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10 Sep, 2024 by Costa ohana
I highly recommend Jeff Foster! He and his team are incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always responsive to my questions. Throughout my case, they provided clear guidance and went above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome. Their dedication and attention to detail were truly impressive. If you're looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares and fights for their clients, Jeff Foster is the one to trust!"
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10 Sep, 2024 by Paul b.
Professional and easy to deal with. Highly recommend !
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20 Feb, 2024 by Heidi mumford
Jeff was wonderful in helping me settle a claim for a boat accident in Hawaii where I broke my arm and required surgery. He was friendly and patient in helping explain the process, legal terms, etc. and helping me successfully navigate the process to settle with the insurance company. Highly recommended!
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
09 Dec, 2019 by Celso
This attorney took time out to answer some questions , and clearly explained my options at time of need, you will not go wrong with this man, I owe him a world of gratitude, he has been in vigil for our electronic correspondence with this individual prime contractor who is being very, even thought his review does not ask if you WOULD HIRE him, you would be so wrong in not doing so.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Gabriela
Nathan is professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive, every time I contacted him he got back to us promptly. His expertise in real estate is invaluable and he did a great job of protecting our interests, we would have been lost without him.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Completed sale and filing of house sale to our complete satisfaction. Worked with trust lawyer and completed including our specific special circumstances.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Leonard
Nathan Natori assisted me in a home purchase. He was quick, thorough and accommodating by allowing all to be done by email and phone.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Ron
Nancy was exceptionally helpful with the sale of our business. She was prompt, efficient, responsive. Her advice was very useful and sound. She really helped us get the complicated deal done correctly.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Guy
Nancy came highly reccomended to me. I contacted her on short notice for some urgent work on a small business contract issue. She asked the right questions, and was able to arrive quickly and accurately to the right answers. Her help is greatly appreciated.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Peter
Nancy Gretchen proved to be an exceptional attorney for our property closing in Lanikai, Hawaii. Despite us being remote in New York, Nancy flawlessly managed every aspect of the transaction. She efficiently handled the formation of our LLC, guided us through the negotiation process, and provided expert advice on the 1031 exchange, an area in which she is particularly skilled. Her expertise and attention to detail ensured a smooth and stress-free experience, making us feel confident and well-supported throughout the entire process.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Dave
Luke handled all aspects of the corporate formation in a professional and timely manner. All our questions and concerns were answered clearly and concisely. I would recommend Luke to anyone looking for honest help and guidance with legal issues.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Jan
We recently created a family trust and need to re-title an out-of-state condo. After contacting two lawyers in that state, we were discouraged. One was not interested in such a simple transaction. The other quoted an exorbitant fee. Mr. Korkowski was then recommended by a mutual acquaintance. Working with him was a pleasure from start to finish. He responded quickly, gave precise and clear directions, was very efficient and timely, and accomplished our goal quickly. We highly recommend him! He will be our first choice for any future legal transactions .
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03 Nov, 2016 by Joel
Luke is Great. He handled a complex real estate transaction without any problems. He is incredibly knowledgeable and efficient. I would highly recommend him for any transaction and I will use him again.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Chris
I’ve been an attorney for 20 years and know an attorney can be his or her own worst client. So when I had a minor business dispute with a vendor, I hired Ryan to handle it. it was settled in a few days on more favorable terms than I’d authorized. Great job, for a fee that was more than reasonable. I’d recommend Ryan to anyone.
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27 Oct, 2018 by Hannah
My family came to Ryan with a fairly uncommon problem. We needed his help transferring the guardianship of an adult from one state to another and also from one co-guardian to a new co-guardian. Sounds simple right? Ryan does not specialize in this type of law (I don't think many do), but he didn't bat an eye. We hired Ryan, and he was able to find out everything he needed to make our complex request He filed everything in a timely manner to get us in front of a judge and to get our matter handled. His prices were so reasonable, we felt compelled to give him a bonus for his stellar performance. I would choose him a thousand times.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Joe
Called Ryan to get some advice for an estate with no signed will. We spoke for about 45 minutes and he took a real interest in my situation. He laid out expected fees and other costs and asked great questions and relayed a similar circumstance he dealt with and it made my decision easy.
