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07 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Mitch helped me get my business started and provided other great legal advice.
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07 Nov, 2017 by Shannon
Mitchell has handled our divorce and also our trust and family estate planning. We have worked with him for over 10 years and have been extremely impressed with his level of service and excellence in all areas. Would highly recommend him!
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06 Nov, 2017 by Denise
Helped me with resolving estate issues due to sudden death of my husband.
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26 Jun, 2020 by Tosha
This man is amazing. With one phone call and explanation of what was going on with my bank account within minutes he called me back and got started on my case. Knowing that somebody is on my side is taking so much stress off of me. His rates are fair. I would recommend him to anybody that feels helpless going up against a bank.
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24 Jun, 2020 by Camille
Phil is hands down the best lawyer to hire. I hired him for my music career and he helped me take it to the next level! Hire him!
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23 Jun, 2020 by Adisa
Philip Hamilton is a great lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients. I had a family court case that was a custody battle between my deceased wife's brother and I. At the time my health was really bad. I was suffering from heart disease and some other acute health issues that resulted in getting surgery. I had been out of work and was on leave but my pay wasnt the same. Attorney Hamilton assured me that he could help and he did just that. He just charged me for court filings and told me to just concentrate on getting better. He worked out all the paperwork in court and diligently assisted me all the way to an agreement and now my children are in a great place to were I co parent with their uncle. I constantly recommend him as my lawyer..
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23 Sep, 2021 by Mark
Robb is fair and honest. He took care of my legal matter in short order and was very straight forward right from day one. Robb explained my situation very clearly and explained what he thought I should do and proceeded to do just that. He has recently referred me to another attorney for my will and estate planning and I was thrilled with the attorney he referred. Robb is a great guy all the way around.
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19 Feb, 2021 by Charles
I have known Mr. Krueger for the last 20 years as my Landlord/Tenant lawyer with several different companies. He always comes prepared and ready to defend. Highly recommended.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Dave
Rob will take the time to listen and understand your case to provide you with the best outcome possible. Rob will aggressively fight for you .
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19 Jan, 2015 by Brian
Darren's work on numerous business projects of which I and my firm have been a part has been outstanding. He possesses keen legal and business insights and provides strong, thoughtful and practical advice, balancing the ability to deliver the important legal work needed to accomplish the business needs, while never importantly losing sight of the end project objectives and goals, looking for, finding and implementing creative solutions to complex legal problems.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Brandon
Darren helped me out on numerous occasions for both personal and professional issues. He was consistently energetic, honest, and very good at thinking "out of the box". He clearly had a superior grasp on the legal side of things, but took the time to explain them to me in "layman's terms", which I greatly appreciate. The outcome of several business situations turned out all favorable to myself and my partners. Even if they had not, I respect Darren's level of professionalism. I highly recommend him to anyone that has the need. His creativity saved me a lot of money and I will call him again in the future, should the need arise.
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12 Jan, 2015 by Scott
Darren was very instrumental with a major transition in our small business. He was extremely knowledgeable and presented clear solutions to the sensitive and complicated issues. I would highly recommend Darren for other small business owner.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Jan
David handles our liens and foreclosures and any legal advise. He has always been easy to work with and responds to our needs expediently. I would definitely recommend his services. We are extremely satisfied with his services.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Paul
David came recommended by a neighboring association for his quick results. His attention to detail and knowledge of the legal process made our problems seem effortless. Fees are fair and his updates are appreciated.
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09 Apr, 2015 by Geri
David was very knowledgeable in the process to foreclose on a condominium unit in Michigan. We used another attorney in the past for this type of process and it dragged on for months. David knew the steps required to get the task accomplished in a timely manner. Very easy to work with and would recommend with no hesitation.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Amy
Attorney Reed helped me with the planning and development of my company. I could tell from the start that Phil cared about the success or failure of my business. It was great being able to talk with him without having to worry about being charged for every minute. Phil knows the law and knows business. He had great insights on how to get what we needed done, he knew how to negotiate the right terms and helped me protect my business so I could focus on making money.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Ryan
I normally would never write a review. But I feel like it would be unfair for me not to recommend Phil to anyone, including my peers. He is top notch, very through, professional, and has honest pricing. Do not hesitate working with him, you will not regret it. Thank you for everything Phil!
