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30 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Russ Cope's law office was very professional, friendly, kind and thorough. Appreciate all of their help.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Amanda
I am a very thorough person and like to have every piece of information that I can and I always received this when I would email Russ or Jesse questions. They were prompt in their responses and always addressed my questions or concerns in full.
If you happen to find yourself in need of a bankruptcy attorney who has a great team behind him then definitely contact Russ Cope.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Wendy
I was very pleased with all the staff helping me with my bankruptcy. They were so kind and patient with me being that I am computer illiterate and not tech savvy.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Becca owens
Rick West is great! He helped my husband and I get all of our bankruptcy filed and taken care of. Him and his staff were all very helpful and explained everything very well that helped my husband and I understand everything we were filing and what everything meant. We absolutely recommend him to anyone that has to file for bankruptcy!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Kara hubbs
It was great working with attorney Rick West. Everything is extremely easy to navigate and work. Helped me to clear my credit card and medical debt while keeping my car and house! I cannot thank their team enough for the fresh start!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Waynette king
Rick and his whole team is very professional. They helped us in so many ways by guiding us through all the steps to follow through this stressful time. We found that the videos were very informative and that helped us to be more prepared. They were patient with us while answering all of our questions, even multiple times of asking. The whole team was always on top of communication with us, we never felt like we were doing this alone. We truly appreciate all their hard work.
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25 Oct, 2020 by Stacey
I would reccomend him highly works hard makes u feel comfortable and he is very smart and he takes time to explain ur case in a way u understand and he answered my calls everytime.very good at what he does
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10 Apr, 2015 by Tonya
mr. Scott has been very helpful and trustworthy through my court process. He is kind and helped ease my mind when I was nervous for court time. Very knowledgeable of law and how to speak in court.
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05 Dec, 2013 by Nicole
Rob was very easy to talk to and gave me great legal advice in regards to my divorce. He knows how sensitive this issues can be and will give you compassionate and straight forward advice with no fluff.
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04 Oct, 2014 by John
Michael gave me a complete understanding what I needed to do and I would hire him if I needed him to fright for my rights in putting the contractor pay for what has done if the case was allot bigger and more money.
He has lead me in the right direction on what needs to be done.
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10 Jun, 2014 by Jack
I had entered a contract with a company to perform over $12,000 worth of work to waterproof my basement. After the expiration of my three (3) days rescission period, I learned that I had been misguided about the issue and that it was not necessary for this amount of work. I then contacted Mr. Sandner who was of great assistance. He was very professional and able to quickly settle the dispute to my satisfaction. Through my experience I would strongly recommend Mr. Sandner for any similar disputes.
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10 Sep, 2020 by Eric
Bob has helped me with numerous matters including business litigation and estate planning. He's one of the top lawyers I've ever dealt with and gives current legal advise with options for handling your matter.
Bob knows the law inside and out but is also very sensitive to cost and always considered my interests as far as legal costs which is a rare quality in a lawyer.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Matt DiCicco is a refreshingly straightforward, honest man who has effectively helped me with complex family law matters. He is not pushy; rather, he takes the time to carefully explain legal options and the potential results of each option. He is responsive and easy to communicate with. I would recommend Matt to anyone who needs a strong attorney to represent them in complex family law matters.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Zraebiel
James was really great from the first moment we spoke. He was very reassuring from the initial consultation until the final hearing. He was pretty easy to reach and available when I needed someone to talk to in the back and forth with the other attorney. Thank you so much for everything! Blessings and best of luck to him and the staff which was also very helpful!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sidney davis
This man is the Law GOAT 🐐 he,saved my political career, cleared my name ,and vindicated me from a 6 figure gold digger…all before lunch…🤷🏽♂️
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03 Aug, 2024 by Cas wieszczek
29 Jul, 2024 by Aviel eidelman
I highly recommend attorney Daniel Brown without any reservation. He did an outstanding job representing us for a real-estate transaction. He communicated promptly, provided sound legal advise, and his prices were fair. I would not hesitate to use his legal services again in the future. I was very satisfied with his work. A+++++
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12 Jul, 2021 by Michael rigdon
Mr. Arthur has helped me through a very difficult time. He is a true professional and a good man.
