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25 Nov, 2024 by Oscar figueroa
Excellent lawyers absolutely 👍 1000%
Thanks Erick Puente
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25 Nov, 2024 by Luis santos
This firm is great, helped my family and I set a Trust of Deed for our mother. The very thorough in explaining how the process works and what all it would cover. Answered every question we had with professionalism.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Emily villanueva
Excellent criminal defense attorney and a true professional.
I highly recommend to anyone in need of a skilled defense attorney, especially for Spanish-speaking clients who want clear and compassionate guidance.
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5.0
1 Reviews
5.0
10 Reviews
15 Jan, 2025 by Amy warren
Steve Thornton is a fantastic Lawyer. He knows how to argue a case in front of a Judge. Very knowledgeable, prepared and most importantly, Effective.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Sandra d
My husband and I consulted several attorneys regarding a very important legal matter we found ourselves in. When we spoke with John, we knew right away he was the representation we needed! He is very knowledgeable, strategic, and is an out of the box thinker. We could have not asked for a better outcome thanks to John’s outstanding work!!
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26 Aug, 2023 by David blair
I engaged John Dubiel at Bristol & Dubiel LLP to assist me in obtaining a judgement for an overdue debt of close to $1.0 million. John was responsive and did a great job of working with me on the debt. The debtor came up with all kinds of crazy excuses/affidavits but through John's excellent legal work and guidance we were able to obtain a summary judgement for the whole amount and everything we asked for. I highly recommend John Dubiel for your legal needs especially in difficult situations.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Fnaf is the best and always will be
100% recommend this lawyer. Our process was smooth and very fast. He is very efficient as well as the rest of his staff. My husband's residency process took less than 6 months!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Karen coverson
Contacted Kreig for a free consultation regarding probate options for a complicated family matter. Andrew Poore was very friendly and informative. Due to complexity of matter, he did not have all the answers to my questions, but reassured me that he would do a deeper dive into the information I presented him and would follow-up with me next day with further guidance and quotes. Very satisfied with initial consultation.
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02 Feb, 2025 by Silvia lorena sanchez
07 Jan, 2025 by Rod sosa
Lee and his team helped me get a very good settlement, especially considering my complicated and challenging situation. His advice was compassionate and thorough. I would highly recommend his services.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Lisa kirkpatrick
Mr. Alford is very knowledgeable and professional. He answered all of my questions and was patient and kind. I would absolutely recommend him. He even followed up with me a while after everything was concluded to make sure I didn’t have any further questions or concerns.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Lisa
Mr. Alford drafted a will and a trust for me. I had a lot of questions about the trust and he was very patient and explained things to me so that I could be confident in what I was doing. He is very knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend him.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Brylee roebuck
I’ve had a great experience with my personal injury case with Fears law. Anell has been a great help as my case manager
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17 Dec, 2024 by Burg hamons
Very nice people ..very knowledgeable friendly and fast
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17 Dec, 2024 by Saleem abo-auda
They have been giving me great legal advice for a while. Very happy with their expertise and how welcoming they are.
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5.0
8 Reviews
4.7
737 Reviews
27 Feb, 2025 by Becky james
David and his staff did a wonderful job and we would recommend their services to anyone.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Crystal palms
19 Feb, 2025 by Jarvis woodson
Did Great Job Got My Case Dismissed
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06 Apr, 2022 by Emily wilson
Great personal service!
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04 Dec, 2014 by George
Tom Stauch has represented me a number of times. As a contractor, it is rare to find an attorney that understands my business as well as the law. Tom is just that attorney. His acumen in this industry coupled with his command of the law makes him a true asset, achieving success in every endeavor and task I have engaged him. He has earned my trust, confidence and respect.
