and for that we are thankful for her and her team.
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25 Jul, 2023 by J
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for your time and professional insights. You helped solidify something in a landlord tenant matter We appreciate it
Jay
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19 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Alex is the only lawyer I trust with my injury case. I was in a small car accident and tried to handle it myself because I didn't think I needed to get a lawyer involved. After the insurance offered me $1,800 I called Alex and he took over. After 3 months he got me $50,000! Best car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, period.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Levon
I have used Alex in the past many times! I had an issue during the holidays where I wasn't sure he would be available. I sent out an email & he responded within the day. Alex helped me out right away and got everything sorted out after I got a few letters from the insurance company after my accident was settled. Knowledgeable & prompt attorney!
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21 Dec, 2023 by Mane
I got in a pretty bad accident in Burbank. I asked some friends if they knew any good attorneys nearby that I can call. From the initial conversation I had with Alex, I knew I wanted to stick with him as my attorney. He fought for my case and helped get my settlement. I’m so happy with his entire firm, thank you guys so much for doing what you do!
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19 Jun, 2023 by Rene
Mr. KS was very knowledgeable and helpful. He went above and beyond to help me with my case. I had two misdemeanor charges. He advised me on how we should fight this case. This case ended up in as a conditional dismissal. I highly recommend his services and the public defenders office.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Karo was able to help me with my case, i got pulled over after coming home from a bar because I did not have my headlights on and the officers breathalyzed me and I blew a .08 and had the car towed. I barely had anything to drink so I thought it was a little odd. But I’m so thankful I did not get a dui nor a wet and reckless!!! Thank you Karo for getting my case to a reckless driving!!! He really saved me!
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30 May, 2023 by Paulo
Mr Semerjian answered all my questions and was very detailed with everything involving my case. He really took care of me.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Dorothy page
Filing for bankruptcy was something i never thought I would have to do. I begin calling around to different firms looking for some help. I came across Kateryna Bilenka name and decided to give her a call. We spoke the same day and she explained everything to me and I decided to work with her. She was very professional and on top of the business. Whenever I had a concern, she reassured me that everything would be ok and it was. I would recommend everyone to work with the Bilenka firm.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Ang 79
We are appreciated to Avaness Law Firm for their incredible support and dedication throughout our car accident case. They were always available to answer my questions, kept me informed every step of the way, and fought hard to secure a fair settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone facing a similar situation. :)
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16 Jan, 2025 by Vince xu
If you get into an accident in Burbank, Aren is the lawyer for you! He's a dedicated and zealous advocate for his clients and I highly recommend you consult with him if you have an legal questions.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Daniel
Jonathan was very helpful assisting me navigating real estate eviction and collection rules during Covid as a new landlord inheriting tenants on a new purchase. He was very professional and fair.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Gregg
Jonathan provides top quality service. He was responsive, concise, provided explanation when needed and was easy to work with. He represented me in the sale of my home and I could not be happier with his services. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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18 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Johnathan was extremely helpful and informative throughout several months of email communications and calls regarding my case. This was a scary ordeal and he put my mind at ease while answering all of my questions. I highly recommend!
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09 Aug, 2022 by Lusine
After experiencing habitability disturbances from my downstairs neighbors for years, I was told to connect with the professionals of Block LLP. I worked closely with my attorney Monika Zadori who listened to me and captured all the minuscule incidents I experienced to properly arrange my case. Monika handled my concerns with expertise, efficiency, and most importantly…care. She was able to settle this matter in no time. Thank you Monika and team!
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05 Aug, 2022 by Nicole
I was blown away at the level of service provided by Monika Zadori. I randomly came across the firm she works at, Block LLP, when I was having legal issues with a tenant of mine. I knew during covid that landlord tenant issued were hard to resolve, but Monika took charge of my case and gave me an outcome way beyond what I was expecting. She did this while also being so communicative, caring, and thoughtful throughout the whole process. I would recommend Monika specifically to anyone dealing with these types of issues.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Kelcey
Monika Zadori is a very responsive and knowledgeable attorney. There is no issue with communication, she answers all questions in a timely manner and in a way that is easy to digest. Monika is very easy to talk to and takes her cases and clients very seriously. I would recommend anyone to work with her in the future.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Sheila
Shelley Rizzotti represented me and my nonprofit organization on a case that involves contractual, nonprofit, and animal law. She took on our case pro bono and stuck with us from beginning to end. She was very knowledgeable on the statutes pertaining to our case. She was meticulous and thorough in her research. Her letters were all skillfully written, and in the end we prevailed!
