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16 Sep, 2024 by Virgil new
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15 Feb, 2020 by Heather campbell
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07 Jul, 2018 by Steve
My family retained him to find and receive compensation from a deadbeat tenant in the late 1990's. Dwight always returned our calls quickly. He was extremely thorough in the courtroom. He quickly negotiated a fair settlement that helped us avoid more legal fees. He didn't bill us needlessly and returned a portion of his retainer, too.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Stephanie willim-ostmann
We used Jessica Gorsky to create our Trust and she blew us away with her professionalism and vast knowledge of Trust law. Jessica took the time to explain every detail and we had a LOT of questions. She walked my husband and I through the entire process and provided valuable guidance that you would expect to get when planning your future for yourself, your spouse and your children. She helped coordinate numerous calls communicating crucial information between us, our financial institution and her law firm. She anticipated questions, was proactive throughout the entire process and was fully transparent regarding prices which were very reasonable. She has also been readily accessible to answer questions months after we finalized our Trust. We were provided with both hard and electronic copies. There were absolutely NO glitches. Look no further because Jessica Gorsky is the one!
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31 Aug, 2022 by Damon dilodovico
Helpful, kind and professional
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20 Jan, 2022 by Paul singh
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16 Sep, 2024 by Virgil new
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15 Feb, 2020 by Heather campbell
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02 Apr, 2017 by Robert rawson
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10 Aug, 2024 by Tonya davis
I was recommended to Keith by my debt consolidation company. He settled my credit card lawsuit in a day and helped me achieve payments that I could afford. He understood that I did not want to file for bankruptcy and just needed affordable monthly payments. I highly recommend Keith! He was a lifesaver.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Diane
Jac was very clear and slowly walked me through the process of a living will. Very kind and considerate. I highly recommend
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17 Mar, 2024 by David nutter
Mr. Blair is very professional and knowledgeable. He helped me win my case. He comes highly recommended.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Daniel
Mr. Schmieler carefully listened to the facts during our consultation and agreed to take my case. As the case progressed, Mr. Schmieler remained steadfastly focused on the evidence and how it intersected with the law. He not only reviewed documents I provided, but also conducted his own research into previous cases regarding the situation and formulated a comprehensive perspective based on the other party’s history. His persistent and careful consideration of the entire situation reassured me that our case was solid. Although we haven’t yet finished at this point, he managed my expectations to the length of time it would take to resolve. His approach to information gathering and client relations speak to his experience. I am also impressed by his team, all of which are knowledgeable, friendly, responsive, and professional. I intend to retain him for all future issues.
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07 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
The Saunders and Schmieler Law Firm used their knowledge and experience to produce a settlement agreement that I was comfortable with. I highly recommend The Saunders and Schmieler Law Firm, they get favorable results.
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20 Feb, 2023 by John
My wife and I are grateful for your work and we will never forget it. Your team delivered results in what seemed to be a hopeless situation. You all are the best. After hundreds of hours of fighting, we are finally going to fix our house. Couldn't have done it without you. The bottom line is, we needed you and your team to get this done.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Tash otto
I always thought an "officer" did ethical things, like fight for a child's best interest, call out or allow testimony against the lies spoken about someone. I also once believed in justice, not that this matters to you. It's just a paycheck. I am hopeful that someday you realize that in the interest of your paycheck you destroyed a young woman and her father. You don't care if a good man loses his car, home or job. You only care about winning and there's really nothing a decent person would need to hear beyond that. Maybe someday look deeper into the people whose lives you destroy in the interest of a buck. Because a man who can't afford an attorney can certainly afford to pay your wealthy narcissist the money he could have paid an attorney? I don't make $100k per year. I serve people. We don't make great money, you must know that. Oh, right but you presented lies about my pay to fool the judge. Congratulations. Resting your case was well played when you don't care about the truth. I could have destroyed your client and her witnesses. Only one of them ever used to know me, the bipolar 54 year old who still lives in his mommy's basement, from high school! You have no idea what you've done. Someday I hope you do. It is a relief that I will never have to deal with the unethical likes of your firm again!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hamed
Would really not recommend, not thoughtful or caring during COVID and a very sad family matter. I’m still not sure how I was helped me for the amount of money I spent in a short time. I feel was taken advantage of me for 5,000 retainer and billed for each and every line item. As a single Mom, who didn’t have two incomes and during COVID we never even met or Facetime, never even met her online or other . The sad lack of large financials as a single Mom was totally disregarded. Unfortunately not a good experience at all. Lawyers need to be held accountable for their work and not just bill to bill and make money. I don’t see how physicians are so regulated and lawyers have no regulations, it’s unethical.
