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29 Sep, 2021 by Amaury
I and my wife recently worked with Mrs. Casandra Strunk in the preparation of our wills and other legal documents. She is extremely thorough and competent and will ensure her clients fully understand the documents they are signing. She is very sweet and easy to work with. Her paralegal and other office workers are also very professional and courteous. I highly recommend Cassandra Strunk for your legal needs.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Sabrina
Cassandra and her team were wonderful. I was able to update my estate documents with an easy process. I also appreciate Cassandra providing recommendations and her insights on scenarios I should consider now and in the future as I am planning for my families future. Cassandra and her team were very responsive and a delight to work with.
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21 Sep, 2021 by Stephen
Cassandra helped us with a change to our Will and medical power of attorney. She was timely and efficient in this process and explained concisely each step in the documentation.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Kevin
When we purchased our first home, Ryan Hawkins at Ferguson, Scarbrough, Hayes, Hawkins & DeMay PLLC handled our closing. Being new to the process, Mr. Hawkins walked us through every step of the closing to make sure we understood and were comfortable with all of the details. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and always available when we had a question. We would definitely recommend this attorney and firm for real estate.
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10 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
She is one of the best I have worked in all my transactions from Refinancing a home, removing names on the deed, living will, healthcare power of attorney, and will.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Ken thomas photography
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16 Mar, 2021 by Cheryl hill
Mr. Medlin and his staff recently helped me with an ongoing estate settlement. Thanks to the efforts and steadfastness of Mr. Medlin, we finally got the issues resolved. We certainly couldn't have gotten things done had it not been for Mr. Medlin. The ladies in his office are wonderful as well. I highly recommend this firm.
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02 Mar, 2021 by William cottrell
Steve Medlin was very knowledgeable and professional in guiding my wife and I through a important real estate transaction. In addition he was very personable and user friendly. He exceeded our expectations in his assistance professionally and personally. I give him 5 stars for his services. William ( Bill ) and Rebecca Cottrell
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30 Jun, 2024 by David garofalo
Efficient and easy to work with. Several of our closings have been at the Concord office. Clients seem happy as well.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Kunal shah
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25 Nov, 2023 by James miller
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12 Sep, 2024 by Mommy bear
I had the privilege of working with Adam on a complex real estate litigation matter, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise and dedication. He has demonstrated an unparalleled command of real estate law and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. What sets Adam apart is not only his deep knowledge of real estate litigation but also his strategic approach to handling intricate legal issues. He meticulously reviewed all aspects of the case, provided clear and practical advice, and executed a well-crafted strategy that addressed both immediate concerns and long-term implications. His attention to detail and proactive communication ensured that I was always informed and confident throughout the process. In addition to his legal acumen, Adam exhibits remarkable professionalism and empathy. He took the time to understand my goals and concerns, making me feel like a valued client rather than just another case. His negotiation skills were particularly impressive, as they managed to navigate complex negotiations with skill and tact, leading to a favorable resolution. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable, diligent, and results-driven real estate litigation lawyer, I wholeheartedly recommend Adam. His expertise and dedication will undoubtedly make a significant difference in your case.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Jada clyburn
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11 Sep, 2024 by Clement manu
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12 Sep, 2024 by Mommy bear
I had the privilege of working with Adam on a complex real estate litigation matter, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise and dedication. He has demonstrated an unparalleled command of real estate law and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. What sets Adam apart is not only his deep knowledge of real estate litigation but also his strategic approach to handling intricate legal issues. He meticulously reviewed all aspects of the case, provided clear and practical advice, and executed a well-crafted strategy that addressed both immediate concerns and long-term implications. His attention to detail and proactive communication ensured that I was always informed and confident throughout the process. In addition to his legal acumen, Adam exhibits remarkable professionalism and empathy. He took the time to understand my goals and concerns, making me feel like a valued client rather than just another case. His negotiation skills were particularly impressive, as they managed to navigate complex negotiations with skill and tact, leading to a favorable resolution. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable, diligent, and results-driven real estate litigation lawyer, I wholeheartedly recommend Adam. His expertise and dedication will undoubtedly make a significant difference in your case.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Jada clyburn
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11 Sep, 2024 by Clement manu
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kim
Ms St. Louis is very prompt and knowledgeable, she is the best lawyer l have ever dealt with. I am so thankful l found her and her services. She answered all of my questions and took very good care of my custody case and has been supportive with a couple situations that followed. I want to say “thank you!”
