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07 Sep, 2024 by Mckenzie
I had a consultation with John after being highly referred to him by another attorney. I had a massive problem and not a clue where to begin. John took control and laid it out for me. Instantly I knew he was the man for the job. I cannot recommend him enough. I was extremely nervous throughout the case, but John was confident and assuring. Walking me through the process and how to handle each step.
He is fierce, dedicated, professional, and extremely well versed.
Thank you John, for everything.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Damon
I was referred to John by a co-worker, and after my initial consultation I knew he was the attorney for the job. John is a fantastic lawyer who is extremely knowledgeable, and communicated every step of the process to keep myself prepared for what was ahead. I felt that my problems were now his problems. He was able to get my kids out of the awful living situation they were in while living in another state and into my custody when the services in that state failed to ensure my kid’s safety. He was relentless when the other party thought they could weasel their way out of the situation. He is no nonsense and to the point, and you will truly believe he is out for your best interest in both the situation and financially. I am so thankful for John, and would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney to represent them.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Jeff
I hired John to represent me in my divorce. He responds quick and is a great communicator. He bills extremely fair for his high quality of work. Would highly recommend John as a attorney.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Penny
I strongly recommend Mr. Joel Ford based on his comprehensive understanding of law, professionalism and exemplary patience. Mr. Ford has a gift of converting the complexities of the law and the estate planning process into understandable terms.
The staff of Strohman Ford are equally professional and courteous. I highly recommend this firm.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
My family found Joel Ford to be professional and detail oriented. Since our trust had been written, both our children and grandchildren had become adults. We went to Joel for an addendum that would satisfy the many changes that had occurred. Joel listened to our concerns, discussed the possibilities, and produced a document that we feel confident will meet our family's needs.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Bill
Joel was very good. He carefully walked us through all of the procedures answering any questions as we went. Without hesitation, we would recommend Joel’s services to anyone.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Mr. hittle
Excellent Strong Team. I personally wanted to thank Marcy/ Whitney/ Amanda and Derek for there help and they Really do Care about there clients and that means a lot!!! thank you everyone so much for sticking with me and helping me through this tough time!!!!! Thank you so much Coos Bay/Roseburg Offices for your help!!!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Mike gallego
My case was a difficult one. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. Kept me informed throughout the process. Was there for all my needs and questions. I highly recommend them. I really appreciate you guys.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Heidi gallego
We had a great experience with the Roseburg Office from our attorney Derek to Marcy, the best legal assistant I have ever worked with (and I've worked with a few). They were attentive, communicative, and never hesitated to give us direction even if it wasn't in their wheelhouse. We appreciate them more than a review can fairly state.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Bob and doris
Zach did an outstanding job in preparing our trust. He was a pleasure to work with throughout the process from the initial consultation to the final product. We highly recommend him for both his expertise and excellent quality of client services.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Carol
Zach was informative as well as being open to our questions or remarks when explaining the recreated trust section by section. He was thorough and well-organized in his presentation and yet, offered an unhurried approach to providing us with pertinent details. We appreciated the depth of his knowledge and business acumen.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I needed to updated my previous estate planning document created over 30 years ago in CA to meet Oregon requirements. After contacting Zachary, he suggested two options and recommended restating my trust with updates to other documents. The work time frame and cost he provided worked for my schedule and budget. Overall, I was very pleased with his professionalism, communication, scheduling, documentation, and final meeting. The new documents met all my expectations, including some new personal changes, streamlining content, and compliance to Oregon estate planning requirements.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Anna
I am an attorney; Frank Gibson was recommended to me by numerous colleagues when I needed help with a real estate matter. Working with him was like a master class in how to practice law-- he is emotionally intelligent, proved very knowledgeable about the area of law in question, and was respectful of my time. While he was not inexpensive, he was worth every penny I paid him. I can see why he is so highly regarded by other lawyers in the community.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Mary
I retained Mr Gibson to obtain guardianship of a family member. He went over and beyond in helping me obtain guardianship, and kept me informed every step of the way. I highly recommend him to any family who needs to obtain guardianship, especially under the highly stressful and emotional time a family may face when needing to obtain guardianship of an adult. All aspects were handled promptly and professionaly.
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12 Jan, 2015 by Wendy
Frank is the closest thing I can think of to my “ideal” attorney. I am involved in a case against a family member over the estate of my grandmother. Frank has taken an emotionally-charged, seemingly-complicated dysfunctional family dynamic and broken it down into easy-to-understand, core elements. I think his assessment of the situation will help opposing council (or a judge, if it comes to that) see the "holes" in their case and lead to a resolution in my favor.
