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24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
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24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
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24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
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24 Oct, 2023 by Karla zehms
The attorneys at Balisle Family Law are exceptionally professional. I felt heard and believe that the positive outcome would not have been possible without the strategies we employed together through candid conversations.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Heidi berka
Attorney Linda Balisle, Attorney Lindsey Cobbe and the rest of the team at Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel. S.C. are simply the best in the State. My divorce case was a particularly difficult one and had many complicated components to it. From the beginning Linda and Lindsey were steadfast advocates. They were professional, knowledgeable and efficient. They always answered my questions and made sure I understood both the procedure and the law. I was completely satisfied with their representation of me and would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 May, 2022 by Patricia glass
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29 Sep, 2023 by Steve laking
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sydney ertl
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28 Sep, 2023 by Candy leigh
Efficient service and excellent attorneys! Emily has handled our issues with grace and compassion. She is my first call for consultation and guidance.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Steve laking
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sydney ertl
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28 Sep, 2023 by Candy leigh
Efficient service and excellent attorneys! Emily has handled our issues with grace and compassion. She is my first call for consultation and guidance.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Steve laking
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sydney ertl
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28 Sep, 2023 by Candy leigh
Efficient service and excellent attorneys! Emily has handled our issues with grace and compassion. She is my first call for consultation and guidance.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Steve laking
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sydney ertl
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28 Sep, 2023 by Candy leigh
Efficient service and excellent attorneys! Emily has handled our issues with grace and compassion. She is my first call for consultation and guidance.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Steve laking
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sydney ertl
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28 Sep, 2023 by Candy leigh
Efficient service and excellent attorneys! Emily has handled our issues with grace and compassion. She is my first call for consultation and guidance.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
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04 Nov, 2023 by Doug payne
Highly competent firm. Great experience.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Vanessa h
Highly recommend Johanna Alex & Karyn! A wonderful team to work with, they know their stuff, and very organized⭐️
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22 Sep, 2023 by Kay curtin
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03 Jan, 2024 by Randall ruenger
Explained things so great and put my mind to ease!!!
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24 Oct, 2023 by John denboer
Terrible and unethical service. Defrauded myself and my family. Tried to bill for services without contract. Attempted to resolve situation professionally, but Mr. Stewart engaged in yelling and threatening behavior. Ultimately was forced to file an official grievance with the WI Office of Lawyer Regulation.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Calvertron
Walt is a pleasure to deal with, I hired him after my father passed to deal with the estate, best decision I ever made!
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26 May, 2019 by Kate williams
Quoted a range of $500-700 for review of FSBO closing. Total invoice was nearly $1500. Bill contained charges for earnest money holding which we were not informed would incur a charge - could have held this with the title company for no extra fee. Phone calls that were less than 2 minutes long were billed as .3hrs of time. A phone call with a potential buyer (that should have been directed to me as I did not authorize him to speak to them without me present) cost us $200, etc. And to top it off none of the information provided ended up being of any additional value to our sale as he had the title company actually prepare the documents so we had to pay them as well. All we got was “things look to be in order”. Definitely not worth our money!
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25 Oct, 2017 by Barbara russell
Our experience with Richard King Law Offices LLC was very informative. Mr King and his associate were very professional and knowledgeable. They made what was a dreaded job to get done, in our minds, a rewarding and pleasant experience. It has taken a huge load off of my husband's and my mind. We are giving them a five star rating for our total satisfaction. Thanks to Mr King and Cheryl for a job well done Ken and Barb R
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27 Sep, 2017 by Scott ditmarsen
Richard did an excellent job in the preparation of our wills and related documents. He was knowledgeable, professional, and met all deadlines; he answered all of our questions and provided a helpful understanding of the process and documents.