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25 Apr, 2021 by David montgomery
30 Dec, 2024 by Rochelle mcgee
19 Nov, 2024 by Amo backyard
Start to finish, pretty painless. Went in with no explanations came out satisfied.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lioli098 gft
30 Dec, 2024 by Rochelle mcgee
19 Nov, 2024 by Amo backyard
Start to finish, pretty painless. Went in with no explanations came out satisfied.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lioli098 gft
30 Dec, 2024 by Rochelle mcgee
19 Nov, 2024 by Amo backyard
Start to finish, pretty painless. Went in with no explanations came out satisfied.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lioli098 gft
10 Dec, 2024 by Jim anderson
Your office was very helpful in my hernia mesh case. Your patience with me was outstanding and I thank you so much for being supportive to me and would recommend your firm to anyone who needs a great team like Wright and Schultz. Thanks again.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Donny h
Words can not describe how great of a lawyer Frank is! He is also a wonderful person with a kind heart and a good sense of humor. But most of all, the results he has got me for my legal troubles have surpassed my expectations beyond belief. He is a well respected person to have in your corner, and as your advocate, in a court of law or otherwise. I respect Frank and the amount of work and dedication He puts into his practice in law. He is well educated, and has been great to me the past 6 years. I fully and whole heartedly recommend you turn to this man if you ever are in a time of need. Thank you Frank, and thanks Nicole.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Kannon wilkins
Frank Malocu was extremely helpful and reasonable I would highly recommend him for assistance
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08 Jul, 2024 by A. bell
08 Jul, 2024 by Maria luttrell
They are amazing! Highly recommend! They helped us in what seemed to be an impossible situation with an older vehicle.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Paul
My wife and I hired Ron Burdge to represent us in a Federal law suit against an RV manufacturer. We signed an engagement agreement and paid a retainer of just over $10,000.00. Ron Burdge emphatically stated "after the initial retainer is paid, you do not have to pay anything more and we(Burdge Law) pursue recovery of attorney fees from the defendant on top of what they pay or do for you in your case". One of his associates did initially disclose that some additional out-of-pocket expenses could arise during the course of litigation, but those costs were minimized. It wasn't until nearly 2 months later that the real out-of-pocket costs were revealed to us: 1. Cost of deposition, $8000 to $10,000. 2. Cost of an expert witness, $10,000 to $30,000. 3. Trial costs, $15,000 to $30,000. 4. Cost of mediation, $2500 to $3500. In addition to these possible out-of-pocket costs, a staff member contacted my wife and I and requested we remit a payment of $1000 related to supply costs. We reluctantly agreed, but kept faith that Ron Burdge could deliver a favorable conclusion to our lawsuit. Eight months went by since our lawsuit was filed, during which a few clerical updates were required by the court and the customary disclosures by both us as the plaintiffs and the defendant were made to each other. At about this time in the process the court mandated that both parties enter into mediation to try and reach a resolution. Burdge Law prepared a summary report that they presented to the mediator. Much to our surprise the report was very carelessly and negligently compiled; both my wife's and my name were incorrectly entered and someone else was named as the plaintiffs, nearly one-half of the issues we experienced with our motor coach were omitted from the report, the report was not organized in a concise and cohesive manner in an effort to eliminate redundancy of the facts and present our case in a compelling and understandable fashion. Ron Burdge simply cut and pasted many of my emails to his office as evidence for the basis for our lawsuit. To top it off, the summary report detailed Ron Burdge's attorney fees to be in excess of $40,000. Now mind you, very little was done during the past 8 months regarding our lawsuit as it wasn't required by the court. In the settlement offer made by the defendants during mediation, payment for Ron Burdge's attorney fees by the defendants were denied by the defendants. Contrary to what we were told initially, Ron Burdge advised us that the defendants had the right to deny paying his fees and that, should we agree to the proposed settlement, his attorney fees would be subtracted from the settlement offer that was made to us. Taking into account the out-of-pocket costs we had already incurred filing the lawsuit, the loss of use of the motor coach for over a year while continually making installment payments on it's loan, and the possibility that we may be liable to pay taxes on the full settlement amount, we found ourselves at even a greater financial loss than before we started the lawsuit. Ron Burdge's advice to us was that sometimes it might be better to walk away with less, than to endure what he perceived as a long and difficult road ahead in pursuing this lawsuit. We rejected capitulating and wanted to 'stay the course' but also requested Ron Burdge disclose his accounting for attorney fee "accumulation" during the previous 8 months. When we received the fee statement from Burdge Law we were shocked that a 'whole lot of nothing' accrued to exceed $40,000 and the disclosure that Ron Burdge's hourly rate was $525/hr. We asked Ron Burdge to clarify many of the "accumulating" entries. What transpired is that Ron Burdge terminated us as clients. It is my opinion that if you have a complicated federal case that involves a very expensive RV, Ron Burdge should be the last attorney you call, as he lacks the fiduciary responsibility necessary in an attorney/client relationship. Beware the self aggrandizing attorney, they typically are out to serve only themselves(in my opinion).