He is clear-headed and always open to negotiation, but also willing to go to bat for me when needed. His legal knowledge is amazing. When opposing council makes unreasonable statements that make me want to get up and hurl obscenities, Frank quickly and calmly objects with some point of law that completely takes the wind out of their statement. And I have to admit, this is more satisfying than hurling obscenities.
When I first looked for an attorney in this case, I was aware that I was very emotional and could be taken advantage of. Initially I was guarded with Frank, but soon realized that although he was dedicated to this case, he was also willing to come away with less (for him and me), if it meant a faster resolution and less emotional toll for me (if that's what I wanted). He has helped me stand up for myself and fight for what I believe in and what I believe my grandmother wanted for me.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Richard
I find that when I have an idea that I think needs to be looked into, she listens and gives me some feed back as to good or bad . Her response to emails is almost immediate. She seems to be available almost anytime day or night. When she was a paralegal I told her she was going to be a good lawyer because she cares. No one can ask for more.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Kele
I have been working with Dallis Rohde for a year and she has been professional, knowledgeable, and extremely informative. She gets back to me in less than a day, follows up with me on a regular basis, and replies quickly to my emails. I highly recommend Dallis to anyone looking for a great company attorney.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Keri
Dallis is extremely knowledgeable and provides highly responsive and personal service. I highly recommend recommend Dallis and will use her again in the future.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Geoff
Jane helped us rewrite our TOS for a web based service as well as help us out with a marketing partnership that went south. She was very helpful, quick and was able to communicate with us in best ways to proceed with and without her intervention. We still use her as our legal council and have no desire to change in the foreseeable future.
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27 Jan, 2016 by Michael
Jesse London is one of the hardest working, smartest attorney's you will find. He was dogged in pursuit of facts to prove my case. He worked endless hours reviewing SQL code and spreadsheets, researching the legal requirements and formatting for court preparation. He motions were clear, well researched and rigorous.
Moreover, Jesse is a really good person that works tirelessly for his clients. He is assessable, prompt to return calls or emails, never leave you guessing.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Roman
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Gallagher for several years now on various cases, he is not only one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in regards to construction law, he is also reasonable and professional. I can't recommend Mr. Gallagher enough.
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25 Sep, 2022 by Will smith
Brommley has been a huge asset to my company and a very big part of my company's peace of mind. I would recommend him and his partners to anyone! Thank you for you many years of service Mr. Bromley!
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29 Jun, 2021 by Charlene gonzalez
Bruce Newton is a great attorney who has worked with us on a number of times.
He’s very helpful, knowledgeable and easy to understand.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Katy
I worked with Bruce Newton. He and the staff here were fantastic. They were responsive, understanding to my needs, handled my divorce better than I could have hoped. Bruce is personable and knowledgeable!
I would absolutely recommend them.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Ap dale
I am a VERY satisfied client. Boender & Payment went above and beyond. Would give 10 stars if I could.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Austin prenevost
Chelsea was a genuine gift as lawyer. I spoke with close to a dozen lawyers before finally retaining her services. Chelsea and her assistant Pheobe are incredibly professional. They're prompt with their responses and very knowledgeable. My divorce was looking to be a nightmare until Chelsea stepped in. With her assistance we were able to settle in a way that both my ex and I are satisfied with. She works well with judges, other lawyers, and with her clients. I cannot emphasize enough how much she helped me. I'll recommend her highly in the future.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Michael maiorano
I had the privilege of working with Brian Boender during an unfavorable series of events. It was a pleasure to have Brian helping me navigate the legal system with his expertise especially within Oregon. Without his leadership I would not have known the first step, much less the rest of the process. His patience in working with someone as inexperienced as me was also invaluable. In the future whether it be a small or large unforeseen incident I plan to work with Boender and crew again for all my legal matters. Thanks for your help!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Isabel ceron
I cannot thank everyone enough at Corson & Johnson! I was in an accident when I was still in college and thought there was nothing further I could do about the situation. I was referred to them by my friend's Mom, who is also a well respected attorney. I thought the process would be scary and complicated (as any young adult might think) but it was evident right away that their team is so KIND and AMAZING.
During the entire timeline they checked up on me and kept me up to date on the process. They treated me empathetically and answered any questions I had, and I had a lot! The entire team is extremely friendly and warm, I felt like I was in someone's home at their office. They are professional and skilled at what they do, they fought hard for me despite my case being somewhat complicated.
Thank you again for making such an intimidating process feel easy and approachable. Your team is the best and I will always recommend!
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21 Dec, 2023 by Jim giffin
They weren't able to help me with what I needed.
But they were friendly and comfortable to talk to.
Gave me acouple of referrals.
