Filter by

star star star star star
26 Sep, 2019 by Dave
Jennifer was recommended to me by my financial planner after he experienced a very positive result with her. My experience was the same. She was a Very knowledgeable and efficient.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Nov, 2018 by Dani
We had very good experience working with our attorney Jennifer Routte. There was an urgent legal matter that she was able to help us immediately even though we were not her previous client. With her professional legal advice and due diligent involvement, the issue got resolved well above and beyond our satisfaction. We strongly recommend her and the Routte firm if anyone needs seeking legal help. We definitely will reach out to her in the future.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
10 Jun, 2024 by Kathy meurell
Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Apr, 2024 by Elisabeth huber
I was seeking a simple deed change. I had a consultation appointment with Christopher Alley. He said he would draw up paperwork and send it to me to review. He said he was confident and able to assist us. Instead, he failed to deliver and ghosted us. We sent him a couple follow up emails, he did not respond. He scheduled a phone meeting, and he stood us up (nor did he call and apologize). We called the office and were told he was on vacation and the female assistant asked me to give her 24 hours before moving on to another lawyer. She did not call me back to follow up. I called back and spoke with a male assistant, who apologized and let me know Chris was on vacation and would contact me. Again, no contact. I am shocked at the failure of basic communication skills. A "Hey, I'm not going to be able to help you" would have been professional. My legal matter was pretty simple. I'm not confident in his ability to act professionally or solve simple legal problems.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Jan, 2024 by Benjamin rosh
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
24 Apr, 2024 by Blessing tonde
Google Maps
star star star star star
26 Jul, 2023 by Tina lindsay
Brehm Laws heart and determination has lead to a top notch defense attorney skills. In addition his career experience and skills of setting goals. He is known as the formal Franklin county prosecutor.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Feb, 2022 by Kisha love
If I could give no stars I would!!!! This wanna be attorney is the worst!!! Long story short he does not work in your defense he sides with the prosecutor!!!!! Stay away!!!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
29 Nov, 2019 by Jon clevenger
Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Sep, 2019 by Joe wagner
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Jack to handle my simple divorce. We had been married less than a year and had no property or children to fight over. After paying the 2500 retainer I did not hear from him until the week of my first coat date. He informed me to of the time a room to be in, that is all he did not want to go over anything before the hearing. He was there 30 minuets late with no explanation, he when and talked to the other layer for an hr and came back with my ex demands. That I take all the debt that he racked up, and that he would get to keep the TV, washer, dryer, and all furniture. informed Jack that was not acceptable and gave counter offer I get the TV, and all debt to be split 50/50. The judge agreed and wanted the breakdown of the debt to be presented to him at the next hearing. Seven months later, I get the call from Jack with the day and time to be there, again he does not want to meet early to go over anything. At lest he was on time this time. He looks over my paperwork for 5 minuets and goes and meets my ex lawyer. Jack is gone for about 45 minuets, and comes back saying that I will get the TV but will also take all the debt. He has the gall to tell me that I owe him another 1500 if he is to fight for my ex to take half the debt!!! I will be damned to pay that crook any more money!!! To have my freedom from my ex and from that thief of a lawyer I took the deal.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Went to court on august 23 for small claims. I agreed to the terms of 100.00 a month. sent a payment in of 100.00. And sent proper paper back to Kemba. Talked to jim and he said everything was fine. the next day i receive a notice for another court date for september 23. Prior to this reached out to Joshua the kemba's loan officer and explained my situation. He did nothing except take me to court. I've paid more than 5000.00 on this loan. I became disabled in 2015. I receive 43% of my pension. Told this to Joshua and he said he would do a loan modification, instead they took me to court. I owe them 2261.33 which i no problem paying back. Interest rate was 4.99%. They jacked up to 15.74%. Now i have to back to court again. I talked to James Tebbutt over the phone he said would not have to go back to court. I called small claims and they told me he refiled. After he told me that he would take care of it. I called and left a message to him, he didn't call me back..Wasting my and money. I've done my best to fix this and they continually make it more difficult and they not acting professionally
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
01 Apr, 2019 by Lynda.
Attorney Ian Heyman is obsessed with something that he calls the smell test, and one of his frequent expressions is that, "If it does not smell right, it is probably not right.". Ian Heyman, however, does not pass the smell test. I am involved in a very messy trust situation, and I reached out to several law firms to try to find an attorney who could help me with my legal issues. One of my inquiries was answered by an email from Ian Heyman, and several days later we had a lengthy consultation over the telephone. Ian Heyman continuously bragged about his "expertise" in the area of trusts, probate, etc....., and from his self - proclaimed "expertise" in these areas I thought that he could be the attorney who could get the job that I needed done. He assured me that he would be able to resolve everything for me, that I would get justice, that I would finally get the peace of mind that I wanted, etc....., so, we made an appointment for an in - person meeting the following week to discuss my case in greater detail. Ian Heyman's law firm is approximately six hours round trip from my house, so, I cleared my schedule for the day that we were scheduled to meet. The day before our scheduled appointment, I sent emails, and I left voice mails, requesting that he confirm our appointment. I also wanted him to confirm that he had received the large number of files that I had emailed to him (at his request) three days prior, that I had requested confirmation for on the day that I had emailed them, but, did not get. My emails / voice mails were ignored until I eventually sent Ian Heyman an email that night to let him know that I would not make the very long drive to / from his law office the next day without confirmation of our appointment. Finally, I received an email back, and along with his bogus excuses for ignoring me, Ian Heyman told me that he remains committed to me, that he will do everything in his power to help me hold my lawyer - brother accountable for what he has done, and that I have him on my team if I still want him, which he hopes that I do. Still no confirmation that he had received the emails containing my files that I had sent to him three days prior, however. The next day, which was the day of our appointment, I received an email from Ian Heyman early in the morning telling me to drive safely, and to telephone his office if I could not find the parking area next to his law firm's building. Then, less than two hours later, I received a telephone call from Ian Heyman giving me bogus excuses to cancel our appointment, and giving me even more bogus excuses to weasel out of taking my case. All that Ian Heyman did was play games, and waste my time. Avoid this attorney..... He certainly does not pass the smell test.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top