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21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Black handled an estate case where I served as P.R. It lasted almost 12 years, because of multiple beneficiaries with their own attorneys, and many complexities. There are too few probate judges in Miami so all cases take a long time. Mr. Black is very knowledgeable about FL statutes and case law and was able to dismiss tens of thousands of charges from unscrupulous and incompetent creditors. His hourly rate is quite reasonable considering his skill level and I feel that he didn't bill for many hours that he spent. He has a good memory, a good demeanor, and professional appearance.
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14 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I am completely dissatisfied with his "representation" of my case. Upon our initial consultation he seemed willing to fight for me and I foolishly trusted him. He would tell me "dont worry I'll handle everything" after I delved a lot of personal information relevant to my case. He failed to represent me and fight for me. He was extremely hard to reach. Everytime I would call he would either be "in court" or it was a "bad time" and would promise he'd call me back at a more convenient time. There were tons of emails that I sent without so much as a response. He is a very unprofessional attorney who just shoved my file under desk paperwork. I had finally gotten so fed up that I fired him and was still presented with an invoice for services that were not rendered. SEEK ANOTHER ATTORNEY FOR REPRESENTATION! HE IS THE WORST!
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11 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I have been waiting for more than 2 years for a case to go to family court, and nothing has been done yet. At the beginning I thought he was going to be great, but after more than 2 years waiting, I am fed up. It is all about Money with these lawyers, he charged me a retainer fee of $3000, and let me tell you, it has been nothing but headaches and stress. Nothing has been done! I believe $3000 is a lot of money and it has gone to waste.
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06 Aug, 2021 by Pete
Call was assigned to me as a public defender for my case and did nothing for nine months and two weeks before trial without preparing wanna me to instead please guilty. He was highly incompetence in my case and I do not recommend him.
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03 May, 2015 by Anonymous
McKenna was "handling" our condo's delinquent units and did not take aggressive action; our position was compromised because he didn't pay attention to facts.
He was also hired for an eviction. A year later, he's made no progress. He's forgetful, lacks motivation to represent his client, took the money, no diligence.
Terrible at following up. Even gives wrong legal advice.
Maybe he's good at title transactions but I wouldn't trust his work on anything.
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05 Jul, 2014 by Sabrina
Charged me over 20,000. for motions that he never filed or would provide any copies of. I have had a lot of experience with different types of lawyers. The invoices for billable time were even double billed and he refused to correct them. Stay away would be my only advice.
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01 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney to anyone, not even to my worst enemy. I am still wondering how can this “attorney” practice the law after he swore an Oath? I paid him $5,000 to represent me on a civil case – foreclosure, and I ended up filing for a bankruptcy because he took my money, and did not fight for my rights. He kept all my legal documents, and did never called me back. Also, after my first 30 minutes of free consultation were almost over, he reminded how time is money and he’d charge $350 an hour. This person has a lack of character.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Javin
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the services provided by attorney Craig Shapiro. As a seasoned real estate agent in Charlotte, North Carolina, I understand the importance of professionalism and empathy in our industry, particularly in sensitive matters.
I was referred to Mr. Shapiro by my estate attorney for a simple writ of possession. However, my experience with him was profoundly disappointing. Firstly, the fees charged for his services were exorbitant, totaling over $7,000, which I found unreasonable for the nature of the task.
More importantly, the level of service and professionalism was significantly lacking. Throughout our interactions, Mr. Shapiro exhibited impatience and a dismissive attitude. As a client, I felt more like a bother to him than someone seeking professional assistance.
Additionally, there was a noticeable lack of empathy and understanding. The situation involved the loss of my father, a personal and sensitive matter. Mr. Shapiro's failure to acknowledge this loss or offer condolences was disheartening and, in my opinion, a breach of basic professional courtesy.
Given these experiences, I am compelled to state that I cannot recommend Mr. Shapiro's services to others seeking real estate legal assistance. It is my belief that clients should be treated with respect, patience, and empathy, especially in matters of personal significance.
Please feel free to contact me if further discussion is required on this matter.
Sincerely,
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01 Nov, 2012 by Ron
I hired Mr. Adair's firm to help me discharge a fraudulent mechanic's lien and defend against a contractor's claim of lost profits. The judge ordered the lost profits claim to mediation, and advised the firm to file a motion for partial summary judgment to discharge the lien (which statutorily awards attorney's fees). But Mr. Adair insisted that I pay his firm's fees up front, which I was unable to do, and so he abruptly withdrew from the case, abandoning me in the middle of the proceedings.
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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:
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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.
