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18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
JR handled the sale of my mother's house upon her passing. He handled a sale between private parties, saving us commissions and we successfully avoided onerous provisions the title company attempted to impose upon us, avoided an arbitration clause and successfully navigated a deal with a stubborn buyer. JR was friendly, competent. and flexible. I would definitely use him in the future should the need arise.
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01 Jan, 2017 by Shanif
JR Richards took on my rental real estate case dealing with a non-paying tenant .. tenant was illusive when it came to rent payments .. tenant began to assume that since his long term vision (and he had no cash) was to purchase the property that he can ignore paying rent .. JR navigated the case beautifully with full knowledge of the process, JR was compassionate yet realistic and guided me and set expectations of what to expect and JR delivered .. JR filed the case and we won, tenant got evicted even though he tried to pull all stops, JR always seem to know what might happen and stayed a step ahead .. my full recommendation for JR to lead any of your real estate related cases! Very knowledgeable, strategic and anticipates with deep insights!
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03 Feb, 2016 by Duane
JR helped me resolve a frivolous lawsuit by a person who had no representative. Being from the east coast, I had no knowledge of the laws around a demur. With his expert knowledge and background in financial affairs and real estate, he managed to get us a settlement vs. an expensive demur and possible court appearance. What a weight off my mind! JR is committed, knowledgeable, and looks out for your best interest and not his pockets. How do you spell relief? JR I would recommend him every time for your real estate or funding real estate legal needs.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Sandy
Nearly a year ago I encountered a water rights issue pertaining to my rural property. I called Amara and she immediately began working with me on possible solutions. With her background and extensive experience she was able to maneuver through the political environments of various cities, counties and water districts. She even enlisted the help of a professional lobbyist to take my issue to the state level with the hope of passing new legislation that would have helped my cause. Amara is efficient, competent and reliable. Even while on vacation she made herself available to work with me as issues came up. She attended meetings on my behalf and consulted with all levels of politicians and experts in order to get answers to my concerns. She has an excellent understanding of land use, zoning and urban limit lines and was able to wade through the political mine field that had become an issue for me. I have recommended Amara to friends and will continue to do so.
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18 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Nalini has been helping me with various legal issues for the past 20 years. She has helped me so much!
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21 Feb, 2010 by Jeff
Keri Evilsizor is a great lawyer - she is bright, friendly, articulate and extremely competent in her work. She clearly cares deeply about her clients and works very hard to get the best result. As a fellow attorney and former client I would definitely refer her to anyone who needs a great landlord / tenant attorney.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Lovepreet singh
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13 Jun, 2024 by Yogi sharma
I recently got into a road accident and had the opportunity to work with Jyoti. From our very first conversation, it was clear that she is incredibly thoughtful and an excellent listener. Her attentiveness and understanding were evident, which prompted me to hire her immediately. Throughout the process, Jyoti was consistently on top of my case. She maintained regular follow-ups with the relevant authorities and kept me informed at every step. Her proactive approach and diligence were truly impressive. One of Jyoti's standout qualities is her ability to communicate on a human level. She provided a rational perspective even in the face of heightened emotions, which was incredibly reassuring. Her empathy and clear communication made a difficult situation much more manageable. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend Jyoti to anyone seeking legal help. Her professionalism, dedication, and compassionate approach make her an outstanding choice for legal representation.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Anni inamine
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26 Dec, 2019 by G t
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01 Sep, 2019 by Toni king
If you ever find yourself in need of a real estate attorney Shannon and her firm are the best of the best!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Carrie conlon
I was in a bad car accident four years ago. Unfortunately it put me in the trauma center when returning home from the hospital I felt lost and confused. I was on pain meds and I could hardly walk. I was afraid to drive and even get in a car I feared the fact that I would never be able to go back to work And had no idea where my future was going. During my time in the hospital with the help from my daughters,Lord willing, they found a five star attorney Tom E Sokat. The best thing I ever did was to contact him. He is a highly trained, honest, caring, knowledgeable, respectful, supportive, and will guide you through the process step by step. It was hard to have patience and listen when my case was so complicated I’m so glad I did all the phone calls and conversations we had over the last few years helped me tremendously not feel so confused. The pain became tolerable and I wasn’t lost or feeling alone I had support. The accident changed my whole life overnight. I am now on permanent disability and dealing with one day at a time. Together with Tom ‘s knowledge and support we were able to get the maximum payout and I am in a much better place. Tom E. Sokat is a highly trained attorney above and beyond a five star. I am forever grateful!! thank you Tom for taking my call and saying yes to my case.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Caroline bassilly
Unnecessarily costs.. Masking information leading to massive costly invoices.. Was unacceptable shocking experience ..
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01 Nov, 2023 by Peggy lytle
Tom is very personable and gets to know his clients well. He will fight hard for you! I had a complicated personal injury case which he dedicated a lot of time to resolving. He is easy to contact and responds quickly to questions and concerns.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Coltran ono
Excellent attorneys I totally recommend them
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22 Apr, 2021 by Celeste wilson
I had Rachel Margolis Chapman as my defense lawyer for a silly trespassing violation and I truly felt like she was there for my defense. She was easy to talk to and always replied promptly with any questions or concerns I had. She was very professional yet down to earth and I always felt like a valued client. With her help I was able to have a positive outcome from this ordeal. I would recommend her to anyone who faces charges and who wants a lawyer that actually cares about you and your case .
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24 Feb, 2020 by Josh santomieri
Things started out going well, but when it came to time to produce, the attorney I worked with ended up charging $2200 to research basic business law and then send me 2 forms he downloaded from atyourbusiness{dot}com and filled in the names on. How do I know where they were from, he didn’t even take the time to remove the “for more free forms, visit atyourbusiness{dot}com” footer from the files or put it on appropriate letterhead. In short, I paid $2200 for free forms and a person to do basic law research that I had already done. I expected much more from a “professional” business law attorney. I’d suggest staying away from this firm. You’d be much better served doing pretty much anything else in this instance.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Marguerite dugan
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14 Apr, 2022 by Marsha lorenzo
awesome guy, ethical
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04 Dec, 2013 by Dale
A heavy hitter, problem solver and extraordinary attention to detail. Our company first hired her a couple of years in a very complicated real estate matter. She quickly had her arms around the issues in the case and recommended a course of action that got the matter to resolution. Kathleen also gave great counsel on problem avoidance and company risk management which has been very helpful since she understands our business.
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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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