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10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
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01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
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10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
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01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
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10 Sep, 2021 by James topp
Have a consumer issue. They can't make any money off it so they won't take the case. Period.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Ian h (noproduct)
I brought a very complicated case to Mr. Wayne. As unfair as the totality of the circumstance was, Mr. Wayne did a lot of work, and maximized my return. He leveraged his contacts to create a think-tank for my case, he focused on technical fouls to prevent the Court from being able to easily dispose of my case, and he worked with me to make sure my side was heard without adding to the complexity. At the end of it all, he negotiated a settlement that minimized the damage that the Court did to my jury verdict, and led to a timely resolution to a long-standing ordeal. Highly recommended.
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01 Feb, 2019 by Russ beier
Wayne Law has handled all our contractual and legal business affairs swiftly at an affordable rate. Highly recommended.
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17 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Karls did not seem skilled in estate/probate matters. She was our attorney for over two years on what should have been an open-and-shut probate case. She did a poor job advising on estate matters, often giving conflicting advice to the executor and beneficiaries. No one was clear on what approximate timelines were, what next steps were, and whether Ms. Karls was advising the executor. Her fees mounted and the probate deadlines got pushed back further and further until it was necessary to hire a different estate attorney. I would not hire Ms. Karls for any future legal matters, specifically anything probate related.
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11 Jan, 2017 by Rebecca s.
I met with a few other divorce lawyers around the Madison area but ended up choosing Nanette as my attorney. She was wonderful and treated me with care and compassion during a very difficult time in my life. Her knowledge and understanding of the ins and outs of divorce helped me feel confident in the outcome and I knew she was working hard for the best interests of me and my children. I would recommend Nanette and her office to anyone looking for an attorney and I would definitely hire her again for legal help in the future.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Nanette Karls to handle my divorce proceedings in 2016. She is pleasant to talk to, but I had multiple issues with attention to detail, lack of communication and privacy issues. Multiple times, Atty Karls selected the wrong person in her email contacts when exchanging very private and confidential documents about my divorce proceedings with my ex-husband and his attorney. The incorrect contact was a former client of hers, and he continued to receive information such as my social security number, name and address, financial information, etc. I brought these errors to her attention each time, but it continued to happen throughout the entire process. I would not return to Atty Karls for additional work.
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26 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
My ex finally wrote me a proposal that we could agree to while he was on “vacation”. We agreed to it and when he finally came back he vetoed it even though it could have ended my divorce. Since then they have sent over a “revised” copy that negated everything that was said in the first proposal. He is too personally invested, likely because they are sleeping together (so unprofessional). If not, I cannot fathom another idea as to why. Never has a legit argument but sticks to unproven, made up propaganda. He is a joke, and not the funny kind. Don’t waste your time or money on this self righteous joke.
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13 Jul, 2021 by Aaron
Hired this guy to help remove an abusive wife. My trauma was triggered during a transaction he dropped me next day. Because that no way to act. He cost me thousands and I have to pay my abuser. I'm in a very difficult place because of his intolerance to PTSD . He dropped me right as my retainer ran out. So a bit crooked also.
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26 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke with Tim regarding some custody/placement issues I had regarding my son. He spoke knowledgeably about the subject and offered me options. I wish I would have hired him when I was going through my divorce then I probably wouldn’t be in this situation.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Louderman was very prompt in replying to any questions or problems I had in my case. His fees were very low compared to the amount of money my ex paid her atttorney. He solved problems and did not make problems. Very satisfied.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Let's face it. Divorces stink. You're feeling at your worst and the issues get personal very quickly. John helped me through some really tough times and fairly and equitably resolved my case. Highly recommended.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
He is the worst attorney for divorce. He's extremely hard to get a hold of since he doesn't do email and all correspondence is done through his assistant. I would not recommend him for anything,
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30 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Incredibly rude and unwilling to clarify basic questions on a contract. Was supposed to get a 30 minute conversation, instead got a sales pitch and a very pushy attitude. Do your job next time Dan
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16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Dan Schlichting was recommended from a good friend, and I was very happy with the lawyer that I choose. I was scared and nervous and he was so understanding. He was also very trustworthy, knowledgeable and dependable. I definitely recommend him....I plan on hiring him if I need a lawyer again and if he can't help me I will ask him for a recommendation.
