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28 Oct, 2024 by Timothy seifert
I was completely overwhelmed after I was hit last year in a horrific car accident. I talked to a friend of mine who happens to work for a law firm in the personal injury field. Turns out he works for the Parris Law Firm. I called Parris the following morning and they immediately got the ball rolling on my case. Gabriela was my main point of contact throughout this entire ordeal. Gabriela is professional, easy to get in touch with, extremely friendly, caring, knowledgeable, and always went the extra mile for me. Parris took care of everything, my totaled car payout, medical bills, time off from work, and they got me an amazing settlement. Parris Law Firm, and Gabriela, will always be my #1 go-to should God forbid I ever need their assistance again with a personal injury situation. I cannot recommend the Parris Law Firm enough!! I'm very Blessed to have had them on my side!!
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26 Oct, 2024 by Rachel marcos
25 Oct, 2024 by Faviola arriaga
10 Aug, 2024 by Iman
I had a bad experience with Chellei Jimenez, whom I retained near the end of 2021. She deviated from our initial discussions and altered the agreed-upon objectives. I received unprofessional emails from her and her staff, particularly Claudia, who made numerous mistakes in filing paperwork. Despite my repeated attempts to explain the nature of the domestic violence I have been dealing with for years, my concerns were not adequately addressed. In fact, her paralegal Claudia found it laughable, stating "Welcome to California". Another employee she claimed to have fired after she aggressively tried to make me sign papers full of false information about my finances. Ironically, I now have a restraining order against the mother based on the same evidence I previously presented to Chellei. This same evidence I presented to Chellei was one of her reasons in requesting a motion to withdraw. Our judge granted the restraining order without a hearing, indicating that my papers and concerns had merit.
Unfortunately, my daughter has been diagnosed with an emotional disturbance disorder, after the same events I expained to Chellei kept happening. Chellei's approach exacerbated the situation, increasing conflict and casting me as the antagonist. She advised me to dismiss serious issues, although they eventually led a judge in California to issue a restraining order against the mother. Despite successfully fighting a domestic violence restraining order about three years ago, Chellei's decision to request a short-cause custody trial, which I believe was a critical mistake, has had long-lasting effects on my relationship with my daughter.
Our honorable judge is now questioning why it took me so long to bring these issues up. The delay was due to Chellei's tactics, which ultimately reduced my custodial time with my daughter by 80%. Two other attorneys have notified me of her mistakes. One of them is very familiar with Chellei as a colleague. After I sent her an email with evidence of the abuse, she downplayed it and filed a motion for withdrawal, claiming the information was irrelevant to my case. (It was used as an exhibit and restraining order was granted recently with another attorney)
After two years of law school and several consultations, I've been validated in my belief that her tactics hurt my case tremendously. I hope we can work toward a remedy and implement additional ethical guidelines for attorneys who claim to be specialized and certified in family law.
When retaining an attorney who claims to be certified as a family law specialist with decades of experience, especially when it involves your children, you should have peace of mind knowing your investment is in capable hands.
Best wishes to all the dedicated mothers and fathers who simply want to be involved in their children's lives.
I invite an open dialogue to explore her actions while representing me and also to help validate my review. I have never wrote an in-depth 1 star review until now. I hope this post helps a single mother or father out there in making an informed decision.
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08 Feb, 2024 by D h
If could give 10 star if I would. Ms. Chellei was always busy, but that never stopped her to call me back with any questions and/or concern I had. There was times where attorney was in a different county 8hrs in court and she always called me back same day, even if it was later in the day. Everyone in the office was great even when i was super overwhelmed and might have sounded off towards them at times. That was due to my complicated case and was feeling as there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Ms. Chellei and her team not only made me see the light shining bright at the end of the tunnel, but handled my case with care, respect, dignity as any legal representative should. I am very, very impressed with their service and will refer anyone in need. I read a lot of comments about the charges, but all i have to say that this office is providing a service with a price that was presented at the time you signed a client representation agreement. Any service given, on the case from the office is not free. I must give credit to myself as well as i was ahead of the game on providing all paperwork in advance, which made the presentation from the attorney more efficient. Attorneys will never be able to represent a good case unless you provide documents and communicate with them thoroughly. Client -Attorney relationship is a tango dance, they must dance/work together.
***Thank you Team Jimenez Law Group!***
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08 Feb, 2024 by Bob patino
Horrible experience
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FAQs
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
