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01 Jul, 2020 by J kim
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22 Dec, 2018 by Javier sanjuanbenito
Best lawyer in town. Very professional attention to the details.
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23 Sep, 2018 by Doreen diorio
Bernadette is very competent and savvy about real estate, even in the face of tricky details that might escape another attorney's notice. She helped me a lot during the recent sale and closing of my homes, which would never have gone as smoothly without her persistent dedication. Highly recommended!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Noel
Elizabeth was not unethical and did not break any laws during her representation of me in Ulster Family Court. But she came to conferences totally unprepared and thus willing to go along with any agreement between parties that simply provided her with less work. She went along with the judge, the law guardian and opposing counsel with as little argument as is possible in favor of her client. Her preparation of documents and professional pride also leaves a lot to be desired.
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08 Jun, 2024 by Justin mccray
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07 Jun, 2024 by Lisa calabro
Loved working with Kelly G. and the staff! Top Notch Service!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Alessia bevacqua
Robin was excellent, very professional, I highly recommend her Alessia
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14 Jul, 2024 by Rob casselman
I’ve closed on three different properties with Scott and he has been great to work with on each one. His years of experience show and I like how quickly he gets to the point. Stellar attorney and reasonably priced as well!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dwayne lutchna
Scott is excellent. This was my first time purchasing real estate, and Scott’s guidance and professionalism helped to make it a positive experience. He was diligent in looking out for my best interest, and protecting me from any potential risk. We were able to leverage language Scott included in the contract to get a significant credit after the property was inspected. If you’ve never worked with an attorney before, it can be a little intimidating to know where to start, what qualities to look for. I would say, someone who has a lot of experience, is smart and knows the law — but also someone that’s great at communication, can be a good guide, listen and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Scott has all those qualities, and in addition, he cares about his clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a good, honest real estate attorney.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Richard mcnally
Wonderful experience working with RWHM on estate matters. Nicholas Pascale was our attorney, and he was very responsive, clear, and transparent. Support staff were also just great. I highly recommend them, and certainly will be using them again in the future.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Cristy bauer
John Rusk was thorough, knowledgeable and a strong advocate for our legal interests. He and the entire support team where always professional and their efforts provided the best outcome possible for our family after a very difficult injury and an extremely long legal process!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Doug hamilton
My wife was critically injured when she was struck by a car in 2018 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. With the advice from a friend we contacted John Rusk, from Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner and Martuscello. We couldn't have made a better choice. The case was complicated. John guided us through the proceedings over a five year period with the greatest professionalism and compassion. The case was concluded this year with what we feel was a very fair and just settlement. We can't thank John and his paralegal, Cynthia, enough for all their hard work and dedication to our case. Many thanks also to the rest of the staff at RWHM for their kindness and understanding. DH & JH
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11 Mar, 2024 by Yogicat1958
This Lawyer I would use over and over again she was very helpful in the both cases I used her in,she was very Trustworthy.And to talk to her you feel like she cares and treats you like she knows you for years.Even though family court in ulster county is far from helping fathers she at least tells you the facts right up front.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
As a parent it is very difficult to watch as your child struggles in life but to watch the effects it is having on your grandchild is devastating . Rebecca took on my very difficult custody case. As a grandparent we have no legal say in our grandchild's life. Throughout the whole legal process Rebecca stayed focused on our fight to not uproot my grandchild but to keep him in the only environment he has known.Rebecca is compassionate , hard working , straight to the point of what needs to be done, and very fair with her services. After entering into this legal nightmare I was very thankful to have Rebecca representing me. I can never thank her enough for all that she has done for us.
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28 Oct, 2017 by Micheal
We hired Rebecca Lettre to help assist and guide us through a Child Visitation Case. She was very informative and helped us work through a very emotional time. We were pleased with the final outcome of our case.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Alessia bevacqua
Robin was excellent, very professional, I highly recommend her Alessia
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05 Aug, 2024 by Alessia bevacqua
Robin was excellent, she followed me through every step, keeping me informed of the situation constantly. Highly recommended!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Posie
Felt very comfortable and confident in the services of this law office. They were a pleasure to deal with.
