Lawyers map
>5
experienced lawyers
Filter by
23 Apr, 2023 by Janice light
Jon Gesk is an outstanding lawyer. He represented our son in a case where our son was denied coverage of life-saving medical care and we couldn’t be more grateful to him for the outcome he was able to achieve. Jon always answered all of our questions and kept us informed throughout the lawsuit. Through his hard work, attention to detail, and sharp intellect, Jon helped us obtain a great result against a major health insurance company. He has our highest recommendation.
Read more
22 Apr, 2023 by David mcnaughton
Jon is an excellent lawyer. He represented us in a case that had significant implications for our family, and he did an outstanding job. He is very knowledgeable about the law, he worked incredibly hard, and he always kept us informed. We couldn’t recommend him more highly!
Read more
13 Apr, 2023 by Chris mcnaughton
Jon Gesk is truly one of the best lawyers in the country! At one of the lowest moments of my life Jon stepped in and helped represent me when I was denied life-saving medical care. I will always be grateful to him for this and can’t thank him enough for all he has done for my family and I. A lot of lawyers talk about how they work the hardest, but it would be impossible for anyone to work harder on a case than Jon did. Even though the odds were stacked against us taking on a massive corporation with unlimited resources Jon didn’t back down at all. It is because of his attention to detail and hard work that we were able to achieve a great result and hopefully one that will have a significant impact for others with chronic illnesses moving forwards
Read more
23 Apr, 2023 by Janice light
Jon Gesk is an outstanding lawyer. He represented our son in a case where our son was denied coverage of life-saving medical care and we couldn’t be more grateful to him for the outcome he was able to achieve. Jon always answered all of our questions and kept us informed throughout the lawsuit. Through his hard work, attention to detail, and sharp intellect, Jon helped us obtain a great result against a major health insurance company. He has our highest recommendation.
Read more
22 Apr, 2023 by David mcnaughton
Jon is an excellent lawyer. He represented us in a case that had significant implications for our family, and he did an outstanding job. He is very knowledgeable about the law, he worked incredibly hard, and he always kept us informed. We couldn’t recommend him more highly!
Read more
13 Apr, 2023 by Chris mcnaughton
Jon Gesk is truly one of the best lawyers in the country! At one of the lowest moments of my life Jon stepped in and helped represent me when I was denied life-saving medical care. I will always be grateful to him for this and can’t thank him enough for all he has done for my family and I. A lot of lawyers talk about how they work the hardest, but it would be impossible for anyone to work harder on a case than Jon did. Even though the odds were stacked against us taking on a massive corporation with unlimited resources Jon didn’t back down at all. It is because of his attention to detail and hard work that we were able to achieve a great result and hopefully one that will have a significant impact for others with chronic illnesses moving forwards
Read more
24 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
First of all, here's the same review I wrote for LawyerRatingz.com:
Dean Collins had originally represented me in a DUI case that took two years to come infront of a judge. Upon cowering in the presence of said judge, Dean Collins turned to jelly. He fumbled over his words, completely contradicted himself, and ultimately got me thrown in jail for 8 days until a new lawyer could be found. During the two year period it had taken my case to come to fruition, I had since graduated college, and established myself in a lucrative, productive career. Dean Collins advised me not to bring any of this up infront of the judge because, according to him, it was trivial. Ultimately, I found out later that it would have been a good idea to bring up these points infact, and prove that I've been able to move on. As I sat in the bullpen, Dean Collins could only come up with a lame excuse to try and save his own dignity. He said to me, "That judge is crazy! You saw how he treated me!" Yeah, well I'm the one sitting in jail.
Other than that (since I have more space here), Dean Collins constantly acted as if he was friends with everyone at the courthouse. Somehow, this helped him imagine that he could easily get me out of my dilemma . . . which turned out to be false. Not only did no one I dealt with from any of the departments at the courthouse seem to give Dean Collins any time of day whatsoever, but he also came off toward me, his own client, as consistently cranky and disagreeable. I'll be honest here when I say that Dean Collins did not seem to even like me very much. He made it quite clear by showing little eye contact, hardly any interest in my concerns, and constant agitation with any question I ever had. He was also quite patronizing, and encouraged me to stay out of it, keeping me in the dark for the most part. His attitude basically stated to me, "leave these matters to the grown-ups." Instead of actually fighting for me, took the easy way out with a plea bargain that was based on imaginary connections that he clearly did not have. He spent most of our days in court, standing around the back room, waiting for someone to talk to him, but rarely accomplished anything.
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.