Shelley made the entire process easy for us. She assured us that she would be properly handled our case and she told us not to worry. She explained everything to us along the way. She gathered all pertinent documents and evidence; she allowed us to focus on our day-to-day operations rather than dwell on our case. This certainly lifted a huge burden off our shoulders. She gave us regular updates. She was readily available to answer any questions over the phone or by e-mail... even though she had taken on this case pro bono amid her busy schedule!
Shelley is an attorney with compassion, grit, and integrity. She is not one to take on a case if she does not fully believe there will be a positive outcome for her client(s). She will fight for her clients, and she will never back down. When she takes on a case, she comes up with a list of strategies to use to win the case. She has excellent people skills and was professional and firm in her dealings with the other party's attorney.
Overall, we are incredibly grateful to Shelley for her expertise and phenomenal help to our nonprofit organization. We highly recommend Shelley! She is by far one of the most effective lawyers we came across in the 10 years we have been in operation.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Lance
Shelley Rizzotti provided my business partner and I with excellent, detailed service. We were able to avoid a long, difficult case with her assistance. She examined and recommended points on all aspects of the case in a way that showed she was very engaged and extremely competent. She went far beyond our expectations and I am truly grateful to have found her.
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24 Jun, 2011 by Ken
I came to attorney Shelley Rizzotti with a few vague ideas about some kind of estate planning for my future. Shelley was quick to understand the uniqueness of my situation, and skillfully articulated her recommended solution in a way that would make sense to me. Shelley became my ally in developing a detailed, comprehensive, personalized estate strategy which included a trust, an advanced health care directive, a will, and a nomination of conservator. Throughout the process she was impressivley attentive to detail while courteous and patient with my questions. I have entrusted Shelley to oversee my personal legal affairs as such services may be needed. I have made this decision based on my assessment of her as a capable, diligent, compassionate professional who understands both legal and personal matters of importance to her clients.
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12 Oct, 2020 by Amit
As a victim of fraudulent Marriage, I was desperately looking for a trustworthy family lawyer to get me out of this mess. After consulting couple of other lawyers, Luisa was recommended to me by another well known immigration attorney Helen Tarokic.
Luisa was very thorough with all the required documents and information needed for a successful representation. She made sure there were no loose ends on our side and also had a back up plan ready just in case of an undesirable result.
Even during the Covid crisis and huge back log of cases, I was lucky enough to get a court date last week. Luisa briefed me thoroughly 30 mins before hearing and we were able to get a favorable decision from the Judge. Thank you Luisa!!
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04 Feb, 2025 by Wendy mashburn
A close friend recommended Scott Adrian to me after I was in a car accident that totaled my car and left both me and my husband injured. Calling him "awesome" doesn't even begin to cover it. Scott reached out to me right away and got the ball rolling on everything. He's the definition of a true professional, taking the time to thoroughly explain every detail of our situation. He made sure we received the medical care we needed and checked in with us regularly. His communication was top-notch, and he was always there when we had questions or needed advice. Scott really goes above and beyond, he truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again!
Thank you for everything you did for us, Scott!
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23 Nov, 2024 by M t
25 Oct, 2024 by Phoenix sipin
Adrian has been an incredible help in answering any and all questions. Very much appreciate all of the guidance given.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Dorothy page
Filing for bankruptcy was something i never thought I would have to do. I begin calling around to different firms looking for some help. I came across Kateryna Bilenka name and decided to give her a call. We spoke the same day and she explained everything to me and I decided to work with her. She was very professional and on top of the business. Whenever I had a concern, she reassured me that everything would be ok and it was. I would recommend everyone to work with the Bilenka firm.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Tobias rogers
Bilenka Law Firm has been a huge lifesaver for me! Kateryna has been an incredible help, perfectly explaining all options and choices. Oftentimes, I was shown choices that I wasn't aware of. Her patience and expertise on my case made me feel like it was being personally handled by someone who cares, rather than just a by-the-numbers approach. I wish I had contacted this firm earlier! I highly recommend the firm, for anyone looking for its services!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Gerardo tovar
Lerner was recommended to me by a trusted friend, and now I'll be doing the same if anyone ever asks.
