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05 Dec, 2019 by Thomas
From the first call to Mr. Duquette to our final resolve of our case with the Village of Williams Bay Mr. Duquette made my wife and myself feel as though we had nothing to worry about, as the Village of Williams Bay did not understand the law as the Village had written it. At the Village board of zoning appeals Mr. Duquette was able to explain the law to the board of zoning appeals. We stood before the board with Mr. Duquette and the board finally realized it was probably in their best interest to allow for our variance due to many mistakes that were made by the Village Building Commissioner and the board of zoning appeals lack of knowledge of the laws they way they had written them. Could not have accomplished this WIN without James Duquette. His staff and James were are very responsive and James is on target with our need and ready to assist us in the future if we should need his services again.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Kearney
Mr. Duquette did a fantastic job. Very easy to get a ahold of and very helpful. He was perfect when we had to go to supreme court.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Harvey
From my initial consultation through the entire legal process, Attorney Duquette was right on target. He and his staff were proficient, professional and thorough. Attorney Duquette kept me in the loop and made a deal for me that was palatable and acceptable. He also came in slightly under budget to boot. I recommend Attorney Duquette for any criminal defense, or other case, you may need his assistance with.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Joe
A divorce is a difficult thing. Kelly made me feel comfortable from the moment I first spoke with her. She was always prompt in returning messages. i had heard stories of some lawyers that are just after a buck. I never felt that from her. She clearly explained all options and what to expect at the proceedings in clear and simple terms. She clearly knows her trade well. kudos also to her assistant Sandy Odegaard for her hard work. She kept me abreast of court dates, hearings, and communications with my ex's lawyer. They are also both genuinely nice people and I would happily recommend them to a friend.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Brendan
Kelly came highly recommended by another lawyer. I engaged her services for a difficult custody battle, and never regretted the decision. If anything, I felt bad for the opposing counsel, and would occasionally think, "I wonder what this would be like if Kelly had a real opponent?" Kelly was pretty much everything you want in counsel. Knowledgeable, efficient, determined, concise, and just generally a kick-ass lawyer. On top of which, she was an approachable and reasonable human being. Cannot recommend her too highly.
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19 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Kelly was recommended by another lawyer. I wasn't familiar with her work, but quickly realized I had been fortunate in my selection. My best interests were always represented, and she is very aware of your situation at all times.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Timothy
Unfortunately I've had a lot of experience with court systems after my return home from Iraq. It has been an uphill battle, and no one has been there to fight for me in this system. Until now, my life has taken a new road and improving fast. This new chance was given to me after a lawyer put everything into helping me out. Jason D Sanders did everything possible to help me with the legal system we face today. If you're in trouble and need an attorney who can do everything possible, this is your man! He goes above and beyond what is required, researches anything and everything potentially beneficial towards your case, and won't quit on you. He is an exceptional gentleman and by far the best lawyer out there!
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08 Oct, 2015 by Maria
My husband and I went to Jason for our will. We never wrote one before and didn't know what to expect. Jason took the time to explain and answer all questions, was extremely patient, and was extremely respectful. I was most impressed at how quickly he was able to provide our completed will. I will not hesitate to work with Jason again and would gladly refer him to anyone needing legal advice!
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28 Aug, 2015 by April
Our landlords were trying to bill us for more than $1000 in repairs for damage we didn't do. Jason took our case, did some research, and got them to agree to drop it without us paying another penny! He was amazing in person, on the phone, thru email just all around easy to work with and excellent availability. I work 13 hr days and he was reachable before my shift on lunch or at the end of the day in the late night hours. If I ever have need for an attorney again I know I'll only need Jason D Sanders
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09 Aug, 2016 by Cynthia (rainey) dargitz
I hire the Julie Nommensen and her father David. My estate case went on for 3 years, the opposing party appealed (appeal stayed in me favor) They did everthing possible to make it so. They are precise, factual, knowledgeable on the law, attorneys come to them for answers. They take on your issue as though is was their own. Open communication, knew everything as it was happening. Extremely helpful, supportive, kind, good souls Best attorneys, I would rehire them. I was very blessed they represented me.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie helped me update my Will and estate plan. She was caring and knowledgeable, and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Her prices were also very reasonable. I recommend her to all of my friends.
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18 Oct, 2016 by Alex
When corrupt Walworth Deputies wanted to beat me up and charge me criminally for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting an Officer, Attorney Flitcroft was ready for a fight! He dotted his i’s and crossed his t’s then went back to make sure it was done to his liking. In other words, when other attorneys wanted me to “plead out” like a coward, I would not, and Attorney Flitcroft made sure the truth would be heard in court. He subpoenaed all five deputies involved, a courthouse worker, a witness and even the Clerk of Court Sheila Reiff. He got all the video footage I acquired into evidence and even filed a motion to dismiss before the trial in an attempt to create a pre-trial deposition of witnesses (unfortunately the judge saw right through this strategy and stayed the motion until trial). But this shows you anecdotal evidence of this experienced attorney’s “outside the box” thinking when preparing a criminal defense. He ground away at District Attorney Matthew Leusink (the guy who looks like he’s afraid of his own shadow) and in a legal game of chicken the criminal charges were dismissed at the prosecutor’s motion. He opted to charge me with civil ordinance violations instead, but at least I am 100% guaranteed not to do any jail time. If it had not been for the experience and relentlessness of Attorney Flitcroft giving the prosecutor no respite, the outcome may have been different. If you are charged in Walworth, know that most attorneys are afraid of a trial in Walworth, they would rather plead out. So if you want aggressive defense, give Attorney Flitcroft a call, his initial consultation is free and after talking to him yourself you’d probably want to retain him.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I was in criminal trouble when the cops entered my house with no warrant and used lame excuses to justify it. Anthony told me not to worry and he got the case dismissed with some motion. We argued in front of the judge and he agreed with Anthony. He did an awesome job and I highly reccomend his services.
