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26 Jan, 2024 by Numbr juan 1
Staff was great and The lawyer actually cares about your case. Recommended!
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02 Oct, 2023 by M'melo banda
If you are looking for an immigration attorney that is compassionate, patient, knows the ins and outs of the law and always looks out for your best interests, look no further. Thank you Christians Law for everything you did for me and my family.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Rachid bendanoun
An exceptional lawyer who embodies honesty, expertise, and a wealth of knowledge in their field.
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18 Apr, 2022 by Federico
Martha Mothershead (of Baskin, Jackson & Lasso P.C.) is transparent, knowledgeable and direct. Her strategy and execution helped me navigate what could have been a very unpleasant circumstance. Seek her counsel in tenant/landlord matters if you need someone that knows how to get things done!
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03 Apr, 2018 by Chris
Martha was very helpful when I needed it, and helped out right away - same day! That's hard to find someone who cares that much that they're willing to go out of their way and assist with a property and tenant issues. Thank you so much Martha, your professionalism and friendliness means a lot.
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08 Sep, 2015 by Ana
Martha helped my family leave terrible living conditions in an apartment complex. We were impressed by how compassionate and caring she was for our well-being and the personal approach she took when hearing our story and helping us gather our evidence. Along with having a big heart, she is incredibly well-versed in law and her specific fields. She crafted a professional, informative, forceful letter to send to our landlord that caused them to settle out of court. We love how she doesn't back down from a challenge but can also be kind to her clients. Wonderful person, talented lawyer. The best of both worlds!
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30 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Throughout 2013 and 2014, Rachael Hammer has done an excellent job with my divorce, support and custody case despite extremely contentious and difficult circumstances. The custody case started with the mother trying to limit visitation to twice per month which led to a hearing where Ms. Hammer successfully argued for joint custody. Ms. Hammer guided us through months of negotiations and litigation to a highly successful outcome. She has stayed with us in the aftermath, taking late night and weekend phone calls, through pick-up explosions and police involvement. I can not say the case has been pleasant, but Ms. Hammer and her legal assistant Katrina Smallwood, have remained a calm and steady presence no matter the circumstance. Ms. Hammer is knowledgeable about Family Law in both DC and Virginia, reliable, and professional. She works well with Clients and opposing counsel. It has been an outstanding representation. I have highly recommend Rachael Hammer to friends and acquaintances who have required legal assistance.
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04 Dec, 2014 by Chanea
Rachael Hammer is an awesome attorney! She was retained for a extremely complicated tenant-landlord matter. In two days to prepare for trial she was able to win my case. Outstanding results thanks to Rachael Hammer and Katrina Smallwood her devoted paralegal.
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12 Oct, 2014 by Karen
This past spring, my husband and I sought the counsel of Rachel Hammer for a very concerning issue with our next door neighbors. Ms. Hammer, understanding the sensitivity and complex issues dealing with a neighbor, wrote two letters on our behalf. Her approach was thoughtful, measured and practical while supportive of both parties knowing we would likely be neighbors for a long time. We would not hesitate to seek her legal advice and services for future actions. Her vast experience in these types of disputes, expert legal advice and sound judgment make her an outstanding attorney we would highly recommend. We also appreciated the professionalism of her paralegal who provided us with excellent assistance and support during this process.
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16 Mar, 2010 by Don
Steve has successfully represented our interests in two litagation cases that were settled in our behalf without getting to trail. We would recommend anyone who has isssues dealing with contruction law to consder his services.
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30 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Simon is easy to approach, very thoughtful, and did a brilliant job with my case - which worked out in my favor thanks to his excellent representation. He did a fantastic job of communicating what was needed, and was very accessible. He did the necessary due diligence, background work, and put together a well thought out case. I highly recommend him.