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16 Apr, 2014 by Kiersten
As first-time homeowners, we had many (many) questions. Al and his team were incredibly knowledgeable, forthcoming, and kind-hearted from the moment we made an offer until the last document was signed at the closing. Al, Lisa, or Cheryl picked up the phone every time I called, responded to emails within a few hours (and often within minutes), and kept us calm throughout what can be a nerve-wracking process. We closed on the property yesterday, and the seller's attorney, the bank's attorney, and my real estate broker each commented separately on Al's efficiency and professionalism. I would hire Al again in a heartbeat, and highly recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney in the Ulster County area.
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21 Jun, 2011 by Mike
We used Albert recently for legal support and found him to be very easy to work with, straight forward, with honest counsel. He was able to quickly close our case to our satisfaction. I would recommend Al for any and all your legal needs.
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06 Jun, 2011 by Harbalwant singh
I would like to say that Mr. Hrdlicka has handled my deals with full care & responsiblity. I was able to access him as & when I need ..very important hwen you making time sensitive issues.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Duane
Mr. Petro was a calming presence for me while representing me for my case. He is knowledgeable, personable, and when needed even infused some humor into our meetings to make me feel comfortable and know that he had my best interest at heart while representing me. He was very instrumental in seeing my case through to a great outcome, and I couldn’t be more happy with his services.
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11 Dec, 2022 by Christian
Mr. Petro is highly recommened! He is personable and listens and pays attention in high detail to your past to get you through your present. He has always been available with any questions or concerns. Tom makes it his priority to take any stress or concerns you may have through the process. He has a down to earth personality and will not smoke screen the outcome. He gets things done by being highly known and experienced with the court system. Bottom line,Tom Petro is a real nice guy with a great reputation!
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19 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Petro did an exceptional job representing me and resolving my case. He went above and beyond for me. When he says “I’ll take care of it”, it is taken care of. Period. He is super busy and if he does not get back to right away, he is probably working on your behalf. Just leave the guy alone and let him do his job. Mr. Petro has a great sense of humor and he knows his way around the courts. The judges and prosecutors respect him. If you made a one time mistake like me and learned your lesson, he will take care of you. I can’t thank Mr. Petro enough!
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09 Feb, 2022 by Brian
I Came upon John's name after the retained attorney passed away unexpectedly. I was handling my mothers estate and needed his assistance. At a time when you need some patience and understanding, John was right there from the first meeting. Calls and emails are returned without delay. And when you sit with him, you are not intimidated and are always given sound and honest advice. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone. It is nice sleeping at night knowing you selected the best!
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27 Apr, 2021 by Karla
I reached out to Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello for help with a business with deceptive practices defrauding me out of my money. The consultation process was easy and helpful to get me an answer. Even though they couldn’t take my case they still emailed me resources to get strong clarity in my situation. I appreciated the care for me even though I wasn’t an official client. Very satisfied!
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19 Sep, 2017 by Pamela
John has been my attorney for over 20 years. I highly recommend him and his law firm.
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01 Apr, 2017 by Marta and richard
Terrific experience. Sean was knowledgable, responsive, and accommodating. Coming out of the NYC area, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to be referred to such a diligent and competent attorney.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Of the real estate lawyers I researched this individual seemed to have the best credentials. I referred a friend to this individual and they were very happy with his services.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
My name is Zain eisenberg, in 2014 I experienced a power surge in my home caused by negligent linemen employed by central Hudson , Eli fought for my claim . And recovered a fair settlement for the damage to my home , this law firm cares about helping you if you have experienced a case they can assist you in , good people , and a great law firm and business , I highly recommend
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17 Aug, 2018 by Norma
In 1994 I fell on ice when entering a restaurant. The fall resulted in two ruptured discs and a fractured spine. I turned to the Law Offices of Basch & Keegan. Eli was so easy to talk with and kept me updated on the progress he was making. He won the case. So, in 2015, when I suffered a severe reaction to a hair treatment that had been incorrectly mixed and applied, I again turned to Eli. Eli is an expert in the field of personal injury. If he accepts your case, it is because he expects a positive outcome. The truth is, without Eli, I would have received no compensation; with Eli, the outcome far exceeded my expectations. Thank you Eli, Lori and Kathy!
