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23 Sep, 2024 by B c
I was referred to Coast Law Group after an accident. I cannot say enough positive things about them. I had Aaron and Rachelle helped me with my case. They are genuine, responsive, helpful and compassionate. They do care!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jaime paz
Love these guys
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12 Sep, 2024 by Robert mougin
As a mediator, I've seen time and again that the best prepared attorneys get the best results for their clients. I have worked with a number of attorneys from Coast Law Group over the years here at Blue Sky Mediation Center, and they are always completely prepared. I have witnessed them as strong advocates for their clients' best interests in a number of challenging scenarios, and I have always been impressed with their knowledge and work ethic.
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23 Sep, 2024 by B c
I was referred to Coast Law Group after an accident. I cannot say enough positive things about them. I had Aaron and Rachelle helped me with my case. They are genuine, responsive, helpful and compassionate. They do care!
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star star star star star
19 Sep, 2024 by Jaime paz
Love these guys
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12 Sep, 2024 by Robert mougin
As a mediator, I've seen time and again that the best prepared attorneys get the best results for their clients. I have worked with a number of attorneys from Coast Law Group over the years here at Blue Sky Mediation Center, and they are always completely prepared. I have witnessed them as strong advocates for their clients' best interests in a number of challenging scenarios, and I have always been impressed with their knowledge and work ethic.
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31 Oct, 2014 by Melissa
I have worked with Charles both as a colleague and as a client for over twelve years. Charles is a very professional, dedicated, and zealous advocate for his clients. He is among the top litigators I have worked with and provides excellent client service. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing the services of a top-notch litigator.
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10 Jun, 2014 by Morgan
It is my great pleasure to recommend Charles Pernicka. I first hired Charles and his firm a couple of years ago to handle trademark registrations for my business. Although this was not Charles' specific area of expertise he quickly put me in touch with a colleague whom walked me through the in's and out's of the process. Charles was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the pro's and con's of a number of key business decisions I had to make. His business and contract knowledge proved to help my business mitigate a number of risks. Throughout the lengthy process of securing the trademarks, Charles kept me informed and was very responsive when I had questions along the way. I would highly recommend Charles and his firm to friends and family.
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09 Jun, 2014 by Bill
Charlie is an excellent lawyer. He will quickly know more about your case than you do. Also excellent on the legal and procedural issues. Highly recommend.
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12 Sep, 2012 by Domenic
Bob was involved in my first commercial real estate transaction, so I needed lots of help and explaination of the process. Bob went beyond his duties as an attorney and researched the property zoning and planning. He helped me with understanding and resolving the property title report San Diego City Encroachment and uncleared Deed of Trust. in addition Bob reviewed the LLC paperwork, purchase agreement, properties leases and final escrow instructions. Overall Bob was excellent to work with and was very responsive.
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11 Sep, 2012 by Robert
“I have been fortunate to work with Bob for a number of years and have always been very satisfied with his work. Bob has a unique ability to blend technical legal know-how with insight on strategy. Bob provided reliable and timely responses that helped me to make the correct decisions to protect my interests in a fare, honest and equitable manner. Bob is personable reliable and trustworthy and I would recommend him for any legal matter.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Gary
I have not had a lot of positive experiences with attorneys but I have to say dealing with Bryan was best I could have hoped for. He was fair with fees and very professional in a very complicated defense of our case. Thank You, Bryan!
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28 Jun, 2022 by Wanda blakeney
Awesome! They really listened and helped me. Would recommend very highly! Thank you for everything!
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26 May, 2020 by Susan
Mr. Rice was extremely professional and thorough in the issue I was having with my HOA. He went above and beyond by keeping me informed of the situation with the HOA. The HOA was very difficult and Mr. Rice continued to be professional in getting this matter resolved.
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12 May, 2020 by Carol
I hired Mr. Rice in June 2018 for an HOA dispute. Mr. Rice was in constant communication throughout my entire case; always reponding to my late night or weekend questions. His knowledge and expertise surpassed my expectations. If you want an honest attorney who has integrity I would highly recommend you hire Richard Rice.
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03 Mar, 2019 by Elena
I have never met attorney Richard in person , I just googled Encinitas attorneys on my I phone and he was the first one I spoke to and I was amazed with his services , everything ended up very , very well ( I never needed to use any attorney"s services so far , and I was concerned /scared ). He was my second opinion on a cease and desist letter / counter claim .I loved his ethics /integrity , high expertise / experience , very efficient and precise in his advise and accommodated me in the last minute . It took him minutes to review and advice while he was out of the office , just a miracle or a Godsend ! I highly recommend him to anyone ! I am so grateful for all the support and the great service I've received ! He changed a very tough situation into a more comfortable one ! This was an unexpected surprise for me and I felt the universe worked it out ! " Your intentions and desires are supported by the universe " I felt alone and helpless in this situation , not knowing what to do . He made it so simple !!! Thank you so much Richard !
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17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney is relentless and effective. Five stars or more. His heart is in the case and for his client.
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13 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Dave Peters is one of the worst lawyers in the history of legal services. His a liar, thief, con-artist, criminal, and self proclaimed messiah. I've worked with Mr. Peters and seen his manipulation tactics with HOA clients and self righteous attitude. He is finally getting a taste of his own medicine by non other than his own partners. He is in a massive lawsuit filed by his own proteges, law partners, that have sued him for malicious and abusive behavior against them over 20 years. The best news of this year 2022, is Mr. Peters filed for bankruptcy in January! God Bless America and our justice system!
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31 Oct, 2020 by Ryan
David Peters has been my\our attorney for decades. Initially, for our project and then me personally. We have paid him over $300,000. The return has been in the millions. He is relentless and easily the smartest person most people will ever meet. His problem is that he wins even when he should not. The bad made up press mostly from those he crushed "comes with the territory." He should care because the bad press annoys others, including his clients. He is so sought after that while I think he cares, he does not get around to dealing with the lies.
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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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