Lawyers map
>521
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
6 Reviews
4.9
1011 Reviews
10 Feb, 2025 by Keith montante
Prior to this year, I never had the need to engage a personal injury attorney but that changed when a third party created a hazard causing my injury. A friend recommended John and I’m glad I reached out. During my initial consultation, John set expectations, discussed next steps, potential outcomes and assigned Brian to my case. Brian navigated the process expertly and brought an unwavering focus to my case. His professionalism, compassion, and passion for helping a client is unmatched. My goal was for the third party to be held accountable for their gross negligence to hopefully prevent them from doing this to someone else. I believe John, Brian and team achieved this goal by securing an exceptional settlement for this type of injury. I highly recommend John, Brian and Schwartzapfel Lawyers.
Read more
07 Feb, 2025 by Maureen linder
Christina Bayonne and Alex Ostroy were very concerned, personable and fought diligently for the best results
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Evangelina medalla
Highly recommended! Christina and the entire team @ Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C provided me and my family an exceptional customer experience . Their professionalism made a stressful situation feel manageable, and we are truly grateful for their outstanding legal representation.
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
35 Reviews
21 Jan, 2025 by Minatha michel
The best lawyers to work with,, I have to change so many lawyers before I met Gail Saul. She’s very good in what she does. I will recommend her to anyone who’s going to a difficult divorce anytime. Thank you so much.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Nicholas salek
30 Aug, 2024 by Christine persans
I choose Gail to help me with a visitation petition. I first spoke with her on the phone and she was so empathetic to my situation and fully understood everything I was going through. Gail is absolutely the best of the best and has amazing skills for her profession. She was able to get me the results that I wanted! Gail is also an amazing woman who was there for me in my time of need! I absolutely recommend her to anyone that is going through a divorce or any family court manner. I wish I had found her years ago for my original divorce!
Read more
25 Feb, 2025 by Dhruval
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Attorney Rompal Alam in handling my work permit and Social Security application. Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
From the very beginning, Ms. Alam demonstrated a deep understanding of immigration law, ensuring that every detail of my case was handled with precision. She guided me through each step, explaining the requirements clearly and ensuring that all necessary documents were correctly prepared and submitted on time. Thanks to her thorough approach, my work permit was approved without delays, and I was able to obtain my Social Security number seamlessly.
What sets Ms. Alam apart is her commitment to her clients. She was always responsive, patient, and willing to address any concerns I had. Her personalized attention and legal expertise gave me confidence throughout the process.
I highly recommend Attorney Rompal Alam to anyone seeking immigration assistance, especially for work permits and Social Security matters. She is truly an exceptional lawyer who goes above and beyond for her clients.
Read more
06 Jan, 2025 by Kv
From start to finish, Mrs Alam handled the probate of my dad’s will and estate with the utmost of professionalism and knowledge. She made a process that was difficult, very easy and understandable. She waked us through every step and kept us informed throughout the process. Highly recommended Mrs Alam for all of your probate, Will and estate needs.
Read more
04 Jan, 2025 by Grit kuhnen
10 Feb, 2025 by Keith montante
Prior to this year, I never had the need to engage a personal injury attorney but that changed when a third party created a hazard causing my injury. A friend recommended John and I’m glad I reached out. During my initial consultation, John set expectations, discussed next steps, potential outcomes and assigned Brian to my case. Brian navigated the process expertly and brought an unwavering focus to my case. His professionalism, compassion, and passion for helping a client is unmatched. My goal was for the third party to be held accountable for their gross negligence to hopefully prevent them from doing this to someone else. I believe John, Brian and team achieved this goal by securing an exceptional settlement for this type of injury. I highly recommend John, Brian and Schwartzapfel Lawyers.
Read more
07 Feb, 2025 by Maureen linder
Christina Bayonne and Alex Ostroy were very concerned, personable and fought diligently for the best results
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Evangelina medalla
Highly recommended! Christina and the entire team @ Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C provided me and my family an exceptional customer experience . Their professionalism made a stressful situation feel manageable, and we are truly grateful for their outstanding legal representation.
