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15 Jan, 2025 by Steven greeley
Drake is very detail oriented and is an amazing advocate for his clients
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21 Dec, 2024 by Rj haszel
We found JTLG and Michael Goldberg through MetLife Legal and chose him based on the great reviews and experience in estate planning. Michael was a delight to work with, he was understanding, patient and thoroughly answered all our questions both specific to our needs as well as the basics. For something that we have been meaning/dreading to do for some time, Michael put our minds at ease and tailored an estate plan specifically for our family which included a trust, living will, power of attorney for property & healthcare, HIPAA authorization and deed transfer. All we can say is thank you Michael for a great experience in putting our plan documents together and all the follow up in its execution. My wife & I would highly recommend Michael for their estate planning needs. We would also like to thank Michael’s paralegal, Payton for her prompt follow up & assistance in arranging meetings especially with our financial advisor.
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15 Dec, 2024 by J lawrence buell iv
Did excellent work on my estate planning. Asked good questions, made excellent recommendations, and prepared everything quickly and accurately. Fast, friendly, and very competent.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Steven greeley
Drake is very detail oriented and is an amazing advocate for his clients
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21 Dec, 2024 by Rj haszel
We found JTLG and Michael Goldberg through MetLife Legal and chose him based on the great reviews and experience in estate planning. Michael was a delight to work with, he was understanding, patient and thoroughly answered all our questions both specific to our needs as well as the basics. For something that we have been meaning/dreading to do for some time, Michael put our minds at ease and tailored an estate plan specifically for our family which included a trust, living will, power of attorney for property & healthcare, HIPAA authorization and deed transfer. All we can say is thank you Michael for a great experience in putting our plan documents together and all the follow up in its execution. My wife & I would highly recommend Michael for their estate planning needs. We would also like to thank Michael’s paralegal, Payton for her prompt follow up & assistance in arranging meetings especially with our financial advisor.
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15 Dec, 2024 by J lawrence buell iv
Did excellent work on my estate planning. Asked good questions, made excellent recommendations, and prepared everything quickly and accurately. Fast, friendly, and very competent.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Valentina perez
I came to Michael and Deanna to help me with an adoption case and they pulled through with what was promised from the beginning. The entire office staff was very knowledgeable and they helped us out so much. They communicated everything back to us in such a timely manner. What I thought was going to be a very hard process turned into a walk in the park for me and my family because they worked their magic on the backend with the court. They fought hard for my husband to adopt my oldest and they won the case. Appreciate the girls in office who knew so much and took our calls and delivered our messages to the attorneys. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and very understanding team.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Kassandra
Attorney Stephen Newland is a very reliable and knowledgeable attorney. I would highly recommend Attorney Stephen Newland.
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09 May, 2024 by Tal clerman
Simply put…Navy Seals talk about “The line.” You never call attorneys because things are going well. You call them when things aren’t and you need the help. In Family law, like medicine, the margin of error is zero and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Be it a child custody issue, a financial issue an emergency motion/filing or any other aspect of family law litigation: I’ve put this firm up to the task against some of the largest and most reputable law firms in the state. They are honest, they are fair, they are prompt and are more than knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Illinois family law, they represent you with integrity compassion and most importantly the understanding that every case is different. When my initial attorney retired he said if I needed help: this is who I’d call. Deanna and Michael and their team have helped me through the years over a myriad of complex legal issues and at every point at every turn no matter the problem they adapted, they improvised and most importantly: they overcame. Their staff is always knowledgeable about your case, court dates and any updates. They most certainly always have operated “Above the Line.”
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09 Aug, 2021 by Lee
I hired Jerry Lazar to handle a difficult closing. Jerry went above and beyond to make everything run smoothly and eased much of my stress. Highly recommended.
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25 Jul, 2021 by Adam n.
Jerry helped me with a legal separation. He was very easy to work with and accomplished everything that I asked for. I highly recommend him.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Nick
When I started looking into getting divorced, I was pretty nervous as one would imagine. I did some research and ended up getting in touch with Jerry. He was very professional and quickly found a way to settle my nerves. One thing that struck me was after talking about typical general scenarios, he recommended that my ex and I try to settle as much as possible on our own as it would alleviate needlessly dragging things on, only making both parties lawyers richer. I did retain Jerry to represent me through the divorce and he was absolutely true to his advice. My ex and I were able to quickly agree on things and the divorce was final very quickly. Jerry's legal advice and demeanor instilled in me the confidence I needed to get through such a difficult situation that anyone would dread. I hope to never need his divorce services again, but I will be returning to him to sell the house! Thanks Jerry!!!
