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16 Mar, 2024 by Isaac
Justin was professional and very knowledgable. Guided me through every step when I had no idea what I was doing just trying my best. He never wasted time and was composed in the courtroom and ready for anything we had to overcome. Thank you so much Justin
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a very complicated situation and Justin was amazing throughout the entire process. He made sure that I understood all of my options, and always answered my questions quickly, even outside of his normal hours. I hope I don’t ever need his services again, but if I do, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Mary
I google searched when I needed a lawyer and Arenson Law Group came up. I started reading the testimonials - I kept reading about Justin and the wonderful job he did for his clients. So, I decided I also needed him to represent me during my divorce and I am extremely happy he was available. I would recommend him to anyone, he was professional, kind, easy to talk to and work with.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Conrad law (scanner)
Tyler is a rare treat and a person who cares about his clients. He's also really intelligent.
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09 Jul, 2021 by Megan hennessy
Tyler Coe provided exceptional legal counsel throughout my divorce and custody proceedings. Tyler is professional, supportive, and informed. I cannot recommend Tyler and Whitfield & Eddy enough - Their representation is simply unparalleled.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Roxane penick
Tyler Coe was a beacon of hope for us at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed unlikely. He had a calm and empathetic demeanor while offering practical guidance through a difficult divorce. We are grateful for his service and very pleased with the results. We recommend Mr. Coe without reservation.
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25 Nov, 2023 by Cody price
Great team. Would recommend to everyone. Very detailed in what they do.
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26 Feb, 2021 by Destiny martin
21 Aug, 2019 by Robert wade
Kevin Driscoll provided excellent representation for a complex legal matter. Not only did he have a good understanding of the law but also was intuitive and creative in his advice.
Thanks Kevin and Finley Law for your fine representation!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Tim rogers
I have worked with Brooke and her team several times over the past few years. She is always very professional and knowledgeable in all legal matters. Plus she's just a great person that I trust. I highly recommend her and Trent Law Firm.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Amy walser
Brooke and Suzanne were a pleasure to work with when setting up our wills. They were friendly and their work is thorough and professional. I especially appreciated how Brooke presented the information in an easy to understand format. The whole experience was easy and non-stressful. I would highly recommend this team.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Korryna peters
Brooke and her team were incredible to work with as my husband and I put together estate planning documents for our family. HIGHLY recommend tapping into their wealth of knowledge and top notch service!! Thank you for the enjoyable experience!!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Risa knight
Best guy to ever meet! He always answers , and answers every question he can with the info he knows he works fast and is good at communicating! I definitely would recommend! Great person thank you
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12 Jan, 2025 by Tandy frank
Mr. Bradfield was wonderful to work with, professional, and responsive. 100% recommend him!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Mike bensko
Mr. Bradfield, his partner and his entire staff were excellent to work with. He answered the phone as soon as i called, and since then he and staff have been extremely responsive through the entire process. We came up with a game plan and executed on it successfully.
Fair price, no hidden fees or messing around.
Would highly recommend this firm if you are need of their services.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Shirley rodriguez
Very professional lawyer ,Gave me a second chance . I'am very appreciated of All her staff . I would highly recommend her. She is a Top notch lawyer. You won't regret, her help. Thank you, Christine Branstand.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Chad kammin
Christine Branstad is extremely professional and successful. She truly cares about her clients.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Lucas stone
If I could give this more than five stars I would. You never know if life is going to turn upside down and you’re going to be looking for a lawyer. In July that happened to me, luckily I was referred to Branstad and Olson from a friend. I met with David and he instantly made me feel at ease with his expertise and professionalism. He went way over and beyond that I can’t be so sure I would receive from a different law firm. I’m forever grateful for ALL the staff at Branstad and Olson who helped me. This is the only law firm I would trust if I found myself in trouble again.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Marybeth banta
03 Jan, 2025 by Dirk richou
Deb is all about providing solutions and guidance that made my experience much less stressful. I appreciated her calm and logical demeanor as she helped me navigate through a difficult situation!
