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16 May, 2018 by Eric
Mr. Weaver helped my family through a very difficult period after my father passed away without a will. His fees were incredibly reasonable, and he took the time to help answer any questions my family and I had. I will definitely be using his services in the future for my own estate planning.
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11 Nov, 2017 by Jim
I am a Pennsylvania resident and needed legal representation in TX relative to an estate. I had no clue who to go to for legal help. After an internet search I located Tim. I sent him an e mail and he responded by phone immediately. I met Tim in Houston for the probate hearing and found him to be both extremely professional and considerate of my situation. He took extra time following the hearing to discuss the estate with me and made certain that I fully understood all aspects of the probate process. I left Houston fully satisfied with the services that Tim provided with me.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Ann
I went to Tim to get my will in order as well as the other papers needed to accompany it. (Designated Power of Attorney, medical papers, etc.) He had several helpful suggestions and made the whole process very easy to understand. I found him to be kind, professional, likeable, and trustworthy. The best lawyer for me!
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17 Feb, 2017 by Josh
Scott was straight up with me and I liked that. He is honest and won't promise you anything he can't achieve. He is always available to answer any questions and more importantly answer when contacted. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a attorney.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Andrew
Scott is a very dedicated attorney that you'll rarely come by. He works hard to win your case, and keep you posted along the way. To him, you are not just a number but an actual person. He'll fight long and hard for you with all his effort. I am very grateful for the work he has done for us. If I ever need legal help again, I'll sure come to Scott, and so should you.
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06 Feb, 2017 by Lin
Scott never "BS" me. He gave me all the options and let me decide. He always return my phone calls and made sure I understood everything before we hung up. In the end, I got more money than I expected. He's my lawyer for life.
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31 Aug, 2019 by J davis
This firm is the firm fighting the DEA in the huge case about access to medical marijuana for researchers. The whole nation is watching this case. If you want to challenge an administrative agency, you go to this firm, hands down.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Tate burchfield
12 Dec, 2017 by M d
Caring and highly skilled attorneys
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03 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Jay is a Christian atty and a very caring man. He takes great care of his clients, and will not take your case if he does not feel that you will win. He is careful about explaining what to expect, and what to look out for during the pre-trail, or fact gathering time. He will explain what to look out for and what not to do. His staff is also good about answering questions when Jay is not in. We have been very fortunate because in both cases we settled out of court. No one wants to hire an attorney, and no one wants to go to court. Some circumstances can change that. If you are going to make the decision to hire an attorney realize that this is a law firm, and that you are getting the best in Houston. I would feel comfortable recommending him to anyone. Take time to talk with Jay and I feel you will be very glad you did.
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18 May, 2018 by Lance
Mr. Jackson is a man of his word and action. I was met with the utmost professionalism by him and his assistant Cynthia Vergara. They sincerely cared about my well being from the initial meeting until the final settlement. I was very pleased with the settlement along with my medical expenses getting covered. I was blessed to have both of them on my side.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Liduvina
Mr. Jackson helped us with the case of my husband Ismael Tellez. He was always with us during court dates and above all he was a pure gentlemen who was always on time, and presented himself with the most professional attire. Mr.Jackson would keep me and my family updated on the case at all times. If me and my family ever needed any additional help, he was always there, spending countless hours providing professional and moral support to me and my family as we went through the tough times of our loss. We were never alone during our case and Mr. Jackson, to say the very least is a very excellent lawyer and a qualified gentlemen.
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25 Sep, 2021 by Fernado lopez fernandez
02 Mar, 2020 by Jose antonio utreras
The best business attorney of Houston, no doubt!
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01 Aug, 2017 by Matias rios
Mr. John Wood is a great lawyer, with a lot of experience and well known in Texas. I highly recommend him.
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26 May, 2021 by Av grin
Robert Burford is amazing! I had a business issue and my lawyer from most respected law firms in Houston was handling it. This dragged for months and months: tons of aggravation, even sleepless nights, and over $100K in legal bills. A friend recommended to contact Mr. Burford. First he requested to send him all paperwork. After a week, Robert met with me and my partner on the morning before Christmas. His whole office was empty. He asked us what we wanted as the result of his involvement. He found our claim to be very reasonable. After he wrote a letter to the opposing attorneys and had a discussion with them, my partner and I got everything that we wanted. I'm always very thankful to Robert Burford.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Brandon howard
Robert Burford is the best lawyer I know. No one will go the distance to discover the truth , and uncover the fraud perpetrated against his clients.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Braeden g
Mr. Burford is an intelligent man who is amazing at his job.
