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11 Oct, 2024 by Curtis stone
John Paul Tsahakis is the best lawyer in Charlotte. My marriage fell apart, my business was falling apart, my life was falling apart, and I was in a pretty bad place emotionally / financially. John Paul and his team were the only people I felt were on my side through the hardest transition of my life and gave me a voice when I felt like I didn't have one anymore. I dont think saying he went "above and beyond" would quite capture the experience I had while working with John Paul. I dont think I can ever repay him for standing up for me when I couldn't. If you're looking for the best lawyer in Charlotte.. just give John Paul a call.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Linda chapman
07 Oct, 2024 by Just b
11 Oct, 2024 by Curtis stone
John Paul Tsahakis is the best lawyer in Charlotte. My marriage fell apart, my business was falling apart, my life was falling apart, and I was in a pretty bad place emotionally / financially. John Paul and his team were the only people I felt were on my side through the hardest transition of my life and gave me a voice when I felt like I didn't have one anymore. I dont think saying he went "above and beyond" would quite capture the experience I had while working with John Paul. I dont think I can ever repay him for standing up for me when I couldn't. If you're looking for the best lawyer in Charlotte.. just give John Paul a call.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Linda chapman
07 Oct, 2024 by Just b
11 Oct, 2024 by Curtis stone
John Paul Tsahakis is the best lawyer in Charlotte. My marriage fell apart, my business was falling apart, my life was falling apart, and I was in a pretty bad place emotionally / financially. John Paul and his team were the only people I felt were on my side through the hardest transition of my life and gave me a voice when I felt like I didn't have one anymore. I dont think saying he went "above and beyond" would quite capture the experience I had while working with John Paul. I dont think I can ever repay him for standing up for me when I couldn't. If you're looking for the best lawyer in Charlotte.. just give John Paul a call.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Linda chapman
07 Oct, 2024 by Just b
11 Oct, 2024 by Curtis stone
John Paul Tsahakis is the best lawyer in Charlotte. My marriage fell apart, my business was falling apart, my life was falling apart, and I was in a pretty bad place emotionally / financially. John Paul and his team were the only people I felt were on my side through the hardest transition of my life and gave me a voice when I felt like I didn't have one anymore. I dont think saying he went "above and beyond" would quite capture the experience I had while working with John Paul. I dont think I can ever repay him for standing up for me when I couldn't. If you're looking for the best lawyer in Charlotte.. just give John Paul a call.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Linda chapman
07 Oct, 2024 by Just b
08 Sep, 2024 by Travis “t”
If your real estate agent recommends this scum, run. They will protect the interests of the agent/real estate company...not you, the one who has hired them. Despite begging for help due to some shady business practices with EXP Realty, they refused to help me. They get super upset when you record conversations, too. There is only one reason for that: you have something to hide. Enjoy explaining these recordings very soon.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Gabriela canchola (gaby asmr)
I would be nervous to have this group representing me, at least not when selling a house. Not only do they seem to do a sloppy job, but they don’t seem knowledgeable - and no one wants that when you are dealing with large amounts of money.
I originally did choose them to represent us for the sale of my home because they are covered under my legal plan. When I called, I made sure to confirm they would be covered. They confirmed. Well, after turning down the attorney our realtor referred us to, we decided to start the process with them.
First, the person who I started working with is a paralegal and not an attorney. That didn’t bother me bc I figure it would be like that in any other law office… but she started asking questions that made me question her competence. She kept asking my realtors for the closing date, which was directly written on the sales contract. Apparently, she just wanted to see if the closing attorney had scheduled it yet… but the sale process had only just began, it was strange that she would already ask for that.
While all that is going on, we get a sheet with some fees we had questions about. Turns out, our paralegal was out for half a week, so I called the main office. They had no idea what fees I would be charged. I was not given to someone who could handle any questions or issues while the paralegal was out, I was just told ‘who knows.’ You would think you would have someone cover for you while you are out in case your clients have any questions or to move things along. Not Soto Law.
The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was when the paralegal was finally in the office, she sent a group message saying we are not covered under my plan because it isn’t my primary residence - 2 weeks into hiring them. That is not acceptable. They have you send them your benefit number and sale contract before assigning you to a paralegal, so there is no excuse for not checking benefits at that time.