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14 Dec, 2024 by Western wizzard
18 Sep, 2024 by Adam
We recently worked with Melvin to draft our wills and power of attorney. The whole process was smooth, straightforward, and uncomplicated. He did a very thorough job of explaining everything to us. Would highly recommend.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Cody wilson
Such great reviews yet when I call I get the run around and then never get a call back. Might want to change that up guys. People need good legal service so if your what your reviews say you are. Might want to start taking calls
EDIT: LOL they get a email about a bad review then call and before he wanted to talk about my case Waytt tried to get upset about my honest review. Kinda that a missed call or something of that nature doesn't get a call but a bad review does. This companies ego is way to big to help people that need timely answers.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Gregory
Jake Petes was extremely rude to my wife over the phone. He did not let her finish explaining the situation. He also cut her off mid sentence. Treated her like a kid.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Thomas skradski
Jordan Glaser and Peter‘s law wears professional as I could’ve expected from any company did a wonderful job. We’re very tactful in their approach and one my case I couldn’t be happier thank you very much.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Tim rogers
I have worked with Brooke and her team several times over the past few years. She is always very professional and knowledgeable in all legal matters. Plus she's just a great person that I trust. I highly recommend her and Trent Law Firm.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Amy walser
Brooke and Suzanne were a pleasure to work with when setting up our wills. They were friendly and their work is thorough and professional. I especially appreciated how Brooke presented the information in an easy to understand format. The whole experience was easy and non-stressful. I would highly recommend this team.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Korryna peters
Brooke and her team were incredible to work with as my husband and I put together estate planning documents for our family. HIGHLY recommend tapping into their wealth of knowledge and top notch service!! Thank you for the enjoyable experience!!
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14 Sep, 2023 by Maria rocio castro
18 Apr, 2023 by Iam varce
Jason is by far the best option that I’ve experienced in regards to an on the job injury. Would most definitely recommend his services.
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09 Sep, 2021 by Dan bergland
I broke my leg and ankle at work. It was a very serious injury. The work comp insurance company wasn't paying me according to Iowa law. Jason Neifert got me a very good settlement. He explained several different parts of the settlement. He is even getting me a large amount of money from an Iowa special injury fund.
He's a person of high values that can be trusted!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Reno faoro
Good friend of mine from high school.
Super smart also.
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21 Aug, 2020 by Aerial marie davis
02 Jan, 2020 by Nancy heald
He has been very good as attorney for alittle we took on when she was 5 month she is now 10
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08 Jul, 2024 by Andrea cooper
We've had Jim as our lawyer for nearly a year and he's been very helpful and patient with us as we navigate the family court system.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Mario sciorrotta
Great guy
You 100% feel comfortable When this guy is in front of you...
Don't ever hesitate to call an attorney especially this guy
no matter what the issue is, have Ken look it over...
Things are getting crazy these days and it's good to have Somebody looking after you...
Some situations have you feeling helpless and this guy will give you hope
( Ken thank you for all that you do and thank you for listening to me when )
-Mario
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25 Sep, 2021 by Brian smith
Kenny has done a great job for several of my friends. He is a really good, well-trained attorney who decided he only wanted to answer to 2 people, himself and his wife Mary. 😀
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23 Nov, 2022 by Jeff peterson
05 Feb, 2021 by Sonia cw
Julie is incredibly knowledgable and has represented me both personally and professionally as a small business owner. Julie is someone truly care about finding the best outcome for her clients.
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14 Jan, 2021 by Wade adams
23 Dec, 2024 by Patrick mcfarland
I have had Ben represent me twice now. Very professional and friendly.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Suzanne stahl
Ben explained everything in detail so that I would understand everything, he was very kind, and very professional. I would highly recommend this firm. They did a great job! Thank you for helping me out!