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13 Jan, 2012 by Barbara
Randall is an excellent listener, yet knows how to cut off any rambling to help keep discussions on task and from needlessly escalating legal fees. He helped me stick to the main points and not get distracted by time-consuming wasted efforts. He wisely got necessary depositions from witnesses and got on record the points necessary to build my case. He guided me through mediation (failed due to the other party) and through a two-day trial where he demonstrated the facts on my side and poor credibility in my opponents. The judge ruled in my favor, and Randy's brief was so excellent that the judge awarded me embezzlement monies on top of ruling in my favor on the real estate dispute. I heartily recommend Randall Leece as a Real Estate attorney.
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18 Mar, 2015 by George
I have used Mr. Rasmussen in 3 real estate transactions. I also recommended him to friends who needed legal advice and/or representation regarding issues with township government and with settling the estate of a neighbor. I was very pleased with Mr. Rasmussen's work and results and was told by the people I referred to him. He is also an expert o the history of the Geneva Lake area and very eloquent in both area history and the law. Mr. Rasmussen is also a very nice person!
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10 May, 2023 by Jeri klausen
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13 May, 2021 by Barb 013
Awsome place to walk the dogs. Very well kept trails. 4 different trails from easy to difficult
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14 Sep, 2020 by John o’neill
The attorneys are very knowledgeable and responsive. We would highly recommend them .
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31 Jul, 2019 by Evelyn
John Murphy is a nice guy but his ethics need some work. He handled my case for almost a year. He never returns phone calls unless you repeatedly call his office. We’re talking weeks not days. Never answers your emails. Tried to get a petition filed right away but due to his poor communication it was filed 4 months later. Told me the filing was done in December, not record with the court house. Wasn’t done till January after I made multiple calls to his office. If you want a lawyer that’s passive, he’s your man.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Even though my case was quite a few years ago, I am still paying fees for extremely poor representation. If I could have seen reviews like this before hiring John Murphy, the outcome and my bills could have been very different. I feel obligated to post to help someone else needing an attorney in the future. This is not the one to hire. Communication did not exist. I made so many phone calls that were not returned, and not provided interrogatories and therefore contempt charges were filed. Luckily the legal secretary called me at the last minute on a Friday asking for them when they were due on Monday. I was still charged with contempt of court, but then cleared when I pointed out my attorney failed to deliver. He was not prepared for court dates, and even failed to notify me of one that was scheduled. This man should not be practicing family law. With so many bad reviews that are consistent stories, I don't understand why he is. I was also charged for things that did not happen at all. Phone calls that were not made, work that was not completed. Very disappointing.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired him to represent me in a family matter the initial meeting went over okay however after the first court hearing it became obvious that John Murphy was only in this for a paycheck he's very disorganized and does a very poor job with client follow up during the process it became obvious John Murphy is more focused on building alliances and relationships with his fellow attorneys than looking after the best interest of his client this guy took my money never called me back withdrew motions that I had open in court John Murphy allows his personal beliefs to guide him through a court case not what the client has hired him for he decides what he wants to do and never consults you additionally he absolutely will never return a phone call I personally called him 15 two 25 times over the span of two months and he never returned my call Specifically custody and visitation is what I hired him for in addition to child support as it stood Walworth County child support department said that I owed in excess of $25,000 in child support arrears As it turns out he did nothing and what ultimately happened was on my own after going to court for five years it was proven Walworth County child support have been collecting child support for years and not crediting it to the proper account and I was issued a $25,000 credit for past-due child Whether or not John Murphy believed me when I retained him and told him I didn't know any past due child support is it relevant clearly he didn't believe me however he still should have provided me at least a rudimentary level of defense for the baseless assertion that I owed this child support and he never did I had to face a contempt of court hearing on myown hiring John Murphy was like hiring another attorney to work against me in the process of fighting for custody and try to straighten out the mess of Child Support John Murphy provided me the worst possible experience a client could get from an attorney I would not recommend him to anyone I'm so extremely disappointed that I wasted my money my time and my efforts on this attorney I was nearly put in jail for contempt of court for not paying child support that I never owed he sold me up a creek to the child support attorney and I was left to sort the mess out on my own after I paid him ultimately as stated earlier I did receive a $25,000 credit for past-due child support that I did On My Own by continually going to court and defending myself after I paayed john Murphy
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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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