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20 May, 2012 by Nancy
Mr. Inglis is the best. He is absolutely professional and knowledgeable. He returns calls or emails in a very timely manner and is right on top of the issues.
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13 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Jack is a straight shooter with extensive real estate experience. He quickly assessed my situation and provided several options to consider. I will be using him again.
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08 Nov, 2022 by Roy bailey
Brian is an excellent attorney. He’s knowledgeable and explains things in way that the layman can understand. He does not rush the meetings and provides a good value. Highly recommend his services!
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28 Jun, 2022 by Alan garcia
Professional, honest and dedicated service. I recommend Brian to all my family and friends.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Aj ford
Marge and I attended a seminar at our parish where Brian made a presentation on end of life issues. We contacted him regarding updating of our family Trust and found him (and staff) to be highly professional, fair, and thorough. We were extremely pleased with his knowledge and attention to detail in completing the project. Ange/Marge Ford
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07 Jul, 2022 by B k
Caleb is quick to respond to your questions and very knowledgeable about legal transactions. I was really happy with his candor and how quickly he was on the case.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Danielle morin
07 Jul, 2022 by An o
Caleb is that type of a lawyer, whose ethics, compassion, and professionalism surpass the majority of others in this field, if not all. I've worked with various lawyers nationwide for business and personal matters, but haven't met anyone who would be on par with Caleb. It was a delight working with him. I highly recommend Caleb for any real estate needs. Bravo!
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07 Jul, 2022 by B k
Caleb is quick to respond to your questions and very knowledgeable about legal transactions. I was really happy with his candor and how quickly he was on the case.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Danielle morin
07 Jul, 2022 by An o
Caleb is that type of a lawyer, whose ethics, compassion, and professionalism surpass the majority of others in this field, if not all. I've worked with various lawyers nationwide for business and personal matters, but haven't met anyone who would be on par with Caleb. It was a delight working with him. I highly recommend Caleb for any real estate needs. Bravo!
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07 Jul, 2022 by B k
Caleb is quick to respond to your questions and very knowledgeable about legal transactions. I was really happy with his candor and how quickly he was on the case.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Danielle morin
07 Jul, 2022 by An o
Caleb is that type of a lawyer, whose ethics, compassion, and professionalism surpass the majority of others in this field, if not all. I've worked with various lawyers nationwide for business and personal matters, but haven't met anyone who would be on par with Caleb. It was a delight working with him. I highly recommend Caleb for any real estate needs. Bravo!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Fritz d
My is Fritz D. And from my experience with Melissa Sherman i can tell you for a fact she's a beast in the court, she's not afraid to stand against the unjust and fight for you. Overall i would recommend her to anyone that's looking for an attorney that will fight for you and won't back down or fold once the state attorney try to bash your character. She stood up for me when hendry county sheriff falsely accused me for miss use of 911 knowingly he was wrong about the entire case, miss Sherman did not allow the state nor the officer to deface my character she believes in justice for all.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Abigail pedraza
Thank you Trias Law for helping us when our home insurance company first denied our claim, and then undervalued it. Larry did not stop fighting for us until we had the settlement we deserved. It is hard to stand up against large corporations on your own, Trias Law made that possible and delivered outstanding results.
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06 Sep, 2024 by J m
Very professional and expedited during the claim process. Highly recommended!
Larry Trias is the best!
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21 Oct, 2024 by K g
The best lawyers in FL. They answer no matter what time you call, no matter the situation. They are very thorough and explain every step of what they’re doing along the way. They keep their clients involved and communicate anything and everything about your situation. Above and beyond is more than what Cantor and Cantor does for their clients!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Lisa mchugh
Zach did a wonderful job, getting me a great plea. Very happy with the outcome. Zach was great at explaining everything and helping me every step of the way. The office staff was extremely friendly and on point. Highly recommend to anyone!!👍
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07 Aug, 2024 by Lynda stewart
Incredibly honest person to work with! He has a great wealth of knowledge and will provide you the job well done. Can't tell you how much I appreciate you! Lynda Stewart
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
41 Reviews
08 Oct, 2024 by Richard andrews
We found it necessary to file for bankruptcy protection. We got lucky, by a recommendation, to get Brian Zinn and Zinn Law. Mr Zinn explained everything in a way we could understand and was with us every step of the way. We highly recommend Zinn Law for your legal needs.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Sabrina marion
06 Sep, 2024 by Erick sharp
Attorney Brian Zinn has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I refer a lot of my clients to him and they've also all had great experiences working with Brian. I highly recommend!