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01 Dec, 2024 by Makena solberg
23 Dec, 2024 by Casey reinert
She was very helpful for me
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20 Nov, 2024 by Colton bornholtz
08 Nov, 2024 by Kelsey lanphier
23 Dec, 2024 by Casey reinert
She was very helpful for me
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20 Nov, 2024 by Colton bornholtz
08 Nov, 2024 by Kelsey lanphier
10 Oct, 2023 by Joshua henkle
27 Aug, 2023 by Kenneth wilder
Very professional 👏 and handles business right away thank you for your service in helping us.
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13 Dec, 2020 by Debi nagle
02 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I am very pleased with the excellent professionalism with Beth Walker when she assisted me with a problem I had been trying to resolve for over two years. She was prompt, caring and diligent to figure a way to help my situation. Her staff was also excellent, efficient and helpful to help me as, helping me with applications as well as completing forms for the Court. Thank you all so much.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
We have primarily relied on Beth for help every tax season but she has also been so helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to other questions that have arisen in our lives such as wills, LLCs and challenges with noncompete clauses. She has such a comforting and calm demeanor while also instilling so much confidence based on her knowledge. She will continue to be the attorney we place our trust in.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Duane
I consulted Kathleen to help me redo my will to a trust. Kathleen was very friendly. she asked me a bunch of questions over the phone and got all my information that she needed to prepare my trust. Marie, her assistant was very helpful. She sent me all the paperwork and told me what to do. She even put labels on every place. I needed to either date or sign and that was very helpful. The best thing is we did everything over the phone so I did not have to go anywhere to get it done. Both Kathleen and Marie were super nice and I would definitely recommend them to anybody that is looking for a lawyer.
Duane
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30 Oct, 2019 by Jodi
Highly recommend Trent Law Firm. Brooke Trent and her staff made getting our will made out super quick and easy. Brooke pointed out a lot of things my husband and I had not even thought of. After making out our will I feel confident that if something should happen we have been given the information needed to have things all planned out. Making less of a burden for our families. Thanks Brooke Trent and staff!
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23 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Brooke and her entire team were such a joy to work with as I started my new business. They were all PROMPT in responding to me. Her entire team was also good at explaining things to me. Brooke was a good teacher too--she helped me understand why I should have my new customer sign certain forms and what I needed to do to protect myself. I felt like she was a real advocate to me. I would recommend Trent Law.
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16 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I spoke with a woman about renting her property and she quoted me $250/year for my pet. Then she changed it to $50/month, non-refundable. Needless to say, I certainly did not give her my time.
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30 May, 2021 by John
We have been blessed to know attorney Scott Rogers of Peters Law Firm in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for more than 6 years. His guidance and compassion have been immeasurably valuable to us.
Our parents were reasonably independent and living in their own house, thanks to frequent visits, meal preparations, housework, errands, and facilitating trips to doctors by their daughter Jeannine who lived an hour away. Mom had Alzheimer’s disease, so Dad did his best to handle her medications. Our Dad was secretive about their financial affairs, so we had very limited knowledge about their powers of attorney, wills, investments, and preferences for potential future living arrangements.
Then at the end of 2014, Dad suffered his second broken hip from which he was never to fully recover. What had been some cognitive and memory problems collapsed into obvious dementia. Due to the severity of his physical and mental condition, and our Mom’s worsening Alzheimer’s disease, the doctors at the hospital would not release Dad until we had found a skilled nursing facility for both our parents.
It was then that we contacted our parents’ attorney, Scott Rogers. Scott immediately stepped up to bat for us as we were thrust into the labyrinth of decisions and actions we needed to take on behalf of our parents. He continually guided us through the process of making the best possible decisions for our parents, and through the actions needed to initiate those decisions. He helped us locate and act on their durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, wills, and trust documents. He was always there for us as we decided on our parents’ future living arrangements, found the best skilled nursing care for them, pulled assets from their accounts to pay their bills, arranged for the sale of their house and cars, and prevented them from driving. As our Dad and then our Mom eventually passed away, Scott provided critical advice and guidance in handling their affairs. We also greatly appreciate Scott’s personal support, even to the extent of a funeral home visitation upon our Dad’s death.