As it turns out, without asking us to confirm, they assumed that the property we are selling is an investment property bc we marked that it is not our primary residence. In actuality, we had to move before it was under contract so it was never a rental propert, it was just our previous primary residence. And bc my legal plan doesn’t cover rental properties, they said we were not covered.
By that point, I didn’t care that we were eligible for benefits, we decided working with this group would be much too risky and decided to go with attorney my realtor suggested. If they aren’t even aware that a second property doesn’t automatically mean it’s an investment property, or organized enough to verify benefits in a timely manner, I don’t have have much confidence something wouldn’t go terribly askew on one of the biggest sales in a person’s life.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Angela padgett
We just closed on our first home with Soto Law and absolutely could not be happier with the experience. We ran into several hiccups and communications with our lending team. Emily Watson, the paralegal assigned to our closing honestly kept the whole thing together. She kept the process moving forward even when it appeared to be stalled. She was kind and patient with us, our realtor and the sellers’ realtor. Brad Watson, the attorney who performed our closing, was knowledgable and personable. He answered all of our questions in an easy to understand manner. Could not have asked for a better experience during such a stressful experience. Many thanks to all!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Matt funderburk
I am a lender and I attended my clients closing with Justin. My client is an elderly first- time homebuyer. I was extremely impressed at Justin’s patience and he did a phenomenal job making sure our client understood all aspects of what they were signing. We will be doing business together again soon!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Kirby quick
Justin was kind, knowledge, & patient!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Gwen wilson
Extremely detailed throughout the entire and an AWESOME personality!
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17 Sep, 2024 by K daylight
The transaction was smooth and on schedule. The agents were competent and professional.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Cyndi newton
Great experience for myself as a Realtor and for my clients. Estate involved and the Coley team didnt miss a beat! Staff is professional, accommodating, friendly and patient! Highly recommend! @stewartandnewtonrealty-NorthGroup
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14 Aug, 2024 by Andrew streiff
Great team to work with for a Purchase or Sale. They kept us informed at every step and made our closing very smooth. Great job
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04 Sep, 2024 by Ana silverstein
I used CG for my home closing. They were extremely responsive, fast, easy to work with and made themselves available to me for all questions even post close. Highly recommend. Great people to work with.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Jessica grier
I cannot recommend Chandler Gibson Law highly enough! Their team's extensive knowledge of real estate law and expertise as trial attorneys is invaluable to our industry. They are keeping us informed and up-to-date on all the changes related to the NAR Lawsuit, ensuring that we as real estate advisors are always in the loop. Their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail has truly set them apart. If you are in need of legal services in the real estate sector, look no further than Chandler Gibson Law. You won't be disappointed!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Johnny forte jr
Great company
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12 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mrs. Austin is an extremely thorough, intelligent and dedicated lawyer. She listened to our concerns and always responded with insightful solutions. When our day in court finally arrived she was very respectful and professional with all individuals involved. She was well prepared for everything in court and we won our case. I would not think twice about calling Mrs. Austin for any and all legal advise or representation.
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21 Jul, 2021 by Candace
Our experiences with Carol was head and shoulders above the rest and we have worked with many other attorneys here in Charlotte. Carol is a real listener and has honesty and integrity in abundance. That is a hard thing to find in this day and age. She confers with you personally about your opinions and never once has given an opinion of her own without thorough research and highly educated case studies to back up her reasoning. She is a consummate professional and has had immense success handling our cases that we unfortunately had to take action on. Carol is compassionate and treats you as a human and not just a case or a payday. I would recommend Carol Austin to anyone in need of a good listener and I believe that is what makes her so successful at what she does so well. Carol’s first attribute is being a wonderful ,ethical human , her second is being an outstanding attorney. Both will serve you well when choosing an attorney here in Charlotte . If you are looking for justice or defense at anytime Carol Austin is the perfect attorney for you. - The Bruce Family
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12 May, 2021 by Crystal h.
