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27 Feb, 2025 by Fred thomas
Mr. Rosenfeld was very professional, extremely knowledgeable and responsible for the whole case. He always stand on my best interests in mind. His crews in the law office Carmen Morillo and Teresa are also very helpful. I'm very appreciate his effort to help and highly recommend Seth Rosenfeld and his crews.
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16 Feb, 2025 by No name
I can't thank Mr. Rosenfeld enough for the exceptional service and dedication throughout my case. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood each step of the process. Thanks to his hard work, I received a settlement far beyond my expectations. Mr. Rosenfeld truly went above and beyond, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of expert legal representation.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Victoria deez
Mr. Rosendeld was professional, thorough, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He provided clear communication and always had my best interests in mind. He worked hard to secure a positive settlement, and I’m beyond happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend his services for anyone seeking expert legal representation.
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23 Aug, 2012 by Nik
Devang Shah provided prompt, detailed legal support through every step of the closing process for our Forest Hills cooperative apartment. He efficiently assisted in the rapid resolution of last minute issues presented by the buyer. When I thought I would arrange power of attorney on my own, he even provided supporting documents to assist me (in the end, we ended up requesting him to properly execute the power of attorney because his rate was extremely reasonable).
We highly recommend Devang Shah and will certainly turn to him for further legal advice if needed.
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19 Jul, 2012 by Belinda
If anyone is looking for a competent, gracious, and professional RE attorney, I would highly recommend Devang C. Shah (
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09 Apr, 2012 by Liz
Devang C. Shah is a kind, warm, centered, understanding man, who also happens to be an excellent Real Estate Lawyer. He explains everything, goes out of his way to be convenient to his clients and sees and solves problems before they really ever happen. I'm a areally streesful place right now and when I saw that there was something, unexpected in the seller's contract I got quite upset. Devang remained calm, quickly soothing me and assuring me that he would take care of the problem (which he did). Everything has been proceeding smoothly ever since.
i would surely recommend devang to anyone, and use him again in matters of Real Estate, or indeed any other area of law that he practices.
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22 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Alexandra Mishail's office. Her and secretary are very professional and helpful, they answered all of my questions and got me the best result for my divorce. I'm extremely happy and grateful.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Mazal s
Alexandra and her staff are amazing. They walked me through my divorce and helped me get what I was entitled to. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking to get a divorce.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Mishail did my divorce. Not only is she knowledgeable, but she really understands what her client needs and shows compassion to the situation. I also really appreciated that she is easily accessible.
She got me the result I wanted. I would definitely recommend her.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Kikko maeyama
If you are looking for a trust and estates attorney, call DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC. I had an excellent experience working with Phil. He was extremely professional and responsive to my inquiries about wills and trust. He conducted an intake of my affairs, helped me organize my finances for beneficiaries and draft an estate plan to effectuate my wishes. And he is very approachable. Having him on my side every step of the way was reassuring as I tackled legal matters completely new to me. I recommend him and DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC highly.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Diana james
I hired this law firm to represent my brothers estate after he passed away. I would never have been able to navigate through the court system successfully and in such a timely manner without this law firm. They are responsible, hard working, reliable, honest, ethical and will stand by your side until they have successfully completed the job. Their prices are very fair and they stand by their reputation as a solid law firm. One that can be relied on in times of stress. I would hire this law firm again without hesitation. Diana St. James
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07 Sep, 2024 by Timothy woodward
I was searching for an estate planning attorney for my spouse and me, and I found Decandido & Azachi, PLLC. I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill and then meeting with Phil Azachi. Phil was extremely informative, courtesy and personable. With efficiency and flexibility in scheduling, he went over our affairs, answered our questions, and outlined the appropriate plan for us. DeCandido & Azachi, PLLC is an excellent firm to work with. I highly recommend them to prepare your will in the New York City area.
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21 Nov, 2015 by Alex c.
Loved working with Milana, she was very professional and always on top of the situation. Made our home purchase a very easy and pleasant experience. Thank you, Milana Pinkhasova.
