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25 Oct, 2021 by Anthony
I highly recommend the services of Mike Hemphill for his expertise in new construction law. He quickly grasps the issues at hand, and his sound advice is priceless!
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26 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Michael Hemphill set up my Seattle, Washington based LLC in May of 2008. He was professional, responsive, and gave outstanding guidance that I needed as a first time business owner. I continue to seek out Michael for ongoing business and contractual council. Outstanding Attorney!
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22 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mike has been very helpful, cost effective, and completely responsive. His work and communication skills are excellent. Mike takes complex issues and makes them simple and direct. He also knows what he doesn't know and consults with experts in specific fields with your permission. I did not know Mike prior to hiring him and I give him my highest recommendation.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Scorpio
I was very fortunate to have found Rob. We had a meeting and he laid out timelines and expectations. Rob got the result I was looking for in a quicker time than he stated. He was a expert in all laws concerning my case. Our family graciously thanks you. Worth every penny!
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11 Mar, 2013 by Patrick
Mr. Gillanders has a gift whereby complex legal issues are condensed into simple step by step terms. We have used Mr. Gillanders now for about 6 years; he is now our corporate counsel. I highly recommend him for counsel, very personable, engaging and very responsive to clients needs.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Xena
I was being sued by a real dirtbag and it was really serious FALSE allegations... My previous attorney just, kept telling me to settle... So I fired him and hired carl. He went to war for me and got the case Dismissed! I highly Recommend him
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26 Mar, 2021 by Annette
Carl the best lawyer . I hired Carl to evict horrible tenant and he got it done even during governor inslees moratorium!! Thank you so much !!!
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31 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I worked with Carl on a trust and estate matter. Carl was always responsive to any questions or documents that I needed. In the real estate world time is of the essence and he never fell short of doing the work that he said that he was going to do. He knows the laws and he’s able to articulate and advise those lies to his clients. He really is a top notch attorney and is invaluable to the community.
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10 Feb, 2023 by B f
Extremely helpful and informative. Gave me the advice I needed and more. Highly recommend for family law.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Jason
I called John Burleigh with an issue I was having with my HOA. John returned my call and went through a consultation with me and was very receptive to my situation and the information I presented. I could tell right away that he was an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. He walked me through my situation and gave me solid advice on what I should do. Although I have not retained his council, if I need to I would not look elsewhere.
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30 Jan, 2021 by Nellbelle
Alysha is well versed in her expert area. She was excellent with her communications and handled the matter very professionally in court. I felt very confident in my case with her by my side.
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24 Mar, 2017 by Tom
Nathan and Anna handled a very complex, in depth mortgage issue involving a quiet title action for me. This issue had plagued me for many years. Once retained, they hit the ground running, sifting through the many legal issues involving this matter with professionalism and expertise and they quickly settled my case to my complete satisfaction. I highly recommend them.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Our family suffered the loss of a loved one in a tragedy, and we contacted Nathan Sukhia at Gig Harbor Law for help. After an initial review of the facts, one of the first things he did was recommend we team up with another firm with extensive experience and success with this sort of case. During the entire process, we were very pleased with the level of expertise, professionalism, sensitivity, and communications. We recently settled the case, and we are very pleased with the outcome. We heartily recommend Gig Harbor Law. We are confident Nathan and his team were able to win the best possible settlement.
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01 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
The turn over rate at the office must be very high, we had a garnishment case so we paid all of our fees upfront. Every time we called for a status update we spoke with a different paralegal. Finally after weeks of not hearing anything, we received a call from a paralegal named Ashley. She was wonderful and imformative and put our concerns at ease. She was abke to wrap our case quickly. When we paid our fees we were told by Mr. Sukhia that it would take no more than 3 months. But by the time Ashley closed our case it took almost 9 months total. We fell through the cracks.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Dan stubbs
Direct and to the point! This made my complicated situation easier to understand and potential processes/avenues to take. Very much appreciated and informative!
