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19 Dec, 2022 by Kimberlee
08 Apr, 2019 by Courtney
I consulted with Robert Grimm regarding a Will/Inheritance that has become slightly complex. He was patient with my many questions, thorough in his answers and explanations, and very knowledgeable in this area. His advice may have saved me from further complications in the future, and I'm extremely grateful for his help. I will not hesitate to hire him, should the need arise.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Sarah m.
Robert assisted me in refinancing my house. He was very professional, easy to work with and was prompt with any questions that I had. He helped make the process run smoothly and quickly. I felt very comfortable using him and highly recommend!!
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10 Feb, 2025 by Hooka
Saved my life, a great lawyer and takes his time and notices all mistakes thank you Mr. Swerling
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05 Feb, 2025 by Sean watt
Eleven out of ten I highly recommend Jack B. Swerling.
Jack Swerling is hands down the best defensive attorney in South Carolina, if not the whole country. I've hired him twice and both times he's been on point. He knows how to do his job and get the results you need. He's very attentive to details, no matter how small they may seem. His name alone strikes fear into prosecutors and D.A.s. I can go all day about how smart, charismatic, respectful, and great he is. What realt matters is Jack is a super lawyer who will get the job done, get the win, and beat the case. You will not find a better lawyer around. Thank you Jack for getting me the results I needed and taking care of me so I can take care of my family.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Kyle chan
I hired Jack Swerling, ESQ. for my tough case. He worked with not only me but my family. He was attentive and caring. He made sure we were aware of the process, the steps, and action to be taken. He was always transparent and honest. You can really see how experienced and professional he is. He has a great team behind him and he has always responded to my calls and messages promptly. He really worked hard to help with my case. He is notable with a strong background. I felt confident that I made a great choice hiring him. I would definitely seek him again. Thank you Jack!!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Dayara m
Excellent service, very professional.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Emily carrier
I wouldn’t give one star to Dr. Richard Laws.
His demeanor when the patient doesn’t have signs or symptoms is great. When you present with signs/symptoms- he becomes sarcastic , dismissive , caddy, rude, nasty.
He’s lucky my veteran husband wasn’t with me today. It’s clear he didn’t read my medical chart and isn’t educated on dermafibrosarcoma
Folks, the MD behind this guys came stands for mean dog.
I left there untreated , belittled by this narcissistic person. He looked at me and said “People have it a lot worse than me and that I may need to just live with pain”.
Being a nurse myself , no person has to live in pain. I asked for change of provider. I may need to return to TN for quality healthcare.
It’s a shame one person’a actions ruins for the entire clinic. It’s obvious this man doesn’t want to actually “practice medicine “. He wants to come in , do nothing and steal your insurance $. DO NOT USE THIS FOOL!
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26 Mar, 2021 by Buttonbeth1
I find that Dr. Laws is a knowledgeable doctor who understands my skin issues. He has always been kind and professional. I'm very proud to call him my dermatologist.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Pamela
David Paavola was extremely professional and knowledgeable about my legal situation. He always emailed or phoned to inform me about my legal status. I appreciated his advice and patience with my questions.