About a year of different treatments to get my body close to where it was before a car accident. Lerner and his team were with me every step of the way, and at every opportunity they showed up and showed out. I leaned heavily on him and his team through the entire process and I couldn't have any more appreciation for all he has done
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25 Nov, 2015 by Howard
Over the past 15 years while owning residential multifamily and commercial property as well as being involved in multiple tech start-ups, we have engaged Mr. Morin to protect our interests. He has assisted us in extremely complicated real estate and business matters.
Mr. Morin has helped us resolve many complex legal matters throughout our long standing relationship.
His litigation skills are amazing. Mr. Morin goes at it in a very practical way, does not tell you what you want you hear but tells you what’s possible and accomplishable and methodically accomplishes it.
His real estate negotiation skills are exemplary. Again, he works from the point of view of what can be accomplished and in a very practical way goes about accomplishing it.
In the area of real estate counseling, he really excels. We have consulted on every real estate and business purchase and every contract and construction project that we have been involved in. It’s my belief that based on Mr. Morin’s guidance, we have had very few instances over the past 15 years where we needed his litigation skills and in my opinion, that’s extremely valuable to a business because any distraction, especially litigation, takes away from the productivity and growth of the business.
I have found him to be conscientious, highly competent in the subject matter, legal strategies and execution. He is upfront about what’s possible and always keeps in mind what it’s going to cost and the result you will actually get. Mr. Morin has always exceeded our expectations and made difficult situations as workable as possible.
I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of these types of services.
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08 Aug, 2015 by Steve
I am extremely pleased to have an opportunity to recommend Danny Morin to you. I have known Mr. Morin for 8 years, first as a small business Advisor, then as an Attorney, later as a Mentor, and finally as a friend. I know him well and I am confident that he will excel in any legal matter(s) that he is hired to do. I have been fortunate to have a small handful of attorneys to work with. First, patent and trademark law, then general business formation and counseling, and finally legal malpractice. Danny is one of those lawyers and assisted with the latter 2 areas. Even so, he kept a close eye on the patent process to ensure that it was proceeding as planned. He has a creative mind and when the opportunity presented itself, it was a pleasure to assist him when he represented my family in a very difficult legal matter. He is intelligent, highly capable, driven and hard working, self starter, who is fully capable of the most advanced legal challenges. Well trained and well educated, Danny is a strong attorney. His integrity is unmatched and his professionalism is outstanding. A man of character, he is honorable and forthright. He has a winning personality and an outgoing nature.
Danny’s strengths include his communication skills and his legal good judgment. As for weaknesses, in my years of observing him, I saw his weaknesses as being working too hard, caring too much, and expending too much effort.
Sincerely,
Steve
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07 Aug, 2015 by Dennis
Danny Morin was my lawyer in a highly contested real estate litigation matter. His writing, intelligence, discipline and trial skills won the day against dedicated adversaries. He is the lawyer you want in your corner.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Lennart leedu
19 Sep, 2024 by Hakobh harutyunyan
Expert in what he does, blessed to have found him.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Angelo r casillo (mr.big)
I contemplated filing for bankruptcy for several months. I did my research and read many testimonials from various law firms including those pf Mark’s former clients. I had a good feeling about Mark and made the decision to schedule my appointment for the free 30 minute consulation. By there end of the consultation, I knew I had made the right choice and felt I was in very good hands.
His communication was always clear and easy to understand. I provided Mark with all the requested documentation and completed the required forms. In turn, Mark was able to present my case in the best possible light and we received a successful Discharge of Debtor within six months from the date I retained his services.
Mark is truly a master of his craft.
Angelo CasilloI
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02 Oct, 2024 by Lennart leedu
19 Sep, 2024 by Hakobh harutyunyan
Expert in what he does, blessed to have found him.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Angelo r casillo (mr.big)
I contemplated filing for bankruptcy for several months. I did my research and read many testimonials from various law firms including those pf Mark’s former clients. I had a good feeling about Mark and made the decision to schedule my appointment for the free 30 minute consulation. By there end of the consultation, I knew I had made the right choice and felt I was in very good hands.