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4.9
18 Reviews
21 Dec, 2021 by Nicole
After doing tons of research into real estate attorneys in the area, I was referred to Mike Hagen by several firms and read the excellent reviews here, so I had full confidence my house closing would be handled expertly, and from start to finish that's exactly what happened. Throughout the hectic process of selling my dad's house, I was impressed that Mike was easily available to calmly answer my questions, was always professional and friendly, and was correct at every turn. I knew I could trust him with every step of the process! Jennifer and Janet were friendly and helpful, and Judy did an expert job managing the title company side of things and was a pleasure to deal with. Would easily recommend this firm to anyone - it made this process so much easier for me. Great job!
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16 Jul, 2021 by Mark e
I am pleased to write a positive review for people who deserve it. Too often we have plenty of negative things to say about those serving us but don’t often take the time to say positive things on those who serve us well. Mr. Hagan has taken care of our parents estate planning now for years and two years ago is taking care of our estate planning. He is thorough experienced and balanced. If you like a smaller office and attorney group with “personal” service- this law firm is for you.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Theodore
We have been a client of Mike Hagen for several properties that were taxed higher than they should be for various reasons. In each case, Mike's experience enabled him to develop an approach for each property that reduced the value based upon his evidence.
Mike has the knowledge and experience for cutting property taxes.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Adam pooler
This team of expert lawyers really saved the day for me. I can’t thank Scott, Lance and Jill enough! Their staff is amazing too. They always got back to me within minutes of my calls. I will recommend them to anyone I run into who may need their services. In this world what goes around comes around! 5 stars for this law firm!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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05 Aug, 2024 by Billy bob
the best experience and help i have ever received from an attorney. Mr Moorey was understanding and straight forward and knows his stuff. 10/10 would HIGHLY recommend!!!!!!
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01 Jun, 2024 by Kevin yeager
I would definitely hire Scott again. He helped us out in a situation and got everything resolved. Thank you Scott
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07 May, 2024 by George denillo
Cannot say enough great things about the Jursinki Law Firm team and Ryan Murphy in particular. It was a very tough contract case against a slippery opponent, but Ryan prevailed against all odds !! I highly recommend this law firm for any and all construction issues.
Dedicated, professional and always prepared for anything that comes up!
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06 May, 2024 by Holly rene
Kara was easy to work with. She walked us through all of the possibilities and worked hard to get us to an agreeable settlement. Mediation was a good option. We were ready to go to court, and I feel we would have won, but we settled. Every month costs and Kara wanted to cut our losses…it is expensive. There is a relief and weight off our shoulders. It is in the rear view mirror and that is a good thing!
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06 May, 2024 by John webber
Kara is an outstandingly talented and tenacious partner in meeting and surpassing our legal challenges.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Miroslavs andrusiaks
Amazing attorney and his team.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Vanessa oviedo
Mr. Kremenchuker is very knowledgeable!!!! Hleb, Ekaterina…the entire team…everyone has been so helpful. Thank you very much!!!
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21 May, 2024 by Mark linchevskiy
Great service and knowledge about law.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Kevin berrian
John, Marc and the local attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga did a fantastic job on my hurricane claim. I am very pleased now that I can plan to allocate funds and pay off debt that has occurred since my house got severely damaged by the last hurricane. This good fortune just comes with the arrival of Hurricane Helene so it is a kind of bittersweet feel, but I feel confident that we can turn to financial stricken help like they did for me and my family in any event.
Kevin
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tyler crawford
05 Sep, 2024 by Will h
Highly Recommend Asher Knipe for Legal Expertise in Fort Myers
We had the benefit of working with Asher Knipe from Knott, Ebelini, Hart, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding attorney. Asher brought both his deep legal expertise and a strong, assertive approach to our case, ensuring we were well-represented throughout the entire process.
What stood out most about Asher was his ability to break down complex legal issues into terms we could easily understand, making the experience far less stressful. He is definitely on “your side” throughout the process.