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04 Mar, 2015 by Amy
Mr Lahiri assisted myself and my son in navigating through legal charges that my teenage son had brought against him. Mr Lahiri took the time to speak with my son and I and explained all the possible consequences. He helped us decide on a course of action as we went to the court room. He spoke with my son to explain to him the serious nature of the charges and then ultimately helped us achieve a positive resolution. I have a great deal of gratitude for the assistance he provided to us. I would recommend his services to anyone seeking legal counsel. Mr Lahiri is thorough and brought us through a very difficult situation with the best possible outcome
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14 Feb, 2013 by Mr. smith
I totally with disagree with the other persons opinion. I have used Mr, Ingarra for 25+ years for various legal proceedings. He has saved my life, saved my family and I trust him with my life.
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12 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Jason was courteous, professional and trustworthy. I am very happy to have had his legal counsel during my petition for guardianship of my disabled son.
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04 Feb, 2014 by Lisa
Jim Lonergan helped me navigate buying my ex husband out of our house when we separated. He made the process easy with his attention to detail, his sense of humor and his experience. Jim was easy to reach, and answered all my questions promptly. I would highly recommend him.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Annemarie
We used Mr. Gilligan for our closing about 2yrs ago and even now when any tax or title issues occur. He is the best person for the job. He is very honest and descriptive in everything that is done, you are never in the dark.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Mv
From start to finish we had a terrible experience with this office and our realtor Sharon Breslau, who pushed us to work with them, not disclosing a personal and financial connection with this law firm. They are so disorganized and disrespectful it’s astounding. We were bounced from assistant to assistant, the proper paperwork for our closings was not collected which meant we had to run around finding notaries and sending documents multiple times when they simply could have had some forethought or cared at all about us and our experience as clients. The day of the closing they called us for documents they should have known they needed when we had already moved abroad - what?!?! My wife and I each used them to sell a property at the same time and repeatedly told them we were a married couple. Adding insult to injury they repeatedly referred to us as sisters - again… WHAT?!?! This office is absolutely terrible. Look elsewhere.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Corey w
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07 Aug, 2024 by Melany medina
Marc W. Miller & Associates are fantastic! Today, I had the pleasure of working with Adam. He assisted me in the process of purchasing a home. I was looking for an attorney urgently, and he contacted me just a few minutes after I sent my email. He was incredibly fast and efficient, ensuring that every detail was handled promptly and professionally. He contacted the seller’s attorney and helped me expedite the contract process within 3 hours. I’m very happy with his service. I highly recommend Marc W. Miller & Associates, especially Adam, to anyone in need of a top-notch real estate attorney!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Tina lobrutto-gross
I used Reeder, Bock & Associates for my divorce and for selling my house/closing. Kathy Bock is the best. She is very knowledgeable, friendly, honest, will fight for you and help you in anyway she can. She will keep you informed with your case, answer your questions, take the time to explain things to you, and will get back to you via email or phone, should you leave a message. The staff is also friendly , knowledgeable, and helpful and will take your call or message. I would definitely use them again in the future if I need to, and I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Dani r
Kathy is great, explains everything very well!
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10 Jul, 2023 by Alyssa ackert
Kathy Bock is not only a phenomenal attorney but an amazing person!! She is quick, honest, and personable— I wouldn’t want any other attorney by my side. I will always highly recommend Kathy!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Harold frisbie
Ephie and her staff helped us with our guardianship for my mother. Whenever we had a question they were there to answer it and let us know what to do next. I would recommend her and her staff undoubtedly.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Joe f
I can't recommend Ephie and her team highly enough. What started as a straightforward issue quickly became more complex, but Ephie managed it with exceptional professionalism, competence, and empathy. She maintained clear communication throughout and supported me as if I were a friend. Her negotiation skills led to a resolution that left everyone satisfied and served everyone's best interests. I entrusted her with my family's needs, and I have no doubt you can trust her with yours as well.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Statia rell
We are very pleased with Ephie and her staff at Trataros Law. I'm confident that anyone who is seeking estate planning and beyond will find the care and concern they desire with this Firm.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Ron savenor
John was very personable and knowledgeable. I found him to be very caring. I was most impressed.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Casey scanlon
Great local Hudson Valley group of attorneys! Generations of experience. A great asset to our community!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Mia pillsworth
John was very helpful in giving advice. Ultimately we did not need their services but the free consultation was very helpful and informative. If I am ever in need of a lawyer in the future I will be reaching to them again.