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31 Aug, 2019 by J davis
This firm is the firm fighting the DEA in the huge case about access to medical marijuana for researchers. The whole nation is watching this case. If you want to challenge an administrative agency, you go to this firm, hands down.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Tate burchfield
12 Dec, 2017 by M d
Caring and highly skilled attorneys
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17 May, 2017 by Emily
John is an excellent attorney. He is caring, loyal to his clients, professional in his actions, stands up for his clients, gives excellent legal care in your cases. I applause John for the countless hours he gave my cases each time he was hired. Hope his caring efforts in helping others never cease. He is the best in his profession.
Emily S.
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06 Feb, 2012 by Shelly
I hired John Osborne to represent me a car accident. John and his staff took iimmediate control of my case and gave my case their full attention.
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30 Jun, 2011 by Jere
I got in touch with John on a recommendation from a friend on a mortgage matter concerning Flagstar Bank/Thrift and some irregularities on the mortgage and the way it has been handled. He took it right on and gave me a personal ray of hope. Thank You John!
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05 Jul, 2023 by Aliyah teyuca
Sarahí was very helpful with my case. Definitely recommend!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Grant hall
08 Jul, 2018 by Thomas pratt
05 Jul, 2023 by Aliyah teyuca
Sarahí was very helpful with my case. Definitely recommend!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Grant hall
08 Jul, 2018 by Thomas pratt
05 Jul, 2023 by Aliyah teyuca
Sarahí was very helpful with my case. Definitely recommend!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Grant hall
08 Jul, 2018 by Thomas pratt
03 Dec, 2020 by Terence
I searched around for an attorney who was affordable, but who also could assist me with a complex divorce. Not only did Ms. Mickey and her staff show professionalism, but also encouraged me during a difficult time in my life. After back and forth negotiating, and not backing down, Ms. Mickey was able to settle my divorce with terms that I agreed upon. She never threw in the towel when I was ready to give up. I would recommend Ms. Mickey’s firm and services to anyone. She will be the first attorney I will call if I am ever in a situation again.
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12 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Kamisha Mickey was very thorough and diligent in taking care of my situation. She never backed down and always demanded accountability, always very reasonable and was ALWAYS my advocate!
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02 Mar, 2016 by Rico
I was in custody a battle with my ex... he was trying to take my daughter from me and tryin to make me pay childsupport.. but i had kamisha by my side... the whole process took 1 yr but finally we finished and my babygirl is here to stay wit me...
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09 Aug, 2023 by Fany arzate
Le doy muchas gracias al abogado Aguirre. Me ayudo con mi caso y todo fue excelente!! Siempre se comunicaba con migo cuando había corte o una noticia nueva. Se los recomiendo.
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20 Jan, 2023 by Jorge ferral
Great law office, helped me maximize my case, alfonso Is great. Always communicating on every step. Quick case resolution compared to other law offices.
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29 Nov, 2022 by Michael garrison
Very knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Jun, 2011 by Steven
I have done business with Mr. Lobb for 3 years now and he has represented me with several matters ranging from bankruptcies to real estate to collections to developing communications with customers. He has been a winner and forthright in his assessments. I will continue to use him in multiple matters
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17 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Lobb is one of the most professional attorneys I have ever worked with. He is extremely responsive to my needs and keeps me in the loop at every turn. Mr. Lobb gives me a feeling of confidence that he has my best interests at heart.
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11 Mar, 2011 by Matt
My company is in the construction business.Chuck Lobb handles collection, contract and personel issues for me. He is very competent and prompt. I highly recommend him
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21 Sep, 2023 by Alix dunn
I met Mr. Rodney while walking my dog at Memory park. I was immediately entranced by his life experience. What stood out as an expressive example of his law practice was his role as a coach. He told of me to fight and fight and fight. Never give up; it is a matter of pride in yourself. I love that. A person can never hear that enough. Life is tough. Ya’ gotta’ have strength. Perseverance and most of all vision with belief that you are upholding justice.
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23 Feb, 2018 by Matthew sigmon
09 Jun, 2013 by Jean harbour
I have used Chris Norton as my attorney on two different occasions. The first was for a case where a car backed into my car; on the second case, Chris helped me file a claim with my insurance company for a hit-and-run accident. The process of submitting a claim and dealing with the insurance representatives was far more difficult than I realized. Therefore, I hired Chris to be my attorney and deal with my insurance company for me, and he was able to get a far better settlement for me than I ever would have gotten on my own. Chris was very responsive to my questions and I was extremely happy with how he handled my case and kept me informed of the status of my claim every step of the way. I found Chris to be extremely knowledgeable as an attorney and very aggressive at getting the best financial settlement for me that was possible. Chris would be the very first attorney I would contact for any type of legal matter I may ever have. I trust that he is an honest attorney with integrity. I would highly recommend him as an attorney for anyone.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Aliyah teyuca
Sarahí was very helpful with my case. Definitely recommend!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Grant hall
08 Jul, 2018 by Thomas pratt
22 Jul, 2019 by Nancy
I have known Steve Touchy personally and professionally for many years. He is of the highest integrity, and very easy to communicate with and work with. Honesty these days is hard to find, and Steve is a true diamond in the rough! He is experienced, smart, and flexible and so many facets of the law. I highly recommend him!