Thank you Genevieve........👍
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31 Jul, 2023 by Tina mcgill
21 Nov, 2024 by Spencer doidge
I wish doing that business were always like this. After a few weeks preparing our documents derived from information they had obtained from us, they laid it all out as clearly as you could imagine. The information was new to us, and they led us by the hand, following a lucid presentation. Unhurried, they got us through it all in less than two hours. They're nice people and wish to help us, which they have done expertly.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Diana artemis
Joel Ford and his legal assistant Maggie are a pleasure to work with. I had lots of questions and Maggie answered them immediately by email. Maggie has experience and knowledge, she's a great resource. Joel is professional, personable and anticipated our needs. Very friendly and so knowledgeable. Joel provided us with great legal advice. They are so ready to help. They are experienced, affordable and a great legal resource.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Kastro
Super friendly and helpful. Answered all questions!!
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04 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnson recently helped me with a complex eviction case and was able to quickly obtain a favorable result for us at a very reasonable rate.
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13 Apr, 2018 by Brandi
I was being evicted and going to court with my landlord. I contacted Mr. Johnson and he took my case we went to court and I was awarded money because my landlord was at fault and violated many laws. I got extra time to move and got to keep my back rent. Mr. Johnson listened to me was very professional and moved the whole process along smoothly. It was a great experience! I highly recommend his services
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26 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
We went to Mr. Johnson because our landlord had not returned our deposit. He sent a letter and the landlord sent us our deposiot right away. He was prompt and got it done fast. He listened, understood and knew more about landlord law than anyone else we talked to.
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24 Dec, 2019 by Michael
I have been an instructor and advisor of managers and owners of manufactured home parks for over 13 years. I have referred several parks to Jim Gardner, and his brother Alan for eviction work, and all give Jim high marks (Alan retired recently). If you are a park-owner, you need a lawyer who knows manufactured home park law. Jim fits that description.
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19 Sep, 2015 by Sandra
When Mr. Faulhaber handled my divorce of 27 years with millions in assets, my ex-husband and I did not feel the need to get an additional attorney. Dwight was concise, took both of our desired outcomes into consideration, and both parties walked away from the marriage, satisfied with the results. If you want someone who gets the job done and acts as a wonderful mediator with no biases, this is your attorney.
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09 May, 2015 by Kim
Thomas Evans has been our attorney for the past 28 years. He has helped us with child custody issues to a boat sale, and paternity issues. He has always been efficient and very knowledgeable. His fees are reasonable. We would recommend Thomas Evans.
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12 Mar, 2012 by Kathleen hastings
Extremely caring person. Gave 110% towards our case.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I don't think I've met any lawyer with the knowledge, and compassion, or honesty with Susan. She is good at what she does. She doesn't beat around the bush, and when you text her on a Sunday for a question ....she calls back, with answers. Highest recommendation
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02 Dec, 2024 by Isabel ceron
I cannot thank everyone enough at Corson & Johnson! I was in an accident when I was still in college and thought there was nothing further I could do about the situation. I was referred to them by my friend's Mom, who is also a well respected attorney. I thought the process would be scary and complicated (as any young adult might think) but it was evident right away that their team is so KIND and AMAZING.
During the entire timeline they checked up on me and kept me up to date on the process. They treated me empathetically and answered any questions I had, and I had a lot! The entire team is extremely friendly and warm, I felt like I was in someone's home at their office. They are professional and skilled at what they do, they fought hard for me despite my case being somewhat complicated.
Thank you again for making such an intimidating process feel easy and approachable. Your team is the best and I will always recommend!
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21 Dec, 2023 by Jim giffin
They weren't able to help me with what I needed.
But they were friendly and comfortable to talk to.
Gave me acouple of referrals.
Thank you Genevieve........👍
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31 Jul, 2023 by Tina mcgill
11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
Read more
20 Feb, 2019 by Haley
Bradley Litchfield is extremely competent and did everything he could to get my husband and I custody of my stepson. He was confident and made us feel that he could do what he told us he would and we felt very comfortable using his judgment. He never promised anything and always told us the downside of every option we had. He and his assistant were always helpful and available to talk for you the most part when we had issues or just needed clarification. Without him, we would have been lost. He is the best lawyer we could have asked for.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Tami
If I could give 10 stars out of five, I would. I was involved in a civil case in which my 15 year old son was expected to testify. My son was very nervous about this and so was I. Brad Litchfield accepted the case and we feel so fortunate to have been in his care. I feel certain my case was not the most important matter in his caseload, but he always made me and my son feel as though it was. It was a great pleasure to meet him and to see how professionally and empathetically he handled our case. He is clearly a caring and compassionate person and was respectful to everyone involved. Importantly, I appreciate that he at all times made my son feel informed, at ease, safe, and cared for. And, of course, he won our case!