I will start by saying that I never thought I would need a lawyer and didn't know where to start. A friend recommended Carol Austin and the very next day she made time to meet with me, it was very emotional and she was caring and non-judgmental. From the first phone call and subsequent calls, meetings, emails and court appearances she was always available, attentive, professional and determined. Her focus, attention to detail, knowledge and unwavering attitude to defend my rights and achieve the best possible result never ceased to amaze me. Carol Austin is brilliant, organized and amazingly posed and demands justice in the courtroom through her demeanor. I am eternally grateful and highly recommend her.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Eric orozco
25 May, 2022 by Meg sandlin
Matt Sawchak went above and beyond to help with some trouble I am having with the Home Inspection Board. He sent me relevant cases and gave me all kinds of good advice and direction and didn't charge me. If you need a rockstar attorney Matt Sawchak is your guy.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Cotswold droner
05 Dec, 2023 by Eric orozco
25 May, 2022 by Meg sandlin
Matt Sawchak went above and beyond to help with some trouble I am having with the Home Inspection Board. He sent me relevant cases and gave me all kinds of good advice and direction and didn't charge me. If you need a rockstar attorney Matt Sawchak is your guy.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Cotswold droner
05 Dec, 2023 by Eric orozco
25 May, 2022 by Meg sandlin
Matt Sawchak went above and beyond to help with some trouble I am having with the Home Inspection Board. He sent me relevant cases and gave me all kinds of good advice and direction and didn't charge me. If you need a rockstar attorney Matt Sawchak is your guy.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Cotswold droner
05 Dec, 2023 by Eric orozco
25 May, 2022 by Meg sandlin
Matt Sawchak went above and beyond to help with some trouble I am having with the Home Inspection Board. He sent me relevant cases and gave me all kinds of good advice and direction and didn't charge me. If you need a rockstar attorney Matt Sawchak is your guy.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Cotswold droner
05 Dec, 2023 by Eric orozco
25 May, 2022 by Meg sandlin
Matt Sawchak went above and beyond to help with some trouble I am having with the Home Inspection Board. He sent me relevant cases and gave me all kinds of good advice and direction and didn't charge me. If you need a rockstar attorney Matt Sawchak is your guy.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Cotswold droner
03 Jun, 2024 by David watson
Outstanding service, very professional and knowledgeable. They go the extra mile and more. 2-1/2 years after closing on an industrial land purchase that I made, Hal Berger called me and asked if I had listed the land for sale. I had not. He got wind of someone fraudulently listing my land for sale. He had picked up on that, and confirmed it with me. He then took steps to prevent a scam sale, working with the County Register of Deeds. Thank You Hal, big time!
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14 Dec, 2023 by Jeanne kersten
We just completed our Wills and Trusts with Hal and the experience was extremely positive. Hal and team were extremely thorough and efficient. We are grateful to Hal for his suggestions to more clearly define our intentions. Definitely would recommend this firm.
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14 Dec, 2023 by Joe john2
Hal and his team are top notch. You can count on him.
Super professional, knowledgeable, focused and an all-around good person.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Bradley york
Venn Law Group is easily summed up as Professional Experts, Knowledgeable, Timely, Precise and Detailed. I needed an employment review and the Venn Law Group was there for me and handled my review quickly and efficiently with great detail. Highly recommend this group and their expertise. You will immediately see their precision, attention to detail and dedicated customer engagement.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Santhoshi's kitchen
I am a Small business owner, I reached out to Venn Law group to write a waiver form for my business. I got to work with Aubree Manley from Venn Law group. She worked with me diligently and did an outstanding job! I would highly recommend their service.
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07 Aug, 2023 by John t
We have used Andrew’s services on numerous projects over the years and we highly recommend him. Andrew has always been prompt and succinct in his responses, allowing us to make decisions in a timely manner. He has a way of simplifying complex contracts down to the key critical points, which gives us greater confidence in understanding the possible consequences of our decisions in the land acquisition process. On more than one occasion he has anticipated moves between land owners and developers, facilitating a smoother transaction. We have also leveraged Andrew for design contracts relating to other aspects of commercial sales/construction and have been very pleased. We know that when Andrew reviews a contract for us, nothing will be overlooked and that we will have a full understanding of the process involved.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Bradley york
Venn Law Group is easily summed up as Professional Experts, Knowledgeable, Timely, Precise and Detailed. I needed an employment review and the Venn Law Group was there for me and handled my review quickly and efficiently with great detail. Highly recommend this group and their expertise. You will immediately see their precision, attention to detail and dedicated customer engagement.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Santhoshi's kitchen
I am a Small business owner, I reached out to Venn Law group to write a waiver form for my business. I got to work with Aubree Manley from Venn Law group. She worked with me diligently and did an outstanding job! I would highly recommend their service.
