Lawyers map
>95
experienced lawyers
Filter by
15 May, 2024 by Ryan halvorson
4 years ago I was facing serious consequences for an incident that changed the course of my career and life. Thanks to Gary Barthel and his team, he helped fight for me to get a better outcome and navigate the process to be able to complete the court requirements to reduce the punishment and ultimately expunge my record. If you're active duty or a veteran in any kind of trouble with civilian or military law I would recommend getting in touch with military law center.
Read more
06 Oct, 2021 by Andy
I am a combat veteran, with 10 years of service. In the fall of 2020, I received a call from the Public Defender’s office asking me if I was going to use their services. I told her that she must have the wrong number. She confirmed that she in fact had the correct number. She went on to tell me I was being indicted on two felony counts for attempting to exercise my 2nd Amendment right to purchase a shotgun. I thought, “This is some kind of joke.” It was not.
In the summer of 2016, I was taken to a hospital by the police for an alcohol related incident. Prior to leaving the hospital for home, I apparently signed a document acknowledging that I could not purchase a firearm for 5 years. I don’t remember this or really anything about that night.
After becoming sober, four years later in December 2019, I attempted to purchase a shotgun so I could teach my son to shoot. On the 7th day of the 10-day waiting period I received a phone call that the gun store could not release the weapon to me. I didn’t know why. Two months later I was contacted by an investigator asking why I tried to purchase a gun. “You are barred from owning a firearm” he said. This was news to me. He explained that almost four years earlier I was given what’s called a 5150. This means that a doctor had determined that I am a danger to myself and others. I don’t remember ever hearing those words from a doctor.
I was given a public defender who, in my opinion, did nothing but try to intimidate me into taking the prosecutor’s deal. I refused because I honestly did not know that I was a barred person and was willing to fight for my 2nd amendment right, even if that meant I might become a convicted felon. It seemed like the DA’s office and the public defender both just wanted me to go away. I was getting irritated with the way the whole situation was developing.
Finally, I was fed up. I started asking around for any effective attorneys who truly believed in our constitutional rights and that wouldn’t try to extend the case in order to increase their bill. A veteran neighbor suggested Attorney Gary Barthel at the Military Law Center. Mr. Barthel is a veteran himself and so I felt he could understand the nuance of this case. What he discovered blew my mind.
After retaining Mr. Barthel, he immediately started to examine the evidence and determined the 5150 determination, that I was threat to myself or others, was not properly assessed in accordance with California law. Additionally, Mr. Barthel also determined I was denied a required hearing to appeal California’s 5-year ban to purchase a weapon. Based upon the results of his investigation, Mr. Barthel was able to convince the District Attorney’s office to dismiss the charges.
It took Mr. Barthel only a few months to get all charges dropped. Attorneys are expensive so it is important to find one that is efficient. Mr. Barthel was able to win the case and since it was done so quickly, my total bill was very reasonable. I was also refunded the unused portion of the retainer. I don’t plan on ever needing a criminal defense attorney again, but if I do, I’m calling Gary Barthel. He is very competent, and I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
16 Jun, 2021 by Kevin green
Smart guys & great results! Nick & Gary solved couple year old 'problem' I'd gotten into in Riverside- THANKS
Read more
21 Feb, 2024 by Kirk edwards
31 Jan, 2024 by Oanh edwards
Lauren's services were beyond excellent! We couldn't be happier. Not only is she an ultra professional, knowledgeable, efficient and responsive attorney but she is also kind, considerate, thoughtful and patient. She made us feel at ease and made the whole process of filing adoption paperwork easy to follow and execute. She is trustworthy and you can tell she genuinely loves what she does. We highly recommend Lauren to anyone who is looking for a trustworthy, professional, experienced and caring adoption attorney. We felt like she took care of us as if we were family. She even had a personalized gift made for our son after the adoption was finalized! We're grateful for her top-notch services.
Read more
27 Jan, 2024 by Jim harris
Danielle helped us with our new wills, setting up a new trust, medical directives, and powers of attorney. She even set up a pet trust so that our cat would be taken care of if something happened to both of us.
From our first meeting she was courteous and professional, listening to our concerns and answering our questions. She walked us through all the information we would need to gather, and made everything as painless and easy as possible. I especially appreciated her flexibility and patience with our complicated work schedules.
Highly recommended!
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Matthew goss
Great experience working with Attorney Bryan Nel. He was in communication with me since day one until conviction, which lasted over a year. I had no idea what to expect and was facing jail time. Bryan was able to get me off on CPAC with no jail time. Highly recommend, thank you for your help!
Read more
16 Oct, 2023 by River sprecher
Absolutely fantastic work from Attorney Bryan Nel. He was assigned to my case and without hesitation he made a great defense. His calm & Professional demeanor kept me calm throughout the entire process as the Superior Courts DA tried To railroad me after offering a Horrible deal. I took his advice & trusted him and At pretrial Both Felony cases were dismissed thanks to him, his attention to detail and His Aggressive Cross examination Techniques. He not only save a man but save a family! Thank you So much!