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04 Dec, 2014 by Dr. pranay patel
Tom helped me with the acquisition of a new business. He was very professional and allowed me to go through the process stress free. He was able to negotiate a deal that saved me money and future heartache.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Dakota jackson
I was referred to the law offices of Nicole Walker, by a very dear friend of mine. She was right when she said that their office would take the utmost care of me. This has been a very long and hard ordeal due to no fault of ours or theirs. They held my hand through the whole process, kept me informed the entire way, and helped me successfully settle my case. I am over the moon and more than pleased with their service. I hope I never have to go through this again, but if I do, I know exactly who I’m going to call— the law offices of Nicole Walker helped me tremendously.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Michele cunningham
I just want to thank the Law office of Nicole N Walker and her staff. They were all very kind and helpful. I greatly appreciate all that you have done to assist me during this most challenging time. She and her staff are so helpful. She and her staff were always very patient and professional with my cases.
Congratulations to you on your pregnancy!! Many blessings to you both.
Thank you again!!
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30 Sep, 2023 by J'amion griffin
I am so grateful for having Attorney Nicole Walker on my team. She represented me as if she'd known me for years. Definitely my "go to" attorney. I'd advise anyone to choose her, and her team. I'm so glad I did.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Valerie dickson
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Andrew Rhoden for my case this past winter. He was very professional and assisted me in preparing my case and ensure that the district was following the proper investigative processes for my case. I would highly recommend his services to any educational professional.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Troy scurlark
Throughout the entire process everyone was very polite, professional and knowledgeable. Amber and Andrew made everything so easy and answered all questions.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Steven moss
Masterly Legal Solutions was incredibly thorough, professional, and caring. From the first meeting I had, it was very clear that Andrew Rhoden was driven by purpose. His experience as a former educator brings a wealth and depth of knowledge.. The level of communication, detail, and empathy that he and his talented staff provide is truly remarkable. If you are looking for an effective lawyer who cares and will advocate for you, choose Masterly Legal Solutions.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Marco
Working with Sam has been an experience that exceeded our expectations. He has helped us complete our provisional patent and not only has he been timely and efficient in his work but he has also been good at communicating so we understand where exactly we're at in the process (this means the world to me and my wife). Could not be happier with our decision to go with Sam!
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06 Nov, 2024 by Daniel burakoski
Sam Sokhansanj was extremely thorough and helpful with the preparation of my patent application. Undoubtably one-of-a-kind patent attorney in the world of inventors and future entrepreneurs. Greatest service received. Thank you kindly, Sam.
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28 Sep, 2024 by A a
Very pleased with Sam’s service- I was informed all throughout the process of the outcomes I was facing with my application. I would highly recommend his services as he provides realistic outcomes unlike many other attorneys I contacted before him.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Richard adleta
John Kappel was instrumental during my challenging divorce, skillfully handling complex asset division and stock option issues. His pragmatic approach, clear strategy, and level-headedness brought much-needed calm and clarity to a tumultuous process. John's communication was exemplary; he was responsive and attentive, even on weekends. His services were not only top-quality but also reasonably priced. For anyone navigating the complexities of divorce, especially with significant financial considerations, I highly recommend John for his exceptional legal guidance and personal dedication.
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29 Jul, 2023 by Lloyd guy
29 Apr, 2023 by Michelle wallace
This is for John Kappel and the entire team;
Incredible work. I went through a divorce thinking simplistic and easy (2020). It became complex. I hired a different attorney from an online found firm, ended firing her, greatest choice made, after I found and hired John Kappel. He made this ongoing case of three and a half years to come to an end with the best outcome, more than I believed to come true. Full sole custody (rights signed by “father”), and a satisfactory judgement, including child support arrearage, with interest. This all signed by attorneys and judge, after John diligently and precisely worked on. He is intelligent and an amazing attorney.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Brenda williams
22 Apr, 2018 by Friendly towers projects
Lady that runs the library pretty much always grumpy and generally unfriendly BUT it’s run efficiently, stays clean, rest of the staff is pretty helpful and knowledgeable on where to point you. They are not lawyers and can NOT give legal advise.
