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16 Mar, 2023 by Mw
I reached out to Joe Jacobs and he was quick to respond and got results within 48 hours. He knows the law and was honest, straightforward, efficient, empathetic and knowledgeable. 10/10 would recommend. THANK YOU.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Matt
Mr. Jacobs is the best lawyer I have ever had . He is very fair priced, and is willing to work with you on payments. He is very honest with you on every aspect of your case. He is always on time to court. And he is very ,very good with communication through calls and text. He is by far the best attorney I have ever had and unfortunately I have had several. He is a great family man who loves his wife and kids and you can see that by the way he treats all the people he comes in contact with. Over all if you choose Joe you are making a great Choice.
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09 Dec, 2018 by Dennis
Mr. Jacobs has served as lead legal counsel for Positive Results since 1998. He has been an integral part of all aspects of our business. He created our Master Services agreement, Statements of Work (SOW) templates, created and continuously updates our employment and independent contractor agreements, and provides solid legal advice on all of our 3rd party reseller agreements. His attention to detail in all aspects of his work has been noticeable throughout our ongoing relationship. In fact, Mr. Jacobs recently saved us what could have been thousands of dollars in lost revenue by pointing out a specific clause in a partnership agreement where the 3rd party company held rights to sever the relationship without cause. In our industry, that can be a huge disaster. I would recommend Joseph Jacobs to anyone seeking solid corporate legal advice at reasonable rates. Mr. Jacobs has always demonstrated the highest regard for integrity and character. He represents us, but is always mindful to be fair to all parties involved.
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24 Nov, 2018 by Gloria
Upon contacting attorney Lowder she returned my call in a timely manner and set up an appointment for a consultation. At the appointment she listened to our situation, explained what all of our options were and what the most effective one would be best for us. Attorney Lowder was always very patient with us, answering all our questions and concerns to the best of her ability. Our case was open approximately one year.
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19 Nov, 2018 by Clifford
I have used Ms. Lowder on numerous occasions, she has been very informative,and professional in her approach to whatever matter she has represented us on.
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19 Nov, 2018 by Laura
I have been working with cristina for nearly 4 years now and I continue to use her services because she is knowledgeable, professional, compassinate, personable and reasonable. I have recommended her to friends family ans colleagues over the years and everyone was satusfied with her services.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Andrew
John was invaluable to me and my family following my accident last fall. He was on top of all aspects of the court and litigation process. Never had to wait long for a response, and he was eager to answer all my questions and lay out all my options. In the end, he helped to secure my family's well being in a difficult time.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Jason
John was great at litigating an issue I had with my HOA. He was very professional and responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend John, and plan on using him in the future if needed.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Rachel kabb-effron
I hired Mr. Butler to help with a matter involving municipal law and specifically a hearing in front of the Board of Elections. His research and brief on the issues presented were thorough and well written. His argument against a vociferous opponent were strong and persuasive. His wise counsel was just what our committee needed.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Devin dorame
I called Ed with an extremely complex legal question in regards to a Real Estate Portfolio I mange in Cleveland . Ed was able to answer all my questions thoroughly and help me better weigh my options. Before Ed I went through 6 attorneys that could not answer my questions correctly or give me any clearly in my case. For an Real Estate related case in Ohio I would strongly recommend Ed.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Anny and shaun
I had an exceptional experience with Ed. His expertise in real estate law was impressive. He was proactive, addressing potential issues before they arose, and communicated clearly throughout the process. What stood out most was their dedication and personal touch—they genuinely cared about my best interests. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and client-focused real estate lawyer, Ed is the one to trust. Highly recommend!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Monique mcghee
Defended 2 of my close family members. Wonder service and even a better person. Highly recommend.
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15 Oct, 2022 by Jap
Not only was Lindsey professional and responsive, she was the first attorney I have dealt with in family law/domestic violence that truly cared about the protection/safety of my children and myself. She was appointed to my case through ODVN and even though she could have given me the bare minimum in service, she exceeded all of my expectations. Lindsey hung in during terrible situations when her own safety was threatened and when prior attorneys/GALs got scared and dropped my case. I can say that my children and I will be forever thankful for the peace and healing she has given us through her excellent representation for us in court. She worked hard to make sure we were safe and that the law enforced our protection for years to come.
