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16 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
We used Jessica for our wills and trusts and she was a great person to work with. She talked us through everything we needed to know and to do. She was compassionate, understanding, and very detailed orientated. My mother and mother-in-law, both in their 80's felt very comfortable working with her and we were able to get everything done at a very reasonable cost and in a reasonable amount of time.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Taylor
Jessica and Corina were absolute pleasures to work with. I used Jessica as the real estate attorney on my first home purchase. They were extremely attentive through out the entire home buying process. I called them countless times, and I never felt as if they were annoyed with my constant questions. They were knowledgeable, professional, and affordable, but best of all I really felt as if they cared about my transaction.
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26 Sep, 2010 by Lauren
I used Ms. Bacal's services in a Divorce matter. She saved me a fortune in legal fees by doing a collaborative Divorce. She got me everything I wanted in the most cost effective way possible. She was stupendous. Please note this attorney's office is now in Katonah. 200 Katonah ave Katonah NY 10536 914.767.9290 Office
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04 Oct, 2013 by Brian
This man returned my calls! That may seem like an insanely silly thing to write but I've had no less than 3 attorneys who I had to call AT LEAST 4 times just to get a call back. He really CARES. This may also seem irrelevant but he REALLY understood what was going on and did a great job of explaining what was going on and what to expect. I can't speak highly enough of Chris Mangold, I have recommended him to my family and friends. Other attorneys I've had I can also recommend, they did a fine job, but Chris is the FIRST one I recommend and he is the ONLY ONE I can recommend WITHOUT RESERVATION.
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05 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Explained my case and what the best possible choices I had. Very patient and understanding.
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14 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Catherine made me feel at ease and suggested a course of action and game plan that worked well for me. I was updated on all aspects of the proceeding on a regular bases and in the end was not overwelmed with added stress
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19 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
In 6 months Beverley Rogers Law Offices resolved an item that had been running through family court for 3 years with other attorneys. A real litigator, fighing to get things done. Represented my needs perfectly.
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21 Oct, 2016 by Mary jane
Rob Weissman worked for four and a half years including 4 Appeals to regain my pension during this time he was active responsive and empathetic I couldn't recommend anyone better to serve your legal needs maryjane paulingjones
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27 Sep, 2012 by Bgd
Excellent knowledge of the law in all real estate and estate matters. Guided myself and family through complicated real estate closings and property transfers, drew up three wills, and handled all legal matters after two family members' deaths. She communicates very well and explains all matters. it's easy to trust and like such an enthusiastic, caring individual....she's a credit to her profession.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Stephen lopresti
Ariel and his amazing team provided invaluable legal counsel during a very difficult time for my family. We could not have gone through this without them. They are highly intelligent, compassionate and diligent, always available for questions and very easy to talk to. They set clear expectations and deliver. I give my highest recommendation.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Jeff mah
Ariel was a pleasure to work with and was thorough in navigating through our complex family situations.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Mike grayeb
Ariel and his staff were super helpful, very professional, and very friendly in helping me with an elderly friend navigate some careful legal and healthcare planning. Ariel was very patient in explaining each step of the process and answered all of our questions clearly and concisely. He also gave us some valuable and important things to consider. I would highly recommend him.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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27 Jan, 2024 by Rose brown
Approximately 20 years ago I was introduced to this firm by one of my friends. David Hoffberg was my attorney. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, personable. He had patience and made sure everything was explained in layman’s terms. I felt as if he was a personal friend at the conclusion of my case. I referred a relative to him. Unfortunately, he left the firm and the attorney that took my relative’s case was rude, lacked patience, did not stay in contact and ultimately told her after she moved out of state they contacted her and told her they wanted to terminate her case. I’m sorry I referred her in the end.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Youngmin campbell
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08 Oct, 2020 by Sarah kynast
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17 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I met and liked this lawyer, everything was going well, but now she hasn't responded to call, emails, texts, or a letter in 3 months! My case is in limbo and this is not acceptable nor professional.
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20 May, 2018 by Patricia
This lawyer has been extremely unprofessional. We hired her 2 and half years ago to settle our parents estate. As of today nothing has been done. We call her daily and have not heard back from her in 9 months. We need this settled and are at our witts end.
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24 Aug, 2009 by Blownaway
When pressed to assist in a refinancing or taxation issue, despite her firm being paid, she claims a former partner is responsible and then hangs up. This is supposed to be a real estate attorney. Someone who is knowledgeable about the industry and when she feigned no knowledge of Countrywide and the people in it, that was too much to bear, so when asked just to help me with the process of a grievance and find out who I should speak to when she declined to provide any assistance after being paid $1250.00, she hung up. Shame on her and her firm and the disreputable industry she represents.
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28 Jun, 2015 by Leticia
Katharine Wilson Conroy, Esq., of Counsel to the Firm of Bertine Hugnagel, et al, in Scaarsdale, New York, was appointed as trustee by my late father to handle a trust that he lef to met. Right from the outset, Mrs. Conroy informed this beneficiary that she (Mrs. Conroy) was going to handle the trust as she saw fit. As a result, I was forced to hire legal counsel (at great expense) to get her to comply with the terms of the trust. Essentially, Attorney Conroy failed to discharge her fiduciary duties by failing to meet the terms of the trust as written. To being with, Attorney Conroy failed to work with this beneficiary to develop a budge which made it impossible for her to comply with the provisions of the Trust. She ignored this beneficiary when I suggested that she help me develop a budget. She sent the beneficiary many deeming e-mails, including telling the beneficiary that she was being "silly" when I complained that she was preventing me from getting my money under the Trust. she caused me unnecessary hardship since under the provisions of SECOND: I, (ii) she had the ability to use trust income and principal to reimburse me for dental, medical and drug expenses. She refused to pay these expenses and continued to ignore my e-mails. Mrs. Conroy also ignored my earlier e-mails for quarterly payments, despite the fact that my attorney pointed out to her that she should have been making certain payments to me from the trust after certain conditions were met and she had the power to invade principal. When Mrs. Conroy agreed to resign her commission as Trustee, despite the fact that it was not a relatively large and complicated trust, it took Attorney Conroy 3 YEARS to prepare a Petition that the Surrogate's Court would accept. Mrs. Conryo's attitude throughout her entire tenure was one of arrogance and rudeness and her behavior towards the beneficiary was extremely unprofessional. My opinion: Do not hire Katharine Wilson Conroy as your attorney for any legal issues that may arise in your family.
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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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