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07 Jun, 2022 by Frank
Ben is the bigest loser and money sucker. I have hired him and spent more than $100,000 for two cases. In both cases I was scamed by defendents and shall won both cases easly after talking to other law offices and they told me. But in realty, Ben Childs lose both cases even without fair trials. What a big mistake to hire Ben Childs!!!
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27 Oct, 2021 by Ashly
Ben Child’s should be disbarred. He stole from me. A single mother. Took my money and quit the first day of court so he would not have to pay me back legally. He took advantage of a woman already being abused by a drug addict, alcoholic abuser trying to get custody of our son, after abandoning him for seven years, never paying child support and abusing me, raping me. He embarrassed me in family court. And stole my money because he didn’t do anything. Filed one motion for $2500. Thief.
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27 Feb, 2014 by Franz
Benjamin B Childs handled the annulment for myself and my former wife. His instructions were clear and informative thereby dealing with the matter in a concise and uncomplicated manner. He dealt with the matter within our budget in a professional manner and speedily dissolved the union within a 6 week period. Would I hire him again -- definitely.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Completely ill-prepared, no research, little understanding of the basics of law.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer should be held accountable for the frivolous lawsuit she filed against the Biden electors as individuals resulting in emotional and financial hardships for these DULY ELECTED electoral college representatives of President-elect Joe Biden. Shameful use of the courts for harassment purposes.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Kelly
Throwing out frivolous, baseless accusations involving “voter fraud” and “irregularities” in the 2020 Presidential Election. She is trying to sue Nevada’s faithless elector’s, and trying to appointing a different set of electors for Trump (he was beaten BADLY by President Elect Biden in Nevada and across the United States). She also provides ZERO proof—heresay within heresay, and should be disbarred for undermining faith in our democratic institutions. What a disgraceful person.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
. He seems to represent HOAs now, although he lists Landlords and Tenants. Kind of a conflict of interest? Info on the school he attended to become a lawyer - Hamline School of Law. which ranks 167. There are four Law Schools tied for the No .167 ranking so next ranking for a law school is 171. Law school admissions experts say the minimum LSAT score applicants should strive for is 150, assuming they would be satisfied with acceptance at any accredited law school.LSAT scores at Hamline School of Law: 149-155 with Median LSAT score for all program entrants. Acceptance rate 64.9% No. 60122. 06-21-2012 In the Matter of DISCIPLINE OF Bruce I. FLAMMEY, Esq., Bar No. 8066. David A. Clark, Bar Counsel State Bar of Nevada/Las Vegas Bruce I. Flammey David A. Clark, Bar Counsel State Bar of Nevada/Las Vegas Bruce I. Flammey ORDER DECLINING TO IMPOSE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION This is a petition by bar counsel pursuant to SCR 111(4) concerning attorney Bruce I. Flammey, based on Flammey's conviction in Las Vegas Township Justice Court, pursuant to a nolo contendere plea, of first-offense driving under the influence. See SCR 111(2). Because Flammey's conviction is not one of those specifically discussed in SCR 111(6)-(8) as a “serious” crime requiring suspension and automatic referral to the disciplinary board, temporary suspension and referral to the disciplinary board are discretionary with this court. SCR 111(9).The gravity of drinking and driving cannot be minimized; however, first-offense misdemeanor driving under the influence is not the type of offense for which professional discipline is typically imposed. See 2 Geoffrey C. Hazard, Jr., W. William Hodes & Peter R. Jarvis, The Law of Lawyering § 65.4 (3d ed.2012); In the Matter of Respondent I, 2 Cal. State Bar Ct. Rptr. 260, 266 n. 6, 272 (Rev.Dept.1993).
