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20 Oct, 2016 by Claire
I hired Debra to represent me in a suit filed against me by a predatory lender. Debra handled my case with the highest level of expertise and professionalism. I appreciated her taking the time to explain every aspect of the legal process to me along the way. She was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for me.
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23 Oct, 2014 by Paul
Debra is extremely knowledgeable, very timely in all responses and very, very thorough. I am very happy to have her on my team.
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20 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda assisted us with a landlord/tenant lawsuit. Linda was very trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsive. Assertive, professional. We feel we definitely got our moneys worth and would definitely recommend her.
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03 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda Frieder was extremely supportive of my interests from the first day until the case was settled. She is very knowledgable of the law. There never were situations or developments that she wasn't prepared for. She handled every matter with the utmost professionalism. Her response time was very impressive, always returning my phone calls in a timely manner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for legal representation. Her fees are reasonable and her results are impressive. Overall I would say that I am 100% happy with her as my attorney!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Linda donnelly morris
I worked with Maxwell on a web related project. What I learned about Maxwell is that he shows a lot of class and cares about each and every client. He's easy to talk to, knows what he is talking about and all around great to work with. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney to review a family law case of any kind in Irvine.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Mario duran
Maxwell Hill ‘s is a fantastic lawyer. He has been my family law lawyer since the beginning of my divorce. I can honestly say I am truly blessed that I was able to be represented by Maxwell Hill ‘s and his staff not once. Did they drop the ball on my case, Max did everything in his power to find a great outcome for my case and used all the tools possible to help me through A difficult time in my life I cannot thank you enough, Max and your staff for everything you have done for me. Thank you so much. I will definitely use this law firm again when needed.
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22 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
We had a great experience working with Tim, Katherine and Carol at the firm! The team at George & Shields spent the time to explain our options, put together a solid plan, and ultimately deliver the results that they promised. From day 1 when we met with Tim, he knows our situation was one he could handle and was confident we would have a positive outcome. The time it took to resolve was longer than we had initially thought, but that was largely due to other parties involved in our matter. Tim & Katherine did a great job of keeping us on track and aggressively represented us and negotiated on our behalf. Thank you, team, for a job well done! If you’re looking for an honest, hard working and reliable attorney team to represent your needs, you need to look no further than George & Shields, LP.
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05 May, 2016 by David
Mr. Shields did an outstanding job representing our interests. As he has many years of business experience himself he understood our complex issues both from a business and legal perspective. He expertly guided us through a tremendously challenging dispute and we were very pleased with the outcome. Unlike an attorney we had previously worked with, he was very responsive and a true pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him to any business owner.
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15 Jun, 2021 by Betty
I was stuck in a frustrating situation with a vacation rental host and Airbnb and felt defeated. As a last option, I turned to Katie for guidance. From the beginning she provided sound advice. Her reassurance of my position motivated me to fight the case in small claims. Our views and logic was aligned. We fought off principle and we prevailed! Katie prepared me for small claims and 2 weeks before the hearing, Airbnb responded with a favorable settlement. I’m so glad I decided to pursue the claim. Thanks to Katie, I was able to close this case and finally move on from this very stressful ordeal.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Jada
If you want a lawyer who is HONEST and knows their stuff, HIRE HEIDI!!! I really can't brag enough about this firm. I was in a nearly 2-3 year custody battle (thanks Covid) and fighting for a move-away order. Heidi was there every step of the way, and by that I mean she LISTENED and cares. She was never unrealistic with me about the case, and she put her whole heart into it. She isn't one of those money hungry lawyers. Even though she had other clients/ cases at the same time as mine, she always stayed on top of business and is very responsive. I could call her or even TEXT her (cmon now, that's UNHEARD OF) at anytime and I know she will get back to me within 24 hours. She won my case and I couldn't be more grateful to her. She is worth EVERY Penny.
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15 Oct, 2016 by Kevin
Outstanding attorney, proficient in all tasks that she performs.
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25 Sep, 2015 by Lord&sons llc
Mr Saul Wolf is a very strong lawyer. He is very smart very particular and specific in his approach. Mr. Wolf was very focused in handling my case. He is very friendly and takes all the steps to address the issue with care always aiming into the right direction and using strong arguments till he gets results. He is efficient.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Kevin
Martin Taylor was very informative and resolved my traffic ticket with no worries on my part. He is an excellent attorney who can help you get through your case and I didn’t have to miss any work. I would highly recommend him.