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16 Apr, 2019 by Jim
I have had the pleasure of working with Steve and his firm for 15+ years now on a number of matters including; litigation, contract review, acquisitions, compliance, and real estate agreements. I appreciate Steve's approach, professionalism, and extensive experience and knowledge. I highly recommend Steve and his team and they are my go to team for all business and personal legal matters.
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21 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Rodbard handled real estate transactions and concerns for us. We could not have asked for a more caring and knowledgeable attorney. We highly recommend him!
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15 Sep, 2020 by Mike kirish
Mr. Christopher Morris was very attentive and understanding to my needs.
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06 Jan, 2019 by John myland
Attorney Morris is a dedicated Attorney that stands by his word and sticks with you. He's a stand up guy .
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15 Sep, 2020 by Mike kirish
Mr. Christopher Morris was very attentive and understanding to my needs.
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06 Jan, 2019 by John myland
Attorney Morris is a dedicated Attorney that stands by his word and sticks with you. He's a stand up guy .
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15 Sep, 2020 by Mike kirish
Mr. Christopher Morris was very attentive and understanding to my needs.
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06 Jan, 2019 by John myland
Attorney Morris is a dedicated Attorney that stands by his word and sticks with you. He's a stand up guy .
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20 Aug, 2024 by Cormack mulcahy
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional work of Randall Levine and Anastase Markou throughout my legal process. From the very beginning, they made sure I was informed, supported, and prepared every step of the way. Navigating the legal system can be incredibly stressful, but they turned a daunting experience into one that I felt confident facing. What stood out most was Randall’s dedication and commitment. He took the time to explain every detail, making sure I understood my options and the potential outcomes. His responsiveness was unmatched—I never felt left in the dark, and every question or concern I had was addressed promptly and thoroughly. Beyond his legal expertise, Randall was compassionate and empathetic. He truly cared about my well-being, not just the case itself. This personal touch made a world of difference during such a difficult time. Thanks to this firm, I received the best possible outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you need a defense attorney who is knowledgeable, dedicated, and truly cares about his clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Levine & Levine. They exceeded all my expectations and then some.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Chris keson
Very perfessional and loyal staff. Thank you for the great service.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Brian kelly
Great attorney to work with. I don’t have to follow up behind him to make sure things get done. I’ve had other attorneys drop the ball and then have to go back and fix their mistakes. There’s no worries with him. He takes care of everything
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08 Jul, 2024 by Andrew haller
Keilan Law was going to represent me in a case but recommended against doing so at the last minute. However, I was billed for hours in which they spent researching the law (Evictions) in which they should have been the experts on. I tried to resolve the matter of over billing prior to writing a review with no success.
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08 Jul, 2024 by John van camp
I had a contract dispute case that Ross helped navigate me through. His wise council was a great help in getting me a settlement that ended up being five time better than what was originally offered. I highly recommend Ross and wouldn’t hesitate to use his services again.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sandy titus
Recently I had an opportunity to work with Mr. Keilen to plan my estate and I was very impressed. He was very knowledgeable and professional. Attorney Keilen listened to my wishes, asked pertinent questions, and offered options that might best fit my needs. He was excellent at putting legal jargon in layman's terms. I look forward to working with Mr. Keilen again and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to plan their estate.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Macey darlington
Adam is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He helped me understand all of my options and made recommendations that were pertinent to my situation. I would highly recommend him.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tyler smith
Adam was very easy to work with. I always felt that he had my best interests in mind at every step of the process.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Steve schreuder
Adam is a dedicated attorney. He has helped several of my real estate clients navigate the complexities of dealing with family trusts. I would be happy referring family, friends and clients to Adam and his team.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anne shank
My husband and I recently set up a trust through the services of Willis Law. The attorney and staff were both gracious and welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. They showed a true desire to help us meet our goals and desires for our trust, specifically taking into account the needs of our family. I would highly recommend their services!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Melissa carper