I would consult him again if any legal issues arise in the future. I trust his judgment.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Erica
He was a very detail attorney; let you know upfront what he thought and what the best options were. We will hire him again if we ever need to.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Denise
In February 2021, I made the decision to hire David Paavola to handle my 90 year old Mother's Eminent Domain case vs. the SC Department of Transportation regarding her prominent 1 acre piece of property on US #1 at I-20 in Lexington SC. This was a major restructure of the traffic patterns in that area and is still in progress today. David was well-versed and definitely more than capable of this type of case. He came highly recommended to me. He was very personable from our first meeting at the site and demonstrated both his knowledge and desire to handle this case for us. He was ALWAYS quick to respond to any correspondence or phone calls I initiated and certainly kept me informed as to where the case stood. Due to the fact that they were destroying the value of this corner piece of property that had 2 in-and-out entrances and a traffic light and leaving us the property in front within 6-feet of the front door of a new acceleration traffic lane and with a "fly-over" on the side, we were offered payment for only half of the land. We needed the DOT to purchase the entire amount as it was now uninhabitable for a 90 year old person and we needed to relocate her. This entire process took exactly 2 years due to the State Government being slow to do things. As we proceeded to take this matter to court, David produced an exceptional video of the situation at hand, before and after circumstances , and included my mother. She and my late dad bought this property and built the existing house there in 1951. That day at the conclusion of our meeting and David's presentation, SCDOT agreed to pay the full amount of our appraisal that we were asking. I was also never surprised by any additional legal fees during the 2 years I worked with him . The entire experience, although personally difficult for my family, was handled most professionally and with great expertise. I would highly recommend David Paavola to anyone who asked.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Jennifer
Ryan Lane and his office staff are to be commended. Mr. Lane represented me to modify a divorce regarding child support. I truly experienced justice with him. I told him several different outcomes I wanted as far as child support. He thoroughly explained why some things would I wanted were in line with child support law and why some things wouldn’t be good because they weren’t in line with the law. He is extremely knowledgeable and presented my case with such finesse that I was astounded! If you want a fair lawyer, Mr. Lane is your man!
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26 Nov, 2019 by Janet
Ryan has represented me for the past 3 years. The first year was for my divorce and the next 2 were for hearings when my ex did not follow court orders. Whenever I felt discouraged, Ryan and his team assured me to stay the course. They were very patient with my many questions. I would definitely recommend him!
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01 Nov, 2019 by Jenna
Ryan is an outstanding attorney that fights hard for his clients. I was going through a tough divorce and he took care of me and helped me get what was best for the kids. If you want someone that cares about your feelings and fights hard for what is best for you, I would 100% recommend Ryan!
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30 Jul, 2016 by Cenaire w
Attorney Lourie represented my daughter and me in two separate car accident cases. From the moment we stepped into his office until he won the cases for us, the entire time he handled our case to perfection. He kept us informed and fought hard for our best interests.
We are convinced he is the best attorney in town. Attorney Lourie is an awesome lawyer. He is extremely personable and extremely professional. He kept us in the loop with a 30 day appointment or telephone conference call until our cases settled. We were very much satisfied with his hard work an we are extremely impressed with his professionalism, communications and commitment to helping us out personally. This is an awesome law firm. The staff is great and very professional and on top of all issues. He kept us at ease and gave us peace of mind... We would most definitely recommend Attorney Lourie to represent your case.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Carmen
I retained Attorney Neal Lourie for my Workers Compensation Case, which was a rather difficult one.
Attorney Lourie is by far THE most Honest, Loyal, Tenacious, Caring and Honorable person one could wish to have handle legal issues. His 'can do' approach is only second to his excellent, courteous manner. He only gives the facts and fights hard to see that Justice is done. He has a caring kind manner that puts one at ease as soon as one meets him. There are no hidden agendas, and no false claims, he deals with the facts and is extremely knowledgeable in his field of practicing law.
The outcome of my Workers Compensation case was very satisfactory, I was amazed at the results.
If the need arises when you may need an Attorney, then Attorney Neal Lourie and his Law Firm are a sure bet.
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22 Apr, 2014 by Pargan
MR. LOURIE REPRESENTED ME IN WORKMAN COMP CLAIM. I WAS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH HIS LAW FIRM. MR. LOURIE KEPT ME INFORMED AT ALL TIMES. I WAS HAPPY TO RECEIVE A LARGE SETTLEMENT AMOUNT. SPECIAL THANKS TO;MR. LOURIE AND HIS OUTSTANDING FIRM.
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10 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Someone you can trust. Integrity. Honest and hard working. Thanks for all the work you do.
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11 Jun, 2018 by Eric
As a client of Attorney Aun and his law firm, I was served in a very professional manner and my needs were exceeded. Upon entering his office, I immediately felt that I had hired more than just an attorney. I felt that I was in the presence of one that genuinely cared for my well-being.