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02 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Daniel and Rush Moore LLP not only represented me throughout my case but they also supported me more than any other lawyer I’ve worked with. They are honest, hard working, and always there for me. I appreciate their kindness and patience when answering all of my questions and explaining to me what everything meant throughout the process. Even during COVID slowing things down they always showed up and gave me updates on everything. I wouldn’t trust anyone else since they are the ones to got me trust the justice system/lawyers again.
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13 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Forced sale of home and Transference of title. Very competent and professional in handling all aspects of my case. Courteous and helpful and always prompt at returning phone calls and answering questions.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Michael
Mr. Chen impressed me with his experience and communication skills. He took really good care of my case.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Michele
After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me.
I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.).
We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable.
After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount!
So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!
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30 Apr, 2017 by Eric
My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.
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24 May, 2016 by Jaye
Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation.
Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines.
When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Although it was determined after Mr. Sakoda and I communicated by email that I would need Family Law representation for my legal situation, Mr. Sakoda was extremely helpful in offering me advice regarding a Family Trust, very quick to respond during our dialog and a compassionate person.
I am sorry I will not be able to use his services to represent me. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
very knowledgeable, good communication, follow up and went the extra mile to help us through the difficult task of settling my Dad's estate. I would highly recommend Richard as an estate attorney.
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03 Jan, 2015 by Roy
Mr. Richard Sakoda is a very hardworking individual that has one goal in mine, and that goal is keeping his clients satisfied going above and beyond the scope of work requirements to ensure all areas of your problems are satisfied. He is knowledgeable of the work he does, trustworthy, excellent communicator who keeps you informed at all times. He discusses all relevant factors about your case, gives you alternatives, and provides advice in making the best decision to your case.
In our family experience, we have gone through three -(3) Lawyers, but we were not satisfied with their work we requested. We needed a legalized Will written to assure others won't have the ability to take away assets and properties that the deceased will leave to the appointed person/caretaker. But each Laywer we went to and paid to write the Will, were not exactly how we explained to them and therefore the Will needed to be rewritten. Instead of having the same Lawyer to redo the Will, we seek another Lawyer. A friend recommended Mr. Richard Sakoda. We met with him, asked questions and he were straight-forward with his answers. We told him our situation and what we wanted done. He immediately commenced working on the issue that we wanted fixed of which previous Lawyers we went to did not do unless we paid additional fee. Mr. Sakoda accomplished the Will the way we exactly wanted it to be done and completed it in a timely manner. We are now releived that no one; especially other family members, will not be able to intrude and be disruptive in making every effort to take-away or be a part owner of properties and assets that the deceased leave behind to the appointed person.
Mr. Sakoda is a good listener with unique combination of intuitive and analytical abilities. I highly recommend Mr. Sakoda to any person seeking assistance in writting a legalized Will as he is a professional and one of the best Lawyers that provides satisfaction guarantee to his clients.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Francene malloe
ThankYou Mr.Rego and your staff for helping me with my WORKMANS COMP. I appreciate all that you and your staff did for me.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Tammy ellis
Awesome attorney!
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03 Feb, 2023 by Jeffrey vereze
Great at communicating situation that made it easy to underatand. Everything was straight forward. I highly recommend Mr. Rego to handle your situation.
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30 Nov, 2016 by Jerry burdine
Couldn't be any more please and blown away from the incredible experience I had with Mr. Kuniyuki representing me. Just being an average joe never gets in trouble. Never been to court! I was all but lost until I got a hold of this gem! Very informative and there to answer all my questions . I was very comfortable about what was to happen and had a good concept with no last minute surprises except we won the case!! Thanks again Ken !! If you want honest personable and reliable then I highly recommend Ken Kuniyuki to represent you!!
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29 Jan, 2016 by Kerry d. lewis
Ken has been my personal and business attorney for more than 30 years. I am able to always clue any opponent that he'll have to deal with the best attorney in the state. He's a genius. No part of law that this man cannot practice. Period.
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05 Nov, 2015 by Tom
For over 30 years Mr. Ken Kuniyuki has represented me in all my business and personal legal affairs. One of Ken's greatest assets is that he is easy to talk to and he is very patient and explains everything in simple everyday language. Over the years, Ken has provided me with excellent legal advice and I found him to be a very skilled and very well prepared litigator. So if you are looking for a chess master or a shark to legally represent you, Mr. Ken Kuniyuki should be your lawyer. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!
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24 Aug, 2019 by Ted
Barbera's advice was clear and straight to the point. If she practiced in Oahu I would definitely retain her as my counsel.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
She referred us to someone who could help.