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Alejandro perez
Very helpful and communicative!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth skomski
Ryan is a very kind and experienced tax law attorney! He goes out of his way to be super helpful! His knowledge is invaluable!! He will explain to you everything that needs to be done while being direct and super sweet and supportive!! If you are looking for an awesome lawyer then Ryan is the one for you!
Read more
18 Oct, 2023 by Falcone klimpt
Called this office and had the worst service. Would not recommend. The person on the phone gave me such attitude! Will take my business elsewhere.
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Helen larkin
Ryan was very helpful, knowledgeable, and comforting in that “rip off the bandaid quickly” kind of way. In a scary and uncomfortable situation, he let us know our options and what he would advise. I know that for any future tax issues, or if my friends and family need a recommendation, Ryan is the best person I can think of.
Read more
22 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I was shocked when Svetlana couture took things that happened and put an extreme spin on them in order to completely win over my ex during our custody battle. Thank goodness I have a moral compass and knew that I was the most fit parent and her illegal practices were entirely WRONG, EXTREME, and completely not illegal. So if your looking to lie in court, hurt your children, and have someone completely defame your ex in a custody case she is the lawyer for you.
Read more
04 Sep, 2015 by Lisa
Svetlana is a great lawyer! She helped me get through a messy and lengthy custody battle. Her dedication to serving children is estounding! She comprehends finer points of such battle and her solutions are always focused on the best interests of the child. I hope I don't need her help again, but if I do - she is the one to call!
Read more
03 Dec, 2014 by Dana
Svetlana gave me excellent advice and helped resolve a situation that could have become complicated, messy and expensive. She is a no-nonsense lawyer and is truly on her client's side. Highly recommend talking to her before you decide to engage a 'firm'. You'll save yourself thousands!
Read more
22 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
This clown works for his daddy and sues and goes after anyone that rents an airstream from the family company (Roam & Board). They also sue for bad Yelp reviews. They claim the same damages over and over with every renter no matter what. We have a group of us that have come together and we are currently putting together evidence and a plan to expose them for bad business practices and strip this clown of his law license.
Read more
09 May, 2016 by Allisa
I cannot say enough good things about Bruno. My first experience, he took a completely botched personal bankruptcy and for a fraction of the cost I had already paid to the "high-powered" BK attorney...who messed everything up.....Bruno was able to fix it, file it, and get my BK cleared. My second encounter with Bruno was even better. Out of the goodness of his heart, he assisted me in fighting a wrongful termination lawsuit when the attorneys attempted to re-open my BK in order to get out of paying the settlement. Not only did he work tirelessly to fight the incompetency of the employment attorneys, he was able to get me a small settlement...of which he took less than his costs as compensation. I consider Bruno a friend and a champion of the underdog who is not afraid to fight other attorneys. I would recommend him without hesitation to ANYONE who is faced with a BK or foreclosure. I cannot thank him enough for what he did for me and my family! It's just too bad he isn't licensed in Nevada where I now live!!!! There needs to be more Bruno's in the legal profession.
Read more
03 Nov, 2015 by Michael
My wife & I wanted to take the time to say that if you are looking for a very thorough and excellent lawyer in San Diego county then look no further than attorney Bruno Flores. My wife & I were very stressed out with debt and garnishments and we were in need of a bankruptcy attorney. After speaking with many different lawyers, some of them made us feel belittled due to our circumstances but attorney Bruno Flores had such professionalism and made us feel comfortable from the moment we spoke with him. Attorney Bruno Flores really takes an awesome "human approach" to his legal profession which will make you not only feel confident that your case will be handled perfectly, but also takes away a lot of stress that you may be experiencing. I could go on and on however bottom line is that this is by far the most efficient, professional lawyer that gets the job done right. By the way, during the meeting of the creditors I witnessed many cases not getting confirmed due to the clients lawyers seemingly appearing unprepared to answer the most common questions any trustee would ask and this is where Attorney Bruno Flores shines in that not only did I receive confirmation without any hiccups, he was prepared to resolve any potential questions the trustee had regarding the case. Clearly, the most thorough and well prepared lawyer in the court room on the day I went to court, and I could just sense others looking at my attorney as if they were thinking to themselves, gosh how come my lawyer isn't that good.
Read more
16 Sep, 2010 by Terence
Ms. Howe handled my case in Stanley Prowse's office. Stationeries, taking calls, reading e-mails, writing e-mails, taking phone calls from other parties, photocopies, discussing billing questions, transferring of case to another staff member, etc. Anything and everything that required human activity was billed to me. I engaged them for a partition of a property co-owned with my aunt Annie Yeo (Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA). The amount sought was $16k. The legal cost was $16k. In short, my net return was zero. Her rate was $225/hour. She billed 6 minutes for reading an e-mail, costing $22. Multiply that by number of e-mails over the 10 months my case lasted. That alone is enough to not recommend her, or at least for as long as she's in his office. You can find other attorneys that can provide quality service at lower costs.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