If you’re looking for a reliable, skilled attorney in downtown Fort Myers who genuinely cares about his clients and provides top-notch service, I highly recommend Asher Knipe. We are truly grateful for his help!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Kevin berrian
John, Marc and the local attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga did a fantastic job on my hurricane claim. I am very pleased now that I can plan to allocate funds and pay off debt that has occurred since my house got severely damaged by the last hurricane. This good fortune just comes with the arrival of Hurricane Helene so it is a kind of bittersweet feel, but I feel confident that we can turn to financial stricken help like they did for me and my family in any event.
Kevin
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tyler crawford
05 Sep, 2024 by Will h
Highly Recommend Asher Knipe for Legal Expertise in Fort Myers
We had the benefit of working with Asher Knipe from Knott, Ebelini, Hart, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding attorney. Asher brought both his deep legal expertise and a strong, assertive approach to our case, ensuring we were well-represented throughout the entire process.
What stood out most about Asher was his ability to break down complex legal issues into terms we could easily understand, making the experience far less stressful. He is definitely on “your side” throughout the process.
If you’re looking for a reliable, skilled attorney in downtown Fort Myers who genuinely cares about his clients and provides top-notch service, I highly recommend Asher Knipe. We are truly grateful for his help!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Vonda curry
I can say from start to finish the staff at the front desk, secretaries, and attorneys all are very professional people. They all showed me a great deal of respect and most importantly they treated me as not only a client but as family. I will always use them if ever needed in the future and I will refer anyone in need of any attorney to this firm.
Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to those of us that have been injured in no fault of our own.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Nancy quick
Absolutely the best !
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16 Jul, 2024 by Michael stoker
08 Oct, 2024 by Richard andrews
We found it necessary to file for bankruptcy protection. We got lucky, by a recommendation, to get Brian Zinn and Zinn Law. Mr Zinn explained everything in a way we could understand and was with us every step of the way. We highly recommend Zinn Law for your legal needs.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Sabrina marion
06 Sep, 2024 by Erick sharp
Attorney Brian Zinn has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I refer a lot of my clients to him and they've also all had great experiences working with Brian. I highly recommend!
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10 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Schutt provided a quick and excellent service regarding our immigration issues, kept us all the time informed about our status, submitted all needed documents in time and was helpful with tips for interview. The staff was always friendly and forwarded our requests promptly and we can highly recommend Mr. Schutt for immigration issues.
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09 Dec, 2014 by Bonnie
Working with Schutt Law Firm has been an absolute pleasure. The staff is always professional and diligent, and will go above and beyond minimum expectations. They deliver full service large scale standards with personable one on one experiences. There is always a sense of urgency with the client's interests put first. I would recommend Schutt Law Firm for any general legal services needed , as I believe they are dedicated and capable of providing the utmost thorough and professional services available in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida Area.
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06 Dec, 2014 by Elena & nick phillips
Attorney Schutt has been taking care of our family for more than 4 years, reviewing and resolving various civil legal issues. We met him first in 2010 when we needed immigration lawyer and since then Darrin and his team has been handling ALL our legal cases: unjustified traffic tickets; stressful and time-sensitive business conflicts; long-lasting disputes with state authorities, all real estate closings, just to name few.
Darrin's area of expertise is enormous, but what we love most is his straight-forward business approach. Usually on a first meeting he provides overall assessment of the situation together with steps to be taken to resolve it. That's why his billing is ALWAYS fair, as he respects his time as much as his clients' money.
We feel very confident with our attorney Schutt, as we know that when we need legal advice or emergency legal help, Darrin is always there to assist us in ALL our civil matters.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Abdullah
David Fineman represented my family regarding a commercial real estate issue and we were very impressed with his ability to communicate complicated matters into a digestible format. In addition, David was quick to respond whether it was early in the morning or late at night.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Danielle clark
25 Jun, 2024 by Karina borgia-lacroix
David Fineman is amazing, not only is he always available when you need him but you can tell he genuinely wants to help his client and our community. For him, his client’s pain and suffering are personal and he handles every case like he is doing it for his family. As a person who has survived a near death car accident, I can’t recommend him enough!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Richard andrews
We found it necessary to file for bankruptcy protection. We got lucky, by a recommendation, to get Brian Zinn and Zinn Law. Mr Zinn explained everything in a way we could understand and was with us every step of the way. We highly recommend Zinn Law for your legal needs.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Sabrina marion
06 Sep, 2024 by Erick sharp
Attorney Brian Zinn has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I refer a lot of my clients to him and they've also all had great experiences working with Brian. I highly recommend!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Simona debruine
24 Apr, 2023 by Jorge luis beltre melo
Most important Honest, always available.