His communication was always clear and easy to understand. I provided Mark with all the requested documentation and completed the required forms. In turn, Mark was able to present my case in the best possible light and we received a successful Discharge of Debtor within six months from the date I retained his services.
Mark is truly a master of his craft.
Angelo CasilloI
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02 Oct, 2024 by Lennart leedu
19 Sep, 2024 by Hakobh harutyunyan
Expert in what he does, blessed to have found him.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Angelo r casillo (mr.big)
I contemplated filing for bankruptcy for several months. I did my research and read many testimonials from various law firms including those pf Mark’s former clients. I had a good feeling about Mark and made the decision to schedule my appointment for the free 30 minute consulation. By there end of the consultation, I knew I had made the right choice and felt I was in very good hands.
His communication was always clear and easy to understand. I provided Mark with all the requested documentation and completed the required forms. In turn, Mark was able to present my case in the best possible light and we received a successful Discharge of Debtor within six months from the date I retained his services.
Mark is truly a master of his craft.
Angelo CasilloI
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23 Jun, 2024 by David brown
Helped me out for a couple hundred bucks and got out the case of court really professionally done
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23 Jun, 2024 by Eduardo marcos
Dennis is a superstar. Excellent and professional service. Prompt resolution and we won!!!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Maddy mccollum
25 Jun, 2021 by Jessica
This lawyer needs to be cloned. He is one of the most humble and down to earth lawyers. He knows the law in and out and FIGHTS. He treats his clients as i was in a respectable manner never talks down as some lawyers have an arrogance. He is rare. Amazing bedside manner and fights for justice tooth and nail for what you deserve
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04 Jan, 2013 by Jose
He is very Knowledgeable and has helped me. He got me the policy limit and I am thankful for his professional conduct.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Lili
I consulted Ms Edessa George about Tenant-Landlord issues. Conflict of interest because we've known each other practically our whole lives prevented our working together. I think she is wize to keep boundaries around her private and professionalal lives.
She's highly ethical, honest , smart as all get-out, efficient and kind hearted.
She referred me to another atty and he was amazing.
If you own rental property in the L.A. area, and you have some irresponsible tenants, Ms George will work with you and tenant if you want or if you prefer to evict (rental agreement violations e.g., slow pay, no pay, moving in additional.people etc.) Ms George Is who you want to protect your property.
Additionally. myriad laws (and judges) are pro-tenant. All LLs need to follow eviction protocol precisely. A small deviation from the rules can potentially put LLs in situations where tenants work the system gaining months of free rent. I
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27 Apr, 2018 by Judy
James G. Morris and his team at the Burbank Firm, L.C. are not only professional, they are exceptional. They can be relied on in the most difficult of times. My husband and I needed assistance with our estate plan, they listened, were caring and went out of their way to provide expert advice and get our estate plan in order in an expedited manner. We made the perfect choice. Thank you The Burbank Firm, L.C.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Asma assoumane
18 Oct, 2024 by Angeltm
05 Oct, 2024 by Blake tanner
I love i accident lawyer they helped me so much
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21 Dec, 2024 by Mike t.
THANK YOU ANTN LAW.
Thanks to Arpine and her professional team. One of the best law firm. They handled my case so professional that I was surprised.
Definitely will recommend to whoever asks.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Армен назарян
I had ANTN LAW handle my case and it was an overall great experience! Outstanding service, friendly staff, and very professional. I would definitely recommend to my friends and family.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Arsen shakaryan
Great service. Easy to contact, which is my biggest pet peeve. Thank you again ANTN LAW
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11 Dec, 2024 by Debra ryan
Great experience. Great team of people who made my experience exceptional. Very pleased and grateful.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Mark seliga
I have to say that the team at AGMB are exceptional. They work tirelessly and I never feel I cannot reach out at anytime with anything. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to learn from them as I started a business.