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09 Oct, 2024 by Niquea love
This is an amazing lawyer he got the job done quick and fast he stood on business and took a load off my mother if you ever in need of a wonderful lawyer call Anthony
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09 Oct, 2024 by Jaquise tripp
Anthony help my lil cuzn beat his case. He's a good Lawyer
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28 Sep, 2024 by Senbio1288@gmail.com 708584332
06 Jan, 2025 by Teresa collins
Attorney fees were very reasonable. Mr. Fesenmyer promptly answered all my questions and kept me on track for all deadlines. He was compassionate to my situation and made me feel at ease through a very difficult process. TY!
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09 Dec, 2024 by Linda christmas
We were very pleased with the quality of the details and comprehensive work put in to our estate plan. Similarly, we felt welcome and truly appreciated by everyone that we came in contact with at your office.
We would not hesitate in recommending Arnold and Arnold to anyone! Thank you very much for a job well done.
Chris and Linda Christmas
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06 Dec, 2024 by Christopher decker
For those of us who are assuming the role of decision maker for our parents, A&A is a wonderful place to gain some peace of mind about the legality of all those choices that fall to us. The staff were both patient and friendly. The process was painless and fairly simple. I’d recommend this resource to anyone looking after an elderly loved one.
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05 May, 2013 by Zeng
Needed immigration advice and assistance with landlord problem. She cut through the problem and worked for me and would not let me pay. Helped me go through system and was very kind and pacient to me and my girlfriend. Mary is good lawyer with good heart.
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22 Nov, 2012 by Eric
Navigated my company through complex and difficult litigation. She is a strategist who is smart and intuitive. Recommend her highly for any legal issue. She has a great personality and was liked and trusted by both sides of the case.
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24 Mar, 2012 by Dennis
Excellent advice. Caring and compassionate. Practical and very sharp. Got me out of a tough contract bind with sound advice, superb advocacy and brilliant problem solving skills.
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16 Nov, 2011 by Eric
Dave is a very knowledgable and passionate attorney, with high energy. I have and would again, recommend him to my own clients. His past tax experience gives an added level of knowledge that is hard to find.
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14 Nov, 2011 by George
David has represented our firm from start up through mergers for over a decade. He has been able to follow our growth and strategy through strategic support of numerous issues including, partnership matters, large insurance claims, banking issues, tax situations, purchases of assets, acquisition of other entities, formation of entities, as well as strong personal support of owners. His understanding of small business operations as well as specific financial matters has allowed us to grow from three to nearly 30 associates. From a single production facility to now three. His strength is in understanding our needs while simultaneously broad enough to obtain key support for areas requiring outside the box resolve. His reputation, character, and performance exceeds expectations. This is the opinion of an owner who really dislikes attorneys. David is an excellent attorney.
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08 Nov, 2011 by Jane
Dave is always accomodating and very helpful in his advice. I feel comfortable talking to him which is very important. I feel like I can ask him anything and he knows about alot of different areas of the law and will direct me to other attorneys if need be. I have been working with Dave for a few years now and feel we have a great repor. He is part of our team in the corporation and I trust him wholeheartedly. Great attorney and will get back to you expediately.
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05 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Tye was a huge help guiding through my mom's estate and trust. He was always available and clearly communicated all of the items we would have to complete.
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19 Aug, 2016 by Carolyn
So far Mr. Faulkner has been the most helpful of all that I have spoken with. We will be hiring him to help with our probate case. When it is done I can let you know.
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23 Dec, 2016 by Jon
Amazing attorney! There is a reason he is consistently listed on The Best Lawyers in America. He solved an issue another attorney couldn't that I had been dealing with for a year and a half. The opposing party went from threatening to sue to paying me a settlement once David got involved. Don't be scared by his hourly rate. He is VERY efficient with his billable hours. There is no one better in the Dayton area for real property law!