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17 Oct, 2023 by Heath wright
I would highly recommend Dan. He is always helpful and knowledgeable.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Scot robinson
Danny is a killer lawyer, who has represented our rental real estate company for years and through multiple successful evictions. Particularly in Tacoma, you cannot possibly do better. Caveat: he will not coddle you. He is effective, fast, acutely competent and knows the local legal landscape extremely well. Don't try his patience, however. Get to the point and he'll get the job done. Go Danny!
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02 Oct, 2022 by Renae jordan
Ronald Ulmen is extremely competent knowledgeable and expidited my legal matter very quickley and efficiently. I am so glad I chose him for my lawyer. I will definitely be using him again in the future. I even told a friend how good he was and she wants his number. Thank you again Ron!!!
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15 Aug, 2022 by Whitney
We couldn't be more pleased ! Price was fair, he came out to the house on a Saturday. Really took time to understand our case. Walk us through the process .... relieved the stress !
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03 Feb, 2021 by Sk mustakin
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15 Apr, 2015 by Donna
Doug worked diligently for 3 years on my son's wrongful death case. He kept me informed, even if there was nothing to report. Between setting up mediation's with the other parties and real life rearing its head at the most inopportune times, Doug and his wife Jeanette stayed on top of things and walked me through this terrible case. I would highly recommend Doug Lineberry.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Mike
Would strongly not recommend using Mr. Lineberry based on my experience. He wasn't responsive to my calls and emails and didn't keep me informed; I seriously questioned the advice he gave me.. I finally gave up on him because he stopped communicating completely. I ultimately had my legal situation reviewed by another attorney who agreed Mr. Lineberry's recommendations were not appropriate. Would definitely avoid him.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I went to Doug for an NFA gun trust and was referred to him by an Army JAG officer. Doug was very prompt and professional and was very knowledgable of gun trusts and applicable NFA laws. The price was reasonable and he quickly corrected a couple minor issues I had with the trust. I would definitely recommend him to anyone seeking a similar service.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Bill
My experience with Ms, Koler did not have a good outcome. I used her in a land use case in 2004. She started out appearing to be a decent lawyer but when my wife left me she decided she didn't like me but liked her. She had this "I'm better than you attitude" toward me and she didn't bother to tell me the last two times she went to court with my case. These two times that I should have been in court was for settlement damages from Snohomish County and as a result I was only awarded $1 dollar for denile of due process (actually my ex wife got that so I didn't actually get anything personally but the court awarded her fee to be payed by Snohomish County. I see she was disciplined by the State in 2014 which doesn't surprise me.
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09 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I've known Jane Koler about 30 years and recently needed her help with some land use matters: a boundary dispute and a tax foreclosure sale of property. She was professional in every way and helped me immeasurably to secure results. I know her to be ethical, hard-working, and highly knowledgeable in her field. Would not hesitate to use her again. I'm aware that the bar association sanctioned her over a technical discovery issue, but in my opinion it didn't amount to a hill of beans and doesn't change my opinion of her one bit.
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01 Aug, 2012 by Elizabeth
Jane Koler is an excellent attorney. She assisted me with a zoning penalty action. She has an excellent abilty to analyze zoning problems. She thought of a great solution to our problem and convinced city officials to accept it. The city withdrew its penalty order. She has an excellent ability to analyze city codes and think of creative theories, Jane Koler works very effectively with City officials. She has deep and extensive knowledge of land use law and as well as constitutional law which she utiliized in solving our problem.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Glenda calvin
Ok
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16 Dec, 2019 by Riley harrison
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22 Jul, 2019 by Matt buckner
Dont like
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30 Dec, 2023 by Glenda calvin
Ok
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16 Dec, 2019 by Riley harrison
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22 Jul, 2019 by Matt buckner
Dont like
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01 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to see him about a real estate transaction. Unconcerned interested in me doing estate planning instead.
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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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