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09 Mar, 2022 by Tanya f.
I had a family law case in which I needed a quit claim deed executed right away. Lupe Aguirre was a pleasure to work with and is well-versed in this area. He can handle most real estate transactions in a very efficient manner. He is an excellent attorney to work with and one that I highly endorse for matters dealing with real estate, contracts, and business law.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Robert prestandrea
I met James through my bankruptcy attorney
During the bank fraud forclosures in 2010. He assisted me to stay in my forclosed home for 5 years, to recover some of the financial loss I incured when the bank kept my escrow money through the forclosure process. I highly recommend Jim for any issues you may have. In addition I found him to be genuinely concerned with my well being. I also loved his sense of humor.
Thanks Jim
I appreciate you.
Rob P
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22 Apr, 2022 by Frank
Found him by accident searching on line and couldn't be happier or more satisfied. Frederick is professional He listened and took time to explain my options. Needless to say we were extatic with our results.
I would recommend him without reservation.
Frank
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04 Jul, 2016 by Pat
Frederick Lurie has been Martin Mack's trusted advisor for years. He has always been responsive to our needs and an effective advocate whether handling our contracts, filing and enforcing mechanics liens or representing us in other court matters. Fred Lurie gets our highest recommendation.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Franklin
We hired Frederick Lurie when we found ourselves in a very precarious situation due to a contractors default. He was able to protect our interests and helped us recover what we were owed.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Antoinette hilliard
Awesome lawyer
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11 Nov, 2019 by Zandra graves
17 Dec, 2018 by Er'na walker
Sheldon Gomberg helped me to get my Social Security disability benefits 10 or 11 years ago. He is very professional and willing to answer any questions I had. I recommend his services to anyone in need of a disability attorney.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Antoinette hilliard
Awesome lawyer
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11 Nov, 2019 by Zandra graves
17 Dec, 2018 by Er'na walker
Sheldon Gomberg helped me to get my Social Security disability benefits 10 or 11 years ago. He is very professional and willing to answer any questions I had. I recommend his services to anyone in need of a disability attorney.
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08 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Sara easily navigated an international case for my son's name change. I was dreading this process as it seemed so complicated but she made it painless for me. She is very responsive, understanding and competent. I would highly recommend her services.
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02 May, 2017 by Mike
I worked with Sara after being represented by another lawyer for over a year... My case was going no where and I was being advised to move out of my house I had worked my whole life to attain... Sara did a phenomenal job putting all of the documents in order to hammer my case down... Within three months of retaining Sara I had a custody agreement and my case was well on its way to trial and I was no longer being advised to move out of my home... Sara is very attentive always returning phone calls the same day or as soon as she was able to answer my question... I was no longer swinging in the wind!!! In court Sara is very tenacious and will not back down to anyone... Her knowledge of the law is very impressive and I would highly recommend her you will be in good hands!!! I am very grateful to have been sent to her... I am now back in my house with my children rebuilding my life...
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29 Mar, 2017 by Kim b
I contacted Sara, right after Christmas2016 because my then husband severed me with divorce papers on 12/05/2016 ( I guess that was his Christmas present to the family). We had been separated for a while, he was providing financial support I was trying to figure out how to keep food on the table and make Christmas happy with gifts for my Son & daughter. Now I was hit with needing a lawyer because the documents he provide for the divorce was giving me nothing but child support after 24 years of marriage. I pick research some numbers from the internet and started calling to find a number. I left a message with this one Law office they returned my call after a short conversation they explained that they only two cases with large estates. However the man on the other end of the phone did not leave me hanging. He recommended me to Sara Bour !!!!!!!! She called me explained who she was how she had gotten my number and the great relationship started from their. Ms. Bour was be my side from day one. She work with me on a price I could afford, She explained all my rights clearly ( not lawyer language) she dung really deep on recovery of Assets and his income. she completely reconstructed the dissolution document so that it was fair to both parties. She stayed in contact with me it never took more then 24 hours for me to get an answer to any questions that I had ( she even answered some emails on a Saturday evening; Wow I was impressed and grateful. she is pretty impressive in court as well. My ex is 6ft and his lawyer was about 6.5ft but they were both afraid of tiny Sara. she was knocking them dead with here knowledge of the law and how to apply it. I walk a way with Child support a percentage of his over time. the rights to his pension and a the quick claim deed to my house. oh I now own his motorcycle two which is what started our down fall. SARA BOUR is the best attorney ever!! Smart knows the Law and Compassionate I give here an A+ and think of here as a Friend and my earth angle
Thanks Sara for every thing
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04 Mar, 2016 by Andrew
i used Kevin on one purchase and two sales. he really knows the law and is not afraid to tangle with the other attorney. one of the best attorneys i've ever met -- recommend him highly and often
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09 Aug, 2014 by Kurt
Kevin oversaw the closing on both the property I sold and the property I purchased. He is very thorough, detailed and gets the job done. I would highly recommend him and use him again! Thanks Kevin
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19 Aug, 2011 by Susan
Kevin was referred to me and I was happy with the manner in which he conducted himself and the final product: in this case the trust for my estate. He has since then given me legal advice on another matter.