Dealing with general public can be a handful, especially people constantly on their phones and being loud- it is a library people!
Great resources with blank forms for pro se, law books and computer research on Westlaw one hour per day.
ALWAYS bring cash for copies, yes they have copy machine. And please be nice to them and stay off your phone while in there. 😀
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29 Jan, 2013 by Jeffery
Maricela represented me a couple years ago in a wage recovery lawsuit against a former employer. They owed me $45,000.00 in unpaid wages. I was in her office one afternoon, unbeknownst to her, and overheard a conversation she was having with the General Counsel of my former Fortune-100 company. Maricela wrestled him to the ground in a very professional, knowledgeable, yet combative manner. Every time the GC posed an argument as to why they shouldn’t pay my back wages, Maricela pinned him to the matt. I received my full wages within 45-days of giving her the case. I strongly recommend Maricela.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Brian richardson
28 Dec, 2024 by Alec graham
28 Dec, 2024 by J fears
top tier service
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24 Jan, 2025 by Marko
Somehow Mr. Chapin was able to turn a very complex issue into a simple issue for me. I was very pleased with his professionalism, responsiveness and ability to problem solve. Every legal challenge can feel daunting but with the right help there can be hope. I would highly recommend Mr. Chapin to anyone in need of a lawyer.
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17 Nov, 2024 by Marcial
From our first consultation to the final resolution, Hershel provided clear, detailed explanations and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small or complex.
His deep knowledge of bankruptcy law and experience in handling cases like mine gave me confidence and peace of mind,knowing I was in good hands during a challenging time. I especially appreciated Hershel's patience and empathy, as he took the time to understand my situation fully and treated me with respect and compassion.
Thanks to his diligence and skill, the process was smoother than I had anticipated, and I feel relieved and optimistic about moving forward. I highly recommend Hershel to anyone facing financial challenges and looking for trustworthy, competent legal representation.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Jason
I cannot express how grateful I am for Attorney Hershel’s support in my case against a company that attempted to withhold my contractual payment and avoid paying me the money I was rightfully owed. Hershel stood by my side, offering unwavering guidance and support. His expertise and dedication brought justice to my situation, and we achieved a successful outcome. Hershel’s commitment to fairness and justice is truly commendable. At a time of need, he stepped in and fought for my rights. Thanks to him, I was able to reclaim my hard-earned money and restore my peace of mind. If you are facing similar issues, I highly recommend Hershel as the attorney who will stand up for you and ensure that justice prevails. Thank you Hershel, for everything!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Brian richardson
28 Dec, 2024 by Alec graham
28 Dec, 2024 by J fears
top tier service
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13 Dec, 2024 by Ken snell
McClure Law Group completed a child custody and support case for my daughter and granddaughter. Their professionalism, knowledge of the law and standing up for what is right achieved an extreme positive out come for her case. They were very understanding of her situation and did all they could to make a bad situation a very good situation. Highly recommend their services.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Usman mughni
07 Dec, 2024 by Sean festag
When I first was served with divorce papers, I read how my wife was being very aggressive which left me very confused and worried. After I met with Brandon and Sean, I truly felt I had someone who understood and would stand up for my rights. Every meeting with them was very personal and helpful. I would highly recommend them and the firm to anyone who felt helpless and confused. They are a great team.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Very kind professional - would recommend to anyone needing high dollar case protections
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27 Apr, 2023 by Darren
Byron Woolley has been our Corporate and Family Attorney for over three decades.
As our attorney, he has helped in a myriad of ways.
From negotiating long-term office space lease agreements to the stock sale of our sixteen-year-old corporation.
From a family perspective, he has helped with Divorce negotiations, Powers of Attorney, Estate Planning and Probate.
His acuity, knowledge, courtroom, and negotiation gravitas in multiple legal disciplines was invaluable to our corporation and is still valuable to our family.
While you know that you are not his only client, Byron and his team have a way of making you feel that you are.
