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25 Mar, 2024 by Talie hugo
WIL NEVER GO THROUGH THIS LAW FIRM! MOST RUDE DISRESPECTFUL LADY THAT ANSWERS THE PHONE, I COULDN'T GET A WORD IN WITH OUT HER YELLING AND I'M PAYING FOR STEPHEN. YOUR NEED A PERSON WHO
WILL SPEAK TO PEOPLE AND NOT BE YELLING, RUDE OR DISRESPECTFUL. I WISH I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS IM ASHAMED FOR HER ON HOW SHE TALKS AND TREATS ANY HUMAN BEING!
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10 Jan, 2023 by Robin contello
01 Nov, 2020 by Nicki nicole
I was referred to Mr. Green by my aunt who has used his services and I must say my initial convo with him was ok but afterwards he acted as though he could care less about helping me with my case. Being I have depression and PTSD, amongst other things, I am trying to find a lawyer I can trust that will get me the benefits I deserve espiecially since I have been denied multiple times and was told this was the best lawyer in town but he hasn't did anything to help, stating I need more proof but the proof is in the pudding... I get so overwhelned with this whole process and feel I can't do it alone plus 8t seems noone understand my particular situation...
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hannah k.
08 Jul, 2024 by Kate sweeten
I truly appreciated the Edgar Law team's approach to working with us -- they made the complicated legal process easy to approach, understand, and made sure that we knew that they were in our corner the entire time. Emails and phone calls were responded to promptly and thoroughly -- would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Laura tackett
Obviously not good enough because they most likely wouldn't take the either listen to my story or read it
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
13 Apr, 2021 by Michael
Took my 5k and then spent the next 2 years telling me he had other important cases and had no time to work on mine. Other professionals in the field call him Tony bologna. That should give you an idea about this crook. When I fired him he refunded me $500. Stay away.
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23 Nov, 2017 by Matt
Tony Stein was referred to be from another Real Estate Investor. Tony quickly assessed our situation, replied to a frivolous lawsuit, strategically counter-sued the party, and won a 1-day trial when he put our opponent on the stand. Our case, although frivolous in nature, concerned us because false claims of fraud were levied and Mr. Stein, from our first meeting through our day of trial and the Judge’s decision in our favor on all issues, handled the case as the true tactician and professional he is. Tony is the most fair attorney we’ve ever interacted with - he wil never over bill. It was sweet to receive the check from the accuser. Tony flipped the case and won on presenting a concise, intelligent gent factual case on our behalf. I can’t recommend Tony often enough, and I would always call him first for any legal question or concern.
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08 Nov, 2017 by William
I was referred to Tony by a friend; Right away it was very apparent that Tony was focused on providing me with sound, and prudent legal advise. He does this while always considering the practical elements, and potential outcomes. Tony will always be the first person I call when, or if, I need legal advise or representation in the future. Top Notch!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Youa thao
Like all the other 1 star review they will take your money...then say you don't have a case and will be short with you and try to talk you out from moving forward because they know they will not get any money out of the case. Brian and his team barely wanted to communicate or give us updates, but they want to charge us on discussing on reimbursing us back for the remaining work they didnt want to do..seriously?! What a joke!
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18 Mar, 2024 by Lynn toliver
The Harrah Law firm helped me through a difficult situation & supported my interests throughout the legal process. All the team members were professional and kind and seemed to be understanding of my situation. They handled items promptly and met deadlines throughout the whole process. I would definitely use their services again if I ever find myself in need of legal real estate representation.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Me de
They will lie to you until they get your money, then they will ignore you until you threaten them with another firm. I just can't believe they have any good reviews. They are obviously reviews from a paid firm.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Jon roehl
13 Oct, 2021 by Down right me
Only took into account the laws and not the client
Did not look into the future of there client
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07 Jun, 2021 by Mary
Errin worked very well with me and helped me through my bankruptcy with great ease! Definitely made a process someone doesn't want to go through, much easier to bare. Thank you Errin!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Annie tokeak
Steven was awesome! Helped me out so much
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16 Jul, 2024 by Adora campbell
very respectful handle my case well
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05 Jul, 2024 by Connie lanton jr
Stacy handled my personal injury case, and did an excellent job! The insurance company was trying to lowball me and she wasn't having it! She was able to get me what I was asking!!! I appreciate her hard work!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kim vanalst
He is suppose to be our 6 year old grandsons attorney. Never talked to any of the paternal family members. Placed him with maternal grandmother who is his first abuser. He has had boling "noodles " poured on him. Mr. Gordon does not care at all if this child lives or dies.
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15 Jun, 2023 by Miranda pacheco
Horrible lawyers! Stay way!
