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05 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family trust was created several years ago, and we knew that several changes were needed. We are so fortunate to have found Mr. Boss to do this work for us. Not only was his knowledge of trust law thorough and up-to-date, but he was very clear and also patient in his explanation to us of various provisions in the trust. I had just spent several months of frustration and confusion with a different lawyer in the administration of my parents' trust. Working with Mr. Boss was like a breath of fresh air after that experience. My phone calls and e-mails were answered promptly. All of the work on the trust was completed in the time agreed upon. We have already recommended him to our best friends, knowing that they would receive conscientious and excellent service.
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12 May, 2014 by Fritzie galliani
Donald Boss is a lawyer's lawyer. He is knowledgeable in the areas of business planning, trusts, wills, estate planning, and a host of other information. I have consulted with him on numerous occasions and have referred him clients who have given me positive feedback after he has rendered services for them. He's an outstanding lawyer.
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05 Mar, 2014 by Neil
I was the Executor of a Will with a trust benefiting two beneficiaries, myself and an estranged family member. When this responsibility was thrust on me I was busy with my business, refused to contact the second beneficiary and mostly ignored Don's direction and advice. Don chased me down, forcefully explained my legal obligations and laid out my detailed "To Do" list. Don made it as easy as possible for me but never relented on meeting deadlines and getting things done. Don knew his stuff and how to manage at least one difficult client.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Sheri
Mr. Klingerman has helped me several times with an HOA (Condo Homeowners Association) issue. He always won! I would always go back to him and refer him to anyone.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Gloria
Cris A. Klingerman has helped our family navigate through our business affairs, our real estate holdings and our family law matters. His legal knowledge and experience is extensive and is highly effective in negotiating. Above all, he is kind, considerate and will listen. An expert in his field and exceeded our expectations.
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04 Apr, 2012 by Chris
Chris handled my auto accident case and I would highly recommend him. He worked hard and got me a good settlement when the insurance company offered nothing when i was on my own.
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02 Mar, 2010 by Anna
Chris is a great attorney. He handled my matter with excellence and knowledge above and beyond my expectations. I continue to refer people to Chris and if he can't help me or my friends, he always provides a contact or answer that gets us headed in the right direction. I recommend him highly.
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09 Feb, 2021 by David
Gustavo is an excellent attorney, because he is always prepared to tackle his clients' concerns in a timely manner.
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30 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
e x ce l le n t lawyer. Pleasant to work with. Reasonable price.
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22 May, 2024 by Javier
MUY RECOMENDADO,ME AYUDO MUY BIEN CON MI CASO DE WORKERS COMP.ME CONSIGUIO UNA BUENA CO PENZACION.EXCELENTE SR ROODBARI !!!!!
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09 May, 2024 by Jonathan hawkins
Intake couldn't even spell my name correctly
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12 Apr, 2023 by Betty yonashiro
Thank you Mr Hernandez and all his stuff. They are very professional and they help you through the process of your workers comp. I highly recommend them and they answer all your questions. 👍
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13 Apr, 2024 by Colleen moore
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20 Feb, 2024 by Ray reid
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07 Feb, 2024 by Karen feulner
As an estate beneficiary trying to sort out illogical and incorrect document submissions from the attorney of record in an on-going estate proceeding, I contacted the Stapleton Law Office for help. Every interaction I had with the Stapleton Law Office was welcoming, helpful, professional, and informative. Their quick and efficient document review, direct responses to my questions, and overall knowledge about procedural requirements, were absolutely invaluable at a time when a helping hand was most needed. The Stapleton Law Office has shown themselves to be trustworthy and good to work with. I will not hesitate to use their services again or refer them to others.
