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13 Sep, 2024 by 孔晓繁
为了能提高性价比少走弯路,我在市中心的几个律师所犹豫不定了几个星期总感到不放心什么(我是个很敏感的人)有一天,无意之中看到了何博亚律师在线直播,在听他和别人的讲解对答问题时我对他有了一种非常信任和安全的感觉,他中英文都十分流畅,性格非常nice,于是我便联系了他们,把我的case.托付给了他,因为我的绿卡丢失了太久原件尽失所以我心里一直忐忑不安但...最终我以难以想象的幸运顺利补到了新绿卡,我心中不禁庆幸自己因那次无意之中刷视频而看到了何博亚律师,一切都是最好的安排,感恩让我认识了何律师和他的团队! 09/13/2024
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yiqin ma
何律师 is very professional and patient. He took the time to listen to my situation thoroughly and offered insightful advice, which gave me more confidence in my future choices. I highly recommend 何律师 and look forward to working with him on any future applications. (btw he's FLUENT in Mandarin~)
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13 Sep, 2024 by Qiaoping zhang
感谢何律师事务所的帮助,工作人员认真负责,很耐心,每一步操作都会详细告知,对于年龄大的确实需要这样优质服务团队。再次感谢!
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13 Sep, 2024 by 孔晓繁
为了能提高性价比少走弯路,我在市中心的几个律师所犹豫不定了几个星期总感到不放心什么(我是个很敏感的人)有一天,无意之中看到了何博亚律师在线直播,在听他和别人的讲解对答问题时我对他有了一种非常信任和安全的感觉,他中英文都十分流畅,性格非常nice,于是我便联系了他们,把我的case.托付给了他,因为我的绿卡丢失了太久原件尽失所以我心里一直忐忑不安但...最终我以难以想象的幸运顺利补到了新绿卡,我心中不禁庆幸自己因那次无意之中刷视频而看到了何博亚律师,一切都是最好的安排,感恩让我认识了何律师和他的团队! 09/13/2024
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yiqin ma
何律师 is very professional and patient. He took the time to listen to my situation thoroughly and offered insightful advice, which gave me more confidence in my future choices. I highly recommend 何律师 and look forward to working with him on any future applications. (btw he's FLUENT in Mandarin~)
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13 Sep, 2024 by Qiaoping zhang
感谢何律师事务所的帮助,工作人员认真负责,很耐心,每一步操作都会详细告知,对于年龄大的确实需要这样优质服务团队。再次感谢!
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13 Sep, 2024 by 孔晓繁
为了能提高性价比少走弯路,我在市中心的几个律师所犹豫不定了几个星期总感到不放心什么(我是个很敏感的人)有一天,无意之中看到了何博亚律师在线直播,在听他和别人的讲解对答问题时我对他有了一种非常信任和安全的感觉,他中英文都十分流畅,性格非常nice,于是我便联系了他们,把我的case.托付给了他,因为我的绿卡丢失了太久原件尽失所以我心里一直忐忑不安但...最终我以难以想象的幸运顺利补到了新绿卡,我心中不禁庆幸自己因那次无意之中刷视频而看到了何博亚律师,一切都是最好的安排,感恩让我认识了何律师和他的团队! 09/13/2024
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yiqin ma
何律师 is very professional and patient. He took the time to listen to my situation thoroughly and offered insightful advice, which gave me more confidence in my future choices. I highly recommend 何律师 and look forward to working with him on any future applications. (btw he's FLUENT in Mandarin~)
Read more Google Maps
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13 Sep, 2024 by Qiaoping zhang
感谢何律师事务所的帮助,工作人员认真负责,很耐心,每一步操作都会详细告知,对于年龄大的确实需要这样优质服务团队。再次感谢!
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13 Sep, 2024 by 孔晓繁
为了能提高性价比少走弯路,我在市中心的几个律师所犹豫不定了几个星期总感到不放心什么(我是个很敏感的人)有一天,无意之中看到了何博亚律师在线直播,在听他和别人的讲解对答问题时我对他有了一种非常信任和安全的感觉,他中英文都十分流畅,性格非常nice,于是我便联系了他们,把我的case.托付给了他,因为我的绿卡丢失了太久原件尽失所以我心里一直忐忑不安但...最终我以难以想象的幸运顺利补到了新绿卡,我心中不禁庆幸自己因那次无意之中刷视频而看到了何博亚律师,一切都是最好的安排,感恩让我认识了何律师和他的团队! 09/13/2024
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yiqin ma
何律师 is very professional and patient. He took the time to listen to my situation thoroughly and offered insightful advice, which gave me more confidence in my future choices. I highly recommend 何律师 and look forward to working with him on any future applications. (btw he's FLUENT in Mandarin~)
Read more Google Maps
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13 Sep, 2024 by Qiaoping zhang
感谢何律师事务所的帮助,工作人员认真负责,很耐心,每一步操作都会详细告知,对于年龄大的确实需要这样优质服务团队。再次感谢!