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13 Jun, 2018 by Justice
We spoke with him by phone in the morning to review a contract, could speak with him personally; explained the contract pros and cons. All was done very quick and efficiently in one day. The price was rather average or affordable. He gave us good advice. He seems very experienced and kind. We do recommend.
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02 Sep, 2015 by James
I have consulted with Steve many times over the course of the last 25+ years and he has been a great source of both legal and practical advise. Steve has guided and assisted me concerning both personal and business matters, involving among other things estate and probate law, family law, business law, and litigation. I trust and respect Steve, and I have and will recommended him to others.
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30 Jul, 2013 by Crystal
I have known Mr. Johnson for over 3 years and I am happy to say that I have found an attorney that I can trust for all of my legal needs. Mr. Johnson and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and thorough. In the midst of my legal matter, they were there to answer all of my questions in a timely manner. Their attention to detail really surprised me. I feel confident that if I have a legal matter, personal or business, Mr. Johnson and his staff will be able to support me and/or point me in the right direction if necessary.
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10 Mar, 2011 by Brenda
Mr. Johnson completed my LLC for my business. He was very professional, timley and quick to respond to questions.
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10 Mar, 2011 by Kelly
Derek provided excellent legal services and suggestions in the preparation a will for me and my wife. We had particular personal family issues with our children, and through his insight and knowledge of the legal system, were able to come up with a will that we were extremly happy with. I would recommend his services in a heartbeat, particularly if you have family issues.
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10 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I was sceptical about men winning custody of thier children but Ms. Vossler proved me wrong. She immediately started working on my case, always answered my phone calls, emails, and any questions I had. She guided me thoughout the entire case and gave me good advise. I'm grateful for her help and helping me win custody. Thank you Ms. Vossler.
Sincerely,
A proud father
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21 Jul, 2016 by Jim
My divorce was very difficult and involved custody of our two children. Divorce can be a very difficult time with all the emotions that are swirling about you. I certainly didn't know anything about divorce other than I needed one.
A friend recommended Kathleen and I am very thankful he did. She was always calm and a voice of reason. She directed my energy to what was important. First was my children and second was my finances. I honestly didn't care about the money at this point. I wanted a divorce and my kids.
From the start I was advised on what to expect and how to prepare. Kathleen is very serious about her job as an officer of the court. She is very ethical and definitely was concerned about the best interest of my children. Her integrity is unwavering.
She is very pragmatic in her approach. I never was unprepared or surprised even though the opposing attorney went to extraordinary measures to rattle me. As I sat in court and watched our attorneys operate it was apparent to me that I was very fortunate to have a true professional.
Kathleen was very much about facts and the law while the opposition was focused on spinning a tale. The opposition had 3 attorneys and dollies full of documents when they entered. As the trial progressed it was apparent that it was all for show. It became obvious they had never read any of the documents. Time and time again Kathleen pointed out the facts. My ex and her attorney were very surprised at the outcome which is still a puzzle to me. There are established rules, guidelines and laws that the court follows. They do not rule based on accusations, emotions and showmanship.
Outside of the courtroom Kathleen has been the same type of adviser. My kids and I were in dire straits and some very bad behaviors were popping up. Again Kathleen was a person I could lean on. It took quite an effort but I was able to restore my kids well being. My son had been missing school sick with anxiety for years. He was getting into mischief. My daughter was questioning if she wanted to continue living. Today both kids are excelling. Taylor due to his issues was not accepted to UT Austin as he had hoped. He was given the opportunity to attend UT Tyler. If he performed then he would get acceptance to UT Austin which was his dream. Not only did he meet their requirements; he made the dean's list in Tyler. He will realize his dream and be attending UT Austin this fall. My daughter who was depressed and reclusive will not keep quiet these days. She has been and still is a straight A student. She began playing high school soccer and has made numerous friends. Most importantly she is happy and wants to have a full life.
A lot of people have helped us through some very trying times. Kathleen was the first there. She made it all possible. If you need an attorney I highly recommend Kathleen Vossler. Not only did I get a fair settlement; it is one that my conscience can live with. The life coaching was an unexpected bonus.