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21 Apr, 2023 by Alex myers
Mr. McCreary really helped me out when I needed it most. He was professional, compassionate, and understanding of my situation. I could not recommend him enough! Thank you sir!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Simona debruine
24 Apr, 2023 by Jorge luis beltre melo
Most important Honest, always available.
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21 Apr, 2023 by Alex myers
Mr. McCreary really helped me out when I needed it most. He was professional, compassionate, and understanding of my situation. I could not recommend him enough! Thank you sir!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Amy
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTORNEY MARK WAGNER!
If we could give him a million stars, we would.
Do not underestimate him because he is young. His knowledge of real estate law rivals that of someone who has been practicing law for 25+ years.
He represented us on a construction defect case. He was not afraid to go up against a nationwide builder. He was strong in his communication, thorough in his explanation of our options, and confident in getting to a favorable outcome. He fought tirelessly for our case. It was an emotionally draining case that had many complexities, but that did not stop him from being an advocate for our best interests.
We cannot thank him and his team enough for bringing us through one of the most difficult situations and getting us to a point where he was able to settle the case out of court. When we needed someone on our side to help us out of a horrific situation, Attorney Wagner was the incredible legal expert that was there for us.
If you are in need of THE BEST ATTORNEY in Florida, call Jursinski and Murphy today and seek Attorney Wagner’s representation ASAP!
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28 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Mark worked with a small group of HOA homeowners to get clarity on HOA financial matters. He was upfront and very responsive about what we should expect. The group of homeowners was on a limited budget and did not want to get in a legal battle with our board....so while we got some of the information we wanted, our board (and the managment company we worked with) put up roadblocks every which way. If we pursue additional action, we will continue to work with Mark since we believe he understood our goals and limitations. A professional!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I purchased a new home in SWF and found mold in our attic. The builder kept trying to avoid fixing this existing issue correctly and in a timely manner.
The Team at Law office of Jursinski & Murphy greatly assisted in applying the needed pressure required. As soon as the builder heard from Jursinski & Murphy the builder quickly complete the repairs. Thanks Team!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Jon
I recently faced a stressful legal battle when a contractor sued me, claiming I owed him money on a contract that never existed. From the moment I reached out to Ryan Murphy, I knew I was in good hands. Ryan was incredibly thorough, attentive, and professional throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand every detail of my case, worked diligently to uncover the truth, and guided me every step of the way.
Thanks to Ryan’s expertise, not only was I vindicated, but he also secured the recovery of all my attorney's fees. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I highly recommend Ryan Murphy and wouldn't hesitate to use him again in the future.
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07 May, 2024 by George denillo
Cannot say enough great things about the Jursinki Law Firm team and Ryan Murphy in particular. It was a very tough contract case against a slippery opponent, but Ryan prevailed against all odds !! I highly recommend this law firm for any and all construction issues.
Dedicated, professional and always prepared for anything that comes up!
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07 May, 2024 by Bonnie
If you want a dedicated contract/construction attorney that is willing to go "the extra mile" (and then some) to get your case resolved RYAN MURPHY is your guy! Can't say enough great things about him and the whole Jursinski team!!
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23 Jun, 2024 by Wesner
14 Jun, 2024 by Lovel brown
05 Jun, 2024 by James chester
26 Aug, 2024 by Steven
The worst attorney in the business!
If you want your spouse to have everything then this is the attorney for you! She will never advise you of anything only tell you what you owe to your spouse. When confronting her about it she will tell you it is your fault for not telling her to advise you properly then belittle you. She will then tell you that maybe she’s not the attorney for you after spending your entire $5000.00 retainer 2 days before the mediation is scheduled. When you find another attorney she will chuckle and say no problem because she already spent all your money and will continue to bill you afterwards. Her practice should be called Your Spouse’s Advocates because that’s who she’s working for, not you! She is a scammer that doesn’t know her business very well and won’t do anything you ask while trying to hide her inadequacies behind the law. If you want your spouse to have everything and pay for incompetence then this is the lawyer for you!!!! My advice, find a great attorney like I finally did that works on a flat fee and advises their clients immediately and will fight for you and what’s yours! Remember, good reviews can be purchased cheaply, bad reviews from honest customers are far more trustworthy.
