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23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Dec, 2016 by Iraj
I got a collections letter from a company I've never heard of and they wouldn't work with me no matter what I did. I looked through this website for a lawyer in my area and saw Eric Sapir so I gave him a call. He didn't charge me much and he got them to get rid of the collections and also got me a small settlement from them which ended up paying for my legal fees anyhow. I'm very happy. He's also a really nice guy, he Js very hard and does an excellent job. I haven't had good experiences in the past with attorneys but I can honestly say this was the best experience.
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20 Dec, 2016 by David
I got into a disagreement with a major bank. I found Mr. Sapir and contacted him for help. He walked me through the process and was very aggressive in fighting for me, which I really appreciated. Most attorneys I've dealt with seem somewhat detached but Mr. Sapir always made me feel like I was his priority. His pricing was fair and his services were great. I would recommend him to anyone looking for help with debt-related issues without hesitating. I also plan to keep using his services in the future.
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01 Jun, 2014 by James
My mother was getting many telemarketing calls on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis. The calls were more than annoying, the volume of calls amounted to harassment. I called Attorney Eric Sapir, discussed my situation, and we were able to successfully stop the calls from this particular telemarketer. We were also able to secure a favorable settlement.
Mr. Eric Sapir was attentive to our needs, took his time in both listening to our problem as well as explaining what legal recourse would be available. Mr. Eric Sapir was honest, attentive, and persistent, the hallmarks of a true professional.
Both my Mother and I are very pleased and thankful with the time and efforts Attorney Eric Sapir expended in dealing with our legal matter. We would highly recommend Eric Sapir to anyone who is experiencing harassment from telemarketers
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23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
21 Sep, 2015 by Mike
Scott does a great job of taking care of my legal issues, so I can focus on my Property Management business. I had an issue with a person that had purchased a building from me, and then many months later tried to make an issue that there was a problem with the 2nd floor of the building. We disclosed all in Escrow, but this person still tried to make an issue of it, and Scott quickly and efficiently took care of the issue. This is just one of the cases that Scott handled. His advice is extremely valuable and has certainly helped me make my business more successful. We just forward any possible legal issue to his office, and we are fortunate enough to have them as our attorneys.
Mike
MF Property Management
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04 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Having an aversion to the legal system and its convoluted procedures, it is of the utmost importance that I have a lawyer that I can trust competently to represent my interests, as well as one that can put my concerns at ease during the process. Scott Baker is an experienced lawyer who fulfills these requirements perfectly.
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25 Feb, 2013 by Dawit
I am the CFO of a multi-disciplinary construction and maintenance company that operate throughout California. We have used Scott’s firm for consulting and litigation services for nearly 20 years. His firm has been consistently successful in protecting my company’s rights in various types of matters such as contract disputes, unfair trade practices, employment and collections. I have attended trials, arbitrations, administrative hearings and mediations with Scott and have found him to be fully prepared, responsive to our needs, aggressive yet sensible, and he has the rare ability to educate us on each process while considering the business implications of the legal options. I highly recommend Scott’s firm to everyone who wants a smart, intuitive, caring, diligent and protective attorney who approaches problems with sensible solutions.
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23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
23 Feb, 2021 by Natalie amoils
18 Apr, 2020 by Brendan g
18 Apr, 2020 by Deborah poulter
14 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Pishvaee helped me receive a very nice settlement against a major retailer represented by a major law firm because of violations of California consumer law. I highly recommend Mr. Pishvaee because of his knowledge, dedication, and tenacity.
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16 Jun, 2015 by M.r.
Mr. Pishvaee assisted me in my personal injury action against a city. I was severely and permanently injured. Mr. Pishvaee was knowledgable, caring, and aggressive and got me a fantastic settlement during the lawsuit. I highly recommend Mr. Pishvaee.
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29 May, 2015 by D. collins
Mr. Pishvaee has helped our company in several occasions and always delivered an excellent service. He is highly competent in the subject matter by analyzing our records and making great assessments.
