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19 Jul, 2023 by Pastor raul
We hired Justin after our church, got into a jam with our landlords. We had a 20 year lease, and they were trying to kick us out after five years. After Justin got involved and sent them a letter, a literal masterpiece, after everything was said, and done, The case was dropped against us, and I truly believe that Justin‘s wit and wisdom had plenty to do with that. This man Justin is very very knowledgeable, and knows what he is doing.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Steve
Justin Lowenthal did a fantastic job helping me find solutions for my easement issues. His guidance and expertise has helped me protect my home. I would recommend him anytime you have a real estate concern. Justin is friendly, smart and a real professional when dealing with real estate issues. No one needs legal problems, but I will certainly make him my first call if the need arises. Steve Vallotton
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06 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I have been working with Justin for the last two years. Justin is a capable, trustworthy and intelligent lawyer. He researches his cases thoroughly and builds strong relationships with his clients. I appreciated the time he took with me to explain the legal process in order for me to feel comfortable with the decisions we felt were best to move forward. He is also very responsive, proactive about following up with his cases, and works in a timely manner. I greatly appreciate his help and highly recommend him.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Christine mathias
HIGHLY recommend Justin Lowenthal! He is remarkably knowledgeable and was able to easily quote statutes, regulations, case law, etc. off the top of his head while still explaining these complex legal matters so that I could make truly informed decisions. Additionally, he listens not only with a legal ear, but also a human one…he is highly empathetic and I joked more than once that I felt like I was getting a free therapy session as well as legal consult. I feel extremely fortunate to have found my way to consulting with him, and unhesitatingly will do so in the future as needs arise.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Grace lupercio
Justin Lowenthal is an outstanding real estate attorney. He represented me in a complex mediation with remarkable professionalism and skill. His calm guidance and quick responses were key to achieving a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Justin for anyone seeking exceptional legal support!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Joe krovoza
Justin and his team handled a real estate family loan matter for us. Multiple family members were involved and everything went smoothly. In my view, Justin found the right mix of keeping it simple, and still including the provisions needed for transparency within in our family (very important, always) and contingencies that could come up. Our work with the firm proceeded logically -- from the initial consultation, to setting up our retainer with the office, to organizing, reviewing, finalizing and signing the needed note and deed of trust. All good. Thanks, Justin, Cindy and all at Lowenthal APC.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Lybah asad
Hard to reach by phone. Charge crazy amount for consultation
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10 Feb, 2023 by Jesse woods
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25 Oct, 2022 by Northern california “ncbp” breakthrough parenting
We always have a wonderful working relationship with Mr. Banks, and his office. As a provider, we appreciate his quick and thorough responses. He is the type of colleague we appreciate working with, to help make all the family law transitions seamless. They are always a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to us, and their clients always report their satisfaction of this firm to us during feedback. - Thank you Keith and team 💫 NCBP appreciates you all!!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Jorge luis chaidez
Thank you Christopher Dietrich! I do not have the words to express the gratitude I feel for what you’ve done for my daughters and I. You pulled my case out of the deep, dark hole it was in and brought it to light with your knowledge of the law and the court system. When we first met I was angry, frustrated, and I just wanted to fight. Had we done that, I think we’d have won a few rounds but never achieved what we did. You changed me. Your approach to family law has changed the way I look at co-parenting, and has changed the way I will proceed going forward. Your suggestions were against all of my instincts however, I put my case in your hands and little by little we just continued progressing forward until the end. Your planning and attention to detail were incredible. The only mistakes in my case were the times I didn’t listen to you. That’s why put my case in your hands. Now my daughter’s will enjoy the peace and harmony of the environment you helped create for them. Family cases are never easy for anyone involved but, I highly recommend Christopher Dietrich if you wish to achieve the greatest outcome with the least amount of collateral damage. As serious as this case was, I cannot believe how peacefully it ended, and now, having been giving the tools to do so, I wish to continue keeping it so. Thanks again Chris!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Matthew moore
I had this firm create a trust for my son because I had health concerns which made such a trust expedient. I called to inquire about this same trust and waited for a response for a week. I then called again and waited. When I called the third time I was told it's preparer wasn't "well versed" in such matters, and that (presumably) was the reason I had not received a response. My take on this: This law firm didn't see my inquiry as a way to make a significant profit, and thus chose to ignore my request. I would not recommend this firm for anything based upon my experience.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Jeffry valerio
Thank you so much Kopper, Morgan and Dietrich for representing me and my son. You guys did a great job, especially Chris. Thank you Chris! I recommend these guys to anyone serious about being heard in court.
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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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