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13 Jul, 2020 by Alexander
My finace and I recently purchased our first home and Matthew was hands down the best part of our home buying experience. He took the time to explain each step of the process, even the parts which he was not involved in. He explained legal terms in layman's terms without a condescending undertone. He was flexible with his schedule during the hectic times of the coronavirus pandemic, and was always quick to reply by phone or email whenever a question would arise. I highly recommend Matthew and would use his services again in a heart beat!
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25 Nov, 2019 by John
Matthew handled my recent home purchase. He was very accessible and thorough. At the closing, he took his time with us and explained everything in advance of signing away. I'd recommend Matthew to anyone.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Meghan
Matt is knowledgeable, understanding, sympathetic, and patient. As a first time home buyer, I had no idea what I was getting into, and he helped my boyfriend and I navigate the overwhelming process with kindness and a sense of humor. We had a couple crazy incidents pop up that had me completely stressed and he was great at explaining the details and setting my mind at ease. He's responsive and organized and really helped us stay on top things. I'm so grateful to him and highly recommend his services!
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11 Jan, 2010 by Tara
recently closed on my first home and was very overwhelmed by the process. Dave was amazing, responding to emails and calls immediately. He was extremely knowledgable. Dave was patient and able to walk us through the entire buying process. I highly recommend using Dave.
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05 Jan, 2010 by Mitch
I would highly reccommend Dave as a lawyer. In going through the homing buying process my wife and I were not only impressed by his knowlege of real estate law but his outstainding ability to put this knowlege in to terms we were able to understand. He was diligent throughout the process, easy to get in contact with, and will be our real estate lawyer for years to come.
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05 Jan, 2010 by Nora
We recently hired Dave during the purchase of our new home. Dave was tremendously responsive and communicated with us on a regular basis via phone and email. I feel Dave advocated strongly in our best interest and was very professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dave - especially if you are a new or first time homebuyer as he explained all steps in the process thoroughly and was very patient with any questions or issues.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Christina
If you need an assertive, honest, and experienced attorney that will be as invested in your case as you are, look no further. I can say without a doubt that Drake Shunneson is the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with and his service is second to none. In the courtroom he is confident, well prepared, and well versed in the case he is presenting to the Court. He is a well respected and well liked member of the McHenry and Lake County legal communities. We retained him for two separate cases and have no doubts when it comes to placing our trust in him to act with the best interest of our family in mind. I initially retained Mr. Shunneson to register a parenting plan in Illinois (my career moves me around a lot). This simple case quickly became very complex and high conflict because of an uncooperative respondent. When my case became exceptionally complicated, Drake accepted the challenge head on. He was flexible in his practice and not afraid to step out of his comfort zone to see our case through. Drake respects the fact that every case is unique and wants what is best for his clients. It is evident with the amount of time he devotes to his clients and their cases. (Just keep in mind that what is best and what you want may not always be the same thing, but he has a way of helping you understand why it is the best thing). Mr. Shunneson handled our cases with ease. He was very communicative throughout the process and we were always well informed of our options along the way. He was always very attentive and we never felt as though we were just another client to bill. For all of these reasons and many that are not listed, we will continue to retain Mr. Shunneson and this firm for all of our legal needs.
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25 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Life hands us things we need help to take care of. We were blessed to meet Drake Shunneson and work with him. He was so much more than just another lawyer handling my case. He seemed genuinely concerned for me and that has meant the world! I highly recommend if anyone is in need of a great lawyer. If he can help you can rest assured he will do everything he can.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable. He helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. I cannot recommend him enough
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14 Nov, 2021 by Abra
As a first time home buyer, I appreciate all of Katrine's patience with me. She and her team answered every question in a timely and supportive manner, and helped me to feel knowledgable and confident in my decisions. Her guidance through closing made the whole thing a breeze. I will certainly use Katrine again when I need to!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Sherri
Katrine is awesome. She is very easy to work with. Detailed and Extremely Efficient!
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02 Jun, 2020 by Monica
I hired Jeffery Nutschnig to help close a residential sale. Many complications arose. He handled each complication quickly, calmly and thoroughly. He made sure to erase any ambiguity that the realtors contracts had. He helped advise me of any items that could have arose after the sale. He was always 10 steps ahead. His leadership abilities helped to keep all the parties focused on the goal. Even at the closing his swift actions corrected any further issues from arising. I credit Jeff with keeping the transaction alive. I will hire Jeff Nutschnig for all my future transactions. I would also recommend that you have Jeffery Nutschnig on your team!
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13 Apr, 2020 by Diane
Jeff was so easy to work with, he explained every step of the way to us for our closing. Being updated during our closing process is important and stressful as it is, but he surpassed our expectations. Definitely will recommend his office to others.. Thanks again!