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13 Sep, 2012 by Alex
Mr. Fisher has worked on various project for me in the last year. He is diligent and constantly keeps me informed of the progress. I appreciate that he always returns my phone calls --additionally, he responds to emails very promptly.
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10 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
We have been doing business with Gary Highland for over 12 years now and his service and professionalism is second to none.
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08 Jun, 2017 by David markham
Ben is very professional with a strong eye for detail. His quick response and quick action to resolve the issue makes Ben a key part of our business.
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11 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Aaron is one of the best trial atorneys. I was the defendant in a matter Aaron helped me with, prior to trial we offered over $150K to settle the matter, after trial Aaron had won me an award of $86K, that was a $236K swing in my favor because Aaron did such a good job.
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13 Feb, 2018 by Nick
We hired Talin for a earth movement case. Talin is a smart, aggressive and knowledgeable attorney who did an excellent job for us. Talin is a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend hiring her for any type of construction dispute.
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15 Jun, 2014 by Cliff
Very knowledgeable. I was impressed with the amount of research he undertook. He was always available, within a reason, spoke to me in English not legalese and showed honest compassion for my issues.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Alberto c quay
I hired Jeffrey to resolve a complicated real estate situation I was involved in. It had been lingering for literally years and previous LA based attorneys I consulted with, only made the situation much worse and complicated. Meeting Jeffrey was nothing but a tremendous relief. I knew I was dealing with a real PRO. No hot air here. All straight shooting. In a few hours after our consultation, Jeffrey had already investigated my situation, called proper entities, and wrote an entire two page brief clearly detailing the facts with his recommendation. I´m very thankful and will always recommend his services.
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05 May, 2018 by Karen
I have hired from this attorney’s firm two times, both were personal injury law suits. On both occasions we settled for policy limits. However, this was my call even though I had the option and all the confidence that we could have received more money. To accomplish this I would have had to approve a forced sale or could have attached liens on the defendants real estate properties. One of the common complaints that I hear from others that have hired attorneys for a variety of reasons is that it is nearly impossible to get a hold of them and/or get them to return a phone call. This attorney NEVER left me hanging. Always returned phone calls the same day. That can be such a relief for a lay person who can’t always determine a very important issue from a not so important one. As all of your questions are very important to you. That is how this attorney reacts to every one of them. If something is important to you then it is equally important to him. His professional offices are asthetically pleasing yet quite simple. Located in a high rise professional building in South Orange County, one might think his fees would reflect the zip code. Rest assured the fees for service are competitive - even at the low end of competitive. By the end of my service I was totally convinced he earned every single cent of those fees! On a personal note, the process of filing a law suit against a private party can be a tense and exhausting venture. However, this is where he really excelled. Mr. Borgen always was quite companionate in as much he seemed to be able to sence when I was uneasy or unsure about a decision I was making even through my best efforts to hide it. Never in a hurry - he addressed my grief or confusion with his calm demeanor and uniquely paced plain language, Mr. Borgen would be able to effectively arrest my fears. I would recommend this attorney to anyone looking for representation. It was a pleasure meeting and working with Mr. Borgen!
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08 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
Very smart and professional
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25 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
My corporation retained Mr. Wolder to represent us in a real estate matter and we have been very happy with his work. He knows that law and he doesn't overbill.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Bruce understands business law. We don't have to start at square one explaining what we do. He picks up on the situation right away and tells us his thoughts. He has no problem telling us we are waisting our time and should move on. His hourly rate is not cheap, but he doesn't run up a lot of hours doing "research". He jumps right on the case and we don't have to call him to get up dates.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Marissa
Scott Russo is representing me in a highly complex real estate case concerning two other parties in both civil and family court . He is extremely knowledgeable, aggressive and articulate. He came highly recommended, and does not disappoint. He is very much respected in the courthouse.
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22 Apr, 2017 by Greg
I have retained Tom and his law firm for labor matters. He has always provided excellent advice and has followed through diligently and promptly with all matters.
