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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Zach based on a referral after attempting to hire three other attorneys in a 2 month period. With that being a lesson in itself, Zach relieved my desperation and frustration in the first consultation. He confidently and swiftly requested my records from a prior attorney and hired experts immediately which is something I do want to point out that three other legal experts did not step up to perform. I was consistently reassured because Zach got the small things right, he "hit the ground running," was thorough/appropriate with actions taken, and this is what any case truly needs. Zach has a wealth of expert staff at his fingertips. I experienced Zach having to reach out to his experts and there was no churning or wasting of time to get responses. It was quite impressive. My case lasted 20 months and recently concluded via mediation. Zach informed me along the entire way that he and his staff were working to resolve the case as quickly as possible, that trial involves a lot of unknowns, and with no disguises, it would be expensive. When it turned out to be a longer road than we hoped, the expense and risks were worth the wait. Zach helped me to be able to close a bad chapter and walk away, freed from an extremely difficult situation. He told me, when this is over, it will be over and it is. We ended up not going to trial and came out with the result I wanted, more than many in my close circle thought would happen. Zach and I weighed my options together. He helped me make decisions. I kept myself informed of most every turn of event and simply, I had a peace of mind many times knowing I hired the best attorney for my case. If I hadn't hired Zach, no doubt, time would have passed and I would have been stuck in a horrible mess for many years, if not for the rest of my life. Zach educated me on the steps taken and reassured me when I questioned the process or opposition's intentions. I believed Zach because I needed to trust my attorney, but most of all he followed through with his plans. Zach made it easier for me to pay the expensive bills and in the end I received much more than he and his peers thought I would. Zach showed me what qualities, characteristics, and so forth to look for in future transactions. I will always remember sessions with Zach. I will most certainly remember Zach physically packing up and carrying my case with him in thick heavy binders. I will remember him looking at me and saying that he "was prepared as if he was going to trial." He always spoke with confidence, force, and knowledge about my case. Seeing Zach mentally and physically take on my case is something that I will always be grateful for. I hired an attorney who fought for me!
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09 Feb, 2016 by Matthew
Zach was very knowledgeable about the construction law that pertained to our case. Also Zach was very understanding of our situation and how it would effect our company. He was able to help our company to get the best outcome possible.
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09 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer shrum
The attorney is awesome he goes above and beyond to help you and so does his staff especially Katie.
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16 May, 2023 by Kerman haynes
Zach Jones and his team are talented, hardworking, and trustworthy. I hired Mr. Jones to represent me in construction dispute in November 2021, and in February 2023 a settlement was negotiated and finalized. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Jones provided sound legal advice, was diligent in his efforts to formulate a strategic plan for success, and kept me informed consistently throughout. If you ever find yourself in need of someone to represent you with honor, and the highest integrity - I would recommend Mr. Jones and his team without hesitation.
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23 Apr, 2023 by Patty flyingbear rose
Best law firm you could ever need. I would give a 10 but only allows 5.
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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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