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15 Jan, 2019 by Karla samaripa
Mr. Leffingwell assisted our firm in converting from an S-Corporation to an LLC. In addition provided a comprehensive Buy/Sell Agreement for our owners and provided legal counsel on other corporate documentation. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. His staff was very helpful and accurate in followup documentation.
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03 Jan, 2017 by L. william perrin, cpa
Frank Leffingwell's office prepared an employment agreement for me so that I could have all my current employees to sign it. I had not done this previously because another attorney had informed me many years ago that such agreements are not enforceable unless my practice has trade secrets I wanted to protect. And I did not think that we had any such trade secrets. Frank explained to me that such agreements are enforceable for a couple of years even without our practice having trade secrets. And that this is long enough to provide me the protection that I desired. His firm also prepared an excellent employment agreement for me within a couple of weeks and all of my current employees have signed it. Now I can rest easier about the future.
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03 Jan, 2017 by Elizabeth
Frank Leffingwell and his team are the perfect example of what corporate counselors ought to be--they're wise, fast and attentive. They've really helped build our business.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Kris
My experience with Sandra Lefler and her staff has been exceptional. Ms. Lefler has deep experience in complex legal issues which is invaluable in bringing creative solutions to unique legal challenges. In additional to her technical skills, she is a good listener, very collaborative and has the ability to manage circumstances that could become volatile with grace and integrity. As one who has very high standards, I have been extremely pleased with the quality of her work and her engaging manner. Rest assured, you will receive a high level of legal competence, professionalism and personal care about your case when you engage the services of this law firm.
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19 Dec, 2020 by Pamela
Sandy told me I was more involved in the drafting of my Trust than anyone she ever before worked with, yet I never sensed a second of resentment as we completed the project. Her lightening quick absorbing of nuance, instant recall of various provisions, and erudite additions were exactly on target - and beyond - with my goals and comments. The hours it took to complete the Trust were well beyond both of our initial estimates, yet her generously and selflessness in final billing should win an award for her industry. Do not hesitate to use Lefler Law. Maintaining offices in California, as well as Texas, seems to be done seamlessly and all in stride. Our work was delayed due to a 2 week out of area trial, and then over Thanksgiving, but Sandy still managed to meet my legal deadline to have the documents filed. She even sent me a pic and menu from an outdoor restaurant she visited, via bicycle, during our project. This was a very satisfying experience, with a personable woman whom you feel you would love to become a personal friend of - all via Zoom, phone and emails.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Jeff
I contacted Sandra shortly after my father passed away in 2012 and wanted to make sure that: 1) My father's name is removed from their home title, and 2) to make sure my mother's will is up-to-date and we had all the necessary powers-of-attorney/living will/et al in place. We had these done several years ago in Georgia, but wanted to make them current for Texas. Sandra was very responsive and helpful with advice on what the next steps were for both issues. She made it very clear, simple, and straightforward for us and her fees were very reasonable in comparison to others we had contacted. I will using her for my own will and estate plan. She doesn't try to impress you with legal mumbo-jumbo to make it look as though she knows what she's doing...she takes the time to take you thru the steps and is happy to explain any questions that come to mind during the meeting. Very professional, and has a great attitude about customer service.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Gina
My husband and I made an appointment for Les to review a will we constructed from an online form we googled. We thought all our bases were covered but weren't completely confident. Les didn't fault us for constructing a homemade will and asked the right questions to help us understand the constructs of a will verses a trust, the pros and cons of each and recent Texas family law changes. This information provided a much bigger picture. With his guidance we were able to make informed decisions in how to appropriate last wishes and amend our will. We found Les to be very down to earth, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the entire process.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Steve
Les has handled all of our real estate transactions here in Georgetown. He provides exactly what we need very promptly. Les took care of the trust needs of our family. He was very attentive to our needs and fairly priced. Most recently he handled various power of attorney documents for us. All of our work with Les has been very professional and a pleasure to work with each time.
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22 Jul, 2013 by Jimmy
I've had the opportunity to work with Wendi on several occasions. Everything from Real Estate, Personal injury, Divorce Cases and Will's and Probate. She graduated top of her class at Baylor University and is probably one of the most caring and trustworthy attorneys I've ever had the pleasure of working with. She goes above and beyond to get your case settled and is very meticulous about her work. I refer all my friends, family and clients to her. If you're looking for the best attorney! Call Wendi!