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26 Oct, 2015 by Diana kaykova
Milana, was by far the best attorney I have dealt with in a while. She makes time to answer all your questions and returns all calls very promptly. She was very knowledgeable in the area of contracts and without difficulty answered all my questions and wrapped up the deal very quickly. I highly recommend her.
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22 Oct, 2014 by Cynthia
If all attorneys were like STEPHEN FEDER the world would be a better place. He is easy to work with , writes amazing contracts - simple and easy to understand , ethical, patient , kind, can explain something complicated in one easy sentence, completely trustworthy. I have worked with many lawyers and this guy is the best I know . I am referring him to all my seller friends and all the REALTORS I KNOW WHO WANT THEIR CLIENTS TO BE HAPPY. He is highly recommended and has excellent office staff who will be respectful to you.
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03 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Stephen was very helpful and attentive to all of my legal issues. He helped finish my case in a quick and efficient manner. Highly recommended!
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21 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
compassionate; driven to understand every nuance of my matter; unafraid to addresss the difficult or apolitical issue; excellent advocate
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26 Jan, 2025 by Simon lin
Shafi is truly an incredible and skilled immigration lawyer. From our very first meeting with him, my wife and I knew that he was the right person to handle our case. We had consulted with several other lawyers before, and many of them told us that our case would be extremely difficult. However, within less than 7 months of sending in our application her case was approved with no issues at all.
The entire process was really smooth and Shafi guided us through every step along the way. It’s an experience that we will always remember and be grateful for. Definitely would recommend Shafi to anyone in need of immigration assistance!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Emon miah
Awesome
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03 Oct, 2024 by Md jahid iqbel tanvir
Mr. Shafi was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with my green card application. He guided me through the entire process and made it much easier. Thanks to his help, I received a 10-year green card. I highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance with immigration.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Ronald gagne
Simply the best, better than all the rest. Better than anyone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Matthew obray
Before drafting an expensive trust you probably won’t need talk to these attorneys. After being told by several other lawyers how we needed to form a trust Jason and Matt explained to us why we did not need one. They saved our family money and we thank them for that. Reputable attorneys that will level with you that I will recommend to anyone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jackie
When I used to think of the word attorney the words integrity, honesty, helpfulness and compassion have never really come to mind. But after finding myself in a legal estate nightmare I found my way to Jason and Matt and all of that changed. Not only did they fix the estate and get everyone their share of the inheritance but they did it in a way that made us feel informed and protected every step fo the way. You do not have to be afraid of the law or going to court when you have the right people behind you and Jason and Matt are the right attorneys for the job.
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20 Apr, 2021 by Susan
Very honest, reliable, thorough. I've seen him in a number of circumstances and he always performed. I really appreciated his advice on legal matters and his employment of practical good sense on knotty issues. At my closing, one of the legal participants from the purchaser sides said the session was the most organized he'd so far experienced; something I thought echoed my experiences with him.
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04 May, 2017 by Stephen
Mr. Farkas had prepared our taxes for over a decade. We have found him to be diligent and knowledgeable. On the occasions when we have needed to ask him questions about real estate taxes and estate planning, he has given us good, responsible advice.
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11 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I am a 20 year real estate sales veteran and I have recommended Jeffrey Farkas a number of times over the years and found him to be a solid and experienced (if possibly a no frills) attorney. He does his due diligence, he responds to questions in a timely manner and he's a savvy problem solver if any issues arise. He's a decent guy but not a hand holder so don't plan on spending extraneous time on the phone with him or on getting responses to 1000 anxious e-mails. He’s affordable, reliable and he gets the job done.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Fred thomas
Mr. Rosenfeld was very professional, extremely knowledgeable and responsible for the whole case. He always stand on my best interests in mind. His crews in the law office Carmen Morillo and Teresa are also very helpful. I'm very appreciate his effort to help and highly recommend Seth Rosenfeld and his crews.