Scott has been God sent. Without him, we would not have known what questions to ask, let alone how to answer them. His professional guidance, his personal compassion, and his overall support were far more than we expected. In the strongest terms possible, we highly recommend attorney Scott Rogers.
John Bauman and Jeannine Christensen
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10 Nov, 2018 by Larry
Scott was very helpful in planning things for our will and updating the the beneficaries on our insurance policies. everything was explained in plain language that was easy to understand.All questions were answered very well.
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28 Aug, 2018 by Gary
Scott was very helpful and knowledgeable when we set up our will. I would to back go him if I needed any other legal issues in the future. Very nice person.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Kristen
Brian has represented me for a custody modification, and is currently representing me for a divorce and custody battle with an estranged husband that clearly suffers from narcissistic personality disorder and/or antisocial behavior disorder. Brian has had to endure harrassment from my estranged husband via email, court affidavits referencing him and his family members, multiple psychotic phone calls and now bad reviews of his law firm for no other reason than the other party lost and is losing. The drama is never ending with the narcissistic ones when they are losing. It is comparable to a child's temper tantrum. Brian has had to take many, many emails and phone calls from me over the last 18+ months and was always responsive. While dealing with all of this, Brian has been successful in every court hearing we have filed and I believe it will be one more in the books after the upcoming trial is over with this miserable abuser of a soon to be ex husband.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Troy
Brian represented me in a small claims case. He was always on top of things and well prepared. This lawyer has great knowledge of Iowa laws.
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Answered my questions and was very helpful and didn't charge me anything I would use him again and will be contacting him to do real-estate transaction for me.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Emily
Mr. Dane did an extremely thorough job explaining our options during bankruptcy proceedings, as well as advising on a secondary suit.
He worked with us with extreme flexibility, along with open communication, and took the time to explain, and made sure we were well informed and prepared. We were very impressed with Mr. Danes honestly and realistic legal counsel as it was detrimental to decisions made with our filings. We would highly recommended retaining Mr. Dane for counsel.
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28 Oct, 2021 by William
Jack was very helpful and straightforward from the beginning very optimistic but yet realistic. Jack is very easy to work with even with me being a common man.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Laura
Harold J Dane III was referred to my husband and I by another professional. We feel blessed to have met such a great attorney with wisdom, knowledge and integrity. He is professional and to the point, and yet still offered coffee & gum with a smile .This difficult time in our life was greatly handled by a man who is truly honest, supportive and respectful. I cannot say enough about him for the short time I have know him, but I will refer him as a number one choice as a trusted and confident attorney. Thank you Jack and much success
Jeff and Laura
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29 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Julian has handled many things for me and they are always done professionally and in a timely manner. He's relatable and does good work.
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20 Nov, 2019 by Rose
I cant thank Julian enough for helping us with my sons disabilty case! He did tons of research , explained everything to us step by step , and was completely honest through the whole process. We won the case and are forever greatful for Julians help, we highly recommend him to anyone in need of a good lawyer.
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19 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. West was very helpful when we hired him. I have already recommended him to friends.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Nick white
I never seen the inside of a court room and my case was dismissed verry happy with the results I would use him again
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02 Dec, 2024 by Eduardo sanchez
Great experience. Highly recommend.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Kenny cable
Mr. Hurd was very confident in his knowledge from the first conversation I had with him. This led me to believe he was the guy I needed to hire and did so. Everything he told me that was going to happen did happen in my favor and beyond. He’s a great young attorney and highly recommend from my experience.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Gabrielle coons
We have Phillip as our attorney, specifically for our adoption process for our daughter. He was WONDERFUL! Fast to reply, fast with emergency situations, always answers your questions, and is so incredibly kind. We had a rough start with another attorney, and Phillip gave me reassurance in attorneys again! We’ll forever use him for anything legal related from now on. Katie, his assistant, is wonderful as well. She’s so sweet and quick to reply also with your needs, and if she’s unsure of something she doesn’t beat around the bush about it, she’ll let you know, and fast!