Attorney Aun is always asking about my family and this has continued although his representation is over. He goes the extra mile and is very knowledgeable, personable, and maintains his integrity. Attorney Aun comes highly recommended because he sincerely cares about those whom he serves. He has the capacity to meet one’s legal needs and takes a holistic approach in working with his clients.
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31 May, 2018 by Krysten
Andy Aun is an incredible lawyer. Andy works tirelessly for his client's best interest. Andy talked us through a legal process thoroughly and efficiently. Andy is the best in the business!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Wanda pearson
From the initial appointment to the final outcome, the process could not have gone more smoothly. Jabber & Isaac, PA, and Tameika Isaac Devine, Esq. exceeded all expectations for attentiveness, empathy, and compassion. Ms. Devine's expert help to understand and navigate probate requirements at a difficult time is deeply appreciated.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Antonio edmond
They were great and very very helpful.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Wj tt
07 Oct, 2019 by Chris
If you are looking for a construction attorney, Charles Krawczyk will be your BEST choice! Our previous attorney was a nightmare with no communication, no solutions, no experience, just a lot of bills. When Charles took over our case, everything was very clear, he kept us updated, and bill was very straight forward. He did not only solve our problem quickly, he did at at a much lower cost!!!!! SO if you have to spend the money on the lawsuit, why not hire the BEST, most experienced one you can find? His consultation will be honest and to the point. You'll know what results to expect if you follow his advice.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Leopold
Excellent communication skills regarding my legal issues. Knowledge regarding subject matter was informative and made me feel good in pursuit of a favorable resolution. The result was very satisfactory considering issues involving my case. If I need Legal representation in the future I would not hesitate to call on Charles to represent me.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Gunnar
I hired Charley Krawczyk at Finkel Law Firm to try and save a case that my previous attorney had blundered. Charley was first class, he was forthcoming with opinions and did a fantastic job representing me and my case. He and his firm are professional and provide detailed billing information so I always knew where I stood with them financially during the process.
Charley was able to work through the issues and did, in fact, help me get a settlement, against all odds. I would highly recommend both Charley and his firm for any legal needs that you might have. I can't say enough good about them.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Rachel
Attorney DeHolczer does an excellent job of getting great results. Not only does he get results, but keeps the client informed of what is happening each step of the way, Thereby reducing the level of anxiety one experience during a trying situation. I would certainly work with him again.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Eric
Paul represented us in a suit against our home builder. He was thorough and very responsive to our many questions. When we discovered water damage including mold in our new home, Paul's local network was instrumental in determining the extent of damages and costs for remediation. We were very satisfied with the outcome of our litigation.
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30 May, 2014 by Donna
Matthew Gerrald handled a business related case for my company of which I was the administrator. Preparation of information for case was handled extremely well. Court ruling on case was in our favor and a great deal of the success was due to preparation and knowledge of our legal team.
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27 Jun, 2019 by Tasha wider
Mr. Kalish is a wonderful attorney. He was hired to help my sister. She was facing 20 years in jail. He was able to get her chargers dismissed.
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20 Feb, 2017 by Michael
Richard's practice is a wonderful merging of excellent law knowledge and law systems combined with a personal approach to meeting the client's needs. Regardless of the legal needs of our company or personal matters, Richard is attentive to resolution of a matter economically and professionally.
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03 Dec, 2013 by Andy
My wife and I were really impressed w/the professional attitude and demeanor of Vanessa Shipley.
Every detail was explained thoroughly and in plain simple terms. I will use her for future professional
help.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
He was so great, he worked hard, and Spoke with eloquent language. He was a great attorney, and helped my contract run over smoothly.
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21 May, 2023 by Sonya
Mr. Cromartie is an excellent injury lawyer. He made sure that I understood each step that was being done to make sure I was receiving the medical attention needed and why. My questions during the process was answered with patience. Without his knowledge and expertise I would've only let the company I worked for handle my care. I would have received the minimum care needed. Thank you for working for my best interest and getting me the care needed.