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29 Mar, 2023 by David
At first I was impressed with mr flamney He talked a very good game told me all of the things they HOA did wrong in my case but when mediation came.I felt he didn’t stand up for me and didn’t challenge them when they answered his questions which we both knew were not accurate. We reached an agreement that I wasn’t comfortable with. And when I changed my mind he sent me a refund for my retainer and wouldn’t answer my emails or phone calls. I feel he didn’t serve my best interest. I wouldn’t hire this guy. Find somebody else.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Sweetlovehoney29
If you send documents to her she sits on them forever you have to keep sending request asking for infomation must of the time she is never in the office. She never answers phone calls its really hard to get a hold of her. She is rude when talking to her when I actually do get a hold of her. -
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
When I hired Mr. Beller, we were told that with his many years in the community and his reputation he would fight for me. My case is still going on to this day, when in reality it never should have happened. My ex. wife Breached the Contract of Divorce, and has hired numerous attorneys with no intentions of paying them. The ex. is currently in BK. and Mr. Beller told me before our last District court hearing, "You need to find other council, as we cannot agree on how to proceed in your case". He dropped the ball and I have had to hire two new attorneys, to clean up, what Mr. Beller did not do, to represent me, as his client. Mr. Beller went to court at one time for me, and never spoke up, when the Judge specifically asked him about a piece of Evidence. Mr Bellers answer was, "I didn't want to make the opposing council look bad, after all, he had just lied to the judge". Mr Beller was not a good family Law attorney for me, and I was not looking for a real estate attorney... at the time. My legal case involved Pension and if I had to do it over again, I would hire an attorney who has had many years of family law and pension disbursement, experience.
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12 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
David Sanders was terrible! He bills too much and does too little for what he bills. He is a mooch of an attorney. He is more concerned about billing his clients than he is about providing them results. If you are looking for an attorney who will keep a litigation going forever this is the attorney for you!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I have made several attempts to set up an appointment with this firm only to receive NO replies. I need legal advice upon being accused of veiled threats and having received cease and desist letters. I am in need of legal representation and have been stonewalled in all my attempts to set up an appointment with their offices.
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23 May, 2021 by Nick
WE HIRED HER THEN MONTHS LATER AFTER WE GOT EMAILS WITH OTHER PEOPLES SOCIAL SECURITY AND VERY PERSONAL INFO WE NOTICE HOW IRRESPONSIBLE SHE WAS SO WE FIRED HER SHE WENT BEHIND RYANS BACK TO TRY TO WORKOUT A DEAL TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF ME (JESUS) WHEN WE CAUGHT HER WE FIRED HER SHE CLAIMED SHE WORKED FOR US DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMID AND ONLY WOUL;D REFUND 1K ONLY IF WE BOTH KEPT HUSHED AND SIGNED A CONTRACT WE DID WE SENT IT TO HER THEN SHE RETURNED TO SENDER SO NOW WE ARE FILING COMPLAINTS WITH BAR ASSOCIATION, BBB AND ALL OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.
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02 May, 2019 by Mikal
If you want an attorney that only cares about billable hours, hire Ms. Cohen. Her communication with me was horrible and actually did not show up one time to court to represent me. Obviously, after that, I dismissed her,
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13 Mar, 2024 by Lana
Please do not use Gregory Wilde he’s a crook not professional and has a lot of fake good reviews
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08 Jul, 2024 by Matt
Asked and got more money and then notified us through mail that he was dropping us as clients. What a weasel. I would not recommend him. Looked into my widowed mothers eyes, took our money and less than a week later we were notified by mail. Failed to show up for court also. Terrible representation in a civil case.
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07 Mar, 2018 by Ana maria
He was in the midst of divorcing the mother of his three children for his secretary. He was distracted to say the least. She made several stupid mistakes on important paperwork that cost me money.. Two minutes before entering a court proceeding he told me if I had payed him 10k instead of 5k he would have represented me differently. He also refused to provide crucial testimony as to a case he handled for me prior to this. Completely void of any and all integrity. Unscrupulous.
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24 Sep, 2024 by James
I had the misfortune of hiring Michael Cary Van for my legal needs, and it was a disaster from start to finish. Communication was virtually nonexistent; I felt like I was talking to a wall every time I tried to reach him. My calls and emails often went unanswered for days, and when he did respond, it was dismissive at best. His knowledge of the law seemed questionable, as he often provided me with incorrect information that led to costly mistakes in my case. It felt like I was more of a burden to him than a client. The lack of attention to detail was astounding—important deadlines were missed, and it felt like my case was a low priority for him. In the courtroom, his performance was equally disappointing. He appeared unprepared and seemed to lack basic understanding of the arguments we were supposed to present. I left feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Overall, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere for legal representation. Save yourself the headache and find someone who actually cares about their clients. Michael Cary Van was an expensive mistake I wish I could take back.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Henry
I was not pleased with Michael Van always lied to me . I would tell no one about him I believe he doesn’t have many Black Friends
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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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