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21 May, 2018 by James r w medina
Used the legal service rendered by Mr. Guleke. Outstanding attorney. Never had to worry about his legal expertise or presentation before the bar.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Alanna
I have known Mr. Stump for over 10 years and have worked with him professionally and personally. This is a man of integrity first and foremost and he is an incredible advocate for his clients! I have every confidence referring people to his practice knowing they will be treated with respect and genuine care. Our community is fortunate to have a professional like this.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Yesenia ramirez
Great experience, Valeria was patient and very helpful with my mom’s questions and concerns. She is definitely a great asset to this office!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Gerson roldan roldan
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29 Oct, 2024 by Pedro hernandez
Todo exelente Muy amables
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17 Aug, 2022 by Kelli semmes
I’ve been witness to her lack of communication and follow through for close to 2 years so far with NO end in sight. She doesn’t return calls and is doing nothing to move the divorce along! It should have been done long ago, they have no young kids to deal with, just need to split assets and be done. So sad and infuriating because he can’t move forward with his life. I’ve gone through a 22 year marriage divorce with assets to separate and young children yet it never took this long.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Brandon finnegan
She is very knowledgeable within the system of family practice and fight for her clients. I recommend her services to anyone that finds them self in the unfortunate situation divorce or child support situations. 😃
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02 Jul, 2021 by Matt korman
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01 Jul, 2024 by Todd white
Great team to work with. Worked with Josh to set up some estate planning docs - will, POA..etc.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Erwin cuellar
Great experience and great lawyers
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05 Apr, 2023 by John pack
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01 Jul, 2024 by Todd white
Great team to work with. Worked with Josh to set up some estate planning docs - will, POA..etc.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Erwin cuellar
Great experience and great lawyers
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05 Apr, 2023 by John pack
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04 Nov, 2018 by Mark
Attorney referred to me by the Texas Bar. Never got to meet him in person or have a fist consultation or have a representation agreement.. He recommended by email that he drafts a letter of demand that would cost me $150 to start the case. Paid him, and got by email a rough draft of a letter of demand that was insufficient in its content. I suggested some standard changes to the letter. He exploded with abusive language, requesting many more hundreds of dollars to make the changes. I gave the letter up after I had paid $150 for it. I gave it another try, and proposed that we meet in his office for a first consultation that would have cost $20 per the Texas Bar referral agreement. He requested $150 plus more money if the meeting would last longer. I reminded him that the cost initially agreed upon for the first consultation would only be $20. He rudely emailed back that "we are well past that" and he rudely stated that he is not interested in the case. I intend to send all this email traffic to the Texas Bar. He might behave differently with other clients, however, in my experience as a prospective client who speaks English with an accent, he was abusive and rude and he wasted my time and money. I will stay away from this attorney.
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24 Dec, 2017 by Jennifer
Mr. Gassaway is the most thorough, knowledgeable and effective attorney I have ever worked with. He managed to influence my judge to drop charges and reduce and /or eliminate fees, fines and stipulations to the point where the judge even told me "I NEVER do this". He took the time to explain things thoroughly, was thoughtful and non-judgemental. I have worked with several attorneys in my life for various reasons and Mr. Gassaway is the best attorney I've ever encountered.
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27 Mar, 2017 by Monica
Mr. Gassaway recently represented me in a decade old case. He was diligent in researching my case and kept me informed every step of the way. His resolute approach and counsel was a breath of fresh air. He made sure my case moved along post-haste, saving me time and money. Mr. Gassaway is professional, respectful, and steadfast . I highly recommend him and his counsel to anyone looking for such an attorney.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Lisa mills
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14 Mar, 2022 by Garrett henning
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14 Mar, 2022 by Garrett
I was sued over a $1,000 medical bill. I would much rather have appreciated my attorney telling me from the beginning go ahead and pay the invoice. My LegalShield membership turned me on to Tim's firm. A paycheck was soaked up for almost the same value as what I settled on over a years time. The day before trial Tim told me I should go ahead and settle. I could type a five page article on why not to use the firm but I'll leave it at, good luck if you hire Tim.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Orlando
He may call himself an attorney but he is far from being one. After initially taking my case and speaking with great confidence that the issue would be resolved in less than 6 months, things quick dragged out to over 3 years and through this time, the only time jerel showed any a enthusiasm towards the case was when funds in the "Trust" were running low, after then I rarely heard from him until it was that time again to "Top Up" the account. jerel did nothing but take my money and waste my time, and he did it well because in the beginning he would string me along with good news to then getting billed again which became a vicious cycle. Many of the documentation that was sent out on his behalf always contained grammatical errors which I corrected and had resent so the defendants could actually take him serious. A lot of the research involving the case I did myself, no initiative was ever taken on this guy's behalf. Since I've made my case of not topping off my account he has yet to fulfill his word on getting the motion to dismiss signed by the courts, another simple task that was screwed up multiple times (confirmed by the court's county clerk and they even told me I should find another attorney, because a good attorney doesn't make mistakes like this, their words, Amy was her name.) jerel is not a man of his word, don't waste your time or money on this guy or his "firm", completely incompetent and unprofessional, take your hard earned money to a real attorney that will fight for you, not his checking account.
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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.

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