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08 Oct, 2013 by Stanley
To Whom It May Concern: I have worked with Barbara on a couple of separate legal matters here in Hawaii. One involved questions pertaining to a proposed Real Estate Partnership, and the second revolved around a pending Mortgage Restructuring. I found her straight-forward approach to both matters quite helpful. She has extensive background experience not only with respect to Real Estate, but also Bankruptcy. My highest recommendation.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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06 May, 2017 by Anonymous
She is professional, straight and is upfront about everything. She cares about your family and your pocket.
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14 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Shoshana really cares about what she can do for you. She tells it straight and doesn't leave any questions unanswered. Her consultation was easier than expected and I feel empowered to continue forward with my case.
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30 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Working with Shoshana O'Brien was a pleasure and a blessing. I was very pleased with her performance, support, and professionalism that she exhibited throughout my case. Shoshana always kept me informed of progress, maintained open lines of communication, and answered any questions with patience. She is full of compassion and determination! I sincerely thank her for her diligent work and vast knowledge!
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11 Feb, 2021 by Sinn bin
22 Sep, 2020 by Gary nakanishi
Professional and very knowledgeable.
Excellent!!!
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04 Sep, 2019 by Ricky tawata
Very knowledgeable and always listens. Not overbearing nor demeaning but very laid back and comfortable to talk to.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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15 Jul, 2020 by Benjamin shelley
05 Nov, 2019 by The maui cookie lady
Jim Geiger has 40 years of wisdom and experience. He is a straight shooter, no nonsense and lets get down to business. He does NOT milk the clock, he gives reference points in relation to advice on what has worked and what has not worked in the past. He is respectful and listened to our concerns, questions and has a great way of communicating legal jargon in a layman's terms. Mr Geiger came highly recommended as a top notch lawyer from the President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. He was more than fair on his pricing and becuase he is so good, skilled and experienced at what he does the "clock" on time charged was even less time. We highly recommend this lawyer for any type of business needs. We used him for a security agreement, promissory note, funding agreement and we will continue to use him for strategy was not listed as his speciality he nailed it.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Drew watson
Ms. Loomis, best mediator on Maui.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
16 Feb, 2015 by Adam
Having to find a lawyer for Debt Collection was a difficult thing to go through because I knew nothing about it. Mr. Chow, and just as importantly his firm, were very knowledgeable and supportive. I was a little surprised to have an interaction with a lawyer I felt I shourld write about. Porter, McGuire, Kiakona and Chow educated me prior to laying out my options. I never felt pressured to take his course of action, but once I did, they were EXTREMELY effective. I would recommend them to anyone, and from what have researched, their success rates in debt collection is exceptional.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Barry
Bryson and his team at PMKC (Porter, McGuire, Kiakona, Chow LLP) get the job done! We had gone through several law firms in the last 12 years previously before hiring them on for our collection issues 3 years ago.
They were able to collect debts from residents that had been uncollectable from previous firms. They are not only professional, but have acted swiftly to enforce our bi-laws to prevents large amounts being owed by our 546 owner owned townhouses. Our account receivable has never looked better. I am totally sold on using Bryson and PMKC.
Porter MMaintecnes and
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Markham's years of experience was evident when he was hired by my insurance company to represent me. He prevailed and the plaintiff received $0. I would hire him in the future to personally represent me even if I am a plaintiff. I know he is well respected in the legal community.
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21 Jul, 2013 by Michael
I hired Mr. Markham on two occasionas initially to defend me in a ridiculous suit brought by a real louse of a person, then when my wife was seriously injured he made sure we were more than adequately compensated by EVERYONE responsible.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Jackie
Justin is a wealth of knowledge. Not knowing the laws can leave you feeling anxious, helpless and full of shame, but after a meeting with Justin I left feeling at ease. We were able to make a plan, so I could focus back on cash flow for my business. Highly Recommend!
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11 Jun, 2015 by Patrick
Justen helped me to negotiate a debt settlement at half the price. He was professional and easy to talk to. He was on-time to every meeting and kept everything transparent. I highly reccomend this lawyer if you have any debt your looking to settle.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
02 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
She is an excellent attorney and goes beyond the call for her clients. She has excellent legal skills and was a pleasure to work with.
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08 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Excellent! Great attorney. She helped me with my legal problems and did a fantastic job. She is knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
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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:
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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.
