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10 Jul, 2015 by Sean
Mr. Williams really got me out of a tight one, negotiating me a frankly amazing plea deal. Aside from being a more than competent lawyer he is personable and always seems more than willing to answer questions you might have.
Having dealt with lawyers (too many if you ask me) in the past I can say that of the ones I have used so far Mr. Williams is the best hands down. More than likely one of the best in this part of Texas.
While I hope I never again have need for a defense attorney, if I ever do I'll be calling David Williams for sure.
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14 Jan, 2024 by Toni carcanaques
14 Jul, 2023 by Carl alders
Went in for what I thought was something simple but turned into a quagmire of sorts. Staff was helpful and meeting turned into a group effort. All seemed set, but then changed the following week and direction changed. Path determined but contact was nill as I had to call to get updates, though I had already paid half fees to start out. Still waiting for info on where we are as timeline for sale is closing in. Even a message stating where we are or what I may need to do would be welcomed. I'm limited on free time to get things signed by other parties. I'd just like better updates on the status of case instead of having to wait and call to find out all the time. I'm sure they have a big case load but clients need to be advised better than this. I know my case isn't a large one but it isn't like it deals with litigation, simply just paperwork. Communication is a valuable asset. I shall be calling again. Overall I'm happy with service but it's starting to worry me.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Mk
She was good. She was prompt at getting back to me and was very nice and sweet
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23 Feb, 2015 by Jacqueline
If you want to waste your money well this is the attorney you should hire. I wish I could her 0 stars. It was so bad I had to hire another attorney to handle my divorce case. I was able to speak with her only one time and that was the day I went to pay my money and never spoke with her again until the morning we had court and she was not on time. she would never return my calls nor respond to my text msg. It seem she was more for my ex than me. She knew none of my info because she never communicated with me so we get to court it was so bad the judge said she give us an hour to get things together. I knew then this was the biggest mistake. I was so devastated. We go to round table and she wanted to visits with my ex and his attorney and talking about her self and her personal life. Case was reset but she had my ex attorney to write up final decree which was never right and I kept telling her that's not what we agreed on and she told me if I want child support its best a sign the papers. And not once did she tell me I would be able to appeal with in 30 days. I found that out when I hired another attorney. Do I go to pick my file from her and she had sign on door saying knock before come in that way she hand me my file thru the door in NO folder and never said one word to me. How hurtful..The worst attorney ever. Not professional at all. Very ruled
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10 Mar, 2014 by Pat
Had appointment March 6th for a Warranty Deed transfer for property purchased. The warranty deed was typed.. but during the filing process the appraisal district pointed out that the property ID was incorrect, a number had been left off.. I drove back to Ms Prigmore's office and she would not correct the document at that time but did inform that it needed to be re-typed and re-filed with the county clerk and her secretary would do this possible Monday. Monday I called back and Linda the person that typed the originial said "I do not know about this" and I said Ms Prigmore placed the document on her desk. She agreed and said she would have ready for me in the afternoon. In afternoon of Monday I called back and Linda was not happy that I called. I ask about re-filing fees and a reimbursemnt and then everything went crazy, they hung up on me, tnreatened to call the Sheriff and did not inform me of what to expect. so if you have another choice for an attorney, please compare.
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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:
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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.
