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18 Dec, 2024 by Chris
A couple of months ago, my sister and I were asked to sell our mother’s condo where she was in residence for 23 years. We found a great agent, who made things easy. She recommended the Jill Beda Daniel Law Firm to handle the paperwork when the time to sell arrived. The legal team at Jill Beda Daniel’s office absolutely exceeded expectations throughout the entire process of selling mom’s condo. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to ensuring a smooth transaction were truly remarkable. From the initial contract review to the final closing documents, they demonstrated an impressive understanding of the real estate laws, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to advocating for mom’s best interests. Their clear communication and ability to navigate any complexities with ease made the entire experience stress-free, allowing us to focus on the next chapter of mom’s life with complete confidence. I cannot recommend them highly enough to anyone looking for top-tier legal representation in a real estate transaction. Chris Evans
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10 Dec, 2024 by Karen
I had the pleasure of working with Jill and her team on both a home purchase and sale. They were extremely knowledgeable , patient and kind throughout the entire process. The team made it a great experience and 100% stress free!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Shayla
We hired Jill and her team for the sale of our house. She is amazing. Everything went smoothly she took her time and her team took their time explaining things to us. They know what they are doing and you will be in great hands.
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02 May, 2024 by Marilyn strojny
Liz is a very knowledgeable attorney and mediator. She is responsive to her clients. Her fees are reasonably priced.
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01 May, 2024 by David todorov
She was great, but I've been trying to get our Final divorce documents since Jul of 2023, no returned calls or emails since then. I would love to change this to 5 stars, but this is pretty much my last ditch effort to get a response back.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Edith otero
"Elizabeth not only helped me with my family case, but she also inspired me never to give up and always fight for what is right." I spent weeks searching for an attorney who could help me with a complicated family case. I had already started working with the State of Illinois and their State attorneys, but I quickly realized my case was riddled with mistakes, misrepresentation, and setbacks. I became stressed and overwhelmed. Despite this, I refused to give up, and eventually found Elizabeth. She was truly exceptional. She listened to my concerns, explained my case, financial options, and took the time to truly understand my situation. Her knowledge, professionalism, and dedication were truly inspiring. She quickly began to unravel the mistakes made in my case by the State Attorneys, and with each court hearing, we made progress. Elizabeth attended every hearing and followed up with me before and after, always ensuring that I was informed and supported. I am forever grateful for her transparency, dedication, and care. Elizabeth not only helped me with my family case, but she also inspired me to never give up and always fight for what is right. Thank you!
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24 Feb, 2024 by Eric
I hired Elaine to assist with my home closing through a recommendation from a friend, and this was one of the best decisions I made during the home buying process! Elaine went above and beyond by walking me through every step, and providing detailed explanations. She acted in my best interest when any disputes with the seller or lender were brought up. We also had an ongoing legal issue we had questions about, and through research done by Elaine, were able to find a perfect solution. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a real estate attorney!
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kathy
Elaine is an outstanding real estate Lawyer who exceeded all my expectations. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated throughout the entire process. Elaine's attention to detail and excellent communication skills made selling a home a stress-free experience. She was available to speak with me and answer any questions I had about the documents I received and needed to review and sign. She was available at all hours of the day, evening and weekends. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend Elaine to anyone in need
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21 Jul, 2023 by Jose
Elaine was our lawyer for the selling and purchase of our home and she was amazing! She was very organized and always communicating. We felt connected at all hours of the day! :) Elaine was very thorough explaining all documents and answered all our questions. The most important thing is she made us feel very comfortable! She understands the importance of taking out the lawyer lingo and helping us see things clearly. Worth every penny and more, she is awesome. At the end, we felt we got more services than we paid for! Thank you so much Elaine. You will be recommended to my friends and family!
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30 May, 2024 by Claritas property management
True to his mission, Phil made a valuable business introduction for us. Phil has been genuine, reliable, and has shown his talent for detailed review of contracts. We value the relationship of mutual regard and respect we have built with Fornaro Law.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Alexandr istratii
I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional legal services provided ​by Fornaro Law . From the outse​t​ , their professionalism​ , dedication​ , and compassion were evident providing clear explanations and realistic expectations throughout my ​zoning & land use case ​T​he Law office of Mr.​ Philip Fornaro and Attorney Timothy Foley represented​ our Trucking Company to Will County to secure Truck Terminal Permit and not too long ago we was officially granted a business license Big thanks to the entire Fornaro Law team
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25 May, 2022 by Jason aldrich
John Lara, in the briefest amount of time rendered a favorable judgement for me, changing the way I live for the BEST. Thanks John. Keep it up.
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30 May, 2024 by Claritas property management
True to his mission, Phil made a valuable business introduction for us. Phil has been genuine, reliable, and has shown his talent for detailed review of contracts. We value the relationship of mutual regard and respect we have built with Fornaro Law.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Alexandr istratii
I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional legal services provided ​by Fornaro Law . From the outse​t​ , their professionalism​ , dedication​ , and compassion were evident providing clear explanations and realistic expectations throughout my ​zoning & land use case ​T​he Law office of Mr.​ Philip Fornaro and Attorney Timothy Foley represented​ our Trucking Company to Will County to secure Truck Terminal Permit and not too long ago we was officially granted a business license Big thanks to the entire Fornaro Law team
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25 May, 2022 by Jason aldrich
John Lara, in the briefest amount of time rendered a favorable judgement for me, changing the way I live for the BEST. Thanks John. Keep it up.