He left no stone unturned in very critical litigation matters. His judgment and skills are excellent, and he has an outstanding ability to understand the business context of legal issues. He has always provided excellent advice.
We worked with two other attorneys that were recommended to us, but did not see the efficiency and support from them as demonstrated by Mr. Pishvaee.
His performance and results always exceed our expectations. We highly recommend him but hope that we won’t need him soon :)
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
John provided exceptional and invaluable representation. His dedication in taking the time to understand every aspect our case and providing superior representation. We were beyond pleased with not only the outcome of our case but his expertise and knowledge are without exception and we highly recommend him. If you are looking for someone who will fight vigilantly for your case with uncompromising honesty and integrity John Vukmanovic is the lawyer to call.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Marylyn
My experience with John Vukmanovic was positive and rewarding. His expert guidance, counsel and knowledge led me through a very difficult ordeal. He was cunning and tenacious... a true advocate that was always working for my best interests. I trusted him to handle my case and was rewarded with the best possible outcome. His people and negotiating skills are outstanding. I can't say enough good things about John.... I know people who have had bad experiences with attorneys, but I am an enthusiastic cheerleader for John's talents, skills, and expertise. Not only is he an outstanding attorney, but a genuinely considerate and thoughtful person. If you want a true advocate and need someone genuine in your corner, John's the guy!
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11 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
John is an excellent lawyer.
We hired him for a commercial litigation case.
He was extremely responsive, and accessible, but also thoughtful, ethical and competent.
He acted as a great counselor, was highly supportive and very easy to work with during a very stressful time. In addition, he was quite fair in cost applications.
This was quite unexpected from a seasoned civil litigator and trial lawyer.
We would highly recommend him.
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04 Apr, 2016 by William
Teresa was crucial to my case vs my landlord regarding habitability issues in an apartment that received water damage. She made sure I was taken care of from day 1 all the way to completion. Always attentive to my emails and phone calls and was a pleasure to work with. I recommend her for any future renter and landlord disputes.
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09 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I recently had an offer on a property accepted and the seller disclosed that she had recently been through a bankruptcy but that this "should not affect title." I was uneasy and asked Teresa for advice. Teresa was very knowledgeable and competent and gave excellent and practical advice reflecting her knowledge of and experience with real estate transactions. She also worked well with my realtor to assist with the communication.
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25 Sep, 2013 by Rich munday
I am a real estate agent and Teresa has helped my client with several real estate escrows that I was involved in. She is professional, knowledgeable, very effective and really knows how to get the results that we needed. I would highly recommend Teresa!!
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07 Oct, 2022 by Rachel
Matthew Brinton and his team are excellent. He helped me with a tenant/landlord case. I don't know what I would have done without him. He was a genuine advocate during one of the toughest, most stressful chapters of my life. I feel like he listened to my case and my needs, and helped me reach a settlement that has helped me move on with my life. I'm so incredibly grateful. He is professional, intelligent, and incredibly well-informed about tenant law. He has a calm demeanor, intelligence, and integrity. A good guy with good judgment. I'm beyond grateful he took my case. I can't recommend him enough. Also, he has an excellent team. Yoselyn and Ashley were fantastic -- detail oriented, very calming, and kind.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Nikki
I initially reached out to Matt for a landlord/tenant dispute via his website on a Sunday in 2016. Matt contacted me the same day and offered immediate assurance that I was protected under the law after being served an illegal eviction notice by my landlord. Never having been in this situation before, I was naturally frantic and Matt was there to help me keep my mind at ease every step of the way. Matt is extremely knowledgeable and while I continued to receive harrassing notices from my landlord, Matt continued to fight on my behalf and now the other other tenants in the building that were affected. After 10 months of exhausting work on all sides, Matt was able to deliver on the expected results and I was able to move out of my apartment with plenty of money to start over at a new place. I'd definitely reccommend Matt for any landlord/tenant issues.