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25 Mar, 2016 by Richard
I was very impressed and fortunate to find an attorney that truly cared about my situation. She explained everything I was entitled to and deserved. She is determined from the start to put you in the drivers seat and doesn't give anything up without a fight. I fully endorse Kathleen Vossler to anyone needing the best representation.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Olusola olusoji
I am so proud to call Mr Fullerton my lawyer, for he went beyond the call of duty every time to discuss, travel and empathize every step of the way. I will recommend him any day or night of the week to get the job done right. He is also trustworthy and dependable.
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07 Aug, 2020 by Andres
After many years of searching for a lawyer that would take my case on I got recommended to Omar Fullerton's office. That was the best recommendation ever as Mr Fullerton and his staff went above and beyond. He helped me prove I was a US Citizen. Very professional, very responsive, fair price and above all very caring! I strongly recommend A Fullerton Law Firm PLLC!
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11 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
He is precise and highly knowledgeable, he is familiar with most judges and understands how to communicate effectively to get the best outcome for my case. I have told all my family and friends about this great attorney.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Michael
I have been in business thirty years and have work with quite a few attorney's in my tenure. I really cant say enough about Anthony. Of all the attorneys that i have had experience with, Anthony is by far the most knowledgeable, a great strategist, and i trust him explicitly. I met Anthony by fluke....He was appointed to my case by my insurance company. I was so impressed by him that we made him our corporate attorney. I am sure glad I got sued....otherwise....I would never have found this legal gem.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Jason
ANTHONY HAS HELP WITH SEVERAL DELICATE SITUATIONS. EACH TIME HE WAS PROFESSIONAL AND DILIGENT. ALWAYS LEFT WITH THE FEELING THAT THINGS WORKED OUT BETTER DUE TO ANTHONY'S EFFORT.
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02 Jun, 2015 by Cristina
Mr. Spaeth and his team has always been willing to help us out regardless how minimal or how major our issue is. Every time they have represent us, either with a lien request to a lawsuit the outcome has been favorable to our company. Mr. Spaeth, keeps in constant communication via email/phone or meeting with us if necessary. Our company is very please with his firm.
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03 Jul, 2020 by Richard
Glynn with Nance & Simpson listened to each particular circumstance then with his great experience advises the best solution for your family. We feel so confident in Glynn that he has advised several generations in my family! Would recommend to all of my friends with estate planning needs.
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09 May, 2020 by Chad
Glynn helped me successfully sell my business. He worked very well with the investment banking firm we hired, as well as the buyer’s legal counsel. I felt well informed throughout the process, and I could trust that Glynn had my best interests in mind.
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06 Aug, 2014 by Ronnica
Yes, even attorneys need attorneys. Glynn Nance is the most exceptional attorney I have ever used or worked with (outside my own firm). Neither I or my partners deal in complex mergers and acquisitions and my family needed someone. Mr. Nance did exceptional and honest work for us without wasting any time or money. Truly top notch representation, with a great personality that was easy to work with!
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17 Jan, 2020 by Nash d.
Rick Spencer has been my attorney for various business matters and has helped us with bank loans, lease agreements, legal disputes, and in dealing with governmental agencies (such as the City of Houston). His expert legal advice and his prudent business advice has greatly assisted me on real estate decisions and contract agreements. He truly embodies what an advocate should be and has a wealth of experience in many other areas. I trust Rick to handle my business issues and he has my highest recommendation as a top notch attorney and litigator.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Rick Spencer has been our corporate attorney for more than 20 years. He has helped us with everything from shareholder agreements, to bank loans, to lease agreements, to legal disputes, to extremely detailed loans documents relating to the refinance of our building. He has always handled our legal issues in an expert manner with an intelligent approach and timely service. He has even provided sage business advice when needed. While his expertise centers on real estate law and contract agreements, he has a wealth of experience in many other areas and is someone that can be trusted to handle the issues honestly and fairly. He has my highest recommendation as a primary provider of legal services.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Roger
We had a contract issue. Rick wrote a courteous but firm letter that settled the matter quickly. He is my go to person for real estate legal questions
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27 Mar, 2018 by Brenda k. wilson
Mr. Patout responded quickly to my online posting. He asked for a brief synopsis, listened intently and askes pertinent questions along the way. He then outlined potential actions going forward, and asked for the papers I had referenced.
I should emphasize my posting was on a Friday afternoon. As a result of his quick response and action, I was able to leave my issues in his hands and enjoy the weekend!