His legal acumen is second to none!
Darren
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23 Feb, 2022 by David
After seeing all the great reviews online for Mr. Woolley, I decided to call him regarding the possible need for probate for my mother's recent passing. I had to leave a voice message and he returned my call very quickly. He was very pleasant and asked me to explain my situation and describe my mother's estate. He was extremely helpful and based on the information I had given he did not feel there was a need for probate. There was one question I had regarding the filing of future taxes with the IRS, and not having a definitive answer, he referred me to his own CPA. I felt very comfortable talking with Mr. Woolley and if I ever need an attorney to handle future issues regarding probate, I will certainly use his services.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Esther
I highly recommend Mr. Erikson for his exceptional professionalism, compassion, and expertise. From day one, he was incredibly attentive, taking the time to understand every detail of our case and making sure we felt supported throughout the entire process. His thorough approach and knowledge gave uscomplete confidence that we were in the best hands. Mr. Erikson truly went above and beyond, combining skill with genuine care to make a challenging time much easier for us. We are deeply grateful for his help and couldn't have asked for a better advocate.
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19 Apr, 2021 by Abe
Brian took my call a little late in the evening to hear my situation. Brian listened , asked questions, and gave some advise on the situation I am having with a car dealerships mistake they made. Would highly recommend Brian. Thank You Brian for taking the time to talk to me this evening and offer advise. Much appreciated!
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10 Oct, 2020 by Patrick
A trusted home inspector recommended Brian Erikson to handle significant issues with my new home construction. Brian not only met all expectations ... he far exceeded them! He is generous, knowledgeable, and an absolute expert in the field of construction law. Incidentally, he happens to be an engineer as well. The advice he provided and the methodology he used to resolve my problems was simply the best! Without a doubt, you will find no better ally in the field of construction law and remediation. Brian comes with my highest of recommendations. Thank you, sir!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Joe d
Jay knocked it out of the park. He answered all of my questions and was very patient with me. He took the time to get to know me and understand me which made a world of difference. He was able to get me the best outcome and I’m very appreciative of Jay. Highly recommend this firm.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Leeonnas richardson
Attorney Bishop is an absolute Legal savant and I highly recommend this firm to any and everyone. I was thoroughly impressed with his knowledge on the subject matter!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ashwin abraham mathew
I highly recommend Jay Bishop for DWI cases. He was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate throughout the entire process. Jay kept me informed, answered all our questions, and worked tirelessly on my behalf—he got my case dismissed when I couldn’t see a way out. I couldn’t have asked for better representation!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jesse narkmanee
Ja’Mesha Morgan is an exceptional attorney who exceeded my expectations in every way. From our very first meeting, she was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and transparent, walking me through each step of the process and setting realistic expectations about how my case would unfold. Her ability to explain the legal complexities while managing expectations was truly impressive.
Throughout my case, Ja’Mesha was always in close communication, promptly responding to my questions via email or direct calls, which I deeply appreciated. It's rare to find an attorney who is as personable and dedicated as she is—she truly made me feel like I was her top priority.
In the end, we achieved a favorable outcome, exactly as she had predicted, which is a testament to her experience and insight in handling employment cases.
Ja’Mesha is kind, patient, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable—qualities that make her the perfect attorney. I have told and recommended her to many of my friends, and I would happily recommend her to anyone else in need of legal assistance in a heartbeat.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Demarkus smith
Very great easy an understanding services
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05 Sep, 2024 by Raquel welch
I can’t begin to express my gratitude enough!!
I recently worked with JL Morgan Law regarding an employment termination issue, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From the moment I reached out, she was incredibly prompt and personable. Ms.Morgan quickly outlined all of my options and took the time to ensure I understood each one, which gave me confidence in my decision-making process.