Read more
01 Jan, 2025 by Marie lieber
Attorney Dan Trunk was so caring and helpful during a most trying accident. It took almost 5 years to reach a settlement but Dan was there by my side the whole time. It was a complicated case due to separate municipalities involved. But in the end, Dan won for me! Thanks!!
Read more
24 Dec, 2024 by Jason fairclough
24 Dec, 2024 by Manuel melena
When searching for a family lawyer Mr. Levy was a huge help.
I’m very grateful for The help,
ManuelMelena
Read more
04 Jan, 2025 by Grit kuhnen
13 Dec, 2024 by Kelly bossard
Highly recommend Kamini Fox. She is a consummate professional who knows her business very well.
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Scott nalls
The service was excellent! Kamini was smart and very approachable to different strategies to get our program complete. She has a lot of wisdom and was able to push back appropriately. I would highly recommend!
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Enrico
Keren Birnbaum was a pleasure to work with. She is professional, pleasant, and very patient answering all of our questions. She took her time and made sure we understood all the minor details and legalese that could be confusing. Keren made everything easy to digest and our meetings went smoothly. She placed everything into real-life circumstances so that we can better understand the decisions we had to make for our Estate Plan. My wife and I finished up our Estate documents with the confidence that we created an appropriate plan for our family's future. Thanks so much, Keren!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Rena delevie
Jaime Lewis took great care of me and my family. She was kind, compassionate, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. I felt safe sharing my details with her and she helped me understand my options. I'm grateful to have worked with Jaime Lewis and will do it again should I have the need.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Robert perkins
Very thorough and engaging. Jaime is a pleasure to work with.
Read more
10 Feb, 2025 by Keith montante
Prior to this year, I never had the need to engage a personal injury attorney but that changed when a third party created a hazard causing my injury. A friend recommended John and I’m glad I reached out. During my initial consultation, John set expectations, discussed next steps, potential outcomes and assigned Brian to my case. Brian navigated the process expertly and brought an unwavering focus to my case. His professionalism, compassion, and passion for helping a client is unmatched. My goal was for the third party to be held accountable for their gross negligence to hopefully prevent them from doing this to someone else. I believe John, Brian and team achieved this goal by securing an exceptional settlement for this type of injury. I highly recommend John, Brian and Schwartzapfel Lawyers.
Read more
07 Feb, 2025 by Maureen linder
Christina Bayonne and Alex Ostroy were very concerned, personable and fought diligently for the best results
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Evangelina medalla
Highly recommended! Christina and the entire team @ Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C provided me and my family an exceptional customer experience . Their professionalism made a stressful situation feel manageable, and we are truly grateful for their outstanding legal representation.
Read more
4.5
15 Reviews
4.8
74 Reviews
19 Dec, 2024 by Brandon chatarpal
Jay is very professional and knowledgeable. Any questions or advice were throughly answered. Gets right to the point. Highly recommend his services!
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by Christopher mehr
I highly recommend Jay D Raxenberg. He is on time if not early, he will continue to fight for what you want, open and honest with you on how things work, great input, overall a professional, and best of all he gets the job done! I was beyond impressed in helping me get residential of my children!!
Read more
29 Nov, 2024 by Andy nieves
I have had the privilege of working with Jay Raxenberg for years, and I can confidently say he is an exceptional attorney who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. From the start, Jay has been more than just legal counsel—he’s been a trusted advocate who genuinely cares about achieving the best possible outcomes.
Jay's expertise and dedication to his craft are unmatched. He takes immense pride in his work and consistently delivers exceptional results. What sets him apart is not just his knowledge of the law but the personal attention he gives to each case, and I've had many! He takes the time to explain the process clearly, ensuring that I feel informed and supported every step of the way.