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14 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Outstanding attorney. Highly recommend for zoning cases. Very good communicator and problem silver.
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13 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I have worked with Donna Pugh on several land use caes over the past ten years. She is an excellant attorney and a pleasure to work with. Based on her experience and knowledge she has been able to produce unbeleivable results on very diificult projects. She is focused, determined and an excellant problem solver. I will continue to have Donna on my Development Team and would highly recommend her.
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12 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Given the complexity of retail real estate development, it is critical for us to have an experienced and knowledgeable land use attorney like Donna Pugh on our team. Donna's vast experience with numerous land use cases offers great insight to our strategic planning for any redevelopment project. She operates a very organized and dynamic team of lawyers along with land use professionals to provide solid legal advice to her clients.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Tracy
I bought and sold couple of houses in the last 20+ years, Roger is definitely the best I ever used. He’s very sharp, professional and gave me lots of useful advises when I didn’t know what to do. My recent selling experience went smoothly at the end due to his effort to protect my interest as a seller and I really appreciate that. Without him the deal negotiation would have been dragging without end. I’m really thankful for him. Last but. It least, he saves me money by reducing cost on title insurance. Go to his website, you’ll find explanations there. Many people don’t know about it. Highly recommend!
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22 Nov, 2014 by Mushir
You read the title, and I mean it. I have been a client of Roger's since 2007 and he is the most responsive and diligent attorney I have ever met. As our business continues to grow, he is the one we turn to for legal advise and all other real estate needs. I am always ready to send a referral his way with full confidence anytime asks if I know a "good" lawyer.
This review is my thank you for years of great service and hard work on all our files!
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09 Apr, 2012 by Yan
A former co-worker recommended Roger to me as my legal representation in my new condo purchase process here in in Des Plaines, IL. Roger was fantastic to work with! Incredibly responsive, thoroughly detailed, and knowledgeable. I would like to recommend Roger to anyone who is buying or selling the house and looking for a good and honest lawyer to represent you.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
He is great with my mom, he will explain in as much detail as she wants. Over the last 30 years he has handled her business dealings and her commercial property and eventually, the sale of both. He continues to handle her personal issues and estate. I have used him for the closing of my condo and for will preparation. He is a very competent and knowledgeable attorney and I would recommend to anyone.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Randall
Ecellent job on all 3 items. Protected our interests on the closing. Brought up terms that were not thought of for both the will and trusts
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11 Mar, 2016 by Jim
Randy has handled both real estate and family trust issues for our family in Northbrook. He always responded promptly and his legal advice was spot-on. We will be doing our will and estate planning soon and will use Randy for that as well. I high recommend Randall Romei.
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02 Jul, 2016 by Indiana tracy
Although she stated dis-interest/inability in my case, her advice was direct and effective because I did further research.
Instead of using her power to refuse/accept a case she used it to further the power that I am seeking; to resolve the legal issue. Her approach builds faith in the judicial process. Unlike scores of the many Attorneys available
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19 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I am so grateful to Zoe, she helped me out of a horrible landlord - tenant relationship in a building where drugs and prostitution seemed to be going on under the landlord's nose and maybe with his participation.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anthony lesley
CJ Lamb was outstanding with my representation. There were some challenges that were a result of the condo association not settling a civil suit that CJ navigated to keep the deal together and also went far and above in chasing down UPS trucks literally to obtain paperwork that was supposed to be delivered overnight but was not.
He was always available and responsive I would absouluetly reccomend CJ to anyone looking for a great real estate l;awyer
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20 Feb, 2015 by Lorie
CJ was my attorney through my entire home purchasing experience. In being a first time home buyer, I was extremely nervous and felt out of my element. CJ made sure that I thoroughly understood each part of the process and that I felt comfortable. Whenever I had questions at any point he was very responsive and always got back to me in a timely manner.