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02 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Matt to handle a landlord/tenant dispute. Matt was exactly the attorney we needed. He was appropriately aggressive, thoughtful, strategic, and added so much value to our case. Our case went to mediation where he delivered a result that was what we wanted. We appreciated his expertise in this field and in mediating cases. His writing is impeccable and persuasive. As a fellow attorney, I'd like to say I couldn't have done it better-but in truth, Matt handled our case far better than I. I wouldn't hesitate in hiring him.
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12 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Michelle is a real professional! She is honest, hard working, and extremely efficient. She has profound legal knowledge and is a tough negotiator! We were so fortunate to have her on our side. Thank you!
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09 May, 2011 by Ron
Michelle is someone who truly cares about her clients. She made me feel important and completely taken care of. She's a true professional who exhibits excellent communication and thoroughness, always going the extra mile. I could go on and on about how pleased I am.
I'm a general contractor with over 20 years of experience and I feel great knowing I'm in the hands of such a talented, intelligent, and professional attorney.
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09 May, 2011 by Rc
I got caught up in a case between the buyer of my house and my former neighbor. And I made the mistake of attending a depo without an attorney. Fortunately, I met Michelle through a friend's referral. She basically shielded me from their case until it settled so I could live my life and not be bothered by it! Michelle is knowledgeable and savvy, yet honest and trustworthy.
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07 Aug, 2020 by Jenny
This was my first time working with an attorney and was a little confused in the beginning but Eric walked me through the process and was very informative. He was very efficient and I'm very satisfied with my outcome.
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23 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Eric was upfront and honest about things and quickly communicated anytime I had questions. I feel well represented and would recommend him.
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10 Jul, 2020 by Jason
What more can I say, Eric was always quick to get back to me, he handled my case very swiftly and was able to get me compensated for my injuries. I'm extremely happy I was referred to Eric and he will be my go to attorney going forward! Thank you Eric :)
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11 Dec, 2022 by Christine leible
Working with Banner Law Group was a positive experience. They do an outstanding job of being proactive with your case and informing you about its developments. Attorney Arnab is an expert in employment law and helped me feel confident knowing I was in the hands of the right professional. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Paula gutierres
Attorney Arnab demonstrated compassion, commitment, sound counsel and positive resolution of my complicated and sensitive case far exceeding my expectations.
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23 Apr, 2021 by Tresa mcgranahan
Having Arnab on my side made all the difference. Highly recommend
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15 Dec, 2020 by Brandon
David Kestner sued a woman who defrauded me of $203,000 in a business deal in Los Angeles. We gotca bad judge trying the case but David persuaded the defendant Sonia Uwanawich to settle and pay us the maximim settlement that Judge Recana would allow, which was $89,000. New v. Uwanawich LA Superior Court in 2015. I highly recommend Mr. Kestner as a a very smart attorney who get large settlements in my case and good jury verdicts as well. A very honest attorney. Brandon New client
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01 Aug, 2020 by Julianne
A friend of mine recommended me Attorney David Kestner. He is the legal help anyone would want when in need of such. He listens carefully to the details, gives advice with profound knowledge, professionalism, compassion, clarity; he is an awesome hands-on attorney. He guided me every step of the way and encouraged me to seek and use my right to justice for the situation I was facing. I am very satisfied that I chose him to be my gladiator. His fees are reasonable, he also works on contingency, and he is a winner. I highly recommend him.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Maria velazquez
excellent as a lawyer and a responsible and dedicated to their work person. who knows what he does. solves cases in less time. and above all it is a person who is always aware of the case
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05 Jun, 2016 by Valerie
Rick Baum guided us through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and we felt supported every step of the way. Our first consult was a year before we actually filed; we thought we could "do it on our own" and when that effort was obviously not yielding substantial inroads into our debt, we went back and started the official process. I was so nervous (and ashamed!) about it all, but Rick was both candid and supportive. Over the five years of the "plan," he responded quickly whenever we had a question or needed his help. He also has a great sense of humor! We are now finally done; though the filing was necessary more than desired, we are quite relieved it is over and that we had such reliable, efficient, and effective counsel. We highly recommend a consult to anyone who really needs help with their debt.
