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15 Oct, 2024 by Jason daniel hamm-bubendorf
In late November last year I was driving my motorcycle to work on my daily commute every morning. Unfortunately on the way an older woman pulled out in front of me in the middle of the street and I was unable to stop or swerve around her in time. I collided with her vehicle and flew over it, causing three herniations in three separate spots in my spine. Found out afterwards that she had a stop sign, I had the right of way. Immediately, I contacted Peter Briskin. Who within a day, had me set up with physical therapy, pain treatment, and a primary physician to monitor my spine health. The entire case process was rather quick, simple and effective. Super knowledgeable, always very nice and quick to answer. Not only is my back feeling much better, but I was properly financially compensated for the back problems I will always have now. All my thanks and deepest respects to Mr. Briskin.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Turistazx@yahoo.com devora
Very responsive, always answered my calls. Very knowledgeable and professional. Very grateful I came I cross him when I needed help with my case
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16 Jul, 2024 by Hannah girard
Thank you to Mr. Briskin Law firm for assisting in me . August 2023 was truly a life altering moment in my life and I was able to locate a Lawyer who was upfront / honest and up right about all things. The entire time was supportive responsive and efficient. Mr. Briskin continued to communicate during his vacation and still offered confirmation which is not only considerate but compassionate. You all have made this difficult time much easier to navigate. If your looking for a lawyer who will deliver results Please give Mr. Briskin a chance , Highly recommended for exceptional legal representation .
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06 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Makarov represented me on 4 related traffic violations that had serious implications including potential incarceration and steep fines in NJ. Mr. Makarov calmed me down and helped me understand my rights and the potential outcomes. He helped me post bail and handled all interactions with the prosecutor and judge in multiple court proceedings. He was able to build a solid defense and reasonable doubt in order to have the charges negotiated down with the prosecutor. I am really grateful. He took a hands on attentive interest in my case which made all the difference as the circumstances of the case were key in this case. We need more lawyers like Mr. Makarov who will go to war for their clients and are truly able to empathize!
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06 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I received a 5-point speeding ticket and was in jeopardy of losing my license. Not only did Michael help me avoid a license suspension, but he also managed to reduce the violation to 2 points. Michael handled the entire process in a professional matter. He explained my options, and was realistic about what I could expect. He kept me informed throughout the entire process and made me feel at ease. I was pleasantly surprised when Michael informed me of the deal reached with the prosecutor. I highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of a conscientious attorney.
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05 Oct, 2016 by Ron
Josh represented our family in a real estate purchase. Unfortunately the deal turned sour when the sellers refused to honor the agreement. I was concerned that josh wouldn't be able or willing to help us because much of the transaction was handled by his paralegal. But when things went bad he stepped in and really made us feel like we were his only client. He was strong he was compassionate and he had our backs. Most of all, he was available to talk through a very scary ordeal. We now have an attorney for life.
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26 Feb, 2015 by Gerard
We had the Levine team help us settle a dispute and close out a bad business decision. They acted with speed, compassion and kept an eye on our wallets. I would recommend them highly, trained and effective lawyers and support staff were there for us each step of the way. They made a difficult time easier to get through
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10 Jan, 2011 by Luba
Finally we got a lawyer, who is very knowledgeable in different areas of Law, who is very honest, responsible, whom we trust and who is always at assistance when legal help is needed. For the two year, since we know and work with him, he helped us with different issues, such as creating a Will, Traffic Violations issues, buying real estate, income tax matters and other problems. This is a LAWYER, whom we can highly recommand to everyone, who needs legal help or advice.
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02 Oct, 2016 by Dot
Did the closing for the sale of my listing. Went well with no surprises. Seller was very happy with his service.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Colleen j
Excellent experience in addition to offering professional advice and services they care about you as a person. All staff is friendly, get timely appointments and quick efficient service. Highly recommend retaining Kimberly for legal matters!
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23 Aug, 2024 by K sinnott
Dealing with legal stuff can feel overwhelming, but everyone at Paton is so helpful, patient, and understanding that they make the process easy! Thanks!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Dori barr
We want to thank Kimberly for her professional and knowledgeable, yet caring, guidance in helping us to make important decisions. She is easy to talk to and takes the time to answer questions and explain complex issues. We highly recommend her. N. and D. Barry
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22 Aug, 2024 by Khalil qureshi
I recently concluded a 2.5-year-long divorce process, and I must say that Laura and her team were instrumental in helping me navigate through what was a very challenging time. The professionalism and dedication shown by Laura were exceptional. She provided clear guidance and was always available to address my concerns, making sure I understood every step of the process. Her staff was equally supportive, always responsive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure I felt supported. Yes, the legal fees were significant, and it was financially challenging for me, but I understand that maintaining a top-tier law firm requires resources. A firm that invests in its staff and infrastructure can provide the excellent service I received, and that’s exactly what Laura offers. While the costs were high, I believe it was the price I had to pay to regain my life and move forward with my children. If you are looking for a law firm that delivers quality service with professionalism and care, I highly recommend November & Nunnink LLC.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Chaddy h
I highly recommend Ms. Nunnick. She has consistently demonstrated fairness and a strong commitment to keeping our son’s best interests at the forefront throughout our custody case. Her balanced approach has been invaluable.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Lalchandra rampersaud
Prompt and always prepared.
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14 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
I used Catherine for a bankruptcy case. She failed to submit the proper paperwork on time, which led to the proceedings to initially be dismissed. She was NOT supposed to include my vehicles in the bankruptcy, but again failed to file the proper documents which caused themto be included. Also failed to advise of the payments due to the trustee which caused more problems.
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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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