Don Smith is your Cass County defense attorney!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Barbara stewart
My husband and I updated our estate and trust plan with Willis Law along other important end of life documents and what a difference after using another group for the same process. We so appreciate the patience taken with us to explain every detail. We highly recommend Willis Law.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anne shank
My husband and I recently set up a trust through the services of Willis Law. The attorney and staff were both gracious and welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. They showed a true desire to help us meet our goals and desires for our trust, specifically taking into account the needs of our family. I would highly recommend their services!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Melissa carper
Don Smith is your Cass County defense attorney!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Barbara stewart
My husband and I updated our estate and trust plan with Willis Law along other important end of life documents and what a difference after using another group for the same process. We so appreciate the patience taken with us to explain every detail. We highly recommend Willis Law.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anne shank
My husband and I recently set up a trust through the services of Willis Law. The attorney and staff were both gracious and welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. They showed a true desire to help us meet our goals and desires for our trust, specifically taking into account the needs of our family. I would highly recommend their services!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Melissa carper
Don Smith is your Cass County defense attorney!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Barbara stewart
My husband and I updated our estate and trust plan with Willis Law along other important end of life documents and what a difference after using another group for the same process. We so appreciate the patience taken with us to explain every detail. We highly recommend Willis Law.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Reuben mishler
Recently I attended a continuing education function to maintain my real estate license. Our association had the privilege of hearing Cody Hayward and Aric Kasel discuss topics of interest to our benefit. Cody and Aric displayed a professional demeanor and spoke with clarity, knowledge and experience. Their display of patience and decorum in our presence did not go unnoticed. Well done, gentlemen.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Michelle chamberlin
We worked with Willis Law to handle my aunt's financial affairs. Davis and Angela were amazing to work with. Listened to us thoroughly to learn about her finances and were very knowledgeable about how to handle her assets. They even expedited the preparation of a POA and met us in a separate location to help my aunt sign the POA (she currently has limited mobility). Thank you again for all of your help.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Adam sterenberg
I can’t recommend enough the incredible people and services of Willis Law! They are incredible benefactors of our community and are committed to making it a better place!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Macey darlington
Adam is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He helped me understand all of my options and made recommendations that were pertinent to my situation. I would highly recommend him.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tyler smith
Adam was very easy to work with. I always felt that he had my best interests in mind at every step of the process.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Steve schreuder
Adam is a dedicated attorney. He has helped several of my real estate clients navigate the complexities of dealing with family trusts. I would be happy referring family, friends and clients to Adam and his team.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Macey darlington
Adam is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He helped me understand all of my options and made recommendations that were pertinent to my situation. I would highly recommend him.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tyler smith
Adam was very easy to work with. I always felt that he had my best interests in mind at every step of the process.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Steve schreuder
Adam is a dedicated attorney. He has helped several of my real estate clients navigate the complexities of dealing with family trusts. I would be happy referring family, friends and clients to Adam and his team.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Connie m van cleve
The team at Keilen Law are outstanding. They have treated my case with the utmost care and respect, without taking me to the cleaners! If you’re a business owner in trouble, I don’t believe that you could do any better than hiring these folks for representation. I highly recommend Ross & Tyler! Great communicators.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Cut right
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23 Oct, 2023 by Richard dorstewitz
Great place to work with. I love the attention to detail and the insistence on meeting in person.
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11 May, 2024 by Matt hibshman
Stay clear from this firm. I supplied all the info and all I got was a very expensive letter and charged for them to have coffee talk! Stay clear!!!! You have to constantly call them for communication. I've hired another firm and they have done more in 3 days then this firm did in 7 months. What a joke!