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23 Aug, 2022 by Keeping you sweet
Martina has been a huge asset to my business. She negotiations on my behalf with great detail and she is awesome for Founders who need to watch their budget. So grateful for her services!!!!
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10 Feb, 2021 by Jasmine may
Martina Watson is really the go to attorney for entrepreneurs! She exudes professionalism, patience, and understanding for the needs of entrepreneurs. Martina delivers a communication style that is effective, precise, clear, and always considerate of her client's time. When entering into a lawyer-client relationship with Martina Watson Law, you as a client will always feel respected, appreciated, and treated as a priority! I am confident that Martina at Martina Watson Law will take very good care of you, if you are in need of her services. Please don't look any further, because you will not cultivate a unique professional relationship with another. I am also certain that the services of Martina Watson Law will help catapult you as an entrepreneur.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Sarah clark
23 Aug, 2021 by Thomas blair
Very professional attorney . Would recommend him highly.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Tina g
During what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging, terrifying and stressful times of my life, Jeff Wren proved to be an invaluable resource. He guided me through the legal necessities with grace.
My situation is very critical, sensitive and complicated. He understood the details and prepared to best present my case in court. He took the time to explain why he prepared the way he did and was patient with numerous questions, fears and concerns.
Jeff's professionalism and timely communication helped alleviate some of my stress. I am deeply grateful for his service and while the judge dismissed the case due to a change in jurisdiction, I highly recommend him to anyone facing similar circumstances.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Carlos ventura
Jeff Wren helped my daughter win full custody with ease and kept her calm and feeling secure to where she was able to power through
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09 Jan, 2025 by Melissa ventura
Jeff wren made my divorce go through very smoothly and was very good at reassurance and helped me win my case with ease
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30 Dec, 2024 by Rochelle mcgee
19 Nov, 2024 by Amo backyard
Start to finish, pretty painless. Went in with no explanations came out satisfied.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lioli098 gft
02 Jan, 2025 by Jay robinson
I can’t speak for the Law Firm as a whole, but I would recommend not using Lauren Davenport on the Family Law side if you intend to FIGHT for custody of your child. I’ve spent around $10,000 (or more) and she couldn’t even accomplish something as basic as getting a case dismissed for lack of jurisdiction (when in Supreme Court of Ohio has already set a precedent on a similar case).
In my opinion she’s weak. She lets the other attorney and magistrates control the flow of your case. She’s not aggressive at all despite being told constantly to be so. She doesn’t follow your requests for what you are trying to achieve and claims “this or that” will be better but in the end it has zero results. She constantly agrees to agreements that aren’t in your favor and brings it back to you instead of having common sense and rejecting it and demanding a more favorable agreement for her client. Basically none of her legal advice worked in my favor. You hire an attorney to WIN not to be a mediator.
I would only use her if your intention is to settle or it’s a divorce without any disputes. My child was taken out of my home state without my consent and it should have been very easy for her to get results. In the end I had to settle into an agreement that was not in my favor due to her inept handling of my case.
I also do not believe she had my best interest at heart. If you accept the money your goals should align with mine. Your opinion or what you would like to see shouldn’t be part of it. I also believe in at least 1 instance information was willingly or unwillingly leaked to the opposing party.
These people don’t care because they move on with their lives and on to the next case. Unfortunately, I cannot allow that. Not with me. Not with costing me a regular relationship with my son.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Noah smith
I had a case today, and I genuinely from the bottom of my heart appreciate everything this man did for me. He is very professional at what he does, if he suggests an outcome that’s gonna be how it plays out. He is amazing. I’m shocked I still am able to keep my license to say the least, but really really grateful. I give him 5 stars for all of the effort he put, great communication, and how he is a standup man for his word, you can just tell when meeting him. Thank you so much Mr Kordalis! I recommend him to any and everyone who is going through some legal troubles he will make sure you are greatly taken care of in every way professional way possible. His 5 star on google with over 250+ reviews genuinely should tell you everything you need to know, he has done nothing but take care of his clients.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Vickie beatty
I was extremely thankful for the services provided by Kordalis law office. And it was in a pinch that I needed an attorney due to unseen circumstances. Mr. Kordalis representative me quite well and I truly appreciate his service. I highly recommend the Kordalis law office
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14 Dec, 2024 by Dave schmitz
Great people to work with. Very knowledgeable and helpful setting up my trust. Would highly recommend them if you are interested in setting up anything regarding your finances.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Dellaina grundy
The Gudorf Team is very professional and helpful. They were very patient with understanding my family's needs.