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12 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend the Law Firm of Lancaster and St. Louis. They are very friendly and caring. I felt so comfortable the first time I met Hilary St. Louis. She is extremely knowledgeable and also very helpful. I will definitely use her again if I need to. She was the BEST!! Maura was very helpful also. She got us an appointment quickly and answered any questions that I had prior to our consultation.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Gregg
I was represented by Lancaster & St. Louis for nearly 3 years. Their performance as my legal team was haphazard, sluggish, and emotionally draining –on their best days. As a single parent, I’m familiar with the hardships and stressors court can bring and this team failed to provide me the support I needed in one of my most difficult times – resulting in time lost with my son, financial losses, and unnecessary emotional turmoil throughout this whole process due to simple carelessness. Regarding his firm’s professionalism (or lack thereof), unfortunately I was accidentally copied on emails between Hilary and opposing counsel; a lengthy back and forth of both attorneys disparaging and making fun of court staff, fellow attorneys and even judges. This is hardly the behavior I expect to see from someone representing myself and the best interests of my son. I began with Hilary representing me in my case. After Hilary mysteriously disappeared for a second time (this time for several months), LeAnn took over my case. Both of Hilary’s disappearances also occurred within a week of two crucial hearings on motions Hilary had filed. There were plenty of conversations with opposing counsel (who Hilary was familiar with as they are both based in Cabarrus County) and plenty of emails but there was no traction on multiple fronts. With Hilary’s second sudden disappearance, opposing counsel was also replaced at the same time with someone based out of Mecklenburg County, who the office had not previously interacted with. As an aside, credit where credit is due; opposing counsel was thorough and competent and quite a contrast from LeAnn. LeAnn was tasked with representing me on the motions Hilary had previously filed and had not been heard for well over a year. From her first appearance in court, it was clear that LeAnn was unprepared. Multiple motions were dismissed due to careless oversights when being filed by Hilary. This included a motion for child support and unpaid expenses totaling well over $20k that was incorrectly filed; again carelessness. After two of these incidents, I reached out to Hilary detailing my concerns. The response I received was that THEY would decide who was assigned to which case, cc:ing LeAnn and further enflaming the situation. LeAnn's lack of preparation was exacerbated after one judgement called for a one year suspended sentence. (I've obtained a copy of the court transcript audio confirming the judge’s ruling from the bench). In drafting the judgement with opposing counsel, LeAnn neglected to include the duration of my sentence. After the judgement was filed without a duration, it became a sentence with no duration, which meant it would expire when my son turned 18. A one year suspended criminal sentence became a 7+ year sentence directly due to LeAnn’s negligence and Hilary's inaction. As an aside, if you are seeking representation and are being told you can recover attorney fees that should be a red flag and should move along in your search. In discussions with multiple attorneys (well over 10) in both Cabarrus and Meck County, I was consistently told how rare attorney's fees are to be awarded and even more difficult specifically within Cabarrus County. Hilary repeatedly sold me on the prospect of attorney fees for nearly 2 years. The question to ask yourself as a potential client is whether you are willing to take the risk or to go with someone with a more consistent track record. If my case was given the same attention as given to damage control of negative reviews on google, perhaps there would have been a more positive outcome. For a candid look into how this firm handles clients, look through their responses to google reviews. My review is honest, based on my experience and supported by emails, motions filed and their outcomes along with court transcripts.
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11 Mar, 2015 by John
I have used Howard Irvin for three closings on homes I have purchased and several other real estate-related matters over the past twenty years and have always found him professional, reliable, his fees very reasonable, and his manner fastidious. He has never left a loose end in any of my dealings with him, and his legal staff members are always informed and professional.
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16 May, 2011 by Tiffany
This attorney's office handled our closing. The fees were outrageous & the paralegals weren't the best. Our realtor had to record our deed which is supposed to be handled by the attorney. We are not pleased w/ the service. The closing kept being delayed & the Hud wasn't even prepared before our closing apptmt. to where the realtor could review it.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Brannen was appointed by the court to represent me. I was very disappointed with him. Having had no need of an attorney in my 64 years, I had no experience with lawyers or the court system. My case was continued over and over again. He did not return my calls and I never knew what was going on. I did not want to or need to take up an inordinate amount of his time. I am sure that court appointed cases do not pay as much as defendant paid cases, but if he takes them, then he should allow honest representation. Not HONEST!!
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04 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
This lawyer was so poor in his handling of my case. He would not return calls most of the time. He would not show up in court and would not tell me he would not be there. I was so confused when the first time he did not show up in court. I didn't know what to do. I think he is a horrible lawyer.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired him for zoning appeal. He was horrible
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FAQs
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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:

  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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