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09 Feb, 2011 by Tony
I was in a car accident that resulted in injuries, time off of work, and repeated visits to medical providers. I sought the assistance of Martin Dack for recovering my lost wages and help with paying my medical bills. This firm was so friendly and really educated me about how auto insurance and medical insurance works when you're involved in an accident. They made me feel comfortable with the process and more importantly I never had to deal with negotiating with the insurance companies for any of my medical bills. I was able to recover my lost wages, my medical expenses were paid in full, and I received a very good recovery for my pain and suffering.
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20 Jan, 2011 by Mcleord
Martin E.Dack is a true professional and a thoroughly good guy who looks for client interest. I was embroiled in a partner dispute with a very big firm and was very nervous as I believed that I would not be able to stand before them. But thanks to my one of the lawyer friend who give a referral to Martin. He explained all the details and walked me thru the entire process. It was due to his support that I not only got the result in my favor but also received the penalty charged from my opponent. I appreciate that kind of professionalism, skill, and client care, and would recommend Martin straight from my heart.
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15 Sep, 2023 by V.brown
Lawyers Realty Group gets you a resolution! Our family was under extreme stress and sleepless nights dealing with a Zombie loan scam that was threatening to steal our home. We are so grateful that a Google search in the middle of the night led us to Lawyers Realty Group and connected us with Derik N. Lewis, Esq. He was our voice in this fight which resulted in a resolution in our favor. My take away from this has been to keep your documentation and keep it organized, even if it's over 10 years old. We have to make sure we do our part so that someone like Derik N. Lewis, Esq can step in, fight for us, and or offer resources to get a resolution. Derik was able to back down lawyers representing the scammers swiftly while also being availble to our family to throughly explain what could and couldn't be done with honestly and integrity.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Rick
When I was on the brink of loosing my houses Derik helped me fight the bank for my homeowner Bill of Rights. The bank was moving quickly to take my houses and Derik showed me how to stop the trust deed sale which bought me more time to re group and save.
Thank you for all you did to assist me in times of need.
Rick
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25 Jan, 2023 by John
I received excellent, trustworthy and timely advice and counsel from Derik at Lawyers Realty group. If you have a mortgage problem, contact him. He can help!
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28 Nov, 2024 by Lee-anne g.
Lauren and Katy were both a pleasure to work with! They listened to how we wanted to deal with our divorce and did not pressure us in any way to do things differently. They professionally guided us through every step, providing rationale for what was needed.
They were always very prompt and responsive to our questions.
We would both absolutely highly recommended this office for anyone needing assistance with a divorce.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Olivia salazar
Me atendieron bien y me ayudar a procesar mi caso rápido, Daniel fue de gran ayuda
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jesser villatoro
28 Nov, 2024 by Lee-anne g.
Lauren and Katy were both a pleasure to work with! They listened to how we wanted to deal with our divorce and did not pressure us in any way to do things differently. They professionally guided us through every step, providing rationale for what was needed.
They were always very prompt and responsive to our questions.
We would both absolutely highly recommended this office for anyone needing assistance with a divorce.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Olivia salazar
Me atendieron bien y me ayudar a procesar mi caso rápido, Daniel fue de gran ayuda
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jesser villatoro
24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda chavez
24 Jan, 2025 by Jorge hernandez
24 Jan, 2025 by Valentino greenfield
They took care of me and my case in a timely manner! Would highly recommend if you find yourself in a situation and need someone to fight for you! Thank you Law Offices Of Daniel KIM
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24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda chavez
24 Jan, 2025 by Jorge hernandez
24 Jan, 2025 by Valentino greenfield
They took care of me and my case in a timely manner! Would highly recommend if you find yourself in a situation and need someone to fight for you! Thank you Law Offices Of Daniel KIM
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24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda chavez
24 Jan, 2025 by Jorge hernandez
24 Jan, 2025 by Valentino greenfield
They took care of me and my case in a timely manner! Would highly recommend if you find yourself in a situation and need someone to fight for you! Thank you Law Offices Of Daniel KIM
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26 Nov, 2014 by Meghan
As our small business grew, we could no longer afford to risk it with oral agreements and it became necessary to sign a contract before beginning any project. Business attorney Keith Salek helped protect our company from liability with a properly drafted lawyer reviewed contract. Now before signing any business agreement, we have an attorney at Salek Law Firm look it over.