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31 May, 2016 by Bill
Rick Baum was excellent from start to finish of a 5-year bankruptcy; from helping us to fully appreciate the tradeoffs of this versus other courses of action, through the mechanics of the initial filing and intermittent formalities along the way, to the final close of the case with the Trustee. We could always count on Rick to provide a prompt reply to any inquiry we had, to produce all relevant paperwork in a timely fashion, and to remind us that this too shall pass. I will not hesitate to recommend a consultation with Mr. Baum to anyone who is/must contemplate a bankruptcy filing.
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30 May, 2016 by Rick
Rick has represented me multiple times over the past 6 years. He has successfully negotiated favorable results (on multiple occasions) with an extremely unreasonable and difficult opposing counsel regarding a bankruptcy litigation case. Rick is both patient and knowledgable and a master negotiator. I will continue to use Rick and highly recommend him for any business or bankruptcy matter.
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11 Dec, 2022 by Christine leible
Working with Banner Law Group was a positive experience. They do an outstanding job of being proactive with your case and informing you about its developments. Attorney Arnab is an expert in employment law and helped me feel confident knowing I was in the hands of the right professional. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Paula gutierres
Attorney Arnab demonstrated compassion, commitment, sound counsel and positive resolution of my complicated and sensitive case far exceeding my expectations.
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23 Apr, 2021 by Tresa mcgranahan
Having Arnab on my side made all the difference. Highly recommend
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29 Jul, 2019 by Jerry
I've worked with Stephen K. Shiu for numerous years now. He's always been professional, knowledgable, and extremely detailed. Stephen's one of the few that'll take the time to comb through contracts and title documents to make sure all bases are covered. His efforts truly goes to show that he cares and is passionate about what he does. He's also very well connected and seems to have a great referral network.
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20 Jun, 2019 by Helen
I found Stephen at a most crucial time for my husband & I. Stephen came into our lives when we were going through a real estate deal that did not work out for us. He helped us through a tough time with care & understanding of the situation. My husband & I thought we would lose everything we worked so hard for. Having Stephen represent us was the best course of action we could have taken. We will definitely keep Stephen as our real estate attorney & advisor for any future endeavors.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Michael
Stephen has been nothing but EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE in assisting me with reviewing and revising a joint venture agreement for a real estate deal. To be fair, it was not a typical purchase agreement type of transaction. I put a lot of pressure on him with the deadline, yet, Stephen was able to perform on short notice. He was very creative in tackling what I wanted in the contract vs. what I needed in the contract for protection. He was also very detail oriented as I could tell from the transformed contract. With confidence, I can attest to the incredible speed and professionalism he carried throughout his assistance. Thank you, Stephen!
Pro Tip: Send a DETAILED email with your case. He's a very honest guy, so he'll tell you after the consultation whether he can further assist you or not. There's got to be lawyers out there who take on any case just to send you big invoices, but Stephen isn't like that. Good luck! Send him a detailed email to see if he can help you!
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12 Jun, 2015 by Carl
Michael Kogan is an attorney's attorney. As a Real Estate and Tax attorney for over 30 years I can appreciate exceptional knowledge and responsiveness. Michael has the ability to bring the theoretical into the realm of the practical. This ability gives his clients a clear path to achieve their goals.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Felice
Let me be as honest as possible, a former client owed us for services rendered in excess of $100,000 which we were unable to collect; then the client decided to claim bankruptcy which put us in a difficult situation. That's where Michael Kogan came in...because of his diligence (month in / month out) in dealing with the bankruptcy courts, we were paid!
If you are looking for an excellent attorney that gets results - give Michael Kogan a call. I wish I could give him more than 5-stars!
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08 Dec, 2014 by Darryl
Michael argued in front of the bankruptcy court in Delaware regarding the bankruptcy of certain Chinese Drywall defendants. He was well prepared and his knowledge of the law was obviously superior to the numerous other attorneys in the room representing various parties. The judge gave great deference to the difficult position Michal was arguing since it was presented in such a persuasive argument. I would highly recommend retaining Michael in any bankruptcy matter.
