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16 May, 2024 by Nageen jalali
Corey exhibits professionalism and personalism with his work in the community and with his clients. His attention to detail and general understanding of the law provides his clients with a fundamental and well-rounded understanding of what their case entails and wherein the limitations lie. Most notably, with Corey, you won't be left in the dark. I would recommend Corey to any of my own clients and know they're in good hands.
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15 May, 2024 by Megan hernandez
Corey is extremely knowledgeable and attentive. My case was address and resolved in my favor in a timely manner. The entire experience was wonderful and I couldn’t be more grateful.
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06 May, 2024 by Renia zadourian
Corey Pingle is a great colleague who takes good care of all his clients. He is a fantastic Employment Attorney and he cares deeply for his clients. I enjoy working with him and trusting him with my referrals.
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03 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Very effective lawyer. I was very pleased with the fact that I could speak with my lawyer when I needed to. He was very honest, even telling me sometimes things that I did not want to hear, but that turned out to be exactly what he told me. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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01 Nov, 2019 by George
I whole heartedly recommend Doug Ames to anyone who needs an employment lawyer. Doug was honest and straight forward with me from the first meeting to the last. My discrimination and retaliation case involved a public employer with the resources to stretch it out for years and most attorneys would not touch it. After reviewing my case and discussing it with me in depth , Doug laid out the strengths and weaknesses and accepted the challenge. Doug was not intimidated by my employers' high priced law firm in their downtown L A high rise. After a year of taking depositions and court appearances, two weeks of settlement discussions and about week before trial, Doug negotiated a very generous settlement for me.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Carrie hudnall
Brian Ton, the lawyer, helped me to manage my friends Will/Trust. It was difficult to do, but we got it done. Thank you Brian!
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04 Jul, 2024 by Coastalproperties4u
I have been a client of this firm since 2008, before earning my own law degree, and can honestly say I highly recommend this firm. I have worked with MacLeith on many cases successfully and with another attorney in his firm with equal success. With this firm, you know you are getting the straight shot with no back talk or funny business.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Kyle mikami
I was referred to Satori Law by my CPA when I told him I was dealing with some Trust and Estate issues. The paralegal I was working with before made some serious errors when handling the trust/estate. Brian assessed the situation, quickly identified the issues, and resolved them in a timely manner. Brian and his team are professional, thorough, and very detail-oriented. Aside from dealing with the estate, Brian walked me through setting up my own trust. With a trust, you're always making changes. I have peace of mind knowing I can call or email Brian, letting him know what changes I want, and that it will be taken care of it. Thank you Brian!
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04 Apr, 2022 by Ruth c.
"Words can not express how grateful I am to have received highly intelligent counsel from Attorney Marsh. He is absolutely an extraordinary lawyer. Thank you so much!
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17 May, 2021 by Candice
Over the last few years, I have used the expertise of Mr. Marsh twice. Once to serve a demand letter to a client that was in breach of contract and another time to consult on how to navigate a non-compete agreement. His advice in each situation was practical and professional. He is responsive and level-headed.
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05 Sep, 2016 by Steve walsworth
Kaden was our lead attorney that we I hired at Buffington Law firm. He was hired by me to work on a Trust dispute. Kaden, and with support from his fellow attorneys, got us great results. I would highly recommend Kaden to anyone.
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23 May, 2016 by Sharie
I hesitated going to him because ive seen bad reviews. But im glad I didnt listen to all the jabber. I went and talked to him about tortious interference with inheritance, and I found him to be honest and informative. His lawfirm was not able to help me, but he went out of his way to continue to discuss other attorneys he knew that could possibly help me and printed out their numbers for me. Thanks Kaden
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15 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I was referred to him by Buffinton Law Office. Kaden was very nice in term of talking to you but his action is opposite. He didn't keep me informed of updates, I had to call to find out on my own. He didn't show interests on my case and overcharged me for many little time he spent. When I asked him about the charges, he said I could go with another lawyer if i wish instead of understanding and trying to solve the proplems. A total waste of money to go with him.
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12 Mar, 2012 by Ximui
I paid him $1620 cash to do an unlawful detainer for me. For almost 2 weeks he didn't return my calls or text messages, and didn't do any works as he had promised. When I called to terminate the contract, he refunded $272.50 for a $1620 case.
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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.