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11 May, 2015 by Lynn
Our business ran into a jam with a customer a few weeks ago. I got in touch with Joan and she gave me great advice. She explained the law in terms I could understand and at the same time lent a caring ear. Joan is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Peg
I consider myself lucky to have found such a compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable attorney! She took the time during her busy day to help me with some "marital drama" i was going thru at that time. and explained everyting to me very clearly before we went into court. I highly recommend Joan Stohl to anyone who is needing a well spoken and caring attorney.
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09 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Moylan, based on her good reviews, to draft a complex contract for my business. She exceeded my expectations. She was very professional, knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely recommend attorney Moylan for any individual or business owner looking for a reliable attorney to handle their legal needs.
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17 Mar, 2015 by Sofia
Constance was great helping me out with my case. Kept me informed. Very professional and walked me through the process. She is trust worthy and will tell you from the first meeting if she can or can't do the case.
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04 Aug, 2013 by Bettina
Over the course of the last 4 years, I have worked twice with Kent on real estate deals. Both times I was really pleased. Kent is kind, courteous, honest, professional and capable. He also tends to remain calm when I start getting agitated because of unforeseen complications. If another transaction presents itself, I will definitely work with Kent again.
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27 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Kent is a wonderful lawyer.
I recently moved to Chicago for a new job and signed an agreement to purchase a property before moving (having just 1-2 weeks between positions). Kent came highly recommended so I emailed him requesting his service.
Thus, my initial interface with Kent was from another state, while working in medicine (horrible hours). Moreover, there were numerous unexpected complications related to mortgage delays, etc. Despite all this, Kent was able to represent me from afar with confidence. He and his staff are professional and responsive (via email/phone). I always felt my interests were well represented. He has years of experience in the field - his advice through the process was valuable.
Around closing, he carefully guided me through each detail/item. Great guy. Highly recommended.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Michael
Sherwood Law Group is fantastic! Adam Gilbert, especially, is such a pleasure to work with. He helped us close on our new home a few weeks ago and we could not be happier with our experience. He and his team were very responsive and helpful with their expert advice, making our home buying process less daunting and very seamless. We highly recommend this boutique firm for any real estate transactions!
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13 Jun, 2022 by Keely and kevin
We are thankful to have had Adam at Sherwood Law recommended to us as we navigated purchasing our first condo. He and his team did an excellent job of clearly communicating with us each step of the way. Adam made sure that we were able to ask any questions and that we understood what to expect throughout the process. We would highly recommend him and will certainly be reaching back out when the time comes for our next purchase!
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14 May, 2024 by Oliver
Deanna and her team are awesome. They helped us purchase and sell a home earlier this year. We really appreciated how detail oriented and responsive they were. It made the home-buying-and-selling processes a breeze! Highly recommended!
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04 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Deanna Ryan is a consummate professional who did a top notch job at a very reasonable fee. She is efficient and an excellent advocate who truly represents her client's interests in every aspect of the deal.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Anna
Not only were we facing a serious back tax issue, we struggled to find a law firm that would agree to represent us with respect to our property taxes in Will County.
Nora explained the process, communicated continually, and delivered results – savings us more than $17,000 from 2012 through 2014. She is an expert at what she does and is very capable in the collar counties. Highly recommended.
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12 Feb, 2015 by Mary
My husband and I have used Ms. Doherty to handle the real estate tax assessment on our Cook County property for several reassessment cycles and as a result, we now have the lowest taxes in the neighborhood. She is a true expert, promptly responded to any of our questions, and got the job done in a friendly but professional manner. We highly recommend her.
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08 Apr, 2019 by David
Bonnie represented the sale of our house. I've never in my life written a review of an attorney, but Bonnie was the best: extremely prompt, highly professional, deeply knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, understanding, and calm under pressure. She goes all out to get you the best deal, and she'll go to the mat for you if she needs to.
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26 Apr, 2015 by Elizabeth b.
I was lucky to have Bonnie Keatig as my lawyer at the closing of a sale of my house. She was all what one can expect of his attorney and then some more. Bonnie handled my case with knowledge, efficiency and promptness; she always gave me info, advice or answer right away, right to the point and with great accuracy. Thank you Bonnie!