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07 Sep, 2014 by Matt
Our construction company ran into difficulty obtaining payment for work performed on a real estate improvement project. We had invested in labor and materials, performed the work as specified and could not afford to wait any longer to be paid, so we contacted a construction lawyer. Keith Salek helped us file a mechanics lien for non-payment. We were able to obtain the full amount due as well as recover legal costs. Now our company uses Salek Law Firm for all of our construction contract preparation to ensure that we are protected by every contract we sign.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Edward
I am extremely satified with the service I have received from SLF. I have worked with several attorney's in the past and Mr. Salek exceeds performance in all -- work ethic, integrity, and accountablility.
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25 Jan, 2025 by B mays
I had an excellent experience with Bond Legal Injury Lawyers. The team was professional, compassionate, and incredibly patient throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of my questions, and made me feel supported every step of the way. Their expertise and dedication were evident, and they worked tirelessly to ensure I received the best possible outcome. I truly appreciate their hard work and commitment to their clients. If you're looking for a reliable and caring legal team, I highly recommend Bond Legal Injury Lawyers.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Jaeden cottle
I have nothing but amazing things to say about the Bond Legal Team. I was privileged to have Tess Van Duyne as my Attorney and she truly went above and beyond for me and my case. Being in an accident, not having any knowledge of what to do, her and her team walked me through everything and I always felt I was in the best hands. At the end of my case when a settlement was finalized it was beyond evident I was in the best hands. If you're looking for a firm that truly cares for you and will go above and beyond to fight for you this is it. Thank you Bond Legal for everything!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Marleen cantu
Thank you so much for handling and revolving all my issues great appreciate it. My attorney was Pamela Abella thank you so much
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01 Jan, 2025 by Sarah
Arman and Ashley are amazing. They gave my divorce all the time and attention I needed to get the best settlement I could have asked for. Divorce is a chaotic experience, but Arman was with me the entire time patiently explaining the process the whole way through. I have since referred a few friends to this practice without hesitation.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Tyty l
21 Dec, 2024 by Dion dinh
Christian is the BEST attorney! He provided me a clear explanation of my case which made it less stressful in the beginning. He is understanding and supportive. There was no problem reaching him at any time of the day. He was transparent since the day I met him and that’s an important factor when choosing the right attorney. He will make sure you have everything you need even before the judge will ask for it. He made me feel ready at every hearing. He has plenty of experience at what he does. He will fight for you every step of the way. I definitely recommend him! You will not regret it one bit. He deserves more than a 5 stars with the effort he has put into my case. Thank you for your time and service, Christian. It was a pleasure working with you.
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11 Sep, 2018 by Austin
Dave is a skilled writer and tactician who knows how to manage highly complex issues. He was able to get a serious employment case dismissed, while also negotiating a number of contracts to help me acquire a local company. He has a diverse knowledge of the law and how to get the most out of your investment.
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26 Feb, 2017 by Ethan
I recently worked with Dave when my company invested in a growing startup he was representing. I just came across his Avvo profile and thought I should lend my thoughts to those out there looking for counsel. I found him to be very thoughtful in what he says, a really fun and easy going guy to be around, and highly creative in the solutions he offers for complex problems. He was certainly more valuable to the deal than my own attorneys, and found some interesting, yet highly effective ways to close the transaction. After seeing how he negotiated with my "big law firm" in the days leading to our closing, I will certainly be calling him the next time I need some help. He is definitely not a "formal" lawyer, so if that is something you need then maybe he isn't the right guy for you, but I personally enjoyed his progressive approach to legal representation.