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02 Sep, 2023 by K f
Angela Grau and her team of attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants and accounting department were top notch. Even though as the trustee and personal representative I could manage my mother's trust and estate, I knew nothing on how to defend my mother's trust from litigation. Angela was recommended to me by my mother's attorney who drew up the Maryland Will and Trust. I asked them for a referral. I will not go into details about my particular litigation. DARS was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, paid attention to detail, and helped me navigate the tasks of managing my mother's affairs after her passing. I will forever be thankful for their help. I highly recommend them. I would like to update my review and make some comments about another attorney within DARS. My niece who lives in Howard County was in need of a top-quality family law attorney. I referred her to DARS and told her she will find a top-notch team to help her with some very serious issues. Once she contacted DARS she decided to utilize the services of Britton Gore. And just yesterday, April 13, my niece received a very positive decision on her case from the Howard Co Court. This portion of the review is secondhand, but I must say that everything that my adult niece and her mother told me about Ms. Gore was extremely positive. She was very prepared for the court proceedings and was able to methodically inform the court of the most important issues which led to their favorable decision. Ms. Gore listened to my niece and pursued evidence to help her tell her story to the court. They are thrilled with the outcome of the proceedings. Once again, thank you DARS for helping my family. And thank you Ms. Gore for your patience, determination, hard work, professionalism and careful consideration of a very serious family issue. You helped my niece find her voice and guided her gently to a positive resolution. My niece and her mother who is my sister, along with my husband and I are grateful to you and your firm.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Tash otto
I always thought an "officer" did ethical things, like fight for a child's best interest, call out or allow testimony against the lies spoken about someone. I also once believed in justice, not that this matters to you. It's just a paycheck. I am hopeful that someday you realize that in the interest of your paycheck you destroyed a young woman and her father. You don't care if a good man loses his car, home or job. You only care about winning and there's really nothing a decent person would need to hear beyond that. Maybe someday look deeper into the people whose lives you destroy in the interest of a buck. Because a man who can't afford an attorney can certainly afford to pay your wealthy narcissist the money he could have paid an attorney? I don't make $100k per year. I serve people. We don't make great money, you must know that. Oh, right but you presented lies about my pay to fool the judge. Congratulations. Resting your case was well played when you don't care about the truth. I could have destroyed your client and her witnesses. Only one of them ever used to know me, the bipolar 54 year old who still lives in his mommy's basement, from high school! You have no idea what you've done. Someday I hope you do. It is a relief that I will never have to deal with the unethical likes of your firm again!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hamed
Would really not recommend, not thoughtful or caring during COVID and a very sad family matter. I’m still not sure how I was helped me for the amount of money I spent in a short time. I feel was taken advantage of me for 5,000 retainer and billed for each and every line item. As a single Mom, who didn’t have two incomes and during COVID we never even met or Facetime, never even met her online or other . The sad lack of large financials as a single Mom was totally disregarded. Unfortunately not a good experience at all. Lawyers need to be held accountable for their work and not just bill to bill and make money. I don’t see how physicians are so regulated and lawyers have no regulations, it’s unethical.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Sep, 2023 by K f
Angela Grau and her team of attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants and accounting department were top notch. Even though as the trustee and personal representative I could manage my mother's trust and estate, I knew nothing on how to defend my mother's trust from litigation. Angela was recommended to me by my mother's attorney who drew up the Maryland Will and Trust. I asked them for a referral. I will not go into details about my particular litigation. DARS was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, paid attention to detail, and helped me navigate the tasks of managing my mother's affairs after her passing. I will forever be thankful for their help. I highly recommend them. I would like to update my review and make some comments about another attorney within DARS. My niece who lives in Howard County was in need of a top-quality family law attorney. I referred her to DARS and told her she will find a top-notch team to help her with some very serious issues. Once she contacted DARS she decided to utilize the services of Britton Gore. And just yesterday, April 13, my niece received a very positive decision on her case from the Howard Co Court. This portion of the review is secondhand, but I must say that everything that my adult niece and her mother told me about Ms. Gore was extremely positive. She was very prepared for the court proceedings and was able to methodically inform the court of the most important issues which led to their favorable decision. Ms. Gore listened to my niece and pursued evidence to help her tell her story to the court. They are thrilled with the outcome of the proceedings. Once again, thank you DARS for helping my family. And thank you Ms. Gore for your patience, determination, hard work, professionalism and careful consideration of a very serious family issue. You helped my niece find her voice and guided her gently to a positive resolution. My niece and her mother who is my sister, along with my husband and I are grateful to you and your firm.
