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11 Apr, 2017 by Matthew
Brent is an amazing attorney that is truly passionate about the work he does. I would refer him in a heartbeat.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Linda
I want to thank you for your help during this saddening time for me and my family. I must say the staff at your law firm was wonderful in helping me to understand which path to take in settling my mother's estate. As it is with sad news that my mother's house has sold I know that even though this chapter of my life is winding down, I am given strength with the people that helped me through this time in my life. You guys are those people. With your hard work and dedication to settling the estate we are able to render payment and finalize our account. You guys were great to have by my side and I look forward to using your services again when this time comes for my father. Thanks again for all your support and I am please to have done business with you guys.
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20 Mar, 2013 by Don
Brent helped us in a difficult matter. We were minority shareholders in an LLC and were being treated unfairly by the majority shareholder. We had no written contract and our position was very weak. Brent gathered the facts, developed a strategy and negotiated a fair settlement without filing a law suit. We are 100% SATISFIED.
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25 Feb, 2018 by Jeff
Katrina’s consultation toward our real estate questions were both genuine and thorough. She is personable, professional, and receptive toward our individual needs.
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12 Jul, 2016 by Mike
Katrina Pemberton has always been understanding and compassionate about my needs as her client. She stays on top of my deadlines, and keeps me informed of every legal situation I bring to her. I would highly recommend Katrina as an attorney that truly cares and represents her client's needs.
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24 Oct, 2019 by Gayle
Did a will, power of attorney, she is very professional and informative . She walked us through it so we could understand what we were signing.
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16 Mar, 2018 by James
Catherine helped me through a civil suit, she won it with no problem. Also she did a will for me. For each the prices were so reasonable it literally made me wary! But no need for wariness, this lady has both the intelligence and Integrity and will do her best to get you through whatever you're dealing with.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Philip went above and beyond. He is very professional and quick witted. What I liked most is that he did not draw things out. From the time I filed for a modification to the time it was granted and the final order was signed by the judge was only three weeks. Some stuff came up last minute and he jumped through some hoops to subpoena witnesses for the next morning at court. He worked hard to make hat happen last minute and still with minimal cost. It only costed just a hair over $5,000. His retainer is $5,000, but definitely worth it. Some attorneys charge you a retainer and then start charging you for transactions. The upfront cost for Phillip covered all but about $300 of the total cost. He will work hard for you and he's sharp and to the point. Have a list of questions you need to ask before going in. His firm has offices in Greenville and in Emory. They are very familiar with local courts and judges
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19 Jun, 2024 by Lacey sadler
I have been trying to get my divorce done for over 8 months now. We have already been to court, and the agreement was that we would be coming into the office to sign our divorce and just be done with it. We were supposed to come in and sign the docs today after an extremely long wait period with no updates. But we were never given a specific time to come sign them. Every time my soon to be ex husband has called the office, or I have, there is always no one available to take our calls or they say they will email us later (and of course we never get the email). My ex husband has paid a lot of money to have this divorce done, we are in agreement on everything, and it’s been over two years since we’ve been separated. Trying to get this divorce (and having been to court almost a year ago now). We just want the divorce that was paid for and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t have been done by now. There have been weeks we have called multiple times within the week span just to get updates we were promised. Terrible law office. The lack of professionalism is astounding. My ex husband should be entitled to his money back so we can give it to a lawyer who will finalize this divorce. Not stay on vacation every time we call out of the 30 plus times within the last 5 months.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Greg giles
He is a honorable person in a profession that is more lucrative if you are not. He protects his clients interest!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Buddy tarver
Scott is awesome man of his word straight up when it come to being realistic about the possible in the court of law explained all options in ways to wear i could understand would recommend him in a second he is most definitely is in your best interest the man actually cares and is good at what he does.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Robby sparks
They help me get screwed. Horrible experience. Sold for 72k got 14k. I don't recommend.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Paul denman
He's spamming my cell phone.
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20 Jan, 2024 by Lee stacey
Not very good at calling u back called in asked to speak with a attorney in they said he would call in never did not a good place
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31 Oct, 2017 by Linda
Since I gave some fairly confusing directives on the phone rather than driving in to the office, I expected a few mistakes in the first draft. But all my dealings with Mr. Williams and his secretary have been quite pleasant in difficult circumstances. His fees were more than reasonable. I was very satisfied with everything.
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05 Jul, 2015 by Jack
I have used Mr. Williams for both person and business related legal issues. I found him to be very professional and a pleaseure to deal with. His office kept me informed on every aspect of my cases. Iwould highly recommend Mr. Williams for you legal needs within his specialties.
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04 Mar, 2015 by David
Mr. Williams was hired to write a will, a physician directive, medical and durable power of attorney. The first draft was completed 10 days after the deadline. I was asked to come to office and sign it. When I requested the drafts be emailed to me for review, I was met with reluctance on the part of the secretary. After 3 days, I received the drafts. There were numerous grammar and punctuation errors. In addition, the language was poorly constructed. An example: I asked to have a clause included that would direct a physician to withhold intravenous or other methods of nutrient delivery if I was in a non-recoverable state. The language in the document was as follows: "after 14 days food is to be discontinued." There were other examples of poorly constructed sentences. I informed Mr. William's secretary that I would be terminating my association with Mr. Williams, and had hired another attorney.
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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.