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06 Dec, 2021 by Christian
Hired Chris to handle a residential real estate purchase. Chris was an extremely effective negotiator on our behalf. He was responsive in a quick, professional manner. He always made sure they we fully understood what issues were in front of us and had our best interests at all times. He is easy to work with and makes sure everything is explained in layman's terms. I will hire Chris to represent me in all future real estate transactions.
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29 Oct, 2021 by Gianna
As a first-time homebuyer, I was unfamiliar with the whole process. From our initial conversation all the way to closing, Chris was knowledgeable, transparent, and extremely helpful. He walked me through each step of the process and made me feel confident in my ability to navigate homeownership. With Chris as my lawyer, I was 100% certain that I would be aware of any nuances in contracts or documents and that he would address them appropriately. I can't imagine going through this process with any other attorney!
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24 Feb, 2024 by Dorothy
Whether assisting in personal matters or representing my interest in real estate transactions, Agnes has shown to be the utmost professional. As an experienced attorney, she is a great communicator and a skilled negotiator.
Agnes listens to your concerns and offers the most beneficial advice for your needs.
She has a dedicated team of assistants supporting her in all transactions. They are prompt to respond to your questions, professional, and knowledgeable.
Agnes has been working on my behalf for many years, and it is my pleasure to recommend her services to anyone looking for a professional and dedicated legal representation.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Barbara
Agnes is an exceptional real estate attorney !
Extremely Professional ! The girls who work at office very helpful ! Always ready to help and answer all questions! There was pleasure to work with Pogorzeski & Associates! Highly recommend!
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19 Nov, 2017 by Denise
I work with Andrew and his staff in real estate closings several times a month. His organizational skills are excellent and he knows real estate law. I can count on Andrew to keep my clients informed and respond in a timely manner to not only my clients but me as well. Highly recommend Andrew Pearson.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Alex aranchuk
Andrew handled our first home purchase for me and my wife. His work was excellent, he walked us through every step of the way (we needed everything explained to us as we are first time home buyers). He was always available to us and extremely prompt with getting back to us ( I can't tell you how important that was for us being novices in this field). The whole process was nerve-wrecking since we had no experience whatsoever, but Andrew was able to calm everything down with his steady and professional manner. He found a few mistakes the sellers' attorney made before closing, as well as negotiated a repair credit from the sellers which was around $3000 more than what we expected!!!!
I couldn't be more satisfied with the work Andrew did for us, and his fee is very reasonable. Definitely recommend his services to anyone looking for a lawyer in Chicago.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Steve
We hired William to help with our property tax bill in Lakeview and he did a great job with it - getting our house equalized to the neighborhood norm and saving us lots of money in the process.
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02 Jul, 2012 by Megan
William is not only an extremely competent lawyer, but a compassionate and caring one as well. He puts his clients first and always makes himself available to them. He obtained answers to numerous complex estate questions that I had. He explained everything in a way that I could understand and helped me make the most informed decisions as possible along the way. William is very professional, but easy to talk to and down to earth. His actions show that his clients mean very much to him and he gets the job done well for them. William goes above and beyond to see to it that his clients have the best legal protection possible. I highly recommend him as an attorney and would use him again in the future.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Nick
The consummate professional! Adrienne went above and beyond for us. She was always very prompt in responses and went to bat for us when it got in to crunch time to meet our closing deadline.
One of my favorite things about using Adrienne is that The Real Property Group is a family of attorneys. I could always reach Adrienne when I needed her (usually real estate attorneys split their time between closings and working on your behalf, so to have someone dedicated to working with us was extremely beneficial!)
As far as pricing goes, they're not the cheapest but they're also not the most expensive. Remember, you get what you pay for and you're going to want someone knowledgeable who has experience working on many transactions and who delivers top-notch service!
Adrienne is the very best attorney in Chicago-land for real estate purchases and I highly recommend that you use her.
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12 Sep, 2014 by Catherine
Adrienne is wonderful to work with. She answers her emails immediately and is easy to reach on the phone. We were first time home buyers, and she went the extra mile to make sure we were protected and informed every step of the way. We were a difficult situation. Many issues arose with the property before closing, and we were uncertain how to proceed with the sale, and make sure every issue was resolved. Her advice and guidance were so valuable and we could not have done it without her. She stuck with us even after closing until everything was taken care of. I would strongly recommend her to anyone.