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06 Sep, 2019 by Kathy
A family member recommended retaining Fornaro Law to handle our real estate sale, and my husband and I are so glad we did. The attorney review process was unfamiliar to us, so Allison and her team took the time to explain the process, walk us through the paperwork, and answer all of our questions. With Allison representing us during negotiations, we felt confident and at ease. As a result of all of their hard work, our closing was on time, stress free, and smooth. We thank Allison and her team for all of their dedication, and we look forward to working with them again when we purchase our new home!
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01 Nov, 2024 by Emaree
Great experience as my representation. Not only were he punctual, he was clear and concise about what steps to take within the process, there for any and all questions and concerns, and just an overall great spirit to be around. Would highly recommend and will use services indefinitely! 10/10
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31 Aug, 2024 by Gihozo patience
I recently worked with Beata McCann on my NIW EB-2 application, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the start, she demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and understanding. My situation was unique, and she treated it as such, tailoring her approach to meet my specific needs. Her knowledge of the immigration process is truly impressive. She took the time to thoroughly explain every step before we began, ensuring I was comfortable and informed throughout the entire journey. What stood out the most was her unwavering support, not only during the application process but also after it was completed. She was always available to answer any questions and provide guidance, making the entire experience much less stressful. If you're looking for a lawyer who is professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about your case, I highly recommend m Beata McCann. She treats every case with the attention and care it deserves, and I’m grateful for her dedication.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Joseph norris
I had the pleasure of having Joseph Angelilo handling my case. I can’t recommend him highly enough. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to my case. He provided clear explanations of my case and always kept me informed. On top of everything else, he’s an overall great person. I realized that within minutes of meeting him. Thank you Joseph for helping me through a very tough part of my life, I’ll always be grateful! I’d give more than 5 stars if I could.
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15 Jun, 2016 by John
David assisted me in ending an issue that my first Attorney had no clue how to handle. Smart move to have David take control, he was always prepared, professional and had a great ability to explain matters. A+ Attorney.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Sophia
I have used Brooke as my attorney multiple times in the last 6 years and I will continue to work with her in the future. While working together in the past, Brooke always kept me informed, answered as many questions as I had, responded in a timely manner and went the extra mile. I would highly recommend hiring her as your attorney!
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31 Oct, 2023 by Amy weinert
Melanie and staff are extremely professional, responsive and detailed. Melanie made my son's buying his first home a comforting experience! Thank you Melanie and staff!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Manish desai
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03 Feb, 2023 by M comstock
They respected our time they were on time prompt it went very quickly for the business we needed.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Matthew gil
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the exceptional legal services provided by Cindy at O'Keefe Law Firm in La Grange, IL. As a client for over 15 years, I have consistently experienced unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and dedication. Cindy's proficiency in property tax appeals is nothing short of extraordinary. She has not only saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years but has done so with a level of precision and strategic insight that sets her apart in her field. Her knowledge of the complexities of the tax system and her ability to navigate it on my behalf have been instrumental in securing favorable outcomes. Beyond property tax appeals, Cindy has also demonstrated her expertise in family law and estate planning. Her guidance in these areas has been invaluable, resulting in great results for me personally. What sets Cindy apart is not just her legal acumen, but her genuine care for her clients. She takes the time to understand individual needs and concerns, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to each case. Cindy's commitment to her clients is unwavering, and her ethical standards are commendable. Her communication skills and transparent approach make navigating legal matters with her a seamless and reassuring experience. Trusting Cindy with my legal needs has been one of the best decisions I've made, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking top-tier legal representation. If you're looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable, and results-driven attorney, look no further than Cindy at O'Keefe Law Firm.
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01 Mar, 2024 by John rateike
I recently hired Cindy to take care of some major traffic citations I had received. Speeding, reckless driving, street racing, etc. Being that I’m only 22 and never have issues with the law, the “needing a lawyer” term was new to me. I did some searches on Google for lawyers in my area and found a few places, after looking through reviews and asking in a couple local Facebook groups, Cindy had been recommended more than a handful of times. I gave her a call and explained my situation, she took the time to answer all of my questions and assure me that she can help. She maintained contact with me, kept me in the loop with everything and even went as far as reminding me for my upcoming court dates. At the end of it all, most of my charges were either dropped or minimized greatly. Although I hope to never get in trouble like this again, I wouldn’t hesitate to use Cindy again for any of my future issues! 10/10!
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09 Jan, 2024 by Derek r
DO NOT HIRE. Worked with Cindy directly, her resume is inflated grossly and takes worm well above her means but will certainly charge you! Dishonest and half of what she listed as expertise I believe based on my experience. Terrible experience and no integrity! Maybe only good for real estate! DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM OR CINDY!
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06 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Ljubica Popovic back in winter of 2012 for a New Year's Eve related violation that I was told she could dismiss by a fellow attorney. I thought given the amount I paid for the case, that Ljubica Popovic would get a Not Guilty verdict or charges dismissed but I ended up paying the city fine from it anyway. In retrospect, I wish I had researched other lawyers better before agreeing to have Ljubica Popovic represent me. I am sure there are other cases Ljubica Popovic does better with but this specific case was a disappointing outcome considering the expense I put into it.
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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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