What makes Jay truly unique is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He doesn’t just settle for “good enough”—he fights for what’s right with integrity and persistence. His personable nature and ability to make even the most challenging situations feel manageable have been a tremendous source of comfort over the years.
His combination of professionalism, expertise, and genuine care is a rare find. I highly recommend Jay Raxenberg to anyone in need of a great attorney who will not only represent you with excellence but also make you feel like your case truly matters.
Jay I can never thank you enough for everything you've done for me. - Andy
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by J holman
Best attorney. I have ever had. Always returned my calls and I have had no issues with any court cases. I have referred him to numerous friends and family. 5 stars
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Chris doherty
A potential 4 point violation was reduced to 0. Cannot recommend Michael enough.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Ian walsh
Michael A. DeVito is not only an amazing and well respected lawyer, he is an honorable and trustworthy man. As many of you may know, the process after an accident/injury can be tough mentally and physically, and the last thing you need is billing/medical/insurance to be a burden as well. From the beginning he made me feel as comfortable as I could be treating my case individually & not just as another number. He explained the process to me in its entirety giving me an honest timeframe; and always gave me the general understanding that he will take care of it, you just go to your doctors and focus on getting your body better! If you call he simply answers or always willingly returns the call, and if you’re still in need of something he is always willing to go the extra mile! I highly recommend having Michael A. DeVito represent you or anyone you may know!
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Enrico
Keren Birnbaum was a pleasure to work with. She is professional, pleasant, and very patient answering all of our questions. She took her time and made sure we understood all the minor details and legalese that could be confusing. Keren made everything easy to digest and our meetings went smoothly. She placed everything into real-life circumstances so that we can better understand the decisions we had to make for our Estate Plan. My wife and I finished up our Estate documents with the confidence that we created an appropriate plan for our family's future. Thanks so much, Keren!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Rena delevie
Jaime Lewis took great care of me and my family. She was kind, compassionate, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. I felt safe sharing my details with her and she helped me understand my options. I'm grateful to have worked with Jaime Lewis and will do it again should I have the need.
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Kenneth Steven Feraru for anyone seeking professional legal advice. I reached out with a concern regarding an MTA ticket, and they provided clear, helpful guidance that put my mind at ease. Their prompt and thorough response made all the difference, and I truly appreciated their expertise. I felt confident in their advice and would not hesitate to consult them again in the future.
Read more
25 Nov, 2024 by Stephen conklin
Mark did an excellent job getting my ticket dismissed. High recommend thanks again Mark!
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Stephanie foley
My husband and I were recommended to Mark Alter and we were so glad we proceeded to retain him. Mark kept thorough communication throughout the process, no matter what time of the day. He helped explain and interpret each step which really helped us get through a stressful event in our lives. Along with his immense amount of experience, I always felt he had our best interest at heart. We would definitely recommend him to a friend or a family member.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Emalie borne
Mark helped me with a ticket and was amazing. He thoroughly communicated everything with me and helped me a lot with the ticket. He was fast in calling me back when I called. I am definitely going to recommend him to anyone who asks for an attorney
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
68 Reviews
19 Dec, 2024 by Marie l.
Unreliable billing practice. Unreasonable delays. Blaming the other side is one thing but the condescending manner is really unbearable.
Read more
08 Feb, 2024 by Andrew stitzer
Mitchell handled a Collections claim for our family and not only were we satisfied with the outcome, but we were delighted to work with Mitchell. His persistence. professionalism (despite the opposing counsel being rude and unprofessional - Mitchell always took the high road), knowledge, strategical tactics, and intuitiveness were second to none. Our family would contract with Mitchell again in a heartbeat. He is a Mensch in every sense of the word.