She knows her field and laws, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m 100% certain she had my family’s best interests at heart throughout, and I am incredibly grateful for her expertise and genuine care. I highly recommend Ms.Morgans for anyone needing legal assistance—shes simply the best!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Jeff
I can’t get anyone to return my phone calls.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Bee roberts
Mr. Fouts is amazing he took the time to explain everything to me and gave me Great Advice and Peace in my situation! I definitely recommend him to handle your case!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Deb france
I don’t know where to start! If I could give him 100 stars I would! Great lawyer honestly he’s a great person all the way around! Very professional, he definitely looks out for his clients. I can’t thank you enough! If you’re looking for a lawyer I definitely recommend Lou! I also want to thank Sarah she was a big help throughout the entire process! Thank you so much!
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01 Feb, 2025 by Ashley moody
Jacqueline was so kind and sweet! She helped break down everything and explained everything thoroughly! She helped put our minds at ease!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Carol holt
Olga was very good at informing us of what our options were and the best course of action while being friendly and putting us at ease!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Marsha mills (mmm)
Very efficient and fast. Nice and helpful. Jacklyn is very good at her job
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01 Feb, 2025 by Ashley moody
Jacqueline was so kind and sweet! She helped break down everything and explained everything thoroughly! She helped put our minds at ease!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Carol holt
Olga was very good at informing us of what our options were and the best course of action while being friendly and putting us at ease!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Marsha mills (mmm)
Very efficient and fast. Nice and helpful. Jacklyn is very good at her job
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13 Jun, 2024 by Nena's finds
One of my friends works for this law firm it’s well established. It’s a great place to work the location is near downtown Dallas.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Ryan
Jack was an ideal attorney. He was very knowledgeable, professional and helped me understand things with clarity!
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02 May, 2023 by Eric mccutchan
21 Feb, 2025 by Fnaf is the best and always will be
100% recommend this lawyer. Our process was smooth and very fast. He is very efficient as well as the rest of his staff. My husband's residency process took less than 6 months!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Karen coverson
Contacted Kreig for a free consultation regarding probate options for a complicated family matter. Andrew Poore was very friendly and informative. Due to complexity of matter, he did not have all the answers to my questions, but reassured me that he would do a deeper dive into the information I presented him and would follow-up with me next day with further guidance and quotes. Very satisfied with initial consultation.
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02 Feb, 2025 by Silvia lorena sanchez
01 Mar, 2025 by Carrie boggs
She was so professional and she went over everything that happened to my dad she was very concerned about me and my dad she was the sweetest person ever thank you for everything
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28 Feb, 2025 by Linda fulkerson
Terresa was very professional and answered all my questions.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Mary grace
Really care about what I'm going threw and listens and helps get justice
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20 Jul, 2020 by Frances
I thank, Ms. Gaylene Rogers Real Estate Law Firm for standing by my side, when purchasing my first home! Walking me through the process.
She knows her stuff, Thanks!
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I have been a client of Gaylene’s for 4years.
She has handled most of my transactions.
Some of them were easy and some
weren’t. For the transactions that weren’t easy, Gaylene’s forte shines.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Paula
Thanks to Lonergan Law Firm PPLC & Gaylene Rogers Lonergan for all of their help with closing my 1st ever "Subject-To" investor purchase in Jan 2018. I'm an experienced investor with 19 SF rentals and 1,000+ MF units, but had never done a non-traditional purchase. Lonergan Law has closed hundreds of these types of non-traditional transactions and their experience was exactly what was needed for homeowner with pending foreclosure and my 1st “subject to” deal. The Lonergan Law team was able to guide us through issues and unfamiliar parts of this non-traditional transaction…identifying the “true” sales price on “subject to” transaction for sales contract, handling of large pending insurance claim proceeds, handling of Seller’s unknown 2nd mortgage, handling HOA lien, Seller move-out & possession (that I had not thought of), release of Seller funds and funding the deal, and a last minute “single” seller who magically was actually “married”. Thanks again to Lonergan Law for all your help! Contract to closing in a short time frame while making great investor profit and saving homeowners from foreclosure!