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23 Aug, 2024 by David lowe
My brother was recently diagnosed with memory loss and Alzheimer's. We needed to get his affairs in order and we needed to do so quickly. He needed to revise and update his Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Revokable Living Trust. With the help of Zach Miller, the firm's managing partner, we were able to receive these completed critical legal documents within two weeks of our initial contact the firm. I was immensely pleased and grateful for Mr. Miller's prompt and professional council on such important matters. In an age when you can be on hold for hours with other businesses, it was so refreshing to be acknowledged, listened to, and heard. Our family would unequivocally recommend Mr. Miller and the team at McClanahan Powers for your elder care legal needs.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Candy baracat donovan
This firm has helped me set up and maintain two small businesses. Their communication, thoroughness and attention to detail means I don’t have to worry about anything they manage for me. Highly recommend!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Patricia wilson
I’m extremely grateful for the exceptional service I received from McClanahan Powers, PLLC. When my case was transferred to Virginia, Dirk McClanahan quickly took over, managed to get it reinstated, and secured a quick settlement. His prompt and decisive action kept the case from defaulting due to me failing to find an attorney licensed to practice in VA within the court’s deadline, which was a huge relief. The team was professional, responsive, and truly had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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04 Jun, 2018 by Phuong
Attorney Richard is amazing. He helped us got a dismissal on our case. He’s very professional and hardworking attorney. He really knows what’s he doing.
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17 Jun, 2017 by Richard chesley
After handling my own estate arrangements & will, I called on Richard to review and then handle my interests in the settlement of my Mom's estate. I am SO thankful that I did. Somewhat unusual arrangements complicated by naive executors and shady real estate brokers -- that took quite a bit of legwork to work-out -- were superbly resolved by Richard. Richard's calm demeanor & knowledgeable explanations coupled with sharp insights resulted in successful resolution of a situation that could have easily spun out of control. His willingness to go the 'extra mile', with support from an excellent staff, and his updates allowed me to shed the worry I was experiencing, and feel confident that my interests were well-represented. Even potential adversaries in this whole experience were complimentary of Richard's work! I recommend Mr. Nguyen without hesitation for those involved with estate settlements as well as real estate transactions. I believe his services would be particularly beneficial to those preparing for the inevitabilities of estate arrangements, whether their own or a loved one.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Bk faculty gtwn university
Richard advised me on a complicated property and court procedural matter for which there was no clear or obvious answer... he took all my questions seriously, researched his answers thoroughly and often on his own time late at night, and despite a busy schedule was always responsive and informed. Having worked with many more costly but less valuable lawyers before him, I wish I'd met Richard earlier.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Sobhit gyawali
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14 Sep, 2024 by Matrika lamichhane
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13 Sep, 2024 by Albina nagarkoti
They assisted me with my Green Card process, and the entire experience was incredibly smooth. I received my Green Card even before the estimated date. Their service was excellent, Mrs. Bandita and her team are very professional. they were always available to answer any questions I had.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Wayne
Mr. Pugh's knowledge, honesty and transparency is a breathe of fresh air in today's world! He is prompt, answers his own phone and I found his rates quite reasonable for the work he performed. He offered advise that actually saved me on my legal fees owed to him. Highly recommend
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10 Nov, 2022 by Robyn
Mr Pugh was transparent with costs, very knowledgeable about the laws applicable to my case. He answered all my questions honestly and he answers his own phone! Highly recommend Mr Pugh
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10 Nov, 2022 by Danielle
I've worked with Ed Pugh for years now. Each time I've worked with know he has displayed a lot of knowledge, which has led to great results! Most recently he helped me with a landlord-tenant issue, and I am grateful for his help during this process.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Ben jarratt
I want to commend Whiteford, Taylor & Preston for being a full-service firm that could handle all of my business needs. While I first worked with an attorney in their Falls Church, VA office, I found I needed additional legal services and also worked with attorneys in WTP's Baltimore & Richmond offices. The scope of work covered a large tenant bankruptcy, property management, related court filings, and also new tenant lease negotiations. In all cases, I found their attorneys to be responsible and attentive to my multiple and diverse business needs. Thank you.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Dana mirch
Having managed over 250 community associations in Northern Virginia, I have had the opportunity to work with Whiteford on a number of occasions with various clients for 12 years. Their staff is courteous, knowledge and professional and their attorneys can be counted on both day and night to help with emergent situations and problem solving. The high level of communication, attention to detail and honestly provided throughout the organization is a differentiator.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Christopher jones
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16 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Chris to restructure a note that ended up in litigation. After more than two years and many thousands of dollars in fees, he was completely outmatched by a solo practitioner (we lost every motion) and failed to keep us in the loop about the resulting bankruptcy. We ended up losing everything on top of paying his high fees.
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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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