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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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30 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I called Howard and received great guidance on my case. He was polite and knowledgeable!
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10 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I was provided with great knowledge about the different outcomes of my case; now, I know what to expect. Thank you.
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13 Oct, 2019 by Mark
I was facing a serious traffic violation and Howard got it reduced to basicaly a traffic ticket. Awsome job Howard, thanks again!
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28 Apr, 2022 by Shari mosqueda, critical care rn
Bernard Schaefer has represented me for civil and family court issues. He is caring, extremely experienced in court, trustworthy, anticipates barriers and moves you over the hurdles. Mr. Scaefer is professional, fierce in court, and put his foot down when many different entities tried to push me around. Mr. Schaefer is in control and not intimidated by anyone including other lawyers and even the judge. I have been in court with Bernard at least a dozen times... they say "you can't win them all"...but he has won them all for me! If I need a lawyer, Bernard is my 1st choice
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30 Oct, 2019 by Alanzo
Working with Bernard was delightful. He was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, and I always felt that Bernard had my best interest at heart. If you want a job well done, Bernard Schaefer, is your man.
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26 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Schaefer was the only one of a handful of lawyers we contacted that even bothered to return our call. He was professional, kind, knowledgeable and helped me to understand the in's and outs of Land Contract Forfeiture.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Adam
She got the job done really quick..I will for sure use her again if I need a lawyer
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24 Oct, 2018 by Brian
Amanda did an excellent job defending me against a bogus domestic violence charge, which I stood my ground on and refused to plead to. She singlehandedly debunked the testimony of 4 witnesses and brought out the truth of the case in front of a jury. Yes this case went all the way to a jury trial that lasted 12 hours, and thanks to her confidence and determination, I was rendered a verdict of not guilty.
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19 Feb, 2018 by Jeffrey
I had an incident in December, 2017, and I needed an attorney to defend me. She was able to do get the city attorney what I was aiming for. I'm looking to use her services for future use in a civil matter. She was very easy to talk to and her explanation of the situation was undeniably easy to understand.
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20 Jul, 2016 by Brandon
Jason was referred to me by another lawyer. I found him to be responsive, courteous, intelligent, and thorough. He had me well prepared for the proceedings. I would wholeheartedly recommend him in the future.
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11 Dec, 2015 by Brandi
Jason is an awesome attorney. He is so professional and genuinely a nice person. He was very fast to file my application and to respond to my questions via email even at times when I didn't expect an answer until the next day. He prepared me well and helped me feel very at ease in the courtroom.
I highly recommend him as an attorney and in the future If I ever need legal council I would absolutely seek his services again.
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03 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
During a very difficult time in which I had gotten myself into some trouble, Jason was extremely helpful in assisting me. His professionalism and kind-heart showed through the way he worked with me without judgement, but also with my best interest in mind. He took the time to get to know me and truly make the case a personal one amidst the cold-hard facts of what I had done. My sentence was significantly reduced from what I was originally charged with and my consequences were much less than any other individual who would have landed on the sentence I ended with. I attribute this to Jason and his thoroughness and work on my case in making it personal to my circumstances and taking into consideration my past behavior. Not only from the court perspective was Jason successful, but he was very kind throughout the process, as I was visibly having a hard time. He helped me through the process much more than he had to and eased my stresses. I was able to go on with my day-to-day work through this long process and trust that he was taking care of everything. I only had to think of it on court dates because Jason took on the rest of the work. I would not hesitate to personally recommend Jason to any client. You could not go wrong by having him represent you. I am forever grateful for his assistance in my case and for the favorable outcome we achieved, though at first it felt impossible! Thank you, Jason!
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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22 May, 2014 by Richard
Mr. Slot handled a land contract default for me and did an excellent job.
The very few things he had to research no doubt would have filled in the last dot.
I would have no problem in having Mr. Slot handle any further legal problems that I may have arise.
