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31 Oct, 2024 by B d
I must have contacted a dozen lawyers when the local PD confiscated my firearms due to something my child said on social media, and David Jay Glassman was the only attorney to return my call. His confidence put me at ease right away and his fees are incredibly reasonable, he's worth a lot more. The odds were against me in my case, everyone told me I would never see those guns again. David Jay Glassman won my case, restored my FID and got my firearms returned to me. I can't thank him enough.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Kevin caldwell
I would highly recommend the law firm of Shapiro, Croland, Reiser & Co if you are in need of expert legal services. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Glenn Reiser who has great expertise and experience in legal representation. The services were very reasonable in cost with exceptional professionalism and communication.
I was very happy with the outcome and results of their law services. Thank You!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth lawson
Glenn Reiser and his firm Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP fell way short in their handling of my case.
In our initial consultation, Glenn and his brother Stuart promised to build our case and would listen to our concerns and follow our needs by letting us be “in the driver’s seat”. Well, it just came out that Stuart's motto from another review that was left for the firm two months ago follows the old adage "a bad settlement is better than a good lawsuit". The other plaintiff and I let them know from the beginning that in order for a fair settlement to be reached the path to be taken would be for us to go to trial and have an impartial judge make the decision. We knew this from knowing the defendant's mindset that mediation would be a waste of time. If we knew then that this was this attorney’s viewpoint, we would not have chosen them. Although it is true this may work for most cases it was not the way to go for us.
“A bad settlement is better than a good trial,” is the kind of thing a trial lawyer says to a client/plaintiff when recommending a settlement offer that is less than full compensation for the wrong (that is, 99.9% of settlements) when the wronged client balks at the settlement but the trial lawyer thinks it is, on balance, a (relatively) good deal. This certainly was a fitting mantra for them as a bad settlement is exactly what they got us.
As Abraham Lincoln noted "A good settlement is better than a good lawsuit" and when mediation didn’t work with our first attorney where the defendants stretched out the billing hours and refused to even come up with a counter offer, we knew for sure that a trial was the only way for us to get a fair deal. Reiser’s following the adage of a bad settlement is better may work when you are up against insurance companies but was not applicable to our case, considering the unusual mindset and untruthfulness of the defendants in our case.
Another bone of contention is that despite Glenn's high fees, his law firm is run very spartanly which looking back should have set off numerous red flags. For starters, Glenn doesn't have an assistant. So, everything that is done will be billed at his high rate. Glenn doesn't have DocuSign; he doesn't accept any form of electronic payment in which he has you mail a check to him every month. It was also very unsettlingly how he'd reach out asking if I mailed the payment in the tone of someone who was expecting that I would renege on the bill. He seemed to be always having his hand out. I wholeheartedly suspect he most likely consciously drove up billing hours wherever he could.
Glenn also failed to inform us that a legal malpractice case was filed against him and his firm back in April 2023. Although Mr. Reiser boasts that this case is frivolous and the client a nut job (then why was he your client?) the case, even though Glenn has tried to get it thrown out, is still pending so the courts still believe it has merit see; CASTRO v. REISER et al
Glenn also displayed incompetence at times by not answering and ignoring important questions we posed to him in our emails. We asked for copies of our case files which he agreed to send to us however, he never did.
During our second day of trial, the judge said everyone preferred being back in court in-person after the pandemic. Glenn jokingly responded to the judge he was getting tired standing during the questioning.
Glenn not only charges his full rate driving to court and back, but he charges his full rate waiting for court to begin. Not even the experts we had appearing in court did that.
In my sincere opinion, Glenn's high fees aren't worth the subpar service he provides. I would seriously think twice before choosing this firm if you are looking to receive a good and fair settlement from your case.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Ellen
Ms. Federbusch was my divorce lawyer in 2006-7 and she was fantastic! It is 12 years later and I still appreciate the work she did for me.
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15 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I was purchasing a home and solicited Sue's services. Problems surfaced when I saw typos and formatting errors in the legal document she put together for me. In one case, she copied in email the wrong person altogether, disclosing my private information and documents to a third party who had nothing to do with the deal. If you think spelling errors, unprofessional formatting, and emailing the wrong people was not bad enough, she had absolutely no attention to detail when it came to time sensitive follow-ups and detail inquiry (title review, closing dates, tax information, etc.) so I had to personally sync with all parties and get to the information myself, it was all around frustrating to deal with this attorney and I would never put someone through the hassles I went through. Sue is essentially retired and does legal services for fun - you would think her experience would be a valuable asset, but she's not vested in the outcome of her engagements. In my case, she has only caused headaches.
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15 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Meeting Mr. Bunder was a very unpleasant experience.
He rents space in another law firm office. Everyone thinks he is a jerk. Even the very nice and professional receptionist thought he was obnoxious.