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star star star star star
07 Aug, 2024 by Tash otto
I always thought an "officer" did ethical things, like fight for a child's best interest, call out or allow testimony against the lies spoken about someone. I also once believed in justice, not that this matters to you. It's just a paycheck. I am hopeful that someday you realize that in the interest of your paycheck you destroyed a young woman and her father. You don't care if a good man loses his car, home or job. You only care about winning and there's really nothing a decent person would need to hear beyond that. Maybe someday look deeper into the people whose lives you destroy in the interest of a buck. Because a man who can't afford an attorney can certainly afford to pay your wealthy narcissist the money he could have paid an attorney? I don't make $100k per year. I serve people. We don't make great money, you must know that. Oh, right but you presented lies about my pay to fool the judge. Congratulations. Resting your case was well played when you don't care about the truth. I could have destroyed your client and her witnesses. Only one of them ever used to know me, the bipolar 54 year old who still lives in his mommy's basement, from high school! You have no idea what you've done. Someday I hope you do. It is a relief that I will never have to deal with the unethical likes of your firm again!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hamed
Would really not recommend, not thoughtful or caring during COVID and a very sad family matter. I’m still not sure how I was helped me for the amount of money I spent in a short time. I feel was taken advantage of me for 5,000 retainer and billed for each and every line item. As a single Mom, who didn’t have two incomes and during COVID we never even met or Facetime, never even met her online or other . The sad lack of large financials as a single Mom was totally disregarded. Unfortunately not a good experience at all. Lawyers need to be held accountable for their work and not just bill to bill and make money. I don’t see how physicians are so regulated and lawyers have no regulations, it’s unethical.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Sep, 2023 by K f
Angela Grau and her team of attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants and accounting department were top notch. Even though as the trustee and personal representative I could manage my mother's trust and estate, I knew nothing on how to defend my mother's trust from litigation. Angela was recommended to me by my mother's attorney who drew up the Maryland Will and Trust. I asked them for a referral. I will not go into details about my particular litigation. DARS was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, paid attention to detail, and helped me navigate the tasks of managing my mother's affairs after her passing. I will forever be thankful for their help. I highly recommend them. I would like to update my review and make some comments about another attorney within DARS. My niece who lives in Howard County was in need of a top-quality family law attorney. I referred her to DARS and told her she will find a top-notch team to help her with some very serious issues. Once she contacted DARS she decided to utilize the services of Britton Gore. And just yesterday, April 13, my niece received a very positive decision on her case from the Howard Co Court. This portion of the review is secondhand, but I must say that everything that my adult niece and her mother told me about Ms. Gore was extremely positive. She was very prepared for the court proceedings and was able to methodically inform the court of the most important issues which led to their favorable decision. Ms. Gore listened to my niece and pursued evidence to help her tell her story to the court. They are thrilled with the outcome of the proceedings. Once again, thank you DARS for helping my family. And thank you Ms. Gore for your patience, determination, hard work, professionalism and careful consideration of a very serious family issue. You helped my niece find her voice and guided her gently to a positive resolution. My niece and her mother who is my sister, along with my husband and I are grateful to you and your firm.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
When it came time to go to settlement, Ruth Ann forgot quite a few things. First she forgot to mention in a timely manner that our closing costs had to be wired to her her account as opposed to accepting a cashiers check. This was mentioned to me on the day of closing and 45 minutes before the bank closed. This forced me to have to leave work in the middle of a lesson to make it to the bank on time. It was extremely stressful. Finally when we made it to settlement that night, she forgot to include some costs in the final paperwork. In fact it was I that had to remind her about some of the missing costs. It was not very much money, but still I would have rather had it all done right then and there. For something as big as purchasing a house, I guess I just expect a bit more organization.
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05 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Ruth Ann was very thorough with our purchase and sale form. She met with us on a Sunday to go over the form after reviewing it, and provided outstanding guidance and suggestions. She even conducted a preliminary title search for us, which uncovered important information for us. We would highly recommend her for legal advice for purchase and sale agreements.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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