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23 Sep, 2013 by Douglas
Over the past several years Phillip has helped my company out in a few different capacities. He has been extremely helpful to us negotiating disputes and advising on contracts with both customers and suppliers. I have needed Phil's services to develop trial agreements for products and terms of service with our suppliers. I have occasionally needed his services again if they fail to deliver. Phil has helped us negotiate with customers with regards to limiting our liability and for extreme instances of non-payment. Phil has always offered sensible advice and has helped us to reach the best resolution in several difficult situations. He is professional, responsive, diligent, and honest. We are better off having used Phillip as our attorney and I would definitely recommend him.
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19 Sep, 2013 by Catherine
Phillip has recently assisted my husband and me in a matter of hostage-taking of our household goods by a moving company, in their attempt to greatly inflate their fees. The matter had degenerated into a highly-contentious situation, which Phillip handled and resolved expeditiously and knowledgeably within 48 hours.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Aubrey
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year. This has been especially true for me as I lost my job in March and dug myself into a whole that was impossible to get out of with my rent. David from Edward and Alan law went above and beyond to help me. I was in the process of getting evicted and was so lost on what to do , he went out of his way to send me organizations for funding , personally contacted these organizations to help me and managed to help me get all of the money I needed to cover my rent and avoid eviction. He did this all without receiving any payment from me . David from Edward and Alan law had no obligation to help me, but he did more than that. I wouldn’t trust any other person or law firm in my time of need! I highly recommend getting in touch with them if you want a lawyer who not only gets the job done but goes above and beyond to do so!
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14 Jun, 2016 by Julie
David Szostek recently helped me with an important and delicate matter. I've had experience with multiple lawyers that were characteristically unresponsive and did not deliver. Then I encountered David. I highly recommend David for basically anything. He is a creative thinker and has gone the extra mile to help me - working tirelessly to do whatever it took and with excellent results! David is an extraordinary legal professional and will be a benefit to any client!
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20 Jul, 2015 by Victoria vuletich
David demonstrates a commitment to practicing in an ethical manner. He seeks to be worthy of the trust and confidence his clients place in him. He is smart, knowledgeable and always seeks to do the right thing.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Meltem tankut
06 Jun, 2022 by Darci koenigsknecht
I cannot say enough awesome things about Grand Law! I was already kicking myself for the reason I had to seek their help and they made me feel at ease through the whole process. Jeff and Amy were so easy to talk to, reassuring, and responded to all my many questions and follow ups in a timely and kind manner. I was always kept up to date, and they made sure I was prepared for all parts of the process. Jeff even answered a few questions that I had about my after court process. I hope to never have to seek their help again, but they are definitely a friend for life - highly recommend!
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23 Nov, 2021 by Scott beuschel
28 Oct, 2023 by Katie m
Was standing out in the rain and a very kind woman gave me a Clark Hill umbrella - if I’m ever in need of legal services I know where I’m going
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11 Jul, 2023 by Heidi wilbourn
01 Jul, 2019 by Mike bassett
Thank you to the staff at Clark Hill PLC for your professional, unbiased and thorough investigation into Title IX employment violations involving the Pathfinder Elementary Principal at Fremont Public Schools. This individual has finally been held accountble for her actions! Employees should feel safe at work and not be subjected to harassment, bullying and intimidation. We support survivors! #MeToo #TimesUp
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28 Oct, 2023 by Katie m
Was standing out in the rain and a very kind woman gave me a Clark Hill umbrella - if I’m ever in need of legal services I know where I’m going
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11 Jul, 2023 by Heidi wilbourn
01 Jul, 2019 by Mike bassett
Thank you to the staff at Clark Hill PLC for your professional, unbiased and thorough investigation into Title IX employment violations involving the Pathfinder Elementary Principal at Fremont Public Schools. This individual has finally been held accountble for her actions! Employees should feel safe at work and not be subjected to harassment, bullying and intimidation. We support survivors! #MeToo #TimesUp
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15 Feb, 2019 by Addeury marmol
Had many faults my first court
Was supposed to have penalty and a lot more. I went to my first one
And all charges drop all I got was a ticket
EVERYONE PLEASE IF YOU NEED A LAWYER GO TO HIM HE IS THE ONE HE KNOWS WHAT HES DOING
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03 Jul, 2016 by Kris
Had some truancy issues and i went to James, eventually hiring him. Him and his staff were friendly and courteous while dealing with this whole ordeal.