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10 Oct, 2018 by Medcom inc.
Great job Dan, you are the best.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Barbara carter
11 May, 2016 by Kimberly w
22 Apr, 2016 by Amy peterkin
27 Jan, 2025 by Matthew dildine
Great people that genuine want to help. Easy communication, very friendly and understanding. Can’t thank Mackenzie enough
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19 Nov, 2024 by D. b. w.
I got a speeding ticket in SC from a state trooper on 4th of July weekend, traveling back from vacation out of state. I contacted three separate lawyers who all didn’t offer any help before I found Truslow & Truslow. Though my speeding ticket was in a different county, thankfully they still took on my case. Three months later, and my ticket has been dismissed!! Absolute miracle workers, and worth every penny!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Chris williams
Very detailed and awesome to work with! I highly recommend these guys! MacKenzie and Neal both know their stuff and work very diligently to give their absolute best!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Frenchy beny
My Citizenship process was quick and painless thanks to them. Fast communication, thorough and patient in explaining every part of the process.
10/10 would recommend
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04 Dec, 2024 by Upma hans
It's a blessing to have such a professional attorney with a great team. They are always ready to help.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Dane magee
This firm consists of a wonderful group of informed, competent, and very patient employees. They held my hand every step of the way and were always there when I had a question or doubt. My thanks and appreciation for their diligence and excellent professionalism.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Corey richardson
I hired Attorney Matt Bodman to represent me at my recent SCDPPP pardon hearing.
He relentlessly gathered all of the facts of my case and flawlessly articulated to the board members why he thought I deserved and should be granted a pardon.
Around 8:45 am, the morning after my hearing, I checked the SCDPPP website to see if they had posted their decision and saw that my pardon was indeed granted.
I would highly recommend Attorney Bodman's services to anyone who's in need of any of his various fields of practice. He's absolutely "the best!"
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05 Feb, 2024 by Scott wilburn
Matt is a great individual, a great husband, father and a awesome attorney! He helped me and my family solve a problem that we will forever be grateful for. I can't say enough about him. Don't hesitate to seek his services!!!
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30 Jul, 2023 by Patrick mayfield
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the outstanding service provided by Pardon Attorney Matt Bodman. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, I successfully obtained my pardon in South Carolina. From the very beginning, Mr. Bodman demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and knowledge in the intricacies of the pardon process.
Throughout the journey, he kept me informed and guided me through each step with unwavering support. His attention to detail and meticulous approach ensured that all necessary paperwork was handled flawlessly. Matt's expertise in navigating the legal system was evident, and he effortlessly addressed any concerns I had along the way.
Not only did he handle my case with utmost competence, but he also treated me with empathy and respect. I felt like a priority, and my pardon application was given the attention it deserved. Matt's commitment to helping me achieve my pardon was truly commendable.
I highly recommend Pardon Attorney Matt Bodman to anyone seeking assistance with their pardon application. His expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients make him an exceptional attorney. If you are looking for someone who can make a real difference in your pardon process, look no further than Matt Bodman. Thank you once again for changing my life for the better!
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16 Nov, 2021 by Moto master
Very helpful people. My mom says it's one of the best places she's worked for.
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24 Jan, 2021 by David adam
I highly recommend Mr Laney, his expertise and helpfulness is next to none
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25 Jun, 2020 by Michael thomas
04 Oct, 2024 by Chris zecopoulos
Experience, punctuality and professionalism.... None better for estate planning in SC!
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25 Jan, 2024 by Zahra workman
I can’t even express how grateful I am about this amazing lawyer and the amazing team! Highly recommend
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15 Dec, 2023 by Juan mcallister
Best Estate attorneys great experience and very knowledgeable highly recommend. No complaints!!! Worth the money.
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20 Jul, 2023 by Amanda hollis
02 May, 2023 by Joey shieder
Alex and Bryan have both been extremely helpful with all of our real estate law needs. From closings to creating documents, they have always communicated quickly and with great detail. We have been very satisfied with their service and will continue to use them for all of our real estate law needs.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Menttory jones
05 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Gary helped me with a trust modification and an update to my will. He did a good job and no issues in probate court. I recommend Gary to help get the job done correctly.
