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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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05 Dec, 2013 by Bruce
Dean is a great lawyer. He's been representing me for 12 years. He's honest and doesn't bill like guys in big law firms. His advice has always been solid and I trust him like I've never trusted any other attorney in the 40+ years I've been doing real estate business. Note that the guy who wrote a bad review was apparently being chased by a landlord who employed Kaufman, so for us landlords and lenders, Dean's the sort of guy you want on your side. FWIW, he's a U of O law school grad and has been in the community for over 40 years.
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17 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Poorly represented the legal community of Eugene. Unprofessional and used bullying tactics when he thought I didn't understand my legal rights.
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22 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I am posting this review to share the facts relating to my experience with this attorney. After finding that my multimillionaire corrupt ex tenant, negligently caused approximately $100,000 in damage to my home in Florence, With this tenant being the first to occupy my home, and having an agreement signed by him where he is to return the home to pre move in condition and or pay to bring it to pre move in condition. With this in hand and the tenant being corrupt, untruthful and evasive, though being more than financially capable to pay for the the damage he caused, I hired the Law Offices of Brian Cox, (specifically Brian Cox as he is the single attorney there). Cox appears to have close to 30 years of experience and informed me that they specialize in landlord tenant issues specifically representing landlords. Cox charges for every minute of his time including consultation. I shared with Cox my rental agreement and hired him to send my ex tenant a demand letter. Tenant did not pay so I hired Cox to file a suit against my ex tenant. I am one who likes to keep on top of things, despite my earlier inquiry with Cox on filing date, Cox did not file the suit till over one year since my discovery of the damage. Cox filed a breach of contract claim citing my rental agreement. If I prevailed in any way under this claim I was to be able to collect my attorney fees in addition to the amount of my damages from the tenant. Since I was looking over his work I found two careless mistakes (besides the one that ruined my case) that Cox made in supplying evidence to the defense. After several months and thousands of dollars of attorney’s fees paid to Cox, the defense attorney informed Cox that he filed my claim past the statute of limitations (which was one year). Cox and his required insurer Oregon PLF (whose job is to protect Cox and their best interest is Cox and not the party that is damaged by Cox) Suggested that I amend my complaint to common law claims such as “waste, chattel etc” A path that would be being difficult in prevailing even if I prevailed I would not be able to collect my attorney fees from the defendant which by the end of that claim would probably be over $20,000. After consulting with at least three attorneys who each informed me that the probability of prevailing under common law claims (as suggested by Cox and the PLF) would be a novelty, not likely or very difficult. Meanwhile the defense attorney filed for a summary judgement mainly based on the statute of limitations issue. The most probable outcome of this is that I would lose the case (which I lost anyway due to Cox’s error) and would be required to pay all of the defendant’s attorney fees. I was left with no choice but to hire another attorney and mitigate the damages. I settled the case between my ex tenant with no money awarded to me in exchange for not having to pay his attorney fees. I then had to hire a third attorney, who specializes in malpractice to settle and collect from the PLF. In the end after paying attorney fees to Cox, and the malpractice attorney I did not even end up with getting half of my damages paid for. I asked Cox to refund me what I paid him which he did not answer. Also, for some illogical reason the PLF is not responsible to pay back attorney fees that I paid to the attorney who is guilty of malpractice. The legal system in the country is a joke, in the end it is the attorneys who win! (Cox still got paid for his careless incompetent “work”)You simply pay the attorney for their time regardless of outcome and if they make a gross error despite how good your initial case is you are still not made whole.
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22 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Brian Cox responded promptly to my inquiry, and was very clear on what he would need to assist us in deciding how to proceed with our case. And the response we received was from him directly - he didn't just pass us off to his assistant, which I appreciate! We plan to contact him when we are ready to proceed, and have been pleased with the communication thus far.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Jeff
I reached out to Pablo after being referred. He was unresponsive for several weeks after promising to get back and ultimately declined to provide service. This ended up costing us needed time. Pablo’s seems like he’s too busy so if you’re looking for fast service as a new client I would recommend looking elsewhere.
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05 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Called Bryon and spoke with him one time, he told me to call him back when I needed his services. I called him back and he was always in a meeting, left numerous messages to call me back, he never once called, zero call backs... That's not how you do business... Don't waste your time, he doesn't get it!
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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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