I spoke to him for 30 minutes and he quoted me a ridiculous price to mediate a settlement. He spoke to me like I was a child and was very condescending. He wanted to turn a small matter into a big deal with lawyers and meetings.
I do not think he has any business because he was available all day all week.
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22 Aug, 2009 by Martha jane
Attorney Binder was very knowledgeable, responsive and trustworthy. I would higly recommend his services in any matter which he agrees to undertake.
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03 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Patrick has made my divorce more difficult and challenging then it ever needed to be.My husband and I both requested mediation right from the start and 18 months in and many 10s of thousands of dollars in legal fees we are nowhere at all in the progress of the case and do not yet have a mediator.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Kerrilynn
Mr Harrington was so good to me. He handled a divorce case for me and he knew this was a difficult time for me and my children and was very compassionate and protective. Oatrick also has the patience of a saint ! I would call him worrying about the silliest things and he was ALWAYS responsive and helpful. He gave me WONDERFUL advice and his quick thinking with helping me with an amendment to my custody agreement when I moved later saved me from a world of trouble and pain. I fully endorse this lawyer and if he has received any bad reviews they must be from people that are just bitter and unfair. Sometimes no matter how hard a lawyer tries, he can't make someone happy. In my case he did. He even was concerned about my emotional well being. When we were in court for the final divorce decree I saw my ex husband and I was upset. He sat right next to me and said, "are you okay?" Never leaving my side that day. It is 5 years since my divorce and I still think of his kindness and how grateful I am for his help.
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27 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
He was negligent and worked against me with my ex husbands attorney. He just wanted to get it done. Did not help advise or anything. And he never even gave me a complete divorce decree. Divorcing an an abusive husband and having disabled children he did not advocate for us at all.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Angelo l
The Receptionist, doesn't let you explain what your matter is about, she is very rude, her boss, should fire her and hired somebody else who likes to deal with the public in a more professional and decent way, she is extremely rude not listening to people over the phone, and she is very good in hanging up the phone. Don't waste your time with these kind of people, please contact her boss and complain about her, so they can replace her. she is useless.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Pamela ryder
I called and woman (Nicole? Mumbled !) annoyed when I asked her name and position. She asked me “so what’s your legal problem” and then said “you don’t need an attorney! Anyone who watches TV knows that!” And hung up. Don’t bother unless you want to be humiliated. Minus stars should be a rating option.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Bryan guzman
28 Aug, 2024 by Jose
STAY AWAY FROM HIM AT ALL COSTS! WORST PERSON AND WORSE THAN AN EX-WIFE. HIRE HIM AT YOUR OWN PERIL
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nick
Title says it all. Stephen is an overpriced mediocre lawyer at best, who manages to disappear immediately the day after trial. Any post-trial assistance or guidance does not come with his inflated services. He did not at all guide me on the steps to follow after a DUI, resulting in my serving the punishment I had received three times over before I was able to drive again. Despite his claims, he was non-responsive after the trial, and was FAR more expensive than those I met in similar circumstances. You're quite literally better off doing nothing than burning your money for this man.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
The attorney did not protect my estate property. They stole funds from the Estate accounts.
They failed to protect my family assests. Hired unqualified contractors and never consulted with me about the matter. Signed insurance documents without my approval and wasted the insurance funds when they were suppose to be set aside in a savings account.
I received my files and consulted with another attorney about the files, to another who was able to uncover alot of things that were done illegally.
They have violated specific ethical rules and not trustworthy.
They were reported to the State Attorney General's office for invesitgation and I was advised how to proceed regarding this matter.
Think very careful before you decide who is going to handle your legal affairs.
Which can mean the difference between a major court verdict and a paltry settlement.
The right attorney should be adaptable, likeable, good at communicating, legally knowledgeable, and experienced. Base your decisions on these choices and you should be able the right attorney.
This review is to help other consumers to make a good decision because there is a lot riding on your decision who is going to be your attorney.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
She is unprofessional in all of her communications. She is condescending, vulgar and rude.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Stuart didn't live up to his promises during our initial consultation and the day before a settlement hearing he told me the questions that were going to be asked then how I should respond. When I told him I didn't feel that way he said if I didn't do it he'd drop me as a client.
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06 May, 2017 by Anonymous
His email correspondences were cryptic. When I called him for clarification, he was impatient and rude.
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07 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
If you are looking for unprofessional service and condescending personality, Merrick (Rick) Steinberg in Fort Lee, NJ, is the lawyer for you. I wasted my money on his service.
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16 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Bart Gelormino was very nasty and very rushed at the closing. He was an hour late and seemed like he was very disorganized and actually he was dressed very unprofessional. He became extremely rude and spoke with a foul mouth for no reason. It was very embarrassing to everyone at the closing table. I would never recommend the use of his professional service.
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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.
