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26 Sep, 2024 by Haley ireland
In a position where I had many questions and uncertainties. They have been quick to text, email, or answer calls and all my questions. Throughout a long process thankful to all their abilities.
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13 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Eric 5 years ago to help with an eviction, someone living with me who was terrifying. He was not only helpful, he was completely involved, always kind, was completely honest about the law and circumstances whether I wanted to hear it or not and ended up discounting me the last 2 hours because I paid so much money to an extremely abusive tenant just out of sympathy. I've talked to many attorneys. Almost no one does that.
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12 Sep, 2011 by Douglas
Every question I had was answered on time and precise to the point. Matthew really knows how to smplify your issue and handle it from start to finish without complications. Thanks again Matt!
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08 May, 2015 by Gabriel
Louis Schofield saved my life. Several times. Most of them were intellectual rescues, but on one aviation l occasion he physically saved me. Great attorney, skilled and tenacious litigator, extremely versed of the law, strong will to win, and a keen strategist. He won my case 100%, against odds. Across the board victory, no joke. This man is the best at his craft and built of sterner stuff.
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15 Nov, 2019 by Josh
We absolutely LOVED working with Kevin. He is incredibly knowledgable, easy to get a hold of, and always helps to give us great input on all our legal issues. He's helped us incorporate as well as address our HR compliances with the State of California. I can't recommend Kevin highly enough.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Dustin
Erica and her team handled our case with absolute professionalism and where always able to answer all of our questions. The legal process can be very complicated, they educated us every step of the way. They where methodical and reviewed every email and document needed to support our case. Because of their thoroughness we where able to reach fast resolution to our case that helped us move on with our lives. They are tough and honest and wont pull any punches on guiding you in the legal process. I will highly recommend them to anyone that can use their services!!
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08 Oct, 2016 by Donald
MR NEASHAM HANDLED OUR ADA PROBLEM WITH TACT AND PROFESSIONALISM AND GREAT SATISFACTION FOR ME. THANK YOU.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Elizabeth burwell-neil
I was sent to Donald from my father and my aunt and uncle who had done business with him, and I would most definitely recommend him. He helped with taking care of my father's affairs.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Jeff k
Donald was recommended to me regarding updating Living Trust, which I am very pleased to say was a great referral. Donald and his staff were patient, knowledgeable, and very helpful during the process, which was completed accurately and efficiently. I plan to continue to hire Donald for probate legal needs in the future.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Matt klein
Don Madsen was recommended to me by a friend who is a very successful businessman in the Sacramento area. I am glad I followed my friend's advice. He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and most important, friendly. I recommend him highly.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Elizabeth burwell-neil
I was sent to Donald from my father and my aunt and uncle who had done business with him, and I would most definitely recommend him. He helped with taking care of my father's affairs.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Jeff k
Donald was recommended to me regarding updating Living Trust, which I am very pleased to say was a great referral. Donald and his staff were patient, knowledgeable, and very helpful during the process, which was completed accurately and efficiently. I plan to continue to hire Donald for probate legal needs in the future.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Matt klein
Don Madsen was recommended to me by a friend who is a very successful businessman in the Sacramento area. I am glad I followed my friend's advice. He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and most important, friendly. I recommend him highly.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Patricia about disability discrimination with my employer a public entity. Although I was unable to hire her, she was very kind and extremely knowledgeable. I felt that her persona was very genuine.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Ngiguiere
Great organization with a wonderful staff!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Sara schifano
Shannon is an outstanding attorney! She’s reliable, dependable and trustworthy. She gets the job done and she does it so well. I would hire her again and again! Thank you Shannon for all the hard work you do to win!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Khadim mboup
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kern atwal
Thapar Law was highly recommended by my brother, and I couldn't be more grateful. My wife and I had just purchased a home and needed help with estate planning and some legal work. Karn made the entire process incredibly easy and stress-free, taking the time to explain everything in detail. He made us feel like family and truly went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable every step of the way. I can’t recommend him enough for anyone in need of personal and professional legal services!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Amrit dhaliwal
Very diligent, intelligent and ethical .Takes his time explaining everything throughly and patiently. Went above and beyond to make sure everything was done right .