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07 Sep, 2016 by Josh friedman
David has helped me settle 2 cases for pennies on the dollar. He has also negotiated commercial and real estate leases, and managed countless contracts on my company's behalf. He is a skilled strategist, and well versed in both litigation and corporate matters. A great option if you are looking for an attorney with significant knowledge in multiple disciplines who can give you top-tier representation at a fair price.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Luke tawake
I'm beyond grateful to Brudner Law and their exceptional team for guiding me through the complex green card process. Immigration Lawyer Yael's expertise and dedication were impressive, and Christina's support was invaluable.
The entire Brudner Law team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and meticulous attention to detail. Their communication was clear, prompt, and reassuring.
Thanks to their hard work, my green card application was successful! I highly recommend Brudner Law to anyone seeking top-notch immigration services. Special shout-out to Yael, Christina, and the entire team - thank you for making my dream a reality
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20 Feb, 2025 by Bryan torralba
They make it easy and convienient. Happy with their services
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17 Feb, 2025 by Thomas rogers
06 Aug, 2019 by Ming
It's very uncommon, if not very rare to find a hard-working, trustworthy and honest attorney. Maybe I am too negative on lawyers but my experience in dealing with lawyers hasn't been good for more than 30 years. Well, Mr. Cramer may have opened a window for the profession giving me some hope that there are some good lawyers with good character and dignity.
Mr. Cramer started working on my case in a law firm as an associate. He worked hard and was very careful and thorough. He was pretty much single handedly doing the work that was supposed to be the duty of the owner attorney. When Mr. Cramer left the firm, I considered the course of actions and upcoming proceedings, I chose Mr. Cramer over the firm. It proved that my choice was correct and the case was concluded with the outcome I was satisfied with. I would recommend Mr. Cramer very highly.
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07 Apr, 2018 by Renee/hope
10 stars for Adam Cramer - I don't know where to start, there are so many excellent qualities rare to find in regular every day People. The caring, personable, professionalism, passionate, and honesty this Attorney has is amazing and a true gem. He has prevailed in our case with a rogue HOA board, where their attorneys were just out to bill hours and not really care, using our own hoa fees against members. He fights like it is his own case and if the action is being taken against him, that is how passionate he is. I would recommend him to anyone and not just because we prevailed, but because he gives 500 %. If we did not prevail, I would still give him 10 stars because, he goes above and beyond. Thank you, Adam for being such an excellent atty. We are blessed to have you on our side.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Stella
I am so grateful I obtained the help from Adam via Smartlaw!
My neighbor actually sued me for two cases ,Aam prepared such a concise , get to the point statement ,as soon as I read the statement Adam prepared me. The judge claim I won both cases
The amazing part is the judge conclude the case by using the exact argument Adam prepared for me see how professional he is . Other than his excellent professional knowledge, he is so caring and encouraging with his communication. I would recommend him to all my friends!
Overall, Adma is a great attorney who cares about his client!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Oguzhan ozkan
I had the pleasure of working with Shawn, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise and dedication. From the very start, Shawn took the time to understand my case in detail, providing clear guidance and ensuring I was informed every step of the way. His professionalism, attention to detail, and strong communication made a challenging situation much more manageable.
Shawn is not only knowledgeable and thorough but also compassionate, always making me feel like my case truly mattered to him. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight for you with integrity and skill, I highly recommend Shawn.
Thank you, Shawn, for going above and beyond!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Maha hashemi
Shawn Athari is an outstanding attorney and I’m grateful for his exceptional support after my car accident. From day one, he was compassionate, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the best outcome for my case while keeping me informed every step of the day. I highly recommend Shawn to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy attorney!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Karolina kozak
The most dedicated kind knowledgeable and caring attorney you can find. I have never met anyone who would go to such great lengths for a client as Mr. Shawn Athari will.
Shawn represents you as he would his own family.
Shawn is always available to help you, guide you and communication is always there.
Professional and determined.I guarantee you, you will get best outcome to your problems only by this Law Firm to represent you.