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20 Jul, 2023 by Anna carlson
Atty. Roman did not represent me competently and diligently and did not earn her fee. Atty. Roman committed a criminal act in my presence; I rode with her to my first court hearing and she hit a parked car while she was parking then proceeded to say as we were walking away “I’m going to Pretend like I didn’t do that” I would never have assumed a lawyer could be capable of such disregard and shameless conduct. She said things to me such as “Please just sign the document and stop trying to add or change language” I never received a thank you, any inquires if was satisfied with services rendered etc. At no point in time did I feel like Attorney Roman negotiated in my name or on my behalf, advise or represent me efficiently in court, and before the GAL, communicate effetely, proficiently, or professionally, conduct research into the information provided to her and analyze provided information, nor did she interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for me to understand or advocate for me whatsoever. Attorney Roman certainly had no problem taking my money and, in my opinion, charging me for the same thing over and over i.e., going over the same emails and attached documents she had previously charged me for going over, she also had no problem charging me for all the "work" she had to do after her self-admitted mistake when she mis informed me during our settlement discussions. I had to pay Attorney Roman thousands of dollars, depleting my savings for email correspondences, phone calls and mistakes.
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01 Jul, 2019 by Tommy lancaster
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04 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If you want a lawyer that will not fight for you at all, hire Greg. Every step of the way in my divorce, all he did was take the easiest route to ensure an easy $30,000 in his pocket. He did nothing to fight for my assets or my child. If it wasn’t for the fact that I already had $30,000 invested I would have fired him and went with an attorney that would fight for my rights, not my exes rights.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
He’s a 9-5 er lawyer who has is assistant do the work. Never did much but watch the clock spin for payment. Don’t waste your time or money.
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24 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I believe I had one of the more contentious divorces for Greg's firm and I can attest to his above and beyond stance. He spent many a long hour into the night emailing or talking with me on the phone to ease my anxiety from all that was being thrown at me by a very vengeful Ex. The Divorce lasted a very long time with numerous calls back to court by the Ex for years after. Greg stood firmly beside me and protected me, esp. when leaving the court...as I had a retraining order and my Ex was very volatile. I Highly Recommend Greg and his firm. They helped me more than I could have ever imagined I would need.
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25 Feb, 2024 by Joel kinzel
Worked with Will K after a recent layoff to review and understand my severance. Will was great, responsive, and laid things out in a way I could understand. I would recommend Pines Bach if you're looking for legal guidance.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Todd bluhm
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10 Dec, 2023 by Ann tress
Will Kramer is an excellent attorney. Some of his great qualities are thorough, patient, he took the time to explain things that were confusing to me, until I understood. I highly recommend him.
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17 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
J Koritzinsky seems very personable and helpful when talking to him but he is just another schmoozing lawyer who will do whatever it takes to get money in his pocket and keep his status and position. At the end, did not return phone calls, was very abrupt and rude on the phone, and not willing to "listen" to entire story, just kept budding in and "telling" me what happened and "what" I did, rather than LISTENING to the entire story. He gets paid by apartment owners to do the dirty work they don't want to do, and he is a pitbull in a golden retriever costume.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Keenan is supposed to represent all citizens of the state of WI, and has a fiduciary responsibility to do so; that is his job, and what he was hired to do. He is involved in a matter where an irresponsible paralegal apparently also completely lacking the most basic common sense emailed copies of a citizen's personal check, including signature, name and address, account and routing nos., back to the individual, for no real or defensible reason, via unsecured email. The individual is currently the victim in an identity theft matter, which Keenan knew, and is thus attempting to have this egregious and inexcusable error corrected. For over a month, Keenan has not responded to multiple requests/contacts. When recently contacted, he confirmed he has done absolutely nothing to even begin to determine how to have the documents deleted from DOJ's server; his response when asked why was "I have other things to do." That is how little regard he has for his fiduciary responsibilities to the state citizens that pay his salary and whom he is supposed to represent. He doesn't deserve the office.
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What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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