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03 Jun, 2016 by Will
David was able to handle my title work promptly and accurately. He was easy to reach, and he stayed in touch with me throughout the process. He is a professional, and both he and his coworkers are very helpful, friendly, and accommodating.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Joshua robinson
14 Feb, 2025 by Nesha s
Highly recommend!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Pamela miller
Great experience with my recent real estate closing. Thank you
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17 Jul, 2019 by Steve
April handled our uncontested divorce efficiently, promptly and with concern for all. She was wonderful to work with and I could not have been more pleased! Thank you, April!
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19 Jan, 2015 by Candi
April was assigned to us by the courts and she was the best thing that ever happened to us! She was truly a angel sent, She showed so much compassion and love towards our little girl that we were fighting so hard for. She took everyone's sides into consideration and did what was best for our little girl! So with that said we got to adopt our baby! And we thank her so much and everyone else that was involved. She is one of the best lawyers you could ask for.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Daniel
My name is Daniel and April Gremillion, was recommended to me by another attorney and I sincerely thank God for that recommendation. April is helping me with a matter regarding my son. She is extremely diligent in everything she has done for me. She keeps her promises and constantly is in contact with me about the proceedings, no matter how many emails I send her in a day.. She always ALWAYS reply within MINUTES, even during holidays with her family, she still replied to my emails of concerns. She has the highest standards of ETHICS, INTEGRITY, DEPENDABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND TRUST!! I completely trust her, her expertise, opinions and guidance. I highly recommend April to anyone.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Degenhart is an excellent attorney. I have a bit of a complicated case for my divorce with multiple faults attributed to my husband.
Mr. Degenhart makes it seem easy.
He will remain my attorney until my children are 18. He's a very nice guy as well. He makes the entire process, which is stressful, much more manageable.
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11 Apr, 2013 by Teshia
I was scheduled to go to court with another attorney in the office, BUT my attorney couldn't make it and Attorney P. Degenhart was asked to step in. I was scheduled to go in at 3:30, I met Degenhart at 2:45. I wasn't too hopeful to be honest, being that this was the first time I would be meeting this attorney and just 45 minutes before my hearing. I promise you - it was like watching Matlock in action when we got in the court room. If this man is this good with me only meeting him 45 minutes before my hearing, it has got to be awesome if he had more time invested. I didn't even have to take the stand - and the outcome was great! He will definitely be my attorney from here on out. I HIGHLY recommend him and trust me, I've had alot of attorneys in my journey and have never returned to them to represent me. I think I have found a good one!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Niia bishop
They did a wonderful job. Jake Lampke was stellar and provided exceptional communication. Worth the expense.
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02 Jan, 2025 by John ross
Very professional and helpful.
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23 Dec, 2024 by James jones
I just wanted to give a very special thank you to Taylor Bell and The Jeffcoat team. Very reliable and excellent service. I was very skeptical at first, but Mr. Bell came through strong for me at the end. I would definitely recommend and use their services again, if need be. Thank you once again Mr. Taylor Bell and The Jeffcoat team. 💯🙏🏾
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26 May, 2010 by Lynne
Mr. Thompson took on a case after another firm mishandled it. He quickly brought himself up to speed on the case which involved several months of prior work done by a lawyer who was not actually suited for this type of work. I never actually met Mr. Thompson, but we talked several times on the phone plus corresponded via e-mail. It was easy to tell immediately that he had a calm and intelligent manner from the first conversation. I could tell from the initial discussion that I was sorry I had not had him represent me from the beginning. Throughout the ensuing months, I found him to be highly responsible and empathetic to my situation and gave very wise advice. It was obvious he knew what he was talking about and gave me much-needed advice during a very difficult period in my life that was fraught with family conflict that I had never anticipated happening to the extent that it did.
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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.
