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04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
04 Feb, 2025 by Isaac wilkins
29 Aug, 2024 by Robert raschke
Barnes and Thornburg is a pleasure to work with and addresses all concerns with the upmost professionalism.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Vanessa borgman
02 Dec, 2024 by Je s
Lauren Harpold, it's not often I have spoke to an attorney that is this knowledgeable and has morals. Lauren in my opinion is very honest and trustworthy. I had a consultation with her and I wanted to hire her but she advised me why I shouldn't at this point. Other attorneys I've met would have just said sign here and here is your invoice. She thankfully is not like that at all. She has given me some faith back in attorneys. If you want a good honest and affordable attorney then just stop looking, you found her. She didn't sugar coat things but she was also not cruel. Just very honest and that rarely happens. Thank you Lauren.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Mattie1095
24 Jun, 2024 by Tammy rickenbach
After a previous horrible experience with an attorney, 20 years ago, working with this firm was such a breath of fresh air. I felt caring, respect, and compassion through every step. Thank you to the entire team.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Nick gipson
23 Apr, 2024 by Semeria wilson
31 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly tuttle
QUESTION. DO YOU GET EVIDENCE FROM YOUR CLIENTS, OR DO YOU TAKE THEIR WORD? DONT bother ever asking me to remove this. UPDATE! PAUL ROOT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND PROOFREAD! IM SERIOUS ABOUT THAT! DO NOT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM, THEY HIRED A LAWYER THAT LIE, NOT ONCE BUT MULTIPLE TIMES!
UPDATE! ATTORNEY PAUL ROOT SENT A GUY, TO MY HOUSE, TO THREATEN ME AND MY FAMILY! HAD TO GET THE POLICE INVOLVED! PAUL ROOT ALSO DOESN'T LOOK AT EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS GOTTEN. IF HE DID, HE WOULDNT CONTINUE TO CALL MY HUSBAND A LIAR! EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE!
WE GOT TONS. DOES AFC AND FREIGHTCARE?!
DONT TRUST THIS LAW FIRM! WHEN YOU GIVE THEM AN OFFER, AFTER THEY ASK. THEY ACCUSE YOU OF BLACKMAIL! THEY ALSO DONT LOOK AT YOUR EVIDENCE! THEY ONLY BELIEVE THEIR CLIENT AFC TRANSPORT INC. WELL GUESS WHAT, I HAVE TONS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST AFC! YOUR TACTICS TO SCARE ME OFF DIDNT WORK.
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20 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
She took my retainer. Appeared in court 1 time and then dropped my case a few weeks before the final hearing! I was forced to pay another Attourney to file a motion for a continuance and now my case has been pushed back to January 2023! She didn’t even give me the log in information for my case. She didn’t bring up any of the issues I wanted in my case and wouldn’t file any motions I asked her to. Please talk my advice and run! She’s not a good Attourney.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Jeff
In spring 2020, I hired attorney Locke to complete some expungement petitions because out of everywhere I called, I found her assistant at the time to be very professional and responsive. There's nothing worse than spending money on an avoidant attorney. Anyway, I paid her nearly $3900 (paid up front from day 1) to file the expungements, along with the filing fee of $650. It was a lot. It was my entire spending stash for summer actually. Well, by June of 2021, she still hadn't filed a single petition. She wouldn't return my emails, and the first time she called me in months, it was after 9:30 p.m. I immediately called her back, but she always calls from a non-returnable office number. Thereafter, she simply checked out. I got super pissed one day last month and used an unknown number to call - I live in Colorado now, so they simply weren't answering my 720 numbers...but I would have a friend in Indiana call immediately after me, and they would pick up!! I essentially demanded that her assistant either file my cases or give me my over $4000 back. She assured me she would have them together by the next day because they were partly started...14 months later!!! And get this...after 14 months of ignoring a paid client, she had the audacity to fire me as a client and keep all money!
In the midst of my plight, around October last year maybe, I left a super crappy review- much like this one- and after not returning my calls for months, she had the courage to call and threaten me to take it down because, of course, COVID. But rather than apologize for not even starting a single petition by that time, she actually chewed me out. She assured me that she was now on top of it, and everything would be filed within days. Again, I hired her 14 months ago.
Here we are in August of 2021, and she has only drafted a single petition in one of five counties that she promised, and she still has all my money. My parents are telling me to file a case neglect complaint with the Indiana Bar, but I just wanted to get the service I paid for. What would you do if a 'prominent' Indy lawyer stole over $4000 from you?
I have phone records documenting dozens of unreturned calls, all of my emails that she ignored, and even proof that I flew 1100 miles home to Indiana to provide her a single piece of paper, and she literally has never even sent me a piece of mail, a case update, or even a shred of respect.
Dude, guys, this lady literally took over $4000 from me (luckily on an insured credit card) and ghosted. I've been robbed in the past, but it's usually like a Nintendo. This lady took thousands from me on a contract of guaranteed services that she absolutely did not, and still has not, completed, and then she fired me. I think that she thinks that because I'm out of state, I'll forget, or maybe that she's invincible.
These are the professionals that are supposed to be protecting us, not baiting us with the promise of a service and then stealing from us! So profoundly disrespectful.