There is no one else who takes all the worry out of any situation and delivers the outcome you couldn’t even imagine. If you are looking for a Law Firm to represent you this is your only choice.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Oguzhan ozkan
I had the pleasure of working with Shawn, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise and dedication. From the very start, Shawn took the time to understand my case in detail, providing clear guidance and ensuring I was informed every step of the way. His professionalism, attention to detail, and strong communication made a challenging situation much more manageable.
Shawn is not only knowledgeable and thorough but also compassionate, always making me feel like my case truly mattered to him. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight for you with integrity and skill, I highly recommend Shawn.
Thank you, Shawn, for going above and beyond!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Maha hashemi
Shawn Athari is an outstanding attorney and I’m grateful for his exceptional support after my car accident. From day one, he was compassionate, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the best outcome for my case while keeping me informed every step of the day. I highly recommend Shawn to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy attorney!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Karolina kozak
The most dedicated kind knowledgeable and caring attorney you can find. I have never met anyone who would go to such great lengths for a client as Mr. Shawn Athari will.
Shawn represents you as he would his own family.
Shawn is always available to help you, guide you and communication is always there.
Professional and determined.I guarantee you, you will get best outcome to your problems only by this Law Firm to represent you.
There is no one else who takes all the worry out of any situation and delivers the outcome you couldn’t even imagine. If you are looking for a Law Firm to represent you this is your only choice.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Oguzhan ozkan
I had the pleasure of working with Shawn, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise and dedication. From the very start, Shawn took the time to understand my case in detail, providing clear guidance and ensuring I was informed every step of the way. His professionalism, attention to detail, and strong communication made a challenging situation much more manageable.
Shawn is not only knowledgeable and thorough but also compassionate, always making me feel like my case truly mattered to him. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight for you with integrity and skill, I highly recommend Shawn.
Thank you, Shawn, for going above and beyond!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Maha hashemi
Shawn Athari is an outstanding attorney and I’m grateful for his exceptional support after my car accident. From day one, he was compassionate, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the best outcome for my case while keeping me informed every step of the day. I highly recommend Shawn to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy attorney!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Karolina kozak
The most dedicated kind knowledgeable and caring attorney you can find. I have never met anyone who would go to such great lengths for a client as Mr. Shawn Athari will.
Shawn represents you as he would his own family.
Shawn is always available to help you, guide you and communication is always there.
Professional and determined.I guarantee you, you will get best outcome to your problems only by this Law Firm to represent you.
There is no one else who takes all the worry out of any situation and delivers the outcome you couldn’t even imagine. If you are looking for a Law Firm to represent you this is your only choice.
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11 Jul, 2018 by John
I sought consultation with Peter Sahin because of the strong recommendation he received from a lawyer friend with a top Newport Beach real estate firm. My case involved the hijacking of my father's Trust, elder abuse, and theft. Mr. Sahin was an attentive listener, and he provided a wealth of information. He reviewed legal documents and provided clear and specific options. Sahin was warm, engaging, and clearly a strong advocate for my interests, as well as being highly ethical. Overall, my experience (two in-depth conversations) confirmed the very high marks my friend had given him and the Velasco Law Group.
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08 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Peter Sahin to help me start a real estate partnership and LLC with another person. I started having difficulty with my potential partner when writing up the terms of our business, and Peter was by my side every step of the way. Peter was very responsive to my questions and helped educate me on real estate law. He gave me direction to create my own real estate LLC alone, and has been with me every step of the way for the last year. I would highly recommend Peter for his honest, straight-talking, and thorough manner.
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04 May, 2013 by Stephen r
My company hired Mr. Labbe to handle the acquisition of numerous properties throughout the United States in 2009. Mr. Labbe did an excellent job for us. He was effective, knowledgeable and great to work with. We would engage him for any complex real estate transaction
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07 Jan, 2013 by Alan k.