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03 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Joel Tamraz to help me with a civil suit. He seemed so nice, knowledgeable and helpful over the phone. Our first meeting should have been my first red flag. His office and desk were a mess, and he had msgs. stacked up on his desk from months back. I gave him all my information, signed a contract and gave him a retainer fee. I asked him to contact the opposing council immediately, and tell them he was representing me. In the meantime...I had some information I wanted to give him, and emailed him, and left several msgs. via phone. I never received any return emails or phone calls. I then received a large pkt. of information from the opposing council, with a lot of information and questions that had to be answered immediately. I had called Joel and he was not in, but I left a msg. with his assistant, saying it was very important, and I had to speak with him right away. This time he called back. We agreed to meet the next day. I had asked him again, if he let the opposing council know, that he was representing me. He said that he needed me to sign something first. Why didn't he have me sign the document the first day? He said he would email me then, so I could sign it. He never did. When he greeted me in the waiting room the next day, he introduced himself, as if we were meeting for the first time. I had to remind him, that we already knew each other. As we started going over everything, I realize he had done absolutely nothing on my case, it had been two weeks, and we were supposed to be ready for a court date soon. We went over some things, and he sent me home with homework. By the time I got into my car, I felt like I knew more about the procedures and the dos and don'ts about the case than he did. I had a contract that was breached, and he didn't even remember that, even though it was sitting right in front of him. He told me to add that to my information. Before I left his office that day, I told him to make sure he let the opposing council know, he was representing me...for the third time. I never heard anything back from him, so I STILL don't know if he did anything about it. After this, I decided to dispense of his services, and find a new attorney. I knew he was bad news. I wrote him a letter, to ask him to bill me for his hours, and return my unused portion of my retainer, which was thousands. I never heard back from him. I wrote him three times, and still nothing. If I could give this man negative five stars...I would. Do yourself a big favor. Do not go anywhere near him. You will be very sorry!
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03 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Joel Tamraz does an excellent job of winning cases against HOA's and resolving disputes. He is so successful that one HOA legal firm demanded he not represent people anymore against their association! I am currently working with him on a case and would recommend him to anyone. A + rating and experience.
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24 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
We hired and fired him. In a couple of months he used up our retainer fee of $10,000. dollars. Of course the bills are not itemized. Our research shows that client's been suing him for Malpractice. He did not file our documents in time. He misplaced our documents when asked for them. He lied to use numerous of times. He sent documents to the wrong attorneys. I had to correct him. I thought I was working for him. ?? We agreed before we hired him along with a written document on things we needed done. Apparently months went by and nothing was done but the billing. No subpoenas or motions. Not even a phone call. He extended our court date a year out without our knowledge or consent. Later we found out he made agreements with opposing counsel. He has refused to turn over all correspondence's. He said he needed more time. ?? I asked Tamraz if he reviewed all the files. He said yes! I personally took some files out on purpose. Well he never reviewed the files. When I handed him the ones I took out. He put his head down and was silent. His excuse was that he was not taking his medications and wasn't feeling well. Tamraz is to old to perform his duties so he found an easy way out to deceive the clients for money. Make sure you have everything in writing. Record your conversations in his presents. If he refuses to do so that is a red flag. Do not hire him or you will be standing in line with the rest of us.
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19 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I do not recommend him. We hired him a while back, as he seemed like a nice guy when we interviewed him. But soon thereafter we found that it was difficult to get in contact with him. If we would call him with questions about our case he would usually take long amounts of time to return our calls. At one point it took him more than one month to get back to us, and we had to threaten to find other representation in order to get him to respond. As an act of good faith we asked him if emailing would be an easier way for him to correspond with us and he said yes. So from that point forward we tried emailing him if we had any questions. A number of months passed, and then something important happened where we needed to get in touch with him. We first emailed him, since he said that was an easier way to correspond with him, but we didn’t get any response. After about one week and a half we called him, and still didn’t get a response. We emailed and called a few more times over the following weeks and still no response from him. After around six weeks of waiting for a response we sent him a strongly worded letter asking him to please call us by a certain date, and he did not respond. We waited a total of seven weeks for a response from him and we didn’t get any, so we ended up dropping him. From the very beginning he made us feel that we were bothering him when we asked any questions, and that he had more important things to do than to respond to us. He honestly seems like he’s a person who just doesn’t care. In the end he managed to make a situation that was already difficult for my family and I, even more difficult. Again, I do not recommend him at all to anyone who is looking for representation as I feel that he is unprofessional. I’m usually not someone who complains or writes poor reviews, but I do feel that people should be aware of this.
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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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