Again, I can provide phone records and numerous ignored emails, as well as proof that she hasn't actually filed a single petition.
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08 Nov, 2019 by Michael
This is a message to Attorney Locke that I don't mind others seeing. I really don't know what I would do without you. You have been representing me with my custody case that has changed shape and scope over a year long process so far. I love how in the midst of all the legalities at play, you start every conversation with, "how are the kids", which lets me know you care about what I care about the most.. You are always prepared and make sure that I am prepared before we enter the courtroom. You came from a referral who had a similar positive experience and outcome. It's my pleasure to recommend you and your firm to others in need.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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26 Aug, 2023 by Habibi fazed
05 Mar, 2023 by D m
22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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05 Mar, 2023 by D m
12 Feb, 2023 by Angel c
22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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05 Mar, 2023 by D m
12 Feb, 2023 by Angel c
22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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05 Mar, 2023 by D m
12 Feb, 2023 by Angel c
22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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05 Mar, 2023 by D m
12 Feb, 2023 by Angel c
16 Jan, 2025 by Katie ball
11 Jan, 2025 by Franklin g
Shame on you, Terrance. Your day will come. Your. Day. Will. Come.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Keith cooper
Setting up a consultation was quick and simple. We were able to review the clauses in the contract that I had questions about and get feedback on how to interpret then we walked through the risks associated with each option. I was able to get all of my questions answered to then make an informed decision.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Nicholas logsdon
I have been with Grant & Grant Attorneys for over 20 years, and now specifically with Blake Orner. They have worked thru some very difficult areas of my personal and business needs. I have never found need to second guess their documents and advise. I have been in the past, and now very pleased and put at peace with all documents. I highly recommend their services.
Nicholas K. Logsdon
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07 Oct, 2024 by Tidi chou
04 Jul, 2024 by Raymond santiago
I need more of my tracking tracked!lolll
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11 Jan, 2025 by Tim o'brien
Scott was very easy to work with. Punctual on getting back to me with questions I had. Explained the legal terms in a way that I could understand them. I definitely appreciate his help.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Burcak suchovsky
07 Nov, 2024 by Roger riggs
Mike was great! Took time to understand the issues for me and he explained the process all along the way.
Very informative and helpful.
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28 Jul, 2019 by Clark kinney
28 Jul, 2019 by Clark kinney
31 Jul, 2024 by Larry ivy
Very unprofessional. Was trying to give a short explanation on the reason for my call. She replies, “ got to go, take care” and proceeds to hang up. Literally a 45 second call
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25 Jun, 2024 by John reeves
In one word, "Excellence". Attorney Stacey M. Davis comes with my highest recommendation. Her and her staff handled my case in the most professional and timely way possible. Very reasonable rates. I'm extremely pleased with my experience.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Evict your disease
Not a good experience. She kept mentioning about how long she was on call with me and how much her fees were. When asked questions about bankruptcy.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Larry ivy
Very unprofessional. Was trying to give a short explanation on the reason for my call. She replies, “ got to go, take care” and proceeds to hang up. Literally a 45 second call
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25 Jun, 2024 by John reeves
In one word, "Excellence". Attorney Stacey M. Davis comes with my highest recommendation. Her and her staff handled my case in the most professional and timely way possible. Very reasonable rates. I'm extremely pleased with my experience.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Evict your disease
Not a good experience. She kept mentioning about how long she was on call with me and how much her fees were. When asked questions about bankruptcy.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Del demao
Amazing group of attorneys as well as great people!
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26 Aug, 2023 by Habibi fazed
05 Mar, 2023 by D m
24 Oct, 2023 by Kimberly tobar
Very helpful and did a amazing job
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20 Jul, 2023 by Wilmer torres
Hola,
Solo queria compartirles mi excelente experiencia.
Contrate a Amicus para un intento de desalojo de la propiedad.
Fue un caso que duro cerca de 1 año y medio donde en ningún momento me sentí solo siempre estuvo alguien de Amicus acompañándome, explicando con detalles el paso a paso del proceso.
Ellos todo el tiempo me mantuvieron informado de lo mínimo y nunca enviaron una respuesta o un Documento sin mi autorización.
Amicus son muy flexibles con los horarios ellos se ajustan a tu hora incluso llegue ha tener comunicación con ellos a altas horas de la noche ya que durante el día yo no podía.
Tienen buenas tarifas y flexibilidad en los pagos.
No dudaría en contratarlos en caso que los nesecitara nuevamente.
Muchas gracias por su excelente servicio
20 Jul 2023
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15 Apr, 2023 by Michelle rojas
03 Oct, 2024 by David apple
Unresponsive, unhelpful, not answering phone calls, emails and voicemails.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Elijah
Submits data to the Human Rights Campaign.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Duane daringer
03 Oct, 2024 by David apple
Unresponsive, unhelpful, not answering phone calls, emails and voicemails.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Elijah
Submits data to the Human Rights Campaign.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Duane daringer
03 Oct, 2024 by David apple
Unresponsive, unhelpful, not answering phone calls, emails and voicemails.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Elijah
Submits data to the Human Rights Campaign.
Read more
19 Jul, 2022 by Duane daringer
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