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16 Feb, 2025 by No name
I can't thank Mr. Rosenfeld enough for the exceptional service and dedication throughout my case. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood each step of the process. Thanks to his hard work, I received a settlement far beyond my expectations. Mr. Rosenfeld truly went above and beyond, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of expert legal representation.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Victoria deez
Mr. Rosendeld was professional, thorough, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He provided clear communication and always had my best interests in mind. He worked hard to secure a positive settlement, and I’m beyond happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend his services for anyone seeking expert legal representation.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Fred thomas
Mr. Rosenfeld was very professional, extremely knowledgeable and responsible for the whole case. He always stand on my best interests in mind. His crews in the law office Carmen Morillo and Teresa are also very helpful. I'm very appreciate his effort to help and highly recommend Seth Rosenfeld and his crews.
Read more
16 Feb, 2025 by No name
I can't thank Mr. Rosenfeld enough for the exceptional service and dedication throughout my case. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood each step of the process. Thanks to his hard work, I received a settlement far beyond my expectations. Mr. Rosenfeld truly went above and beyond, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of expert legal representation.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Victoria deez
Mr. Rosendeld was professional, thorough, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He provided clear communication and always had my best interests in mind. He worked hard to secure a positive settlement, and I’m beyond happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend his services for anyone seeking expert legal representation.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Fred thomas
Mr. Rosenfeld was very professional, extremely knowledgeable and responsible for the whole case. He always stand on my best interests in mind. His crews in the law office Carmen Morillo and Teresa are also very helpful. I'm very appreciate his effort to help and highly recommend Seth Rosenfeld and his crews.
Read more
16 Feb, 2025 by No name
I can't thank Mr. Rosenfeld enough for the exceptional service and dedication throughout my case. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood each step of the process. Thanks to his hard work, I received a settlement far beyond my expectations. Mr. Rosenfeld truly went above and beyond, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of expert legal representation.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Victoria deez
Mr. Rosendeld was professional, thorough, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He provided clear communication and always had my best interests in mind. He worked hard to secure a positive settlement, and I’m beyond happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend his services for anyone seeking expert legal representation.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
Just got off the phone with this law office, I don’t recommend. The guy I spoke with was rude and showed no compassion. Please skip this place
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15 May, 2023 by Los consejos del ito by juan carlos espinoza
This is my first time leaving a Review on Internet... but i have to do this ... guys... If you ever need help with an employment attorney.. dont think it twice... go see Mr Forman, this guy is amaizing... nobody better then him... so kind and professional...
Thank so much once Again...
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21 Mar, 2023 by Keyijajo mark
I consulted Mr. Forman about employee issues several times. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He always responses quickly. Highly recommend, best of the best. Thank you, Mr Forman.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
Just got off the phone with this law office, I don’t recommend. The guy I spoke with was rude and showed no compassion. Please skip this place
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15 May, 2023 by Los consejos del ito by juan carlos espinoza
This is my first time leaving a Review on Internet... but i have to do this ... guys... If you ever need help with an employment attorney.. dont think it twice... go see Mr Forman, this guy is amaizing... nobody better then him... so kind and professional...
Thank so much once Again...
Read more
21 Mar, 2023 by Keyijajo mark
I consulted Mr. Forman about employee issues several times. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He always responses quickly. Highly recommend, best of the best. Thank you, Mr Forman.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
Just got off the phone with this law office, I don’t recommend. The guy I spoke with was rude and showed no compassion. Please skip this place
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15 May, 2023 by Los consejos del ito by juan carlos espinoza
This is my first time leaving a Review on Internet... but i have to do this ... guys... If you ever need help with an employment attorney.. dont think it twice... go see Mr Forman, this guy is amaizing... nobody better then him... so kind and professional...
Thank so much once Again...
Read more
21 Mar, 2023 by Keyijajo mark
I consulted Mr. Forman about employee issues several times. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He always responses quickly. Highly recommend, best of the best. Thank you, Mr Forman.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
Just got off the phone with this law office, I don’t recommend. The guy I spoke with was rude and showed no compassion. Please skip this place
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15 May, 2023 by Los consejos del ito by juan carlos espinoza
This is my first time leaving a Review on Internet... but i have to do this ... guys... If you ever need help with an employment attorney.. dont think it twice... go see Mr Forman, this guy is amaizing... nobody better then him... so kind and professional...