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28 Mar, 2016 by Ibrahim gurna
Misrepresented my case , over charged me , spent more time on preparing fee agreement between me and him more than spent on the case , he rather lose than fight for me , I went to him for help me with my case that he lost ,now I'm going to court against him , do any one need that
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27 Jan, 2015 by Ron
Went up against a major firm with over 20 lawyers and matched them every step of the way to the point they threw in the towel and negotaited a very favorable settlemnt. One of the best of the best of New York lawyers I have met.
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10 Jun, 2014 by L.
Attorney O'Donniley works wonders. I had a very serious problem a couple of years back, and it looked as though my life were over. Time to face the music. The system wanted someone to pay, and they chose me. Well it was hard saying my goodbyes to everybody and then my sister recommended me to meet with Attorney O'Donniley for a consultation. It was the best decision I ever made. I thank my lucky stars that I had this attorney, because every other attorney I went to basically told me "you're screwed." Attorney O'Donniley treated me fairly, and every breath I take of free air is due to him. Hire him if you want a fighting chance.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Martin chow was extremely helpful throughout the entire home buying process. Being a first time home buyer, my knowledge of how the entire process worked was limited. From start to finish Martin provided expert knowledge and was extremely helpful. He explained how the contact worked and was available at all times when my fiancé and I had questions. At the closing he explained all the fine details. I would recommend him 100 out of 100 times.
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16 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
This was my first lawyer and what a terrible experience. Being in litigation is a nightmare and to have your lawyer not return your phone calls or even respond to emails timely makes you feel as if your in hell.
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21 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
after resolution of corporate tranfer agreement, Mr. Mongellis office has not returned phone/email messages for 8 months to finalize recording of deed.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Martin Chow withheld my $20,000 illegally. He has never provide clear title proof, he was not able to communicate with my attorney. He just so entitle to keep people’s money.
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01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Terrible Atty. Never responds. Completely messed up our due diligence process. We found out after the closing one of the permits were overlooked and when we contacted him -- no response. He'll wait until the statue will expire then respond. Do not hire this atty.
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06 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
One of the worst attorneys I've dealt with. Never responds back. Poor work ethic - you get what you pay for with this firm. Do not hire them.
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21 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer is unprofessional and hot tempered. He is extremely disrespectful and even threw a pen at me. HORRIBLE, 0/5.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Liu
He is the irresponsible person I've never seen, after he got the money he will do nothing for u.
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18 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Stay away from this lawyer at all costs. We hired him to purchase a co-op and he literally ruined the entire transaction due to his lack of professionalism. We hired Zhang to purchase a co-op in Long Island City back in June. When we spoke to him regarding the contract from the seller, he sounded very out of the loop and tried to steer the conversation toward general real estate process when I asked him about building specific questions. For example, he didn’t even know whether the transaction was a sponsor sale or a resale, despite the fact that he was supposed to have worked on the deal for a week and had access to the offering plan and other documents. That should be a huge warning sign, but due to the time constraint, we decided to go forward with him. The next few weeks were a nightmare. We couldn’t reach him on several occasions since he never provided his cell number, direct line, or email (the email on his business card was the firm’s general info account). All communication was through his paralegal who always claimed that Zhang was unavailable at the moment. The paralegal, who is not qualified to practice law in New York, was answering some of my questions and providing advice. This was against the law in NYC (I reported to the New York State Bar Association). The situation was so bad that the seller’s attorney thought the paralegal was the attorney. There were multiple arguments on the phone between the attorneys due to Zhang’s hot temper. Toward the end, the seller decided to walk away based on the attorney’s advice. Seller’s attorney doubted if Zhang had sufficient experience in co-op purchases. Zhang’s lack of professionalism and bad temper were such a disgrace to the legal profession. When you meet him for the first time, he will try to discuss the process with you, after which you would pay the fee. You likely will not hear from him again. And if the deal breaks, he gets to keep the fee you’ve already paid.
