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25 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie rothbart
I can not sing enough praise of Ms. Pelesz. She wasn't just professional she was caring. I knew the law and showed each time we had an appearance and correspondence with the defense. If you are looking for a super lawyer look no further. I highly recommend her to get the job done and the results you are looking for.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Shane
I highly recommend Josh if you want to be represented by a top attorney with the experience and know how for the best outcome you can get. The saying you get what you pay for is true. You don't want a bargain basement attorney handling your case if it's important to you. He has helped me a couple of times and each time I've had very favorable outcomes. I wouldn't trust anyone else. Thank you Josh!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jessica albasi
I have been working with Josh for 6 years and he is the best attorney that I have ever done business with. Absolutely brilliant and professional.
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13 Feb, 2025 by Rich g
17 Jan, 2025 by Michael robilotta
Rick has been a tremendous help for me during a difficult time. He is truly a concerned attorney and has the best interests at heart for his clients. I would hire him for any purpose where I need legal assistance, you should too.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Angela wright
My brother and I were first introduced to Rick Cowle’s office in 2005. Over the past 20 years whenever we contacted him we found him knowledgeable, considerate, responsive, and caring, always responding quickly to my questions. I would recommend Rick and his Staff to anyone who wants a great and caring lawyer!
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14 Jan, 2015 by Carmen cabrera
I couldn't have asked for more in someone to protect my interests. Professional, professional, professional!!!!!! Not the least expensive, but the best communication and service. Seasoned real estate investor to first time home buyer. Office staff more than adequate and totally attentive. When you call they all know your file.
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09 May, 2022 by Anonymous
We retained Mr. Shilling to assist us with a Contract Litigation matter. We paid him a $2,500 retainer up-front. He was very confident and seemed knowledgeable. He even commented that the opposing party would "drop everything" once they received his letter. The problem was, he did not send a letter. He sent a simple email that we could've easily composed ourselves. No letterhead, nothing - Just a few lines on the screen, as if writing to a friend. We felt it was very unprofessional, and without effect. We went ahead and retained a different attorney to assist us with our issue. Mr. Shilling advised us that, per the retainer agreement that we signed, he was entitled to the entire retainer and was not obligated to return any of the funds. Really? That would have been somewhat understandable, had he done a substantial amount of work... but he sent an email. That's it - an email. Very unprofessional. We were shocked. and wondered if his actual practice is simply keeping retainers. After all, $2,500 is pretty good compensation for typing a few lines in the body of an email. Don't waste your time or money.
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28 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Very untrustworthy due to multiple lies that he was caught him telling. This is very unprofessional.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Dolores and john
Bill is not only a professional and the best at what he does, he is also kind and willing to bend over backwards to get the job done. I highly recommend and will use for all my future needs.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Jo da
Called on a Sunday to leave a message on answering machine not knowing it was a personal number Man was extremely rude
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29 Mar, 2024 by Nattyp3
I finally have such hope after finally speaking to a very knowledgeable lawyer where my previous lawyers were nasty rude & made my situation worse. The things he said were really amazing & actually very professional about the actual law regarding marriage custody family law etc. I look foward to getting started on a case that went horribly wrong. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to a very complicated case & addressing the key issues. I'm very confident he will turn my case around.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
He recently failed to provide a full correspondence to the attorney and he provided only part of the benefits his clients -
Be careful, what this attorney did was provide false information. He should be honest& follow the law accordingly.
I reported the incident to the board of lawyers.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Peggy
He is an awesome attorney he's the best
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19 Mar, 2024 by Robbie monteesi
Friendly, efficient, professional & reasonably priced.
Highly recommend.
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08 Feb, 2021 by Santiago perez
25 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
She answer all my questions and help me with everything.
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04 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired her under the impression she was the best. She yelled at me numerous times and would forget facts and seemed to never be prepared. She is not horrible but she has a unprofessional manner and I decided to fire her and go with another attorney.
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01 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Terrible attorney. Yelled at us because we didn't agree with what she wanted to do. She had no intention of representing our interests, only her own. Extremely unprofessional and unethical. She had no ability to listen and kept talking about "the numbers" which were completely inaccurate, then told us we never gave her our tax returns which we had given her two weeks previous to our court date.
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21 May, 2012 by Nelson
OK, AVVO has set down guidelines for these things, so, I won't be able to say this in the words I would choose to use, but rather, the language I have been required to use.
Keeping that in mind, .... be advised that I am a professional myself, having been a member of Physics and Engineering Societies since 1972, and having written and or enforced Health and Safety Codes for more years than that.
I hired Matt, because I am getting up there, can't run around like I used to. He was the friend of a friend, I had met him, thru two different people, seemed a nice guy, and talked a good line, about having a broad background, a lot of experience, and possessing, using, and understanding all the latest in technology.
On the technology front, yes, he has the equipment and the skills to use it, he can do the field work that only a few years ago, would have required several people and days of work, in a single afternoon. Sadly, programming his cell phone, to take messages? was not in his skill set.
Matthew was quite self effacing, he was quite incapable of coming up with what he considered his worth, no matter how many times I asked him for an estimate. This is not to say he isn't quite imaginative, and fully capable of coming up with things you or I would never have thought of, or dreamed of asking for ... and his innovation knows no bounds, I, myself, would never thought of doing a full Topography map on a lot, still awaiting final fill, and the need of 150 foot of storm drain piping? And who else would have considered drawing up a subdivision, for lots I am hoping to have, someday, for my kids, and giving them my garage to work from?
It is just too bad he lacks the skills necessary to formalize all of his imaginative findings, in any meaningful fashion, or in any meaningful time frame, because his billing practices would imply only a biblical time frame.
Don't get me wrong, I will cheerfully recommend Matthew Noviello to certain others, when the chance comes around .... My last stockbroker, certain neighbors, and my ex wife, spring immediately to mind ....
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13 May, 2013 by Anonymous
ineffective and not knowledgeable at all. she does not follow-up timely nor respond when contacted
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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.