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09 Jun, 2021 by Ted poplawski
We were clients of EBLG in 2010 when we created our initial estate planning documents. We now live in Arizona and miss the counseling, hand-holding and valuable information EBLG provided to us. Your professionalism and thoroughness spoiled us!
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19 Aug, 2020 by John kruckman
Larry and everyone at EBLG are ultimate professionals. They are very thorough and detail oriented, always putting the best interests of their clients first. All while done in a warm, personal manner.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Doug mckinley
Larry is a no nonsense clear thinking attorney. He helped me with a complex contracting challenge with patience and forward thinking. I recommend him to you if you need help sorting out confusing messages that have high stakes in your career or personal path.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Valentina perez
I came to Michael and Deanna to help me with an adoption case and they pulled through with what was promised from the beginning. The entire office staff was very knowledgeable and they helped us out so much. They communicated everything back to us in such a timely manner. What I thought was going to be a very hard process turned into a walk in the park for me and my family because they worked their magic on the backend with the court. They fought hard for my husband to adopt my oldest and they won the case. Appreciate the girls in office who knew so much and took our calls and delivered our messages to the attorneys. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and very understanding team.
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29 May, 2024 by Doug haddad
The attorneys and legal assistants at Newland were excellent. We had great service and attention to detail in our real estate transaction. They knew all the ins and outs of the transaction and really made a difference in our residential house closing. Would highly recommend the team to anyone needing experienced lawyers and a team to work with.
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09 May, 2024 by Tal clerman
Simply put…Navy Seals talk about “The line.” You never call attorneys because things are going well. You call them when things aren’t and you need the help. In Family law, like medicine, the margin of error is zero and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Be it a child custody issue, a financial issue an emergency motion/filing or any other aspect of family law litigation: I’ve put this firm up to the task against some of the largest and most reputable law firms in the state. They are honest, they are fair, they are prompt and are more than knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Illinois family law, they represent you with integrity compassion and most importantly the understanding that every case is different. When my initial attorney retired he said if I needed help: this is who I’d call. Deanna and Michael and their team have helped me through the years over a myriad of complex legal issues and at every point at every turn no matter the problem they adapted, they improvised and most importantly: they overcame. Their staff is always knowledgeable about your case, court dates and any updates. They most certainly always have operated “Above the Line.”
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27 Feb, 2024 by Jp
Marc is the best attorney to work with. He is very professional, keen, and thorough. Marc is highly knowledgeable and adept at explaining complex legal terms in a way that clients can easily understand. He identified all the important issues in the legal documents provided by the opposing attorney, ensuring that our home buying process proceeded as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Marc to anyone without any doubt! We could tell he truly cares about his clients. Thank you very much, Marc and the amazing staff at the firm.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Dori hayes
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18 Jan, 2021 by Kimberly zeitler
Highly recommend Marc Bergmann if you need an attorney. This is my second time using his service and him and his paralegal Lisa are wonderful.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Tracy levy
Marina was so professional, detail oriented and we saw proven results immediately. She went way above and beyond to help our son get the District services that he needs and deserves. We highly recommend Marina for any legal matter especially Special Education related services.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Paul struck
Anne Marie Vicari provided exceptional services for our recent home closing. Very attentive to details and was able to explain everything in simple, straightforward terms. Would highly recommend her for any future transactions!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jayant das
If you are looking for an attorney, Diambri & Vicari is the place to be. An awesome group of very knowledgeable people who will work with you on the granular level of details. I have worked with both Walter and Anne Marie, and they are just fantastic. Recently worked with Anne Marie and she helped us in every step of the process, helping understand the complicated documents in layman simpler words, always was there to respond to my silliest of asks. I still remember a day when I needed something to be added in one of the documents and Anne Marie responded to that almost at midnight ensuring the job is done. Very detailed, very clear in what they do.
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20 Jul, 2021 by Nate
I was impressed with Sean when I first spoke to him but as the transaction progressed he yelled at me on multiple occasions when I asked him questions that seemed reasonable. I have never been so demeaned. Sean told me that he would try to lower the title company fees and then split the difference with me but in fact he just put my entire family's home purchase in jeopardy 2 days before closing and treated the Seller in the most cold and heartless fashion. It was very unprofessional. Even posting this review concerns me from his retaliation but I am shocked that no one talks about this. Had I read his sooner I never would have been in this situation. I almost lost my purchase.
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01 Feb, 2018 by Jackie
Sean was amazing throughout my process. He and Pam worked tirelessly and kept me up to date at all times. I highly recommend Weppler Law Group!
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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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