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02 Apr, 2024 by George
I had hired Kerveng Tung for a simple non-payment eviction case. The process was supposedly straightforward, so it was sent over to his paralegal Max to work on this. After an entire year, the paperwork submitted was deemed incomplete per the city, so it was thrown out of court. Instead of admitting to fault, this office denied and deflected everything, without actually trying to fix the problem. They insisted for a new eviction case and more fees when they failed to file the first case correctly from the get go. We were then forced to get a second opinion within this office. At this point, Max the paralegal refused to touch the case again, even though all the shortcomings were his fault. Neither Max nor Kerveng came forward to try to fix any of this, not to mention time and tens of thousands of dollars wasted at this office. Prior to this, my family had been using Kerveng Tung’s services for more than a decade. Needless to say, I will not be returning for any services at this office and won’t recommend anyone else to do so.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Buyer beware: this legal "counsel" will absolutely push you to continue dead-end litigation. He will thus drain your wallet dry with nothing to show for it. Unfortunately, I had incurred many such losses for a period of 3 years working with him, and have detailed one such experience below: We retained him for a case in 2014. Before him, we had consulted with another attorney whom, in hindsight, we regrettably did not hire because he advised us to respond as necessary but to settle the case. He even laid out the estimated expenses in total. Unlike the previous attorney, Mr. Tung told us with absolute certainty that he believed the opposing party had no grounds of winning. He made us believe that we certainly would win the case as long as we retained him. In addition, he quoted a much lower rate than the other attorney. Naturally, and not knowing any better, we retained him. Despite the seemingly cheaper rate, his total bill ran even higher than the previous attorney's estimate. Furthermore, when the opponent attorney offered a settlement, he simply forwarded it to us without giving any advice. A couple of months later, we received the judge’s summary judgment requiring us to pay an amount three times that of the opponent party’s offer. We were shocked and questioned Mr. Tung's assistant. She commented on one handicap of our case. However, when I then asked Mr. Tung why he never mentioned this crucial point to us at all, he scornfully insisted that the judge made a mistake and advised us to file a motion to reargue to the same judge and appeal. Meanwhile, he never gave us basic advice to take urgent action for getting a surety bond, thus causing us tremendous stress and nearly the loss of our property. Half a year later, our motion to reargue was denied. Meanwhile, we had been consulting with several different attorneys, all of whom advised us to settle the case mainly due to the handicap of our case. As a result of these attorneys' advice, we settled the case, paying at least three to four times than we should have, and in the process incurring a hefty legal bill charged by Mr. Tung. Moreover, throughout the process of replying to the opponent attorney’s discovery and opposition, Mr. Tung never served as a legal advocate. He sat indifferently with little participation, offering no more counsel or assistance than a bystander in the courtroom. I hope that my unnecessary losses, both financially and emotionally, incurred by Mr. Tung, can be justified by writing this review and helping others to avoid the kind of attorney. Mr. Tung is at worst self-serving and at best incompetent. This kind of attorney, whose greed or incompetence will insist on pushing you further into a dead end that he should already know exists, should not be able to call himself a legal advocate. At the end of the day, if you are dealing with him, you are the only loser.
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26 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
This lawyer gives false statements, lie about things that he cannot fulfill. NOT recommend he to represent you.
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04 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
Allen Chiu is sloppy lawyer. Fail to inform us on important matters and devious in the fees that he charged
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
If she is too busy, she’ll refer the work to another outside attorney. Either way, she and her kickback attorneys have shown complete incompetence in handling our investment property.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Jesse t.
This man literally makes a living making clients sign a $500 non refundable contract. Lee sat on my wife's marriage documents for over 2 years and had zero intentions on ever completing it. The office excuse was that Lee was off in vacation. You will never get a call back from Lee. Save your money and go elsewhere, there's a lot of lawyers with bad intentions and this man is one of them. Lee called me just to say he was sorry and laugh his way through one final conversation with me. They need to revoke his license and anybody else who behaves in such bad faith. Lee takes advantage of desperate people needing legal advice and help. He hurt my family by blowing 2 years off our life, please don't let that be your family. God bless.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired to represent us (buyer) but he act like someone working for seller instead. No help, bad advice, terrible negotiations! Never again!
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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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