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05 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I consulted with Mr. Judson to provide research and separately expert witness services regarding litigation involving real property and real property secured transactions. Mr. Judson's expertise and knowledge was excellent regarding the complex issues presented. He and his office staff were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him to clients wishing legal representation in his fields of expertise.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Jamal
Stephen was diligent and very detail conscious while also very sensitive to our worries and concerns thru out the law suit process which can be long and at times painful. He also anticipated many issues so we were prepared and not blindsided. He was excellent at laying out what the process would entail and very honest at how we stood so we could be realistic in our expectations from beginning to end. We would recommend his services highly!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Anthony lara
Dui
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10 Nov, 2010 by Kyle
Mr. Schiff was recommended to me by a friend of mine in the mortgage industry. My mother was taken in by one of that housing scams you hear about so much. The twist is, the person who took advantage of her was a defendant in a fraud (I believe it was tax related?) case, plead guilty and faces years in prison. I'm wondering how we go about suing him while he's in jail. Anyone have any idea? Thanks!
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28 Apr, 2013 by Andy
I had a very complicated and stressful lawsuit which could have gone very badly for me. Nina Reynolds protected and covered my interests. She was tough, smart and relentless. She will be my primary legal counsel for the foreseeable future.
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24 Nov, 2012 by Karen
I have consulted with David Socher on business matters. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law, and his innovative ideas and strategies have been a big help. I enjoy working with him; he is very experienced and responds quickly. I highly recommend this attorney.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Drew geller
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05 Aug, 2020 by Thepower team
Would fully endorse and trust Tom to handle a legal case the way it's supposed to be handled. He has been second to none with his ability to recall facts and answer all questions regarding my legal matters. If you're in need of his services... you will be happy with his knowledge and representation.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Shanovni ludi (shanovniludi)
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24 Sep, 2024 by Anson leung
I was in my first ever bike accident with a vehicle in Alameda, and suffered injuries as well as damage to my bike. I spoke with several people seeking a bike injury lawyer, and Kyle at Paceline Law came highly recommended. Kyle beyond fantastic - he calmly walk me through the legal options in terms I could understand, which was crucial someone like me going through an accident for the first time. And importantly, he also secured a settlement for me. His counsel inspired confidence with me as a client, but he also connected as biker because it was evident he deeply cared for bikers and their legal rights. I would whole heartedly recommend Kyle and Paceline law for any Bay Area bike accident needs!
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30 Sep, 2023 by Denton murphy
Excellent legal team! Service and responsiveness top notch!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Anson leung
I was in my first ever bike accident with a vehicle in Alameda, and suffered injuries as well as damage to my bike. I spoke with several people seeking a bike injury lawyer, and Kyle at Paceline Law came highly recommended. Kyle beyond fantastic - he calmly walk me through the legal options in terms I could understand, which was crucial someone like me going through an accident for the first time. And importantly, he also secured a settlement for me. His counsel inspired confidence with me as a client, but he also connected as biker because it was evident he deeply cared for bikers and their legal rights. I would whole heartedly recommend Kyle and Paceline law for any Bay Area bike accident needs!
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30 Sep, 2023 by Denton murphy
Excellent legal team! Service and responsiveness top notch!
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16 May, 2021 by Peter g
This law firm should be avoided for their unprofessional code of conduct. They focus on hours of billing instead of actually delivering measurable results. When asked for budget for cost control, they continue to procrastinate for months and deliver monthly billing shocks every months. Also, they practice block billing for 5+ hours which is not accurate billing.
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06 Mar, 2019 by Benedicto b
I was trying to buy a lot but it needs a Certificate of Compliance from the city. I applied for one but the city needs documentation and historical reports to support the legality of the lot. I hired Ramsey Law Group - Steven Judson to help me procure legal documents to support the lot so the city will approve from Certificate of Compliance application. Stephen Judson and Hussein Saffouri has been very helpful. They did the research and follow up with the City Planning department, finally after nine months of waiting the city approved my Certificate of Compliance and was hoping to get the signed certificate in a few days. I was able to finally buy the land. Thanks and more power to Ramsey Law Group.
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16 Jan, 2018 by Wendy m
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28 Sep, 2021 by Mrs.love
Early this year I found out I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my wrists which lead to me missing too many hours of work to qualify for my health insurance the following month. Nonetheless, I wasn't too worried because I’ve been vaccinated, wear my mask, and don't take my Twin toddlers around anyone that's not already in our very small circle and have been vaccinated as well. Fortunately, I slipped on the fourth of July when I took my boys to see their Great grandmother because it was her birthday and she had been asking to see them for months. I say fortunately because sadly that was the last birthday she passed away of COVID pneumonia before the month ended. I can't even begin to express the terror and panic I felt when my boys got sick as well. Knowing my employer wouldn't cover the cost I rushed them to Children's Hospital we're not they were tested and thank God clear of Covid. Their father and I planned to split the bill until it came and I noticed that the insurance company is charging us almost 3 times what they would have charged my Employer (on each babies bill) even though I was in their network. Or at the very least was in it before and after July. I called the law office of Counsel MaganyAbbass after finding out our union has a website dedicated to helping us obtain legal advice and in my case, I could retain a lawyer to help propose a more reasonable price I'm very disappointed with her lack of understanding and unwillingness to even try. She kept directing me to the union and when I asked if she practiced outside of Union members, meaning I could just pay for the consultation myself she told me that if I was worried about a 3,000 $bill it doesn't matter. Unbelievable. After I noticed she was no longer on the line I tried calling back and they didn't even answer. I've never been so disregarded by someone I was expecting to hire. It's not about the money. It's the principal. I should be responsible for the same price as my employer because I'm still in the network. Anything more is ridiculous and an insult. I wish her and her firm all the best. I'll Google search an attorney, that will listen before assuming I'm just a broke part-time worker.
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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.