Read more
10 Jan, 2024 by Esther shali - ogli
Marc Weissman of Cobert, Haber & Haber has been wonderful! My husband died in 21 and left us with a mess! Marc has been a. professional, b. kind, c. unbelievably reasonable with fees, d. gone above and beyond a lawyer's responsibilities! My husband had a coop in Brooklyn and the coop board has been impossible! Marc worked with their lawyers and the buyer's lawyers to get the apartment sold. I know the sale would not have happened without his involvement. I highly recommend Marc Weissman!
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
751 Reviews
01 Jan, 2025 by Marie lieber
Attorney Dan Trunk was so caring and helpful during a most trying accident. It took almost 5 years to reach a settlement but Dan was there by my side the whole time. It was a complicated case due to separate municipalities involved. But in the end, Dan won for me! Thanks!!
Read more
24 Dec, 2024 by Jason fairclough
24 Dec, 2024 by Manuel melena
When searching for a family lawyer Mr. Levy was a huge help.
I’m very grateful for The help,
ManuelMelena
Read more
19 Feb, 2022 by Tom criscuola
Excellent service
Read more
27 Oct, 2021 by J 123
If you're searching for an attorney, you must consider one's experience, temperament, personality, responsiveness, and legal finesse in dealing with "divorce" especially when children are at stake causing an embattlement the likes of which the movie Kramer vs. Kramer looks like a Disney movie. Tony and I never went to trial, but fully prepared for it up to the day of trial. His responsiveness is uncanny. He does not raise his voice, is not aggressive, but when arguing points, he will back his opponent into a corner with untenable arguments. He responds to emails almost immediately. He knows the law. We dealt with the opposition consistently lying, as did my Ex, about all matters and were prepared to expose the truth at trial. Go for a consult. Its a no brainer to higher such a qualified, personable, and knowledgeable lawyer who is a regular guy. His office staff were also friendly, competent, and compassionate. He will also make you aware of all strategies, and the costs for applying each. After, forensics, law guardians, parenting coordinators, full trial prep, I'm satisfied with the outcome as much as one can be. I was ready to see this through to the very end, and did, with a competent attorney in Tony beside me.
Read more
15 Nov, 2020 by Anthony
Best Lawyer I ever had
Read more
02 Nov, 2022 by Golda suazo
17 Nov, 2016 by Amy wahab
Mr. Gelberg is a very experienced attorney ,he is very knowledge in his field.I would recommend him to all my friends and family.
Read more
08 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Eiber Translations has provided interpreting services to Lewis Bartell, Esq. for over 10 years through L'Abbate Balkan Colavita & Contini, Esqs. and more recently as a partner at Kaplan, Belsky & Ross, LLP. Our interpreters have commented about Mr. Bartell's extensive knowledge in complex personal injury litigations, malpractice litigation, estate and trust litigation, tax planning, guardianship proceedings, matrimonials as well as real estate matters, providing individuals as well as large corporate clients, the attention necessary to win their case. Mr. Bartell has been relentless in providing his non-English speaking clients all the preparation needed prior to testifying at depositions and trials and he has shown linguistically-aware leadership to all language service providers. We highly recommend Mr. Bartell to anyone seeking a top attorney who will fight for their case.
Read more
20 Feb, 2025 by Stenley kuffour
15 Feb, 2025 by Bruno mantovani
14 Feb, 2025 by Ahmet kavas
15 Jan, 2023 by Cathy
Matthew was knowledgeable, accountable and responsive throughout the eviction process: it was comforting to know we had an advocate on our side during a stressful time in our lives, especially since this was our second attorney working on the same case. We can tell that he holds himself to a high set of standards which is not an easy quality to find these days.
Read more
15 Jul, 2022 by Alena
Matt did it again for the third time! Always very knowledgeable and gets to the point. He handled our closing with ease and closing day took one hour. We will continue to use him!
Read more
13 Jul, 2022 by Marc
Both Matthew and Donna were very helpful in explaining the process and responding to our questions. We were impressed with their knowledge and the fact that the actual closing day took about one hour to complete.
