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14 Jan, 2020 by Scott mccabe
I have had the pleasure of working with Nick on multiple commercial real estate deals. Nick is extremely knowledgeable, detailed oriented, professional and always has his clients best interest in mind when working through a deal. I would highly recommend Opus Real Estate Law.
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13 Nov, 2011 by Mike
Nick has handled several deals for my company. He is very competent and knows how to effectively close deals. I have worked with several real estate attorneys and I highly recommend Nick.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Vanesta tyler
23 Mar, 2024 by Mary
After fighting a legal battle with BOA for 5 years on our own we hired Josh Thomas in 2015. He did not file documents in time in 2016 and for this reason we have lost our house. Upon being informed I was loosing my house for this reason I contacted him multiple times 2022. His response was always the same “We can fight that! Let’s talk tomorrow.” Tomorrow never came and not only that he never informed us he had been suspended. After paying a another attorney a huge amount of money I didn’t have we are now loosing our home because of Josh not filing on time!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I face real consequences , damages because of Josh thomas, his mounting bad reputation sanctions, discipline and filing of frivolous litigation which put me in a bad position I may lose my house now that i am being bullied and have been wronged he has my money for putting me here does not acknowledge i have to dig out fast myself and he does not see what he has done owns nothing does not even respond to me. If he responds in denial I will too I am forced to protect my rights all the way in addition to saving my home
What he did in my case specifically is file late, and it appears arguments that are not valid coinciding with his reputation. I am so disappointed and especially that he takes no responsibility and does not answer me at all as to the case details he said he would provide and refund I will make sure I get.
Josh Thomas does have a discipline history, has been sanctioned and lies, will likely be disbarred. What he writes about me is a lie just like Judges have found on law 360 and other he has done. I will be suing for legal malpractice as others have. Stay away but honestly including these lies he will likely be disbarred soon. In my case, like so many others on line he made frivlolous arguments, represented client without meeting him and when confronted he lies more and does not take responsibility. In my case, he failed and I will be reporting his misconduct and violation of ethics all over. As to my ex, in context when he gave me horrible advice about family court I said something else that he distorted as he does all else. Stay away
If only he spent his time being competent honest he would not have these reviews, dicipline history suspended in Pa referred to discipline in NJ and more. I said nothing false he did saying i had action against a lawyer when i did not having me face legal action. All can be proven Search his name read my case read others its him but part of his problem is his denial and lack of responsibility. Had he been competent, honest, i would not have needed to contact him but of course as is noted online he is lying . and exagerating he lies to Judges. even all online
I will be suing and reporting as needed. Its him its his denial and incompetence, sanctions discipline suspension but as always he lies and blame shifts.
If you look at the case see the opposition F1101-21 you will see his history that he lied when he said he did not receive modification documents and that tardiness is now creating a problem i will deal with and then sue him for damages and deviation from standard of care to which i was entitled. What he writes about a rental is false and could be considered a violation of confidentiality client lawyer if you would call him a lawyer and going to visit someone at their house is made up just like him among many other filing a lawsuit on behalf of someone he never met.
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21 Oct, 2019 by Joe
Michael Hawley creates an atmosphere of ill will where opposing family members never heal from his abrasive techniques.
In our consultation Michael Hawley described the wall of protection he provides his clients. He wants everything to go through him and the opposing attorney, which racks up fees for both parties. The reason we did not hire him were his references. His aggressive style stops communication and stops the progress of cases.
He recommends to ask and push for everything, and then you have a better chance of getting more. My mother's will gave my sister a specific ring and Michael Hawley said don't give it to her. Make her fight for it. We had other disputes, but that was not one of them. He did not respect the wishes of the deceased. It was my sister who I was having a disagreement with, but some areas of mother's will were very clear. My goal was to settle the disputed areas, not have a division so wide so that my sister & I never speak again. His references said, he created such hard feelings that the family never spoke again.
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17 Jan, 2018 by Laura
Michael Hawley represented me in a complicated family estate matter which had family members against family members. His counsel was straightforward and sincere and he helped me separate the facts from the emotion. In the end, he helped me overcome the hurdles and get what was rightfully mine. The second time I hired Michael was for an employment case. Again, he successfully represented me and was able to negotiate a much larger severance package than that which I had been offered. Highly recommended!
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11 Jan, 2018 by Lynda
I hired Michael Hawley on two separate occasions for cases completely unrelated. The first, was a complicated case that had been botched by the first attorney I hired. I had a lot on the line and Hawley came through with flying colors. Not only did he win the case for me, but I was able to live my life without disruption while he handled everything. Again, Michael Hawley successfully handled every aspect of my second case while I continued on with my life. When it gets down to having to hire an attorney to settle a dispute, the process can be turbulent. Michael Hawley served as a wall between the turmoil and me while delivering wins on both occasions. If you are looking for an attorney who is competent and who will have your back, Michael Hawley should be your number one choice!
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FAQs
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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.