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19 Aug, 2024 by James easter
13 Aug, 2024 by Carrie waterman
Rita and Noelle were amazing in handling my case. I was injured while on vacation in Florida and they made the whole process as easy as can be expected being out of state. They handled everything with the insurance companies and made sure I was compensated. I would recommend them to anyone! Thanks ladies!!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Steven
The worst attorney in the business!
If you want your spouse to have everything then this is the attorney for you! She will never advise you of anything only tell you what you owe to your spouse. When confronting her about it she will tell you it is your fault for not telling her to advise you properly then belittle you. She will then tell you that maybe she’s not the attorney for you after spending your entire $5000.00 retainer 2 days before the mediation is scheduled. When you find another attorney she will chuckle and say no problem because she already spent all your money and will continue to bill you afterwards. Her practice should be called Your Spouse’s Advocates because that’s who she’s working for, not you! She is a scammer that doesn’t know her business very well and won’t do anything you ask while trying to hide her inadequacies behind the law. If you want your spouse to have everything and pay for incompetence then this is the lawyer for you!!!! My advice, find a great attorney like I finally did that works on a flat fee and advises their clients immediately and will fight for you and what’s yours! Remember, good reviews can be purchased cheaply, bad reviews from honest customers are far more trustworthy.
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19 Aug, 2024 by James easter
13 Aug, 2024 by Carrie waterman
Rita and Noelle were amazing in handling my case. I was injured while on vacation in Florida and they made the whole process as easy as can be expected being out of state. They handled everything with the insurance companies and made sure I was compensated. I would recommend them to anyone! Thanks ladies!!
Read more
07 May, 2024 by George denillo
Cannot say enough great things about the Jursinki Law Firm team and Ryan Murphy in particular. It was a very tough contract case against a slippery opponent, but Ryan prevailed against all odds !! I highly recommend this law firm for any and all construction issues.
Dedicated, professional and always prepared for anything that comes up!
Read more
06 May, 2024 by Holly rene
Kara was easy to work with. She walked us through all of the possibilities and worked hard to get us to an agreeable settlement. Mediation was a good option. We were ready to go to court, and I feel we would have won, but we settled. Every month costs and Kara wanted to cut our losses…it is expensive. There is a relief and weight off our shoulders. It is in the rear view mirror and that is a good thing!
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06 May, 2024 by John webber
Kara is an outstandingly talented and tenacious partner in meeting and surpassing our legal challenges.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Scott
Mr. Dryden help me through what I thought was an impossible challenge and the end result far surpassed my expectations. I am so glad that I went to Mr. Dryden. He was very responsive and offered suggestions to help me through my problem. I would highly recommend him and plan on utilizing his skills again in the future.
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14 Feb, 2015 by Marie
Attorney Dryden handled several very difficult and intricate personal real estate matters for me. Working with him for over a year, I don't have one negative comment to make. He is an expert in his field, extremely knowledgeable, handles pressure well, polite and courteous, returns phone calls and e-mails very promptly and it was a pleasure to deal with him under such difficult circumstances. This Attorney knows the laws and he knows them well. His commitment to my cases made me feel as if I was his only client. He went out of his way, maneuvered his busy schedule and showed that he really cared about me and my cases. His Office staff also needs to be commended. They were polite, courteous and kind as well.
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02 Aug, 2013 by Helen
Mr. Dryden was recommended by a friend when we first moved to Florida .We have used him to set up LLC for us and oversaw our closings on a few properties .
He was very knowledgable and helped us each step of the way.
We will continually use him as needed without any hesitation.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Johnny marshall
23 Feb, 2023 by James gaasch
Filled out the online inquiry because I need to file a suit against a car dealership for misrepresentation and fraud. Over a month later and no response at all. Not even the courtesy to tell me they will not represent me.
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29 Nov, 2022 by Sandra novak
They are nice at first. Then they change their prices without letting you know. Up from 150 an hour to 375 an hour. Not professional at all!
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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.