In the end, James' skill had everything wrapped up in an effiecient and timely manner. I would hire him again, should the need arise.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Richard higgins
When I first met Jim I was facing a Domestic Assault charge out of Grandville Michigan. Quickly he went to work gathering information and staying in constant contact in order to dig at the case. His confidence picked me up when I felt very discouraged. I had a tremendous amount of pressure riding on the outcome of my case.
While in jail he visited me and continued to hash away at my case. He gave me hope even when I had none. His confidence, dedication and hard work as a lawyer are all virtues that you would look for in representation. Above all else he was my friend when I had none. I give Jim a 10/10 and would recommend him AND his firm to anyone. Even his assistant Sydney is helpful and extremely friendly with every single encounter. If I ever run in to trouble again I know who to turn to. He saved my career in the military, my goals in law enforcement and my life. Thanks for everything Jim.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Sharon
I hired John for my divorce. The first time I met him, we talked for over an hour, which made me feel comfortable about having him as my attorney. He shared a lot about himself too, so it wasn't' like going to a stuffy attorney's office. He seemed like he cared and was very easy to talk to. My case was difficult and he made sure to keep me positive about not giving up, and I'm so glad I listened to him. He has a lot of knowledge, and I would 100% hire him if I ever need an attorney again.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Holly
John was an excellent lawyer who worked hard throughout my entire case. He was very knowledgeable and explained things in a manner that was easy to understand. He was organized and confident. I highly recommend John if you are looking for a knowledgeable, personable, top quality lawyer.
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05 Jun, 2018 by Mitchell
John is a straight shooter who, through his many years in the area, has gained a level of professional respect from judges, referees, and fellow lawyers that invaluable from a credibility standpoint. John and his staff put communication with me at the top of the priority list throughout my custody trial, I will recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney that the courts will not only listen to, but trust.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Katie m
Was standing out in the rain and a very kind woman gave me a Clark Hill umbrella - if I’m ever in need of legal services I know where I’m going
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11 Jul, 2023 by Heidi wilbourn
01 Jul, 2019 by Mike bassett
Thank you to the staff at Clark Hill PLC for your professional, unbiased and thorough investigation into Title IX employment violations involving the Pathfinder Elementary Principal at Fremont Public Schools. This individual has finally been held accountble for her actions! Employees should feel safe at work and not be subjected to harassment, bullying and intimidation. We support survivors! #MeToo #TimesUp
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28 Oct, 2023 by Katie m
Was standing out in the rain and a very kind woman gave me a Clark Hill umbrella - if I’m ever in need of legal services I know where I’m going
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11 Jul, 2023 by Heidi wilbourn
01 Jul, 2019 by Mike bassett
Thank you to the staff at Clark Hill PLC for your professional, unbiased and thorough investigation into Title IX employment violations involving the Pathfinder Elementary Principal at Fremont Public Schools. This individual has finally been held accountble for her actions! Employees should feel safe at work and not be subjected to harassment, bullying and intimidation. We support survivors! #MeToo #TimesUp
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14 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael is a Great attorney. I would Highly recommend him to anyone. He is very trustworthy and responds quickly. I had a very difficult case and the outcome ended up far better than I could have dreamed :)
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07 Apr, 2013 by Paul
Michael Dantuma is an excellent attorney and I would trust him again to handle any legal situation. He argued my case in court and the outcome was even better than we had hoped for.
Very knowledgable.
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04 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Mike has handled several cases for our family.He is very knowledgeable and wascompassionate to our family.He is a great attorney and nice person.I would totally recommend him.
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22 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Very ethical Lawyer. Very customer oriented and understanding of our positions
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14 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Nick helped me with a property dispute. He was very knowledgealbe and respondsive to any question I asked. I would recommend him to everybody.