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30 Aug, 2024 by Angie rinaudo
If you’re reading this review I cannot stress enough how amazing Thapar law is. My husband had a severe heart attack and had to go in for emergency surgery. We reached out to numerous law firms and nobody could service us in the appropriate time frame. We were unprepared for our situation as we are very young for this situation. Once we spoke to Mr Thapar he insured us he would take care of all our needs before the surgery which no other business would do. He was absolutely amazing to do business with. If you’re reading this please just call him you will not find a more professional and polite person to help you with all your needs. Mr. Thapar if you read this I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for our family. Thank you
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jessy osete
Received legal advice from Erik with an issue on property damage on my jeep. Great guy.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Jake karlen
I highly recommend calling Child & Jackson if you have been involved in an auto accident!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Seraphina gan
I had a wonderful experience working with Erik, Jonathan, and Bella.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jessy osete
Received legal advice from Erik with an issue on property damage on my jeep. Great guy.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Jake karlen
I highly recommend calling Child & Jackson if you have been involved in an auto accident!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Seraphina gan
I had a wonderful experience working with Erik, Jonathan, and Bella.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Rock
We hired Cyrus and found him to be Terrible! Terrible at everything he did from Criminal to Civil! If You want to Lose this is the Guy! We sued 6 different Law Enforcement Agencies and He was scared off and turned tail! Never Hire Him!
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03 Oct, 2019 by Steven
Cyrus Zal was hired to represent myself and others in a lawsuit in San Diego County regarding a sit-down protest of an abortion mill. Hundreds of protesters showed up on a Saturday, and closed the facility for the day. Consequently, myself and many others were arrested for engaging in a peaceable protest, under the pretext of "trespassing". However, California law clearly states that trespassing is, indeed, legal, when done for the purpose of saving a life. For instance, entering your neighbor's home without permission is illegal. But entering your neighbor's home to save their child from a fire is perfectly legal. And yet, because the Judge in the case was a highly partisan Liberal, he not only refused to inform the jury of this law, he even took the unprecedented step of barring my Attorney from telling the Jury why the protesters were there; to save lives. In fact, (and this will shock any fair and reasonable person - regardless of political affiliation), he also banned the word "baby" from even being uttered in his courtroom. You see, if a mother is 6 months pregnant, and she sees her doctor for a sonogram, he will tell her, "Your baby is doing just fine." Even before birth, the child is obviously a baby. But in the courtroom of this Judge, using language and terms that every obstetrician in America uses to describe the infant in the womb, was suddenly verboten. Well, Cyrus Zal refused to accept this blatant trampling of the Civil Rights of his clients. He argued that if this was a civil trial in which a woman alleged that her unborn baby had been injured by negligence, this same Judge would allow the pre-born infant to be called a "baby". So, in a completely selfless and remarkable act of bravery, Cyrus Zal defied this Judge's tyrannical and politically-motivated despotism, and made our case anyway, using the language that he had been barred from saying aloud in Open Court. Needless to say, this Judge was furious, and told Attorney Zal that he would go to jail for Contempt of Court, immediately after the trial, for each and every utterance. Yet, Cyrus Zal was undeterred. He bravely and courageously defended his clients and our legal right to trespass in order to save lives. He was continually shut down by the Judge, and threatened repeatedly. And, yes, the Judge did, indeed, send him to jail after the trial. These were not empty threats. Tyrants mean what they say. But I have never forgotten what Cyrus Zal did for me and my companions. In 56 years, I have never witnessed a single attorney every show this degree of integrity and fearlessness in defending and representing their clients. Name for me a SINGLE attorney on this entire website who was willing to go to jail, (and who DID actually go to jail), in order to make sure that their clients were not railroaded and stripped of their Civil Rights, by a court that wantonly trampled the law? I contend that you could search literally thousands of attorneys here, and this may be the ONLY attorney who possesses that level of integrity. Cyrus Zal is the kind of man about whom movies are made. And just as people like Rosa and Martin had their Civil Rights trampled and abused, and suffered for it by unjustly being sentenced to time in jail, Cyrus Zal belongs in that rare pantheon of people who are willing to suffer for what is right, rather than timidly acquiesce to the whim of tyrants.
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25 Mar, 2017 by Sarah bluford
Mr.Zal represented me and my company in a civil litigation matter and did a great job. He was honest and upfront about fees, the process and what could happen. Mr. Zal not only saved us a lot of money but got us a great settlement as well. I would highly recommend.
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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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