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07 Jul, 2013 by Rebecca
I first spoke to Barata Hollis regarding my divorce about 6 months ago. I must admit I was a bit of a mess. She was so very kind and understanding well above her legal requirements. Regarding her work ethic, it was above all my expectations. She was responsive and compassionate, and she was knowledgable, but understanding of my lack of focus at that time. She was informative without appearing bothered. She was outstanding. I went to other attorneys, who put a lot of emphasis on money, and did not seem to be concerned about my state of mind. In comparison to the others, she was very kind. I guess the best endorsement a mother could give would be to say that I recommended her to my children.
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14 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Never trust an attorney who keeps putting you off when you want a meeting. I got taken to the cleaners in a divorce, largely because this attorney did not even bother to check the false financial information given by my ex-spouse; and because she refused to give me any coaching or advice before I testified (despite my asking multiple times). she apologized for how things turned out, but then stopped returning my calls.
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14 Jan, 2012 by Rand
I was referred to Barata by a friend, and I occupied her full attention for over an hour. She was attentive, polite, and very knowledgeable about the legal questions I had. At the end of the time, I offered payment for her consultation. She told me that the initial consultation was free. I expected a hard sell for my business after my consultation, but I never got one. I chose to come back to her to handle my case, and it was handled professionally and quickly. She operated with my best interest at heart. I would recommend Ridgely & Hollis in Dallas, and would recommend Barata 1000%.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Michael olsen
I was facing a very stressful legal situation regarding a high profile case. I wasn't sure where to turn. Then I found Marc May. From the very first consultation, Marc was thoughtful, intelligent, and clearly a rockstar. He took the time to explain everything clearly and answer all my questions in a way I could understand.
Throughout the entire process, Marc kept me informed and up-to-date on the progress of my case. He was always available to address any concerns I had, and his guidance proved invaluable.
Thanks to Marc’s expertise and diligence, I was able to resolve my legal situation…better than I could have ever hoped. I am incredibly grateful for his representation and highly recommend Marc May to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy lawyer.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Michael davis
From the moment I called May & May my experience with this firm has been outstanding and has exceeded my expectations at every point throughout the entire process. Marc and his staff are highly professional and responsive. The advice I received was invaluable and they saved me a considerable amount of time and money! I have already recommended this firm to multiple people and will gladly continue to do so as I am confident in their ability to meet and exceed their client's legal needs at a fair price and in a time efficient manner. I have worked with many attorney's over my 40 years in business and May & May rank among the best with which I have worked over these many years. I was very pleased with the entire experience as Marc and his team represented my interest in such a caring and professional manner.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Danielle bianchi stevens
I would give Marc and Macy both 100 stars if Google allowed.
After beginning to write my review here, something had called my attention away. When I came back just now to complete it, I saw that I'd mistakenly hit 1 star and it posted. Please be assured that was my error.
From the first time I met them, the COMPASSION, CARE, RESPONSIVENESS, and PROFESSIONALISM demonstrated by Marc, Macy, and their legal assistant far surpassed the norm- and still does today. They truly had (and have) my back. From my first appointment, I knew I'd be in good hands and I cancelled appointments I'd made to interview other attorneys because I hired them on the spot. What stood out to me when I first met them was INTEGRITY. As they were working so diligently on my behalf during one of the most difficult seasons of my life, I not only received stellar legal care, but also I unexpectedly received so much more-- fears were eased, wisdom was imparted, and a trusted family friendship has developed. I have referred them out multiple times and will continue and am truly grateful to have been under the care of this amazing legal team during that difficult season in my life.
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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.