Thank so much once Again...
Read more
21 Mar, 2023 by Keyijajo mark
I consulted Mr. Forman about employee issues several times. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He always responses quickly. Highly recommend, best of the best. Thank you, Mr Forman.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jamie
Just got off the phone with this law office, I don’t recommend. The guy I spoke with was rude and showed no compassion. Please skip this place
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15 May, 2023 by Los consejos del ito by juan carlos espinoza
This is my first time leaving a Review on Internet... but i have to do this ... guys... If you ever need help with an employment attorney.. dont think it twice... go see Mr Forman, this guy is amaizing... nobody better then him... so kind and professional...
Thank so much once Again...
Read more
21 Mar, 2023 by Keyijajo mark
I consulted Mr. Forman about employee issues several times. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He always responses quickly. Highly recommend, best of the best. Thank you, Mr Forman.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Luis carpio
Great job this lawyer, I recommend 100% 🙂
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08 Jan, 2025 by Thaddeus tubridy
Could not ask for better results. Makes you a bit nervous that it takes years to clear a traffic ticket, but it works.
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17 Dec, 2024 by D reign
Unfortunately had to get Mr Gellman .Best of the Best Glad I did . Thank You!
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06 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I went in for a consultation & it was very clear from the get-go that she was only concerned with one thing getting as many billable hours as possible out of you as she can. It was the most expensive and unuseful consultation that I have ever experienced by far.. I'm sure she may be a great lawyer, but she really needs to work on at least appearing as if she cares about your case and just how much money she can squeeze out of you
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10 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
My case is still in process, but so far I am very pleased with her. My case is very complex and she is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. She doesn't just say what you want to hear; she will tell you the pros and cons of each circumstance, and does her utmost to represent you. I did have issues from time to time at the beginning with her because I felt she and her staff were not as responsive as I thought necessary, so if this is a concern for you, she might not be a great choice (I'm type A, at least as far as this case is concerned, so I need to know things RIGHT NOW!). I've relaxed a bit and perhaps become more familiar with the glacial pace of justice, and she also maybe tailored her services to me and my anxieties, and I haven't experienced the crises I once did. I'm very pleased she's my lawyer. Strongly recommend!
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15 Oct, 2016 by Lynette
My situation was very complicated and having her as my lawyer was beyond my expectation. She is extremely knowledgeable and kept me informed of the case every step of the way. She guides me in making wise decisions throughout the proceedings and gave me the confidence that I need throughout this difficult process. She is wonderful, compassionate, very thorough, and someone that would fight for you.
Thank you Camilla for everything. You're simply the best! I highly recommend you!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Luis carpio
Great job this lawyer, I recommend 100% 🙂
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08 Jan, 2025 by Thaddeus tubridy
Could not ask for better results. Makes you a bit nervous that it takes years to clear a traffic ticket, but it works.
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17 Dec, 2024 by D reign
Unfortunately had to get Mr Gellman .Best of the Best Glad I did . Thank You!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Luis carpio
Great job this lawyer, I recommend 100% 🙂
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08 Jan, 2025 by Thaddeus tubridy
Could not ask for better results. Makes you a bit nervous that it takes years to clear a traffic ticket, but it works.
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by D reign
Unfortunately had to get Mr Gellman .Best of the Best Glad I did . Thank You!
Read more
22 Jan, 2025 by Luis carpio
Great job this lawyer, I recommend 100% 🙂
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08 Jan, 2025 by Thaddeus tubridy
Could not ask for better results. Makes you a bit nervous that it takes years to clear a traffic ticket, but it works.
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by D reign
Unfortunately had to get Mr Gellman .Best of the Best Glad I did . Thank You!
Read more
22 Jan, 2025 by Luis carpio
Great job this lawyer, I recommend 100% 🙂
Read more
08 Jan, 2025 by Thaddeus tubridy
Could not ask for better results. Makes you a bit nervous that it takes years to clear a traffic ticket, but it works.
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by D reign
Unfortunately had to get Mr Gellman .Best of the Best Glad I did . Thank You!