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22 Oct, 2022 by Richard saperstein
I’ve worked with other law firms and business management firms and was amazed and relieved to find this level of talent on both sides at one firm. They are impeccable professionals; savvy, thoughtful, strategic. I feel lucky to have found them and plan to work with them for years to come.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie padilla
Wow!! where do i start! A GREAT attorney you can ask for! Morris is very patient and knowledgeable attorney. He will sit down and listen before saying or judging. He does it best for me as the client and wins all that’s in front of him. I recommend him to all.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Blythe frank
I give Michael Simmrin my highest recommendation. He came through for our family in a traumatic situation, and made it happen within 24 hours. It is rare to encounter someone who does exactly what he says he will do, does it with compassion, and puts all his efforts forward towards his goal. He communicated all the way through the experience, was always available to connect and gave 110% until he got the job done. He is trustworthy, kind and a superb attorney.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Steve uitz
I got a settlement when I didn't even expect a dime. I wasn't there to hear them or even see them fighting for me, but the fact that they were able to get me compensation was all that made the ultimate difference between me and my ex employer. Thanks
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05 May, 2023 by Anonymous
We hired Nick Cannon, who stated that he was a boutique law firm that worked out of his condo to handle a construction matter. Without going into all the details, we found him to be disorganized. And full of many personal excuses. We could not recommend him in good conscious to anyone for a construction matter, not even an enemy. He was not professional, etc. We had better firms to choose from and made the mistake of choosing him. It was a costly learning experience, one we will never forget.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Rc
I approached Nick Campbell for a consultation on a long standing problem with my HOA. Based on what I told him during my initial consultation he drafted problem statement and reasons that the problem should be addressed, from a legal perspective. I could not agree any less on his write up, it was so much better than how I described to him. He has written it so well that I hats off to him and signed up for his representation. During the course he kept me informed about the proceedings and suggested likely options. I never felt he was trying to just make money out of a case (as another review described, it feels like Nick Campbell earns his money from his work). Nick Campbell was always actively looking and informing about my options. On a few occasions, I wished he was more responsive or took out time on my case, perhaps that would be at the cost of other cases. Nevertheless, I was happy that he at least kept me informed. We settled the case once HOA responded positively to solve the issue I have been having.
From my experience, I feel like he is capable of being a very good mediator and/or a judge, because he understands the problem, and takes multiple perspectives before finding a solution. His representation of the problem is so true that you get more than half way to the solution.
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24 Mar, 2012 by Vickie
We were in a difficult situation since our case was based upon faulty construction due to worker negligence. In addition, we had a project that involved not only the pool itself, but the surrounding hardscape. We also had to deal with the fact that our contractor and the two "subcontractors" were also at odds with one another. We needed numerous "experts" for the pool infrastructure, the gunite, soils reports, etc. On top of that, Mr. Campbell was at odds with his partner as to how to best proceed with our case and ended up leaving that firm and starting his own. We stuck with Nick and long story short, we were able to settle with all three parties, recoup our expenses and get our pool fixed.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Tom is absolutely incredible in every way he helped me through my cases
1000000% recommend
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23 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Very bad advocate..he would lie about been in San Diego, he would assure you have a case, he would actually wait till the last minute to force to unfavorable settle and use methods of coercion, like threatening to withdraw from a case right before going to trial and actually would say that once the opposite party/Attorney finds out he withdraws from your case, you will lose your case and will need up owig money to opposite party....very bad lawyer that only does things for heis own benefit...Judas for my opinion.
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17 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Tom was the first person who listened to me when I knew my previous lawyer had messed things up. He helped me with my claim and even though the other lawyer denied everything, I got a good settlement
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16 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Better to consult and use other attorney in the area, since they offer a free consultation first and more honest on how much they will exactly charge you. John Gerro is good on winning you as a client, but then after you paid him there is no follow up or no result at all. Full of promises that he will help you from the beginning, but after he just tell you that he wants to charge more. He even sent me another bill when I called his office to follow up. I was so disappointed because the only email that I got from him is a mistake email that he is suppose to send to another client. I will not recommend him at all.
I consulted with 2 other lawyers and they gave me a free consultation first and told me exactly what will be the pros and cons of the case before you pay them, when they can do the job and how much is the cost of it before hand and most of all they will tell you other suggestions and they know what they were doing beforehand.
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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:
-
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.