Read more
21 Dec, 2024 by Lillian drake
Of all the lawyers I’ve dealt with in my life Neil Flynn at Horn Wright, LLP is the only one who took the time to listen to everything I had to say and answer all my questions before even discussing how he would be paid. Once we laid the foundation for our attorney-client relationship, he gave me several options including a straight contingency fee, a retainer/hourly rate fee structure or a hybrid of the two. His bills were always reasonable and when I questioned something he made sure to discuss it with me in person until I was satisfied. Most importantly, he did a fantastic job representing me and my small business when we needed a civil litigation attorney. I would absolutely recommend Neil and his firm Horn Wright, LLP to my friends and family.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Dekkebbie
Attorney Alex Moon helped me and my family navigate a really tough situation, and I was truly impressed. He handled everything with incredible skill and easy communication, especially when it came to managing the complex emotions involved. Alex is not only highly professional and knowledgeable, but he’s also compassionate and understanding—qualities that make a huge difference in difficult moments that we find ourselves in. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Lea k
Thank you, Mr. Alexander Moon! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and explain my situation with full attention and support. Even when I don’t fully understand something, I’m treated with patience and respect by Mr. Moon, which means so much.
Every message I send is promptly addressed, which only adds to my trust. Thank you for the incredible work!
Read more
01 Jan, 2025 by Marie lieber
Attorney Dan Trunk was so caring and helpful during a most trying accident. It took almost 5 years to reach a settlement but Dan was there by my side the whole time. It was a complicated case due to separate municipalities involved. But in the end, Dan won for me! Thanks!!
Read more
24 Dec, 2024 by Jason fairclough
24 Dec, 2024 by Manuel melena
When searching for a family lawyer Mr. Levy was a huge help.
I’m very grateful for The help,
ManuelMelena
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Enrico
Keren Birnbaum was a pleasure to work with. She is professional, pleasant, and very patient answering all of our questions. She took her time and made sure we understood all the minor details and legalese that could be confusing. Keren made everything easy to digest and our meetings went smoothly. She placed everything into real-life circumstances so that we can better understand the decisions we had to make for our Estate Plan. My wife and I finished up our Estate documents with the confidence that we created an appropriate plan for our family's future. Thanks so much, Keren!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Rena delevie
Jaime Lewis took great care of me and my family. She was kind, compassionate, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. I felt safe sharing my details with her and she helped me understand my options. I'm grateful to have worked with Jaime Lewis and will do it again should I have the need.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Robert perkins
Very thorough and engaging. Jaime is a pleasure to work with.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Kayla sarduy
Thank you so much !!! Very straightforward and Got the Job done !!!
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Rosana ramrup
15 Jan, 2025 by Construction corp
If you want Peace and lower anxiety levels for any criminal related case I advice everyone to hire Mr. loTurco as he was an exceptional lawyer for me , because it is very hard to find a lawyers commitment to you, but with this firm I feel like there's someone that actually cares about my life and not just the fee. Best lawyers in Long Island hands down -love Syed
Read more
06 Feb, 2025 by Helen
As the first of my "peers" to require the help of an Estate Attorney, I am so pleased I put my trust in Russo Law Group P.C. of Garden City.
Attorneys can be intimidating. Not so at Russo Law Group. Over the years Deanna Eble has handled my estate planning. Then when a probate situation arose, Joshua Berzak handled the matter. They each patiently advised and guided me and my family through both.
My calls and emails have always been promptly returned, my questions and concerns thoroughly addressed.
I am a huge fan of their "Peace of Mind" program.
I look forward to our yearly check up meetings and appreciate the special events they host.
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Ken givans
She's a very good lawyer.
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Lesline givans
She is very good.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Kayla sarduy
Thank you so much !!! Very straightforward and Got the Job done !!!