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02 Jul, 2010 by Robin
Thierry Montoya is a "go to" resource. Mr. Montoya is accessible to clients, and prompt in his responses. He possesses an excellent business acumen.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
2 people who politely introduced themselves as the "New owners" of the building in which we lived later served everyone in our apartment with Unlawful Detainers & Eviction Notices although we had a lease with owner who too lived in the same building as all of us. With ownership of building being disputed in court, still being threatened with Unlawful detainers and eviction, Scott advised us to continue to pay our rent in a timely manner to the "new owners". Although another tenant & I had the exact same case, we chose Scott, our neighbor did not. The "new owners" suddenly and without any forewarning changed their lawyer and ask us to pay all the back rent in one lump sum. No explanation even though past checks would still be honored. Scott advised us to comply, our neighbor's attorney advised otherwise. The end result, we were finally recognized as tenants whereas our neighbor still faced many legal challenges to come. (big mistake on his part) Now that almost a year of harassing behavior on the part of the "new owners", was finally put to rest, the terms of the lease stated that the losing party would pay for the legal fees. Our case was heard before a judge and at first, we lost. With facts in hand, Scott knew it wasn't right so we appealed and had the initial judgment overturned in our favor. From this past experience, lessons learned are that not all attorneys behave the same. Initially, some are like cheer leaders who are full of energy and give clients high expectations. As time goes by, many of those same lawyers either become "too busy" or lose touch with their clients. Scott is not one of them. He is what you would call a truly "down to earth" type of person who is easy to talk with and to his clients, always readily available. Legal representation and advice is always an investment and finding a competent, hard working attorney to work on your behalf is not easy in a sea of "lawyers"... Here's an insider's tip: Go see Scott first. Unlike the others, even the first consultation is free...
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28 Feb, 2015 by Janet
My startup company has relied on Yang & Kim to help us set up our LLC. They are timely, responsive, honest and always supply the personal and direct contact and help that we need. Mr. Yang has also helped me with a variety of personal filing and legal matters. If you're looking for a law firm who can help you over a lifetime, I would strongly recommend Yang & Kim.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I recommended my lawyer she took care of our needs and did not leave us guessing..our lawyer was very professional and handled every question we had in a timely manner..we were very satisfied!
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30 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Lindeke is a compassionate attorney who is tough as nails. He has treated my family's case with the utmost respect and ferocity needed to win. Highly recommend.
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03 Jul, 2013 by Archie
We sought an attorney for a construction/breach of contract action about three years ago. From the beginning, Mr. Dunn was thorough in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of moving a lawsuit forward, and he was straightforward in his discussions with us. From our knowledge of the industry and his informed communications, we chose to move forward. Mr. Dunn's understanding of this industry and its processes gave credibility and strength to this case each time we questioned whether this was the right decision for us to make. He and his team dissected the entire chain of events that occurred in this case and built strong, efficient defenses [thorough research, witness interviews, clear explanations of complex terminologies, clear and appropriate visual displays for the jury] -- absolutely evident in court as the case progressed forward. Mr. Dunn's ability to understand and react to the evidence presented by the defendants and to turn their case's 'strengths' into support for our case facts was phenomenal. Making a decision to file and pursue a lawsuit is stressful; in spite of this, Mr. Dunn's honesty and forthrightness allowed us to focus on the reasons why we moved forward, assess the possible outcomes, and make solid decisions involving the case, our commitment to pursuing what we felt were miscarriages of the law and, finally, what the outcomes could mean to our company and personal wealth -- important decisions when considering legal actions. We strongly recommend Mr. Dunn when legal action is needed; his commitment to his clients, the legal process, and to his work products have the reliability, thoroughness, knowledge, and trustworthiness necessary to be successful.
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04 Jul, 2023 by Pai
We retained Catherine Rowlett for a real estate dispute in Northern Cal. She always communicated to us promptly at every development and her responsiveness was immediate and outstanding. She was very thorough, concise, and brought a ton of experience to the table. The case she put together was so strong, it was resolved in a week and we got pretty much everything we asked for...all without the need for binding arbitration. I can't say enough great things about her.
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01 Mar, 2010 by John
I worked with Dirk on a horrible lawsuit and he was great to work with. He always was focused on solving the lawsuit and what was best for me. I would highly recommend him.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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