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28 Dec, 2023 by Scott & rachel
Eric is great. He handled both the closings for our coop and the purchase of our house. He was a tremendous advocate and fighter, especially when our purchaser's attorney tried to argue that we needed to close on our coop the day after receiving final approval. Eric did not back down and both parties were able to reach a more reasonable resolution. Eric was also very helpful with the purchase of our home. He answered our questions in a timely manner which was very helpful for first time homeowners. I would recommend Eric for any real estate transactions in New York City.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Stanley
I was Eric's client for coop and house closings and the process was seamless
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21 Jul, 2023 by Maria
Wasn't happy with the way our closing was handled. Insisted we put money in escrow, and we were never able to retrieve this. Just wanted us to close so he gets paid.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Enrique
She was really up front and understanding didn’t have much Communication what had me worried but she sure did get the job done by next court date and got my case dismissed
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04 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
She did an amazing job. Really worked hard to get chargers dropped and was successful. Really listen and was able to fight and win the case.
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06 Jun, 2022 by Nicole
Don’t let her smile fool you. Absolutely unprofessional. Not worth it. Find someone experienced someone professional and one who doesn’t discriminate!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Caroline torres
Please stay away. Trust this review! He's only there to take your money.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
We hired him as a buyers attorney. He is extremely rude and was never cooperative. Worst attorney I have ever met.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Veronica s. matus godoy
Trying to steal and elderly person's livelihood bad. Not being responsible for acquisitions made two fraudulent companies wose.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
While organized and aware, he makes very little time for a client who cannot offer him a lot. He will also nickel and dime you to death. Doesn't seem like the kind of professional who would ever do anything out of kindness or decency.
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26 Jul, 2016 by William
I needed to get my tenant out so that I can sell my property. I called Robert Tolle to start a 30 day notice and was told I missed the cut off but they would be able to rush it for me so that I didn't lose a month. My tenant didn't move so I had to do papers to go to court. Mr. Tolle met me in court 2 weeks later and I was able to make an agreement with my tenant for her to be out in 2 months. I ordered a warrant of eviction which I was told it takes 6-8 weeks but mine came in in 5 weeks which I was very pleased. My tenant is now out and I can sell the property. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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01 Feb, 2016 by Connie
I made the biggest mistake by hiring Robert tolle to represent me. He's done absolutely nothing for the past 4 months since I hired him. He's never reviewed my case prior to court dates. The office does not follow up with the marshals and I have to constantly keep calling myself. Jackie constantly says "we should receive the paper/document soon". It's been over months since I'm waiting for the paper work to evict my tenant. Absolutely useless.
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04 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Robert Tolle to represent me to evict a holdover tenant and I did not find him to be very effective. Based upon his performance, I would NOT hire him again nor do I recommend him for landlord/tenant cases. From the date I hired him, it took MORE than 6 MONTHS for the tenants to move out. The tenants did exactly what they wanted to do and moved out when it was convenient for them and left the apartment a mess. The tenant did not have an attorney. I believe I would have been better off had I not hired Robert Tolle. Robert was not very responsive, I tried repeatedly to call Robert to discuss the case PRIOR to the date of scheduled appearances and he rarely returned my phone calls and was not available to speak with me before the day of most court appearances to prepare. Infact, there was one occasion where I did not have the documents that would have helped my case because Robert Tolle did not return my call and did not speak to me before the day of the scheduled court appearance. During one appearance, he offerred to pay the tenants OVER $1000.00 to move out WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING my PERMISSION or speaking with me about the offer. Fortunately, the tenant declined "his offer." I was not in a financial position to pay the tenants the amount he offered especilly since the tenant had stopped paying rent. There was also one instance when Robert did not follow my explicit instruction and it caused a problem. Moreover, at no time did Robert Tolle sit down with me to discuss and fully explain the case, my various options, and the various potential outcomes despite my many attempts to do so. He often showed up to court at the last minute, had many clients to represent and did not have enough time to meaningfully discuss the case the on date of the appearances. I wish Robert would have cared about my case and providing vigorous and effecive representation as he did about collecting his fee.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