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21 Jan, 2021 by Ashtabula county (is a joke)
Being that I was going through a Domestic Violence situation and a divorce, this particular attorney was part of a funded programs for victims of DV that could not afford an attorney because of the DV. With that being said, when I was appointed Mrs. Gardnia I was very confident in the beginning. Plans were made out with a way and strategy and sonI was somewhat relieved when our first appointment was finished. That was in 2017. I battled my divorce for over 2 years and was completely disregarded when I had quesrions regarding my divorce case as well as the DV charges (which to no thanks to the attorney are still open, he has his guns [thanks ACSO] and there is always a continuation my hearing with my ex husbands attorney Malcomb Douglas, when I needed legal advice for my cases and would reach our my phone calls were returned 3only have an attitude or a disposition of "well because I am funded by the state, all I really need to do is show.up". She was not advocating for the fact I was a "victim" in the DV, let alone that I was even human, or a woman. I was afraid of losing everything I had busted runo for in that marriage, including the money I had brought with me. And ya know what, I lost EVERYTHING. HE awarded the house, cars, money, he was awarded disability, he was given every aspect of my entire being except my kids. Tha k the heavens above that my kids are grown and he is not their dad. I was persuaded to agree on the terms he wanted, I was awarded a vehicle that did not run, a small.anount if money that was well under even $10k and still have yet to receive that, and if I attempt to.reachnout now about this I am railroaded to the point to where I am avoided and told that the case was closed and she was no longer being paid to be my lawyer. The domestic is still an open case that SHE represented me in as it was part of the divorce per the judge! I was screwed with this attorney and in my honest opinion I was treated as if I were an inconvenient waste of time because she was busy with paying clients. Just like I was treated by my ex husband, as an inconvenient existence. I do not reccomend her, I do not recommend her for any type of case. She may be very professional in the beginning and will surely convince you she has your back and that she will fight fire with fire. Well, isn't that what an attorney does? I had to find out my own inform, I had to do my own investigations and when she asked me to give her what I found knowing that I knew what I had was pertinent about my case, she completely disregarded me, and was disrespectful in her responses as far as telling me that I was being dramatic. This attorney is not someone I would ever want on my side ever again. I was screwed. And I never saw it coming. I wouldn't want Gardnia to represent a flea in my dog let alone anyone else. Extremely poor representation.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Believes in you and your case. Gets the facts straight. Not afraid to negotiate. Not afraid of trial. Persistent until you get the very best outcome.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Keith gregg
This man was my attorney on a criminal case and he would not listen to a word I had to say. My first time ever getting in trouble and was told the whole time I would not get incarcerated then day of sentencing I was given 2 years and after the bailiff arrested me and we went in the back he said your a bigger guy you will be ok!! My family always tried to contact him and couldn’t get ahold of him!! I my own judicial release from prison and he had no idea because he wouldn’t return phone calls!! So I wrote my own judicial release and got it filed on my own and day of my judicial release hearing he randomly showed up and had no clue because I did everything on my own then after it was granted from the work I did I sat in Cuyahoga County jail another 7 days because he didn’t make sure judge signed off on all paperwork so I finally got released 7 days later on Christmas Eve when my family went to the judge and explained I was still in county!! So stay away do not waste ur money even if you’re life depended on it stay away from this crook!! If he is your court appointed lawyer ask for a new one or you will get incarcerated and told you are a big fella you will be ok it will all be a lie he doesn’t help you just looks to get money!!! Never shows up on time or if at al!!! DONT DO IT STAY AWAY trust me
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jeff hiller
Fantastic. Got the job done on multiple traffic violations, a will , and an eviction. And fascinating to have lunch with after court. Was no longer covered under my lagak insurance but was worth every penny to have confidence in him at full price.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dennis kristof
Unprepared and ineffectual, and then sent his senior partner when we appeared in the Lakewood municipal court, who was even less prepared. Forgot we even had a lawyer during the hearing. Phoned it in. Hope my parishioner didn't have to pay too much for this non-representation.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Nawal
I have been working with Tamara over the last month regarding my case. She has been very responsive and clear about what to expect when we go to court. She is affordable compared to other firms, however, this does not compromise the quality of her representation. She offers clients the ability to make payments if you can't afford the total cost upfront. She has met me locally because Lakewood was too far for me. She has filed motions in the correct amount of time and has shown up for every meeting that we scheduled. I highly recommend Tamara and I look forward to successfully finishing with this case soon.
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18 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Tamara last October and she represented us well and we won our custody case. Have been unable to reach her since about April, was contacted by another person stating there is an ongoing family emergency concerning her child. She is no longer practicing but I do know her cases are being forwarded to other agencies to make sure everyone gets their original paperwork back. Over all she was an amazing attorney.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Salimah
I hired this poor excuse of an attorney last October and it has been the biggest mistake of my life! I met with her and did the free consultation which she assured me that she would be of much assistance. The first hearing she sent another lawyer in her place which in turn prompt a continuance. The next hearing was scheduled two months later; she sent a letter out stating that she would be on maturity leave and will return to work 2 weeks after she had her baby. I called her phone two weeks prior to the hearing and no answer.....FOR THE WHOLE TWO WEEKS. So I contact her "replacement" and she tells me there's nothing she can do for me and that she will try to get in contact with her. Needless to say it never happened and I went to court attorney-less which PISSED the magistrate off!!!!! I found out she never file motions or contacted the appropriate people she claimed she had and it just left me in a very bad situation. Please, if you are reading this do not hire this scam artist.
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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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