Robert L. Labbe assisted our company in high level real estate matters successfully over a period of several years. I would without hesitation recommend him as a person of integrity and honesty with a solid work ethic and strong understanding of US and California Real Estate and Finance law.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Ramduck415
I was involved in a rear end collision. As I sat a a red light, a vehicle struck me from behind, injuring my neck and back.I contacted Joe Naz Accident Lawyers and they took control of all of the medical needs that I required. The team at at Joe Naz Accident Lawyers was very professional and caring to make sure I received the medical care needed.The team kept me up to date with the progress of the case, and also checked up on me to make sure everything was going smooth, as far as medical treatment. I am very happy with the service that I received, and would recommend Joe Naz Accident Lawyers to anyone that has been involved in any type of auto accident.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Fidel jimenez
Hola buenas tardes !! Me complace agradecerles por la asistencia que me dieron al asesorarme con el problema del accidente, muy agradecido con el Sr Derri y con todos los de la firma de abogados, de antemano los recomendaría por la buena experiencia y amabilidad que tuve con el Sr Derri, gracias por toda su colaboración, muy agradecido con todos
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01 Oct, 2024 by Ruby rosensteel
I am so grateful to Joe Naz and his firm of knowlegable attorneys, they were all so unwavering in their support throughout my case. They all showed exceptional commitment, dedication and empathy during a very difficult time both emotionally and physically. Siri, Spencer and Ruby were my rocks! these women Made me feel so comfortable and they were so approachable no question was dismissed but answered. Antonio (the closer) demonstrated great creativity in his approach to my case and had very innovative solutions that benefited me greatly. Joe I can't thank you enough for your unwavering support, I always say it takes a village! I am just grateful I can call yours part of mine. Ruby
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09 Apr, 2024 by Jenn marie
14 Feb, 2024 by Ryan mckane
BRUNO NALU worked with my family and I when my dad was killed in a bicycle accident in Irvine in August 2022, they were extremely thorough and helpful throughout the entire process and took the time to explain our options and helped advise us on making the best decision for our family. They made us feel like they truly cared and we weren't just another number to them which was important to us during such a traumatic and emotional time for our family. I can't recommend BRUNO NALU highly enough for your legal needs!
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28 Oct, 2023 by Nicole laflamme
Angela and everyone at her office was amazing! I was in a bad car accident and they made such a terrible situation so much easier! Her whole team was so thorough and really helped me concentrate on the healing process. I felt so comfortable and supported by her and Kristen. They were both there to answer any question I had and made communication effortless. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Bruno Nalu!!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Jenn marie
14 Feb, 2024 by Ryan mckane
BRUNO NALU worked with my family and I when my dad was killed in a bicycle accident in Irvine in August 2022, they were extremely thorough and helpful throughout the entire process and took the time to explain our options and helped advise us on making the best decision for our family. They made us feel like they truly cared and we weren't just another number to them which was important to us during such a traumatic and emotional time for our family. I can't recommend BRUNO NALU highly enough for your legal needs!
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28 Oct, 2023 by Nicole laflamme
Angela and everyone at her office was amazing! I was in a bad car accident and they made such a terrible situation so much easier! Her whole team was so thorough and really helped me concentrate on the healing process. I felt so comfortable and supported by her and Kristen. They were both there to answer any question I had and made communication effortless. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Bruno Nalu!!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Jenn marie
14 Feb, 2024 by Ryan mckane
BRUNO NALU worked with my family and I when my dad was killed in a bicycle accident in Irvine in August 2022, they were extremely thorough and helpful throughout the entire process and took the time to explain our options and helped advise us on making the best decision for our family. They made us feel like they truly cared and we weren't just another number to them which was important to us during such a traumatic and emotional time for our family. I can't recommend BRUNO NALU highly enough for your legal needs!
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28 Oct, 2023 by Nicole laflamme
Angela and everyone at her office was amazing! I was in a bad car accident and they made such a terrible situation so much easier! Her whole team was so thorough and really helped me concentrate on the healing process. I felt so comfortable and supported by her and Kristen. They were both there to answer any question I had and made communication effortless. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Bruno Nalu!!
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