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01 Apr, 2022 by Valerie
As a realtor, I have worked with Anika for 17 years. She has always shown genuine concern for my clients and I know they are in good hands with her. She is very thorough in her work and knows how to work through tough legal situations that may arise. I have also used Anika for my personal business because she makes me feel comfortable about discussing private matters with her. I will continue to reccomend her whenever I have the opportunity.
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26 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
I hired Anika after she helped my mom close on her property. My mom was so impressed with this lawyer that she hired her (even though she was the buyer's attorney). My mom never stopped "singing her praises" so I hired her as my attorney in 2006. Ms. Matthews had to deal with one of the most powerful condo associations in Chicago, plus my seller was also an attorney but did did not intimidate my (very knowledgeable) attorney. She made some of the best deals for me and kept me well informed via e-mails and phone calls. I highly recommend Ms. Matthews
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23 Feb, 2015 by Richard
Jason represented me in a lengthy legal action where he had to represent me a few courts as we won each court battle. He acted very professionally at all times and kept me informed as he planned and executed a very successful strategy. Additionally, he explained legal matters clearly to me when I had no idea about legal issues. His understanding of Illinois law, and just as importantly, how the legal system works in Chicago was a great asset. I couldn't be more happy with his efforts on my behalf.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Richard
Jason represented me in a lengthy legal action where he had to represent me a few courts as we won each court battle. He acted very professionally at all times and kept me informed as he planned and executed a very successful strategy. Additionally, he explained legal matters clearly to me when I had no idea about legal issues. His understanding of Illinois law, and just as importantly, how the legal system works in Chicago was a great asset. I couldn't be more happy with his efforts on my behalf.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Robin
Jay Rock and Cory took over a business situation that was not handled well be a previous attorney. I was thankful for their follow through and knowledge. They care about the needs of their clients, and I would highly recommend this firm for business or corporate law.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Bill
Mr. Rock represented me in a buy-out of several partnerships I had been a party to for many years. His knowledge of the law and negotiating skill increased the value of my buy-out by an enormous amount. Jay found several different legal leverage points that led to the turning point in the negotiation. Previously I was at a stalemate, but after hiring Jay things quickly moved forward to a resolution that far exceeded my expectations.
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
My wife and I used Arcturus to help with litigation over some personal property. Peter had a great depth of knowledge and was always courteous, quick and professional. We won our case and I absolutely couldn't be happier with the bill as well!
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10 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Prompt and incredibly thorough review. After 12 years of studying medicine, I had minimal experience in contract negotiation and was simply excited for my "first job". Pete Stasiewicz of Arcturus Law Group was a true advocate for me, helping to negotiate critical points into the contract that I easily missed. He was easy to get ahold of, easy to talk to, and worked well within my timeline. As a result of his guidance I was able to sign the contract with confidence. I highly recommend this lawyer to be your trusted and effective advocate.
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19 Jun, 2022 by Geoffrey
Mr. Stegner represented my interests in a very sensitive matter a number of years ago. He was discrete, thorough and acted with the utmost character throughout.
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20 Sep, 2013 by Regina
Attorney REGNER has represented me in probate matters in June 2011 and continues to date.
I have found Mr. REGNER to be an excellent attorney not only for his excellent knowledge of the law, but also his ability to communicate with and engage all parties involved in cases. What I found most important from Attorney Regner was the counsel provided regarding expectations, options and strategies.
I found Attorney REGNER to be thorough in his strategies in court motions and appearances. He knows the court system and represents excellently in court. . He is respectful, empathetic, and prepares his clients excellently for court appearances; he is a true advocate for his clients.
I am rating Attorney REGNER as exceptional and would highly recommend his services. Thank you for this opportunity to rate Attorney REGNER.
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03 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Resolved case early in the litigation in my favor. Unprecedented responsiveness.
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16 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
Won injunction hearing for me in shareholder dispute.
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01 Aug, 2015 by Tracy
Dennis Walsh did an excellent job with my real estate closing. He highlights the important legal documents and fought the other side to save me money throughout my transaction. Dennis is very generous with his time and has a sense of humor too! I highly recommend using him for any legal matter.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Peter
Dennis is a very experienced attorney. He has advised me on multiple occasions and remains my trusted advisor and advocate for all legal matters.
Dennis' intellect, knowledge of the law and equanimity combine with his years of experience to a tour de force both as a negotiator and litigator.
I highly recommend Dennis Walsh to anyone looking for a very competent attorney who communicates well, is trustworthy and compassionate. He oversees and looks deep to protect the interest of his clients.
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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.