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01 Sep, 2016 by Ash
John was professional and handled my circumstances with care. His attention to detail and relentless work ethic really made all the difference.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Santos
John is a great attorney. He always takes the time to explain the different options, pros/cons or possible outcomes. He has assisted me with LLC's, contract disputes, deeds/notes and general business/real estate questions. He is very straightforward, allowing me to make decisions and move on.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I waited 6 months for my deposit from an old apt complex…being patient and understanding. When it got to that 7 month, I got tired of waiting. I contacted Thalia and in 1 week she has got much more accomplished then I could by simply making phone calls. She is amazing and I’m graceful, thank you again!!
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31 Aug, 2019 by Ryan
Miss Dubose took my matters very seriously. I came to her a bit scared and she time and time again put me at ease. She was professional, calming and a really awesome person altogether. Communication between us was also a plus. She helped me to understand what I was going through. And most importantly of all, we won!
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08 Mar, 2017 by Francis
I was refered to Miss Dubose and I am definatly satified!!!! She handled my case(s) with grace and integrity and always always had my best intrest at heart!!! (as it should be but unfortunately not always the case with certain representation). I would whole heartedly recommend Thalia Dubose to anyone in need of her service!! She will get justice!!!!! THANK YOU
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22 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Paul was very knowledgeable, thorough, and handled our issue in a very efficient and professional manner.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Randall
Paul filed all corporation paperwork necessary for me to start my new business in Texas. He even put together a great packet of forms for each new employee to make sure that all taxes and legal paperwork are done correctly. He's always available online for advice and further consultation.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Sissi
Paul Freeman prepared, filed documents and set up my LLC business with a dba also linked. His expertise, professionalism and dedication were admirable. He also took the time to explain all step by step.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Gary
Derek worked with our litigation team in a complex entitlement challenge and prevailed. Their preparation and execution were outstanding.
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21 Mar, 2015 by Lisa
Derek and I work together on many issues related to residential land development. Some of the documentation that is produced for us includes Earnest Money Contracts, Amendments, Supplementary Declarations to CC&R's and many others. This requires that he work with not only our company but our builders and their attorney's and title companies. Derek represents us very well in his dealings with these entities. He is a good negotiator and is always very professional, respectful, dependable and timely. When Derek is working on something for me I am always at ease because I know he always has our best interests in mind and will always conduct his business effectively and efficiently. I have and will continue to recommend Derek and his firm to my friends and business associates.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Elizabeth
Derek Pershing responded immediately to my urgent need for legal advice. He reviewed a contract I was about to sign and made suggestions that saved me money. He rewrote sections of the agreement to tighten the provisions to protect me, and he kept me informed of progress. He personally intervened on my behalf with the buyers and their counsel so that the process ran smoothly and with minimal need for me to be involved, which was exactly what I needed. He charged fairly.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Aliyah teyuca
Sarahí was very helpful with my case. Definitely recommend!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Grant hall
08 Jul, 2018 by Thomas pratt
11 Jan, 2017 by Barbara
Mr Brad Gilde is truly an amazing, man
He has worked tirelessly on my son case
I am so grateful for God sending this man in our lives to bring justice for our son.
Never my life have I seen such a caring man, it's as though he really feel our pain, he is a Godsend. Thank you, Brad. I would urge anyone who wants a dedicated, and compassionate, also highly knowledgeable attorney, with vast knowledge of the law, to hire him immediately.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Lisa
I have never experienced a more thorough attorney that is not only personable, but compassionate. There were numerous attorneys and experts on our case and everyone of them commended Brad for his aggressiveness. Even the Judge spoke up in the court room to tell me what hard work Brad was doing. Through out our lengthy trial, there were numerous orders and amendments that he went above and beyond to make our case. He always stayed aggressive and loyal.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Ali amron
Mr. Bradford Gilde's law firm has been working real hard toward my son's wrongful death.
Mr. Gilde has demonstrated great leadership toward our complex case and has achieved some important victories so far !
We do appreciate all the hard work , talent and caring for our case.
Thank you,
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22 Jul, 2016 by Jim
Ms. Maseberg has helped us work through several estate and trust issues. She is very knowledgeable and thorough. She provides clear advice and guidance.
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19 Jul, 2016 by Maria
I am very grateful to my attorney, Barbara Maseberg, for helping me with my ongoing case. She has done nothing but provide me with support and help, as she is experienced in her field of work. Would recommend, great attorney.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Bobby
I was a retired person without a will. My experience with Barbara has been great. I was rather intimidated at the thought of making a will. Mrs. Maseberg made the whole process easy and painless. I'm comfortable knowing my wished will be honored.
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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.