Thank you guys so much for all of your help!
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02 May, 2024 by Nathan v
Knowledgeable, ethical, kind, and very good at what they do.
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06 Feb, 2023 by Celeste munoz
Excellent
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20 Oct, 2016 by Correy
Brad represented our company in a construction dispute that ended up going to arbitration. We were successful in arbitration and were actually awarded a larger sum than what we had initially asked for. Following the arbitration award Brad was successful again in recouping nearly all of our attorney's fees in District Court.
Brad has a very high level of integrity and professionalism. Throughout this case opposing counsel continually disparaged our position and employed numerous unscrupulous and unprofessional tactics. Despite their actions, Brad stayed focused on the task at hand and put forth an effective, well thought out, and ultimately successful argument at the arbitration hearing without ever lowering himself to the level of opposing counsel.
Brad is also a very hard working attorney. Our hearing was the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Brad made himself available to meet any day after the holiday to work on our final preparations, which we ended up doing on a Sunday afternoon due to my schedule.
We have since hired Brad to work on other cases and often consult him in regards to different issues that come up in our business. I have had more experience with attorneys than I have cared to over the last few years, and many of them have not been good. My experience with Brad has been good, and I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney with ability, integrity, and the willingness to listen.
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12 Jul, 2016 by Steven
Brad reviews all my contract documents for multiple projects from 5K to 500k. We review and change wordings for my company's benefit and protection. We have been audited and Brad helped us with consultation and a connected us to a lawyer connected to our firm to handle the case. i highly recommend Brad for all legal issues that may be part of your future, he will get it done or get help to expedite the legal process.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Dave
Brad is an excellent resource for my company in the home building and remodeling industry. He is always helpful on any item that comes up, event small issues that could amount to a larger conflict. He has also revised all of my contracts to suit them to my model of business. I strongly recommend Brad to any potential company or individual person in need of legal work or legal advise.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Andy
We've used Brian for estate planning and creating an LLC and consultations. He is very knowledgable and professional. I would recommend him for any of your small business or real estate needs.
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01 Feb, 2017 by Curt
I have personally used Brian as well as thru my businesses for Real Estate transactions, forming LLCs etc. He and his team have been very professional and helpful. He has a well trained staff and gets back with you in a very timely manner. Have also used him in Estate and Trusts situations and have found Brian to be very knowledgeable on these subjects as well as general Law areas.
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04 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
We have been working with Brian the past 5 years for assistance with legal and tax advice for our small business operations. Brian is prompt to respond and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of tax and business law. He is professional and confidential with all matters. I would highly recommend Brian for any legal or tax advice!
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06 Jul, 2023 by Aaron c.
I’ve used the David Franks team for all my personal and business needs for over 5 years. They are very responsive and provide a great service for a reasonable fee. I recommend them often.
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27 Jul, 2019 by K. and j.
Mr. Franks is a pleasure to work with! He was able to make us feel comfortable from the very first meeting. His explanations of "legal terms"are easy to follow along with, and actually made the whole process totally enjoyable! We highly recommend David J. Franks, and his team!
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10 Jul, 2019 by Tom
This lawyer, Mr. David Franks is a no nonsense, straight forward honest man to work with. Glad I took my estate planning to him.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Jay
It has been a great overall experience having Ryan as my attorney. Ryan understands his client, is very insightful, and is an expert in his field. He is truly a professional and a great individual. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Mark
Ryan Ross is very professional, timely, and thorough. He has done a great job on all of my real estate purchases and now with the purchase of a business.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Ragen
Ryan was an excellent resource and strong advocate that navigated me through every step of the process I knew nothing about. His expertise was very much appreciated and if he did not posses that knowledge he found the answer/expert immediately. I have had the privilege of working with Ryan both personally and professionally. I will, and have, recommend Ryan to friends and colleagues.
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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.