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05 Dec, 2022 by Brian
When your filled with rage, hands are in fists, and your disgusted beyond imagine than give Maureen Keegan a call! She perseveres and doesn't stop; but does so with the professionalism and determination for her client. Any recommendation was right on target, and she never backed down and was always reassuring. The greatest problem is how to say thank you when those two words seem so little. She saw our case through and we won!
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20 Feb, 2018 by Jeannie
Maureen has always gone above & beyond for me since 2010. She became my attorney after another attorney firm I felt was just sitting on my case. She is professional & she completely knows the laws of the land. She fought the fight for me & was very open & honest with all situations in between. I would highly recommend Maureen (which I have) & her firm to anyone who is looking for an honest & hardworking individual who will get the job done!!
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06 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Maureen Keegan's persistance resulted in a positive outcome. In reaching a pre-trial settlement, I did not feel pushed to do so, rather guided through the pros and cons. To anyone critical of the portion that an attorney receives of a injury settlement, I can honestly say Ms. Keegan earned it with the hours she put in through client meetings, depositions, conferences, and mediation -- and that was just the time I was with her, not the behind the scenes work.
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15 May, 2024 by Sean
Robert was referred to us by our amazing realtor Erin McCarthy. Robert was fantastic as well as his secretary Hope. Hope is the real star of the show getting all the behind the scenes done and made simple for a home buyer. Robert walked me through the entire process before it began and it was a walk in the park. Come closing day everything was all set up and he walked through every document I signed and every check I filled out. If you want to take a stressful process and eliminate some of that stress I highly recommend Robert and Hope. Combined with the rest of the team they are the reason I am know a home owner. Thank you so much for all the help and patience!!!!!!
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29 Mar, 2024 by Corrin thomas
Phenomenal service. Very responsive, knowledgeable and communicative. Thoroughly enjoyed working with Robert on the purchase of my home. Worth noting - I am a realtor, and have worked with MANY attorneys… their work was above and beyond. Very happy!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Robert taylor
Pleasant efficient and knowledgeable
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17 Jul, 2024 by Amy dunne
Micheal graff is a bad person would not use him.
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07 May, 2023 by Dave pentak
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16 Jan, 2022 by Patrick sheehan
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17 Jul, 2024 by Amy dunne
Micheal graff is a bad person would not use him.
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07 May, 2023 by Dave pentak
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16 Jan, 2022 by Patrick sheehan
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29 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Tricky guy...blowhard w contempt for his clients.. Agreed upon upfront simple letter price not honored....Extremely self important and arrogant...his reviews are spot on...There are nicer lawyers in Kingston.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Rod badgered me pver the phone.Then shared very innacurate information with others. I would urge Anyone contemplating to use this man as an attorney buyer beware. He will work against you and for himself only! Rod and one of his partners are dangetous to clients well being.
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19 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Failed to properly research title and failed to communicate this, causing chaos and underserving clients
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12 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Jay has always been known how to milk his clients, its what he does. Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way. He drags on proceedings, When intitially consulted says the fee will be a few thousand and it turned into tens of thousands. In his later years has has begun forgetting basic facts of cases. Other lawyers cannot stand working with him because he is an arrogant, forgets basic facts before the judge, who then gets angry with him and I'm paying, i do mean paying for it. He needs to retire.
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18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
We talked a lot about what I needed and she seemed to understand and was enthusiastic. Over and over. She reassured me my problem was getting solved and that I need not worry. Over and over. I spent plenty, both in time and money. She was unable to deliver.
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25 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Cloohan represented my family's estate for a number of years and, at first, he seemed capable and helpful. However, over time, we found that he gave poor advice and that he often provided one opinion and then later contradicted that opinion. His problematic advice and shifting opinions created a great deal of confusion and resulted in a much poorer resolution of the estate than if we had had a more competent and trustworthy attorney.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Before purchasing my house I retained Mr. Findholt as my attorney. Shortly after residing in the home I discovered that there were TWO right of ways on the property, one behind the house and the other along the side of the house. Every day I have to tolerate people walking, and all kinds of vehicles including snowmobiles, driving behind and alongside my house. The reason a potential home buyer retains an attorney is to study deeds, surveys, and all documents associated with the property in order to prevent situations such as mine. I do NOT recommend this attorney, at least not for real estate transactions!
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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.