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03 May, 2024 by C jonesy
I reached out to Herbert Machnik Law Firm for a free consultation. I spoke with Mr. Machnik at length about a variety of litigation options at my disposal. He was very knowledgeable and forthright and took his time walking me through each scenario. I appreciated his candor and expertise and will absolutely use his services going forward. I encourage anyone looking for an honest conversation around the law and individual rights to look no further than this excellent law firm, Mr. Machnik in particular.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Matt quarry
Top notch Law firm! They are very thorough and reasonably priced. They are very detail oriented and extremely organized. They will go above and beyond for you as their client. Strongly recommend!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Jane diamond
Randy answered all my questions promptly and with great clarity. I appreciate his legal counsel, and his attention to detail is truly exceptional.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Bob seekamp
Since 2003 I have depended on Randy Brown for my legal needs he is an excellent attorney with his skill, knowledge,and thoroughness to solve the issues that life presents most recently this past January. He definitely rates my 5 star review. Bob Seekamp
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20 Jan, 2024 by Ellen frank-miller
Randy provided consultation on a complicated aspect of my late father-in-law's estate. His analysis was incredibly valuable and his explanation clear and understandable, in addition to being very thorough. We do not live in the state of Michigan, but if we did he would be preparing our estate plans for sure. We're very grateful for his support during a difficult time!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Blue water67
We have had Bill Millard for years. We have been very pleased with the thoughtful, thorough way he handled our trust.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Todd pease
The team at DeMent & Marquardt helped with estate planning for my parents, my wife's parents, and now ours. They are always there to answer questions and have helped guide us through some difficult times. We are very thankful to have such a great and reliable resource in a city the size of Kalamazoo. Many of the successful people in our sphere of influence recommended this firm and now we understand why. We have seen and heard of others opt to go different routes with their planning only to run into way too much grief and headache. For us, so far so good after working through the loss of 3 out of our 4 parents. It has allowed us to focus on the important side of the grieving process and removes the unnecessary stress we see so many others face. What a blessing.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Helen goyings
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kenny sparks
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08 Jul, 2024 by Liz yunker
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08 Jul, 2024 by Nelysha torres
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08 Jul, 2024 by Blue water67
We have had Bill Millard for years. We have been very pleased with the thoughtful, thorough way he handled our trust.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Todd pease
The team at DeMent & Marquardt helped with estate planning for my parents, my wife's parents, and now ours. They are always there to answer questions and have helped guide us through some difficult times. We are very thankful to have such a great and reliable resource in a city the size of Kalamazoo. Many of the successful people in our sphere of influence recommended this firm and now we understand why. We have seen and heard of others opt to go different routes with their planning only to run into way too much grief and headache. For us, so far so good after working through the loss of 3 out of our 4 parents. It has allowed us to focus on the important side of the grieving process and removes the unnecessary stress we see so many others face. What a blessing.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Helen goyings
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kenny sparks
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08 Jul, 2024 by Liz yunker
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08 Jul, 2024 by Nelysha torres
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03 Jan, 2023 by Donald iarussi mba mfa
He is a new yorker so you must remember that. His approach might not always be what you expected. He has a good heart
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06 Oct, 2021 by Belinda
We are thankful that Gary Apps has been such a big help to us and for us and continue looking forward to hearing from you, and we are praying that your success will continue to be successful. God bless you. Cordially yours, Belinda ps, please send me your email address at
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07 May, 2018 by Ryan
Called on a Saturday after another Attorney had cancelled on me 30 minutes before our meeting. Gary picked up even though his office was closed and calmed my nerves. He provided great advice and gave great direction. I reconnected with him later that week and he helped me with my issue all the way to the end. Very personable, knowledgeable, honest and helpful.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Kimberly
My husband and I along with several family members have used the services of Bill Oudsema for over 30 years. We are so grateful for his wisdom and guidance. He has gone over and above for us as he did once again today when he drove miles out of his way to help my parents who are unable to leave their home establish their POA. He was so kind and compassionate to them as was his son Jeff. Jeff Oudsema will add to the already great characteristics of this practice. Completely trust worthy, professional and generous.
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19 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Dishonest and fraudulent He was the Attorney who executed my Mother's will and unknown to us, he was simultaneously one of the will's beneficiaries while he executed it. This was a 100% conflict of interest. Then he sent us fraudulent bills for work he never performed. There s no Lawyer as dishonest as he is. Please , avoid him.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Swenarton based on a referral from a title company. I was attempting to gain a "quite title" for a property purchased at auction. I was quoted $1500 plus court fees. There was a limited time due to a credit pull, so after on month I called to see what was going on. I was told that the other couple's attorney hadn't responded. I had remembered receiving an email copy of paperwork sent to the other attorney. I called that attorney after doing a Google Search and he answered on one ring. We spoke, he said he had never received a call or letter and that the other family would gladly sign over the house. The follow day I called and spoke to the assistant and told the story, miraculously three hours later she called and told me she had found the quit claim! In addition I had sent five or six emails about a landlord tenant issue. I was told he would file and go to court for me $450. To my surprise when I received a bill for $300 for just reading and sending a one sentence response to my emails. No if this were not enough, I actually trusted to try on last time with an eviction after all of this. We had settled the last agreement at $1800 (about 4x normal cost) and I agreed to retain him for an eviction. I mailed the eviction from Kalamazoo and his staff said it never arrived. I asked if they were going to call the tenants or attempt to resolve, but they stated that would cost the hourly rate of $300. Needless to say if you want to retain a lawyer who is will to work for you and try to save you money, Jeff Swenarton is not the person I would suggest,
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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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