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07 Aug, 2023 by John t
We have used Andrew’s services on numerous projects over the years and we highly recommend him. Andrew has always been prompt and succinct in his responses, allowing us to make decisions in a timely manner. He has a way of simplifying complex contracts down to the key critical points, which gives us greater confidence in understanding the possible consequences of our decisions in the land acquisition process. On more than one occasion he has anticipated moves between land owners and developers, facilitating a smoother transaction. We have also leveraged Andrew for design contracts relating to other aspects of commercial sales/construction and have been very pleased. We know that when Andrew reviews a contract for us, nothing will be overlooked and that we will have a full understanding of the process involved.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Bradley york
Venn Law Group is easily summed up as Professional Experts, Knowledgeable, Timely, Precise and Detailed. I needed an employment review and the Venn Law Group was there for me and handled my review quickly and efficiently with great detail. Highly recommend this group and their expertise. You will immediately see their precision, attention to detail and dedicated customer engagement.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Santhoshi's kitchen
I am a Small business owner, I reached out to Venn Law group to write a waiver form for my business. I got to work with Aubree Manley from Venn Law group. She worked with me diligently and did an outstanding job! I would highly recommend their service.
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07 Aug, 2023 by John t
We have used Andrew’s services on numerous projects over the years and we highly recommend him. Andrew has always been prompt and succinct in his responses, allowing us to make decisions in a timely manner. He has a way of simplifying complex contracts down to the key critical points, which gives us greater confidence in understanding the possible consequences of our decisions in the land acquisition process. On more than one occasion he has anticipated moves between land owners and developers, facilitating a smoother transaction. We have also leveraged Andrew for design contracts relating to other aspects of commercial sales/construction and have been very pleased. We know that when Andrew reviews a contract for us, nothing will be overlooked and that we will have a full understanding of the process involved.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Candi lee
23 Aug, 2024 by G lap
Great firm that offers genuine, friendly service. They have been very helpful in answering my questions and finding resources that I need to operate my local business.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Pethuggers
23 Aug, 2024 by Candi lee
23 Aug, 2024 by G lap
Great firm that offers genuine, friendly service. They have been very helpful in answering my questions and finding resources that I need to operate my local business.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Pethuggers
08 Jul, 2024 by Rob edelman
Attended the real estate closing for my daughter's home which was handled quickly and efficiently by Ashley Law Firm.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kim trouten
Last year I closed over 70 real estate sales, and unless my buyer has a preferred attorney, my recommendation in NC is Mary Ashley. Her paralegal, Karen Carpenter is excellent and they give personalized ultra efficient service. They go the extra mile on behalf of my clients and make sure that all issues are resolved and everything is completed in a timely fashion. I highly recommend Mary's services.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Adam marlow
I was recommended the Ashley Law Firm by my real estate agent and I’m glad we took his suggestion. Our real estate closing came with significantly more hurdles than most typical closings. Mary Ashley went above and beyond to ensure our closing went smoothly and as planned. She took the time to thoroughly answer all of our questions related to additional items specific to our closing. She was friendly, diligent, and professional. If you are considering the Ashley Law Firm to handle your RE closing, look no further.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Milly ang
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team at Roseman. They provided exceptional support throughout our case, offering expert guidance, professionalism, and clear communication at every step. We highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Kelly nichols
The laws we all try to diligently abide by are confusing at best.
Mr.Connelly represented me briefly for a civil matter. My outcome was exactly what he said it would be, positive!
He was responsive, thorough, direct, and communicates expediently. You will not find a better attorney in Mecklemberg County.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Katie miller
23 Aug, 2024 by Candi lee
23 Aug, 2024 by G lap
Great firm that offers genuine, friendly service. They have been very helpful in answering my questions and finding resources that I need to operate my local business.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Pethuggers
25 Jun, 2024 by Steven watson
Front desk lady she is rude !! lol
I guess you don’t want my money lol
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24 May, 2024 by Karen
During the shock, anger and sadness of realizing I needed a divorce attorney, a friend referred me to Deb Dilman. Immediately, during our consultation call, Deb sought to understand my specific concerns and was very clear with me on what to expect going forward. Upon retaining Deb, she and her paralegal Elizabeth consistently exceeded my expectations with clear and consistent communication, timelines and reminders of any pending items. If you unfortunately realize you need a divorce attorney, I would highly recommend Deb Dilman. You will not be disappointed.