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11 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I am currently working with Nicolas in a business capacity and have been very pleased with the quick responses and advice he has provided me. I have worked with several attorneys in the past who have reviewed my correspondence and was disappointed in the timely manner in which I received advice and information. I was introduced to Nicolas and discussed my current business opportunities which required legal advice and was pleased to receive such a positive and quick reply to may questions and concerens. Nicholas always keeps me infomed if more time is needed for research or review. I do not need to continue to call day after day to see if there is a recommendation. He is easy to understand and to converse with. If you are in need of a lawyer I highly recommend Nicholas Reister.
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29 Jul, 2015 by Ken
I don't write reviews often, but I must make an exception here. A few years ago Joe rescued me from a potentially devastating situation that a pair of high-priced local attorneys got me into; he took personal ownership of my case after it was essentially abandoned and kicked to the curb by them. His legal advice was stainless, he was honest, and I came away deeply impressed with him both professionally and personally.
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09 Jul, 2015 by Rjs
I've worked with Joe, I've recommended people to Joe, and I've personally sought counsel from Joe. Top-notch: trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, professional, personable, able.
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13 Jan, 2014 by Parke
Chuck is a true advocate. His knowledge and expertise enable his client to make informed decisions prior to and during the litigation process. I have engaged Chuck 5-6 times over a 15 year period and remain very satisfied. He is one of the few attorneys I would recommend to a friend/associate.
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12 Jan, 2014 by James
For the record, I did not know Chuck until a few years ago when my Liability Insurance carrier recommended that I call him on what appeared to be a very sticky and costly legal matter. Chuck wrote a letter to the other party in the matter and literally made it go away. His approach was brilliant and decisive, and convinced the other side they had no case and it was over before it started. I was somewhat stunned and certainly very pleased.
I am in the construction business and Chuck has since represented me on several occasions in matters ranging from workman's comp issues to legal contract disputes. In each case he has proven not only to be knowledgeable and competent, but also very pragmatic. I have found that he is focused on obtaining the best result for me rather than accumulating fees.
I have dealt with a number of construction attorneys over my 33 years in business, and Chuck is head and shoulders the best. If you have a construction-related legal matter, this is the guy to call, period.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Jeff
James Komondy served as an attorney for our municipality for a number of years. Jim represented the City on a wide variety of municipal issues. I found Jim to be knowledgeable, responsive, and extremely professional.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Lrp
Pete handled our case involving a local builder and architect who misrepresented himself, intentionally substituted structural materials, did not pay vendors, and was clearly over his head.
Pete was always upfront about potential outcomes, cost, and was very clear as to what the "eye on the prize" meant. He was aggressive and pragmatic. He didn't hesitate to consult other attorneys in his firm to make sure all options were on the table. Pete is investigative, fair, and honest. He is an excellent attorney who knows his way around the Ottawa, Allegan, and Kent Co. court systems. We appreciated his expertise and the way he took a personal and professional interest in our case. We highly recommend him. If you are building a home, prior to signing any contract, he would be an excellent attorney to look it over. I wish we had done that at the start.
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16 Oct, 2018 by Dennis
I consulted with Lawyer Nash for some complicated and old real estate problems. She handled my affairs with speed and accuracy. I recommend her to everyone.
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27 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Tom initially represented me approximately seven years ago, during a challenging divorce proceeding. He had been asked to sub for my attorney in a hearing regarding custodial rights. Tom spent some time gaining a good understanding of the situation prior to entering the court room. He was straightforward and tactful in his presentation. Seven years later I contacted him again, to assist in a like environment. He once again acted in the same manner.
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22 Jul, 2013 by Chuck w.
My wife and I utilized Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C. when we decided to fulfill our dream of owning our own business. After researching local law firms we contacted Business Law Attorney Bryan Reeder. Bryan was extremely friendly, professional, and answered all of our questions. He even returned all of our phone calls promptly—which we really appreciate in an attorney.ck W.
Bryan explained our options when deciding which form of business ownership would be best suited for us. We were astonished by his guidance with forming our LLC with such relative ease! He helped us register our business name, guided us through our proper paperwork, negotiate and execute an operating agreement, helped determine our tax obligations, and much more. We really liked the way Bryan was patient in explaining everything and how helpful he was. He even gave us some resources to help our business be as successful as possible!
We would highly recommend Bryan for anyone considering starting their own business. His expertise and professionalism was second to none.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