I would highly recommend them for estate planning.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Linda kuntz
I can’t say enough good things about Gudorf Law Group. After my husband’s unexpected death , Jeff and Angela have been amazing helping navigate the complicated world of trusts. They have taken care of all of my concerns. They answer emails very quickly. The office staff is excellent. My financial advisor has worked closely with Jeff and Angela and has only high praise for their knowledge and easiness of working with him.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Kimberly g
T . Tod Mollaun was absolutely amazing. From beginning to the end. He took the time to keep me up to date on everything . The case was handled in the amount of time I was told. They have changed my life.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Duane rochelle jones
Their group is awesome they help me the first time he told me I talked to John Nicholson and he said he don't take no case that he know he won't win and he told me the truth and I believed him and my one my disability case the first time he never played me not one time and his staff is awesome very polite very kind and they get the job done and they didn't just make me feel like I was anybody that made me feel like I was somebody and they did all they could for me and wish they could do more but they did the main thing that I needed and that was when my case Thank you Mr John Nicholson and staff I don't know each one of your names but I would tell you it's by person all way down to the person who had to copy the paper for the lawyers and to the persons who go and get Mr. John Nicholson some coffee from the store and even thank you who keeps the business clean.
Thank you All
Sincerely
Rochelle Jones
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19 Dec, 2024 by Connie hirsch
Tod Mollaun was Ready to work with and explained everything clearly. .
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21 Nov, 2020 by Michael
It won’t take long for you to realize that you’re dealing with someone who rises above the rest. He was the only lawyer that showed interest to take my call after his paralegal put my call through with the same information I gave everyone else I called. He put his heart into his work every step of the way and he humbly showed he really cares. When he was out of the office with a family member in the hospital he didn’t hesitate to return my email. I could just feel he was motivated from the start to do what is right with respect to my legal issue. If law was an exact science we wouldn’t need a lawyer. His understanding of how the law nuances pertained to my case almost made me feel his thinking is one with the court and as a result landed me on the best shade of gray in this not so black and white world of law. Coincidentally, unbenounced the opposing lawyer had represented me in the past and I could see all along the respect they had for one another which is always useful when finding the best possible outcome which may involve some type of compromise. It was a whole experience not only on an interpersonal level but with everyone involved within his firm from the lawyer working under him right down to the paralegal and not to mention with the unobjective court as it pertained to my case. I can’t imagine having any better possible outcome if given the opportunity to choose any high profile lawyer.
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18 Sep, 2018 by Richard
I hired Miller for an appeal. His appeal lacked the grounds that was mentioned in the notice of appeal. It is my opinion that his quality of performance was extremely poor. Miller did not return my phone calls after he was paid. Office staff were rude. It is my recommendation that anyone seeking legal advice or counsel seek elsewhere.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Jacob
I’ve dealt with a few attorneys int he Dayton area, and Mr. Miller was easily the best one. Michael was in constant contact with me throughout the entire process of reinstating my license. He walked me through each step and updated me as he gathered information. Even if I had not had a favorable outcome (I did!), this was the best attorney experience I have ever had. Thanks again!
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11 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. McQuiston is a wonderful attorney. His knowledge and experience in various areas of law have been very helpful to me. Over the years Mr. McQuiston has helped me with a bankruptcy, wills, as well as a traffic matter. He was always kind and respectful to my situation.
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11 Dec, 2018 by Nina
I can't say enough good things about Jeff!! I had a horrible experience with my landlord - my apartment flooded and they refused to return my security deposit. Jeff was able to help me get out of my apartment the right way, and fought for me to get much more than my original deposit due to the delay and other issues. His paralegal is amazing too! They both are so nice and kept in contact with me every step of that way! Highly Recommend!
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11 Dec, 2018 by Ashley
My lawyer and his paralegal Laura were simply amazing. I was in a time crunch with garnishments coming out of both me and my husbands paychecks and they worked so hard and rushed getting our paperwork done to stop out garnishments in the same week! They communicated every need they had and everything with detail on what we still needed to provide to them in a very timely manor and even offered to meet with us on the weekend to make sure all paperwork could be filed asap. I can’t say enough great things about my experience with this office, I appreciate their amazing assistance.
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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.