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Rosana ramrup
15 Jan, 2025 by Construction corp
If you want Peace and lower anxiety levels for any criminal related case I advice everyone to hire Mr. loTurco as he was an exceptional lawyer for me , because it is very hard to find a lawyers commitment to you, but with this firm I feel like there's someone that actually cares about my life and not just the fee. Best lawyers in Long Island hands down -love Syed
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Kayla sarduy
Thank you so much !!! Very straightforward and Got the Job done !!!
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Rosana ramrup
15 Jan, 2025 by Construction corp
If you want Peace and lower anxiety levels for any criminal related case I advice everyone to hire Mr. loTurco as he was an exceptional lawyer for me , because it is very hard to find a lawyers commitment to you, but with this firm I feel like there's someone that actually cares about my life and not just the fee. Best lawyers in Long Island hands down -love Syed
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Kayla sarduy
Thank you so much !!! Very straightforward and Got the Job done !!!
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Rosana ramrup
15 Jan, 2025 by Construction corp
If you want Peace and lower anxiety levels for any criminal related case I advice everyone to hire Mr. loTurco as he was an exceptional lawyer for me , because it is very hard to find a lawyers commitment to you, but with this firm I feel like there's someone that actually cares about my life and not just the fee. Best lawyers in Long Island hands down -love Syed
Read more
5.0
2 Reviews
12 Nov, 2019 by John
I am a long time client of Russo Law Group. Vincent Russo is a genuine and compassionate lawyer that was invested in obtaining the best possible outcome for me and my family. Every interaction I had with him and his team was met with full attention and a proactive approach. I have highly recommended Vincent Russo to many of my own clients and he has provided the same level of investment to everyone. Wonderful attorney!!
Read more
03 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I would recommend Vincent Russo why. I trust him with all my needs
Read more
31 Dec, 2024 by Thomas
19 Dec, 2024 by Soha salamah
Great service with timely responses. We were very happy with the whole process and would highly recommend Amina and her firm!
Read more
18 Dec, 2024 by Jessica dubinsky
"I do not recommend this firm. They are unresponsive and only seem interested in contacting you when it’s about money. They failed to resolve my case and left me feeling like my pockets were emptied for nothing. Communication is terrible—they don’t answer calls, but will text when they want payment. Save yourself the trouble and go elsewhere."
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
4.8
277 Reviews
29 Jan, 2025 by Anthony powers
Thank you for your help making hard times that much easier to get through! Fair, efficient, and friendly!
Read more
26 Jan, 2025 by Rosemary sanfilippo
Craig E. Rosasco, Esq. was very helpful and knowledgeable about my case. Thank you for all your help
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Todd bornfriend
It's been a decade since my divorce, and as those with kids know it doesn't necessarily end then. Khadija Misuraca was beyond helpful, understanding, and receptive. She was also able to bring me back to earth from heightened emotions, always lending perspective. Throughout the years since, I've needed guidance for a number of things that popped up, and she always made herself accessible, all free of charge. I trust her completely and will recommend her without hesitation.
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Benny da beast
I had a case that three other lawyers told me it wouldn’t be done and I had almost given up until Joe had taken my case and fought hard until k not only did he change the case from it being all my fault which it wasn’t in the first place he helped correct the false police report and he helped me win the maximum amount I could win from the case so I am so thankful to Joe and the whole law firm for fighting for me.
Read more
28 Oct, 2024 by Bob warner
Nothing but great things to say about Restivo & Murphy, and in particular Joe Parisi! From the moment we sat down, I knew I was in good hands. Joe listened intently and patiently answered my questions. He explained how he would proceed, and discussed possible outcomes. Highly knowledgeable in all facets of liability litigation. Thanks to Joe, the case ended in with very successful outcome.
Read more
28 Oct, 2024 by Bob mcnamara
I want to thank Joe Parise from Restivo & Murphy for all of the hard work on my son’s case. Not only did he get a great result, he made us feel at ease throughout the whole process with his care and professionalism. They came highly recommended and we couldn't have been happier.
Read 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:
-
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.