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28 Oct, 2015 by Joe "tgg" c.
Armen got involved in my case--which seemed very complicated, in the summer of 2015, when our judge started getting a little peculiar and guided the litigation--as well as the senior partner in his firm, through to the default judgment phase. And although there are some interesting technical points over the next six months that must be traveled, the outcome could NOT have been better. It goes without saying that I am NOT the easiest of clients to work with, and the manner in which Armen was able to diffuse my 'all-over-the-place' personality, while still dealing with an absolutely crazy judge to get the outcome we got was absolutely AMAZING and deeply appreciated. I will say that I will rest extremely easier once we are truly done with the judgment being satisfied, BUT to have gotten to this point, with the judgment that Armen obtained is truly one of the greatest things that has ever been done for me, as well as my family.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Wayne
Armen did an excellent job in getting us the result that we were trying to achieve. He also kept us well informed of the progress or for the reasons for a delay.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Lousine
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know of my experience with Mr. Manasserian. Far too often, people are eager to write letters or make a phone call to complain, but I wanted to take the time to write to let you know that I am very pleased with the performance, support, professionalism and determination of Mr. Manasserian. Throughout my case, he was always very quick to respond, made himself available during times that most would consider after hours and always patient in explaining the status and details/developments of my case.
Upon settlement of my case, I felt that it was a fair settlement amount and that Mr. Manasserian did everything in his power to ensure this process had truly been as smooth and comfortable as possible. I could not have asked for more! I thank Mr. Manasserian for his honesty and support.
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19 May, 2021 by Brandon
Mr Green has represented myself and consulted my family on numerous occasions. He is professional, knowledgeable, and concise with his advice and guidance. If I need representation or consultation I never hesitate to contact Mr Green. We have been extremely pleased with every aspect of working with him.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Mark
I would like to thank Mathew Elliot Greene for doing such a superb job on my case. He was "hands on" the whole way through, he is an excellent lawyer, professional. punctual, cordial and dead serious about what he does, I like the personal touch Matt adds to a vocation that is not always lend itself a "personal touch" to clients needs.Matt went the extra mile again and again. Mathew is an excellent strategist. diplomatic but aggressive when he needs to be. Matt proved tome that he is about winning, I want him on my side again if all the chips were on the line. My case was complicated and Matt came through with fling colors. Thank you again Matt for settling our case beyond our expectations. Happy New Year!
M.D.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Mark.d
I would like to thank Mathew Elliot Greene for doing such a superb job on my case. He was "hands on" the whole way through, he is an excellent lawyer, professional. punctual, cordial and dead serious about what he does, I like the personal touch Matt adds to avocation that is not always sensitive to their clients needs for various reasons, Mathew is an excellent strategist. he is about winning, I want him on my side if the chips were on the line. Thank you again Matt for settling our case beyond our expectations. M.D.
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07 Nov, 2022 by Allen
I have worked with Mr. Kerendian in two different cases. With his knowledge and expertise the outcome of both cases went beyond meeting my highest expectations. I strongly recommend him for any legal consultation or advise specially for real state cases.
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01 Jun, 2016 by Ann
I have worked with Joseph Kerendian for years. He has bailed me out of some tight spots. He is always there when I have a question and he always has a solution. In court he is one to not let me sell myself to the other side just to end the case. He uses his experience, expertise and knowledge to make very wise decisions for me. To be honest I am a wreck it court no matter how prepared I am and Joseph is a pleasure to be with and very protective. He takes time to thoroughly read documents and understand them so he can either correct them or advise me how to take action. Thank you team Kerendian for being there for me!
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08 May, 2016 by Louise
I just want to give a shout-out to Joseph and Ramesh for their kind service and professionalism, without losing the "human element" of their job! I've used Joseph's services for two different cases that I've been faced to endure, and both times I experienced nothing but the most positive results! The price was very reasonable for all services provided and communication was timely and prompt! Please consider this Office for your needs, you won't be disappointed! I will definitely not only recommend his service, but will use it in the future, if needed!
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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:
-
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.