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24 May, 2024 by Nancy parada
High marks for Southpark Family Law. Doing our will was a smooth and easy task with Attorney Molly Anthony and her assistant Elizabeth Belote. I highly recommend them and this practice.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Steven watson
Front desk lady she is rude !! lol
I guess you don’t want my money lol
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24 May, 2024 by Karen
During the shock, anger and sadness of realizing I needed a divorce attorney, a friend referred me to Deb Dilman. Immediately, during our consultation call, Deb sought to understand my specific concerns and was very clear with me on what to expect going forward. Upon retaining Deb, she and her paralegal Elizabeth consistently exceeded my expectations with clear and consistent communication, timelines and reminders of any pending items. If you unfortunately realize you need a divorce attorney, I would highly recommend Deb Dilman. You will not be disappointed.
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24 May, 2024 by Nancy parada
High marks for Southpark Family Law. Doing our will was a smooth and easy task with Attorney Molly Anthony and her assistant Elizabeth Belote. I highly recommend them and this practice.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Steven watson
Front desk lady she is rude !! lol
I guess you don’t want my money lol
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24 May, 2024 by Karen
During the shock, anger and sadness of realizing I needed a divorce attorney, a friend referred me to Deb Dilman. Immediately, during our consultation call, Deb sought to understand my specific concerns and was very clear with me on what to expect going forward. Upon retaining Deb, she and her paralegal Elizabeth consistently exceeded my expectations with clear and consistent communication, timelines and reminders of any pending items. If you unfortunately realize you need a divorce attorney, I would highly recommend Deb Dilman. You will not be disappointed.
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24 May, 2024 by Nancy parada
High marks for Southpark Family Law. Doing our will was a smooth and easy task with Attorney Molly Anthony and her assistant Elizabeth Belote. I highly recommend them and this practice.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Janelle nash
Rebecca was an amazing partner and guide - so supportive, empathetic and strong. I recommend her 100% and would make the same choice again every time.
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13 May, 2022 by Corey adkins
15 Feb, 2022 by Heather hamilton
I highly recommend this law firm. They were dedicated to my case and made sure that I felt comfortable through the process.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Robert tolley
13 Oct, 2020 by Chuck johnson
Thoroughly reviewed my need for representation.
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29 Aug, 2020 by Kapil jagtiani
My COVID signing experience was flawless. They had outdoor and in-car signing. All staff took great precautions. Thank you
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09 Oct, 2024 by Daryl carter
Before going with this Law Office I had contacted 3 or 4 other law offices for service but they just didn't feel right. One thing that stood out to me was that she is a Law Office that is for the fathers and that's just what I was looking for. In my situation we didn't need to meet in person yet that didn't slow anything down. She gave me great advice and was very clear with each step and each potential step for other outcomes. From start to finish the process was just a little over a month. If you're a highly invested Father such as my self and need someone to help you get on the right path this is the Law office for you.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Aaron fields
19 Aug, 2024 by Rasheed smith
Extremely professional and component lawyer. Was able to get the exact results desired. A true advocate for justice.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Loey christmas
Please please read this review . I sought their help for a legal solution, specifically suing, but they failed to deliver. The consultation wasted an hour of my time and $150.
The lawyer promised a 2-3 day turnaround, but it took almost 2 months to receive any guidance. Multiple attempts to contact them were ignored.
Do not trust Tran Lawyer. They squandered my time and money, leaving me severely disappointed. I've never encountered such ineptitude from a legal professional.
Avoid this law firm if you value your time and money.
Update : it was $150 at the time . I spoke with Tran lawyer on video call . It was your office .
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29 Aug, 2024 by Huy vu
RẤT NHIỆT TÌNH, LỄ PHÉP, THÂN THIỆN..TUY NHIÊN CẦN CÓ THÊM : NHÂN VIÊN VIETNAMESE VÌ KHÁCH TÌM ĐẾN ĐÂY HẦU NHƯ HẾT
75% LÀ NGƯỜI VIỆT LỚN TUỔI & GẶP RÀO CẢN NGÔN NGỮ...
BÃI ĐẬU XE CẦN SẮP XẾP LẠI CHO HỢP LÝ HƠN, NHƯ HIỆN GIỜ THÌ KHÁ KHÓ KHĂN KHI RA VÀO..
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27 Mar, 2024 by Diamond rojas
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.
