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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
Read more Google Maps
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
Read more Google Maps
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
Read more Google Maps
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16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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24 Nov, 2022 by Michael mullins
Very expensive and incomplete Family Estate Settlement !!! Phone calls are never returned and you are charged outrageous fees !! Non Compassionate Non transparency for all involved family members Beware of these People And dont set yourself up for disappointment . Never received final documents and had nothing but painful association With my family , only Regrets and heartache and empty wallet is what you'll get !!! Sad
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Aug, 2022 by Keerthana kumar
I engaged the legal services of Mary McKee based on her proposed statement of services, and the expertise she exhibited. Since signing an engagement letter and paying a $1500 retainer, I received 0 communications and 0 answers to my multiple emails with legal questions over the course of nearly 7 weeks. I called multiple times every week, and the 2 times I was able to speak with her (weeks apart), she promised an email within 2 business days. I received 0 emails weeks later, not even a response to an email requesting an update, at any point. She repeatedly promised legal help and gave timelines that were set and created by Ms. McKee herself at her discretion, which she repeatedly did not meet, nor did she respond to communications. She provided a "timely” plan during consultation that she never even started. Even though she sounded caring, she wasted MONTHS of my time with absolutely no consideration for me. She had no consideration for my daily living conditions (the reason I needed legal help), and no consideration for my time, given that I called or emailed almost every day to check on the status, which despite her promises, never changed over the course of 6 weeks. She literally sounded annoyed every time I contacted her for any information, and absolutely nothing was done in over 6 weeks (outside of an engagement letter and collecting $1500 from me). The only reason for 2 stars is because I was acknowledged that I would be refunded without issue (though the $1500 refund is still pending).
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17 Oct, 2015 by Recovering slob
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21 May, 2024 by Mallorie mullis
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24 Sep, 2019 by Francisco huitron
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16 May, 2018 by Russ phelps
Have had multiple convictions for domestic violence based on hear say from all involved. no evidence!...absolutely none! I have done no wrong! Called Mike and he cussed me out;told me I would face harassment charges! Because of this gross misscariage of justice.i have been homeless and unemployed for ten years now.
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06 Mar, 2021 by Jd raine
Need to call her again.not good at returning
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14 Aug, 2024 by Drew austin
Shady “law” firm. Received a summons saying I owed somewhere I’d never been while my legs were broken. The guy I spoke with said he would send me release paperwork to give to Graves and Gilbert to release all documents associated with “treatment”. Never heard anything else until I received a letter saying they’d gone to court and I’d had judgment passed on me for failure to appear. Just scummy people doing scummy things. Calling legal aid in the morning and getting this fixed.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Karen arnold
I was not notified of any court date. I was surprised when my paycheck was significantly less than I needed to pay my rent, gas and groceries. Now that I was able to pay it off, my paycheck is still being garnished (10 business days later) after I was told they would be stopping it.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Christy decker
This man is a crook and will fight dirty. The lady in his office who awnsers the phone is a bitter Karen who hates life I would too if my job was answering phones for a living lol. Hell bound not a decent thing about this law firm.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
The title says it all. Lawyer is incompetent or she doesn’t care or both. The title says it all. Lawyer is incompetent or she doesn’t care or both. The title says it all. Lawyer is incompetent or she doesn’t care or both.
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14 Jun, 2013 by Bill
I once needed a court appointed defender due to my lack of money. The Judge appointed to me Samantha Fields. I didn't know any better so I accepted her as my attorney. What a mistake that was & turned out to be a very costly one. My advice to anyone reading this is do what ever it takes to pay a good attorney in this county. It will be worth it. DO NOT USE SAMANTHA FIELDS AT ANY COST !
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11 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
This woman was appointed to my daughter as a public defender, she did not return our calls and we waited outside of her office (@ Ms. Feilds request) she did not show up. She was not informed about my daughters case, and was not helpful in any manner.
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26 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Failed to properly complete title work. The closing occured years ago. The titles are still not properly done.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Carter took my wrongful death case. Told me he'd get back with me in 3 or 4 weeks because he had other cases to tend to first. After a few months I called to see if there was any progress. His secretary was rude and said they still hadn't done anything and they would get in touch with me when they did. So 3 weeks before the statue of limitations was up he sent me a letter stating that he had contacted 2 experts and therefore was no case. He didn't get in touch with any witnesses or got more records. It was pretty clear there were negligence in the death of my husband.I trusted him to help prove that, but did nothing. When I contacted him he stated that he spent a lot of money on this case, I didn't see anything he did. So when I questioned him about it he was very rude. Very unprofessional. Cursed me out and hung up on me. Is that anyway to treat a grieving widow? Had I known he wasn't going to help me with this I would have contacted someone else. Now there is nothing anyone can do about it. I just hate that they got by with it and will do other people the same way. My family has suffered a great deal over this and could have been prevented if they had done there job correctly. So no THANKS to Mr. Carter.
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06 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Ackerson was retained as the estate attorney for my mother's estate. This matter should have been cut and dry. However, because of Ackerson's incompetence and his lack of communication, I was forced to obtain a personal attorney to protect my inheritance. I would not recommend this attorney. To make matters worse, the estate was presented with an exorbitant fee which had to reduced by the probate judge.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
He told my boyfriend to plead my guilty to something he didn't do. He assured him he would get out on probation. He didn't. Hes been in jail for over for months. Also, his receptionist is rude
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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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