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08 May, 2023 by Mike hawk
18 Jul, 2024 by Alexandria alika provenghi
Bertram & Graf are a G-d send. They helped me & thousands substantially to receive compensation for hearing damage unfortunately as a result of 3m hearing protection [the irony]. Matthew, Tim, Kandy, Bianca, Steve were all instrumental. Their team is impeccable. They’re professional, responsive, have great communication, and are extremely helpful. I’m blown away by this team. A million times over THANK YOU Bertram & Graf.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Austin menard
Awesome services provided
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10 May, 2023 by Cadell bowles
Unfortunately this firm has poor communication with clients. Especially true if you’re a claimant in litigation case where significant amounts of money are owed to you.
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08 Oct, 2013 by Kortnie
When I hired Mr. Adams to represent me it was supposed to be a rather simple case being the other parent was in jail. The other parent ended up getting out and showing up to court. Mr. Adams turned to me and said "We're toast" this is a horrible thing to ever hear from your attorney! The Judge set it over so he could have time to review the case and documents from both parties. Hearing nothing from Mr. Adams and my court hearing getting close I contacted him to see what defense or information he had prepared for court. Stating " I don't even know what this hearing is for" was the response I got. At court the Judge had read all of the false accusations and statements turned in by the other parents attorney and ripped my life apart. Why did I think anything good was going to happen when Mr. Adams never even turned in any kind of defense on my behalf nor did he object to anything that was provably incorrect. To make matters worse evidence left on Mr. Adams voicemail at his work was never even brought up when it would have probably won my case! As an attorney their job is to defend you and fight for your right but family law is more then that. Family Law attorneys are the difference between you seeing your child grow up and because of Mr. Adams I am missing parts of my child's life I can never get back! Making matters worse my child is in an abusive situation that my lawyer could have shown to the Judge, but he didn't and my child to this day is still being abused. As a parent it is your job to protect your child and do whats best for them regardless of what it takes. How could I have known that a wrong choice in an attorney is something that would be such a life shattering experience! The fact that I cry every day and that my child is being abused doesn't seem to matter one bit to Mr. Adams because I've not heard from him. After court he kept saying "I'm sick to my stomach about it" but just as he did nothing in that court room he has done nothing about it since. I have lost the only thing that matters to me in life and cant begin to explain the pain and heartache I live with. All I want to do is maybe prevent anyone else from having to experience it by selecting Mike Adams as their attorney.
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04 Sep, 2012 by Jason
In forming our tech services business Michael shed a lot of light on areas that we hadn't even thought of. He was very professional and my partners and I felt reassured having Michael as our counsel.
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05 Apr, 2024 by A c
Affordable estate planning firm. I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone seeking legal advice!!
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22 Jan, 2024 by Ernie abril
Kelisen and her team ( Taylor & Alejandra) did a great job for me and were really easy to work with. I highly recommend them !
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12 Jan, 2024 by Jessica langley
Highly recommend Kelisen. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to family law and really wonderful to speak with. She is just such a compassionate and caring person, and a wonderful attorney to work with.
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23 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Tried calling him to handle landlord tenant case. He had previously handle 2 for me before. Before I could tell him the whole story, he said he wasn't going to help his competition ????
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23 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Payed. fee just to be caught up in the system now have a large warrant of 5000 dollars behind a 1st offense drivingw while suspended ticket he has made my ticket worser than what is was.
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24 Oct, 2014 by Marianne
I needed a lawyer to help me dealing with a contractor who had walked out in the middle of construction for an addition on my home. I called and left a message on a Tuesday morning (Oct. 14, 2014). I received a call back from his assistant later that morning. She took all the info and said that they needed to do a conflict of interest check on all involved parties. She said that I would hear back from her that afternoon or by Wednesday. I received no call back so I called and left a message midday on Thursday. I still received no call back so I called and left another message midday on Friday. I finally received a callback late Friday afternoon and was told that there was a potential conflict of interest that they were still research and that they would get back with me on Monday and let me know. Again, no callback on Monday so I left a message on Tuesday asking them to please call me and let me know what the heck was going on. It is now Friday afternoon (Oct. 24, 2014), 11 days since my first call, and they have never returned that call. I had repeatedly told them that this was a time sensitive issue for me and I needed legal advise quickly so that I could figure out how to proceed with the construction before the winter weather set in.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Tom did a job for my company several months ago. I found discrepancies in his bill and did not get very far when I brought them up to him. By his own admission he is a slow reader. What took my 40 year old sister who has a law degree to read in 45 minutes took him hours. Hours you are being billed for. His rates are reasonable but not when you factor in the amount of time it takes him to read and write.
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25 Apr, 2022 by Toni r
25 Apr, 2022 by Toni r
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
