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03 Feb, 2023 by Julie
These are words I'd use to describe Matthew Schultz. But after all they are just words on a screen you are reading. Matthew recently helped me in a suit I was going through. His guidance went beyond any expectation I could have ever have of an attorney. He went above and beyond to ensure every one of my questions were answered, issues solved and concerns addressed. I would utilize his services again without hesitation. If you are in need of a solid attorney, look no further, Matthew Schutz IS your guy. My family and I are more than appreciative to have the case settled and behind us. We honestly owe it all to Matthew. 5 stars is all that is offered as a rating, honestly 5 stars doesn't even compare to the personalized service we received. Thank you! From now on, we know who to call, and now if you're reading this review, you do too!
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01 Jul, 2019 by Jay
He spent 4 years working for me non-stop on 1 case and was VERY SUCCESSFUL. I highly recommend him. He is the BEST LAWYER.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Jess lipka
Hired Mr Schutz to represent me in Hopewell Twp NJ traffic court for going 84 in a 50. I was hoping to get it reduced to a two point violation. I pled guilty to non point violation and subsequently saved thousands on insurance. Subsequently I gave him all my business except divorce and lawsuit from Chabad of Hunterdon. Unfortunately he did not want that job, because he quoted us many multiples of his usual fee. Schutz would have won since testimony seemed to indicate in my opinion the only witness misrepresented material facts. Takes a Rabbi to beat a Rabbi. Matthew, please handle the appeal. I believe you will be appalled after reading the transcript.
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26 May, 2022 by Jérémie
I have had a difficult few months, with a house purchase, two moves, and a death in the family which required me to spend two months out of the country. My car registration could not be completed online because of a name misspelling, and I was putting off going to the MVC because of COVID-19. One Sunday morning, my friend texted me that she was on a hike and invited me to join her, and so I went in my car without my wallet. A cop flagged me for going over the speed limit in Pennington, and then piled a couple huge fines because I did not have my driver's license, and my registration had lapsed. (This jolted me into finally going to the MVC the next day in Trenton.) Fortunately, I have a legal plan through my employer, which Jenna Casper-Bloom accepts. I noticed she has her own law practice in the area, but that beforehand she worked at the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender for 15 years, and thought she would know our state's system like the back of her hand. I was right. I called her the next day, it took 3 minutes, she asked me to email her the tickets, and all the information I thought was relevant. I didn't hear back until a week and a half later, when she'd reduced the fine by 40%, ensured there were no points, and that I was not pleading guilty. Money is so tight right now, that even a 10% reduction would have been helpful, and this was way beyond my expectations. I was very impressed by how efficiently she handled my case, and I never felt for a second that I was on a legal plan. I am very grateful I found a local counsel who is sharp and hard-working and I will be recommending her to my colleagues and friends. (And BTW, since you're reading a review about a lawyer, I wish you good luck with your legal troubles.)
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22 Apr, 2022 by Eric
Jenna is excellent in all respects. She achieved our objectives without any problems. It is tough to find a local attorney in western NJ as so many attorneys from the urban counties try to pretend like they practice in Hunterdon and Warren Counties. If you have any matter in the Northwestern part of the state, you would be a fool to hire an attorney from Essex or Bergen County when there is such great and competent counsel in Flemington.
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28 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I met with Jenna in consultation. I ultimately did not need to hire anyone but her insight and thoughtfulness was thorough and very much appreciated. I would recommend her to anyone without hesitation.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Marc
The Palace at Somerset Park works with Tony on numerous projects requiring counsel. The legal field is intimidating and concerning. Tony's demeanor and calm presence is incredibly reassuring when working with him. Without pause I have zero hesitation to both acknowledge his expertise in the craft and strongly endorse Tony.
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28 Sep, 2014 by Daniel
Mr. Koester is always accurate in his work and recommendations. He is easy to rely on for three reasons: prompt, knowledgeable, and accessible. Meetings are comfortable in an office that is well planned & organized. Technology is utilized resulting in timely responses and unlimited dialogue.
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04 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Nick has represented me on several issues and had practical as well as sound legal advice and does not back down to aggressive bulldogs. I have used Nick for Criminal,contract, family and entertainment law.
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11 Jul, 2016 by Rob and dezz
Working with Tom has been a pleasure. When my family was going through one of the toughest times, he made things easy. Despite the crazy circumstances of my case, he never left our side. Very dependable and diligent with his work. He was able to handle our estate and real estate issues during a time where the family was in turmoil. He stayed on top of all of our issues and even when we were not able to help, he was able to still get the job done. He doesn't give up and is very supportive. Positively a great choice.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Pegi frostholm
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28 Nov, 2022 by Robert gidding
Mr. Shanahan has helped me through probate of my mother's estate. I am grateful for his diligence, responsiveness and reasonable fees. I myself am an attorney and would recommend him
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27 Nov, 2022 by Christina sjoquist
Bob Shanahan has been extremely helpful in helping me navigate my first time as executor for my grandmother’s estate. Reliable, responsive, and most importantly level headed and reasonable in situations where I needed his advice and expertise. Everyone else I have communicated with in the office are very friendly and always so quick to call me back. Highly recommended!
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15 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Edwards’s was a life saver. I was able to consult her with my property line dispute and she took the time to explain my rights and hear me vent . She was professional attentive and effective!
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10 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Should be Zero Stars! Do NOT hire Erica Edwards. We hired her in the past and she didn’t represent us correctly. She also will ignore your emails and calls. You have been warned.
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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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