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25 Aug, 2017 by Ryan thompson
Brad helped me so much through my divorce and helped me keep my mind level while doing so. I had other charges that he wasn't related to but he took it on his own to help guide me through them as well by working with my other attorney. He is a real class act, and I would recommend him to anyone!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Tammy ballard
Does not return calls.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Michael niedzwiadek
Great person! Played sax at the show wouls love to play more:)
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07 Jun, 2018 by Amanda hadsell
03 Nov, 2024 by Nyssa newman
30 Sep, 2024 by Cindy meader
Phil did a wonderful job on my default land sale
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27 Jun, 2024 by Ryan mcintire
I have just recently finished up a near 2 year long probate and estate case. The case was settled satisfactorily and happy to be finished. This was a long process and have some comments and concerns with choosing Mr. Wasley as my attorney.
The Good:
Mr. Wasley is knowledgeable and effective.
He is responsive in his communication.
The Challenges:
Mr. Wasley counseled without Empathy.
At no time did I ever feel like he cared about my case or myself. I certainly do not need hand holding, however it was quite clear I was just a number not a name. When you have lost your parent and need to go through this process, you expect some level of concern.
I felt that many questions or comments I had were bothersome to him. I would think that with how much you have to pay an attorney, that he would welcome questions. I felt inside that I need to apologize for asking a question.
I should have retained another attorney, but by the time I realized how it would go, I was already heavily invested.
At the time of retaining an attorney, I had quite a hard time finding one available.
My suggestion is that if you are in a position where you need an attorney that is somewhat friendly, personable, and empathetic, you should be careful in hiring Mr. Wasley.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Tammy ballard
Does not return calls.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Michael niedzwiadek
Great person! Played sax at the show wouls love to play more:)
Read more
07 Jun, 2018 by Amanda hadsell
23 Aug, 2024 by Patrice sipos
Sarah Subias was Amazing.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Sreedhar thakkun
02 Jul, 2024 by Sarrah shim-hue
09 Apr, 2024 by Jeremy
Amanda has been nothing short of phenomenal, she’s guided thru the whole process and has been thorough at every step. Her guidance and advice has been advantageous to me in every aspect of my case
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18 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I first hired Amanda in 2017. The over all out come that first time was ok. Everyone was satisfied with the end results. I again hired her in 2021 and am so glad I did. Just like before I had a excellent experience with Amanda and all in her office. Things always were discussed thoroughly. Best and worst outcomes were always discussed so that I was able to make informed choices. Email and phone calls were always easy and I had no issues ever getting in touch or asking questions. Amanda and her staff always made sure I was prepped and ready for all court hearings. I would absolutely recommend Amanda again and again.
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17 Apr, 2022 by Christopher
I retained Amanda Husted’s services in 2019 for a custody/domestic partnership dissolution case that involved a tremendous amount of complexity and conflict. Amanda took an honest and focused approach to my case and was able to reduce the level of conflict and anxiety immediately. I never questioned Amanda’s advocacy for my daughter or the preservation of our relationship, nor did I ever see anything that would indicate she was driven primarily by financial gain versus doing what was in our best interest. Although Amanda did have a very busy calendar, she was always available for consultation during key decision points and critical phases of the case (such as plan negotiations and trial prep). I could not have been happier with Amanda’s services and still consult with her prior to moving forward with any decisions that could have future implications.
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03 Nov, 2024 by Nyssa newman
30 Sep, 2024 by Cindy meader
Phil did a wonderful job on my default land sale
Read more
27 Jun, 2024 by Ryan mcintire
I have just recently finished up a near 2 year long probate and estate case. The case was settled satisfactorily and happy to be finished. This was a long process and have some comments and concerns with choosing Mr. Wasley as my attorney.
The Good:
Mr. Wasley is knowledgeable and effective.
He is responsive in his communication.
The Challenges:
Mr. Wasley counseled without Empathy.
At no time did I ever feel like he cared about my case or myself. I certainly do not need hand holding, however it was quite clear I was just a number not a name. When you have lost your parent and need to go through this process, you expect some level of concern.
I felt that many questions or comments I had were bothersome to him. I would think that with how much you have to pay an attorney, that he would welcome questions. I felt inside that I need to apologize for asking a question.
I should have retained another attorney, but by the time I realized how it would go, I was already heavily invested.
At the time of retaining an attorney, I had quite a hard time finding one available.
My suggestion is that if you are in a position where you need an attorney that is somewhat friendly, personable, and empathetic, you should be careful in hiring Mr. Wasley.
Read more
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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.