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22 Dec, 2022 by Martin reyna
02 May, 2021 by Matthew preston
23 Jan, 2020 by Wendy holder
Excellence at it's best!
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22 Dec, 2022 by Martin reyna
02 May, 2021 by Matthew preston
23 Jan, 2020 by Wendy holder
Excellence at it's best!
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05 Sep, 2018 by Su li
A lot of thanks to Mr. Dorsey, we were able to get out our rental house lease contract with the landlord, and have our deposit/pre-paid rent back.
We were happy with the rental house, until there was a slab leak back in June. I noticed that the engineered wood floor was popping up, and heard the watery sound when stepping on it. Told the landlord about the problem, and it took him 3 weeks to finally accept it's a slab leak and fix it. Therefore on July 4th afternoon, the landlord decided to shut off the main water, and asked us to stay in the house using water tank to temporarily hold water for use. We refused mainly for our 1.5 years old daughter, and moved into a nearby hotel room. We stayed there for a week until we determined that this was not going to work, and learned that the landlord was expecting our renter's insurance to pay for the hotel stay, not from his home insurance or his pocket. Given this financial constraint, as we as the fact that the repair work will take at least another 3 weeks, for which we will have to move our furnitures as well, we asked to terminate the lease contract. We told the landlord that in addition to the timing problem, we have serious health concerns to have our toddler live back to a dirty water soaked place, and my wife was going through a pre-scheduled medical procedure, making it even more difficult not to have a stable place to stay. The landlord had his brother (who happened to be his property manager and they both live in Austin) to tell us that we should keep our medical conditions only to ourselves, and it's irrelevant to the lease term. At this time I already pre-paid the July rent, so the landlord told us unless we agree to forfeit our deposit and July rent, he is not letting us to move out. After a lot of phone calls, we were out of options, and decided to request legal assistance.
Fortunately for us, my wife enrolled legal assistance program through her employer, and was given a list of local lawyers who are in the legal network. I tried to make phone calls, which lead me to Mr. Dorsey, who not only spent his precious time listening to our situation, but also immediately started looking into the related law to help us. The same day he drafted a letter and sent it over to the landlord and his brother. Next day the landlord agreed to us moving out and returning the deposit/pre-paid rent, as long as I complete the move-out cleaning. After I provided the evidence that I cleaned everything as required the same weekend, the landlord returned our deposit and half of July rent, since we were only able to move our furnitures out by July 16th.
It was very unfortunate situation that we had such unpleasant experience with this kind of landlord, but we were so fortunate to have Mr. Dorsey on our side helping us deal with such unfair and illegal activities. To me it was the fact that after being pushed around and tried to accommodate in every possible way, only Mr. Dorsey was willing to listen to us and be our voice to fight on our behalf, this truly matters and means so much to us. I never thought the landlord would be willing to compromise until Mr. Dorsey's letter did the magic. Our most sincere appreciation, Mr. Dorsey! Also lessons learned, always good to have a legal support when dealing with unfair and illegal activities.
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25 Nov, 2017 by Tyler d’orsay
04 Oct, 2017 by D m
If I could give him zero stars I would. I was referred to Mr. Dorsey through my job's legal plan and only had a very simple request: a document that I needed my partner to sign at the closing of our new house. I first contacted Mr. Dorsey 3 weeks before the closing and never heard back, called again 2 1/2 weeks before my closing and explained what I needed and specified the timeframe. He accepted payment and said he would have the requested document ready in time for the closing that was going to take place on Sept 29th, 2017 and here we are....still waiting on my document.
Multiple calls and emails were made and got no response. Worst of all, my closing took place last week and I never heard from him or got my document. I called him again today (10-3-2017) and gave him another chance to provide the document and still nothing.
Very incompetent and does not follow through. Would not recommend him to anyone if you expect to have something done in a professional and timely manner.
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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.
