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20 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Bill Wright is an extraordinary attorney. I retained Bill to represent me as a Plaintiff in a personal injury matter and he was responsive, professional and on top of his game throughout the litigation process. I am very pleased with the outcome I received in a fairly short amount of time during COVID time. I was also very impressed with his brother, David Wright, as well as his delightful support staff. I received exceptional service from the moment I made my first phone call to the Wright Law Firm. I will not hesitate to use their services in the future. Bill Wright is an expert in his field and a top notch attorney.
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26 Dec, 2016 by Lee
William was up front about the length of time that was typical to complete a case such as mine so that my expectations were appropriate. Gave me great advice throughout the process, and really handled the court dates well so that I was prepared. He also let me know what he thought were good ways and bad ways to approach the case and kept me from making bad decisions. He gets my highest recommendation!
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18 Nov, 2015 by Judee
Mr. Wright is a local family man.
He has many local connections and expert witnesses from a lifetime of networking. He has your best interest in mind.
His firm is friendly and professional from the moment you walk in the door.
I have never seen a case settled so quickly. Though all cases are different , ours was not nerve racking because Mr. Wright and his staff did all the work.
Don't let someone's negligence or slum lord behavior ruin your life. Remember to document you issues.
My husband will always have pain but now at least he can keep the wolves from the door.
Why suffer in silence due to someone else's carelessness?
Mr. Wright changed our lives.
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25 Dec, 2011 by Lynn
Al is a bright, caring excellent attorney. I am so glad that I met him and that he has handled all of my legal work.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Maggie budinich
Excellent experience! Dan is very responsive, efficient and knowledgable. Highly recommend.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Paul carcich
We recently worked with Dan and the Portuese Law Firm on both the sale of our old home and our new purchase. Dan was always available for questions and helped guide us through the process as part of our team. He made sure everything was completed on time with no issues, everything went quickly and smoothly. We really appreciate the help, and I'd recommend Dan and his Firm to anyone working on the sale or purchase of a home!
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27 Jul, 2024 by Laurie
Mr. Potuese had previously handled a home purchase and home sale for my husband and I two years ago. At that time I thought he was very good. His office was in Whiting then. I called him a few weeks ago about doing a Quit Claim Deed and, down the road, the sale of a condo. He said he was super busy and didn't know when he could get to it. I said "if your too busy, I could call someone else (Not as a threat, but as it's ok Dan, glad your busy). At first he told me that maybe I should (Not mean either, just like he understood I needed it done and he didn't want to hold me up). All good. Then he changed his mind and said he could do it. He was going on vacation and would try to get it done before he left and if not, he'd do it when he got back. I called him after he returned and (he was still nice) explained how he had 40 closings he was working on and hadn't gotten to it yet. He told me he would have it done by the following Monday. Did not hear Boo from him Monday. Tuesday my husband called and Dan said he'd try to get it done by Wednesday or Thursday. I had already explained to Dan the time issues and why, so I called him back after my husband. I told him I was sorry to bother him again but the paperwork was supposed to be done by Monday. I did not yell, curse have attitude...but he sure did! He yelled at me that maybe he won't f'ing do it at all and he already told me he was busy. Then he said, very rudely, it would be in my email in twenty minutes.
I don't appreciate being cursed at by someone who is supposed to be a Professional. Especially when I'm paying $375.00 for, what was obviously, 20 minutes of work. He doesn't even have the courtesy to call and apologize. I get it. People have bad days. But man up, be a gentleman, be a Professional and take ownership of your bad manners, whatever the reason. I will not use him again. I think his new office and, according to him, his booming business has given him a big head.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Sarah
After years of battling with my children's father in and out of court, I never thought that I would feel as supported or as prioritized as Melissa Willem has made me feel. I have worked with many lawyers for a variety of different reasons during the last 20 years - from buying and selling my homes, municipal court tickets, help with handling my family members estates, my divorce and then the custody and support motions that came after. I was represented by three different family lawyers over the years before I even met Melissa. After having those experiences through the years, I can truly say that I have never met a lawyer like Melissa, and honestly didn't think lawyers cared about much more than getting their bills paid. But with Melissa, I never felt this way for even a moment. From the moment I first spoke with Melissa and decided to retain her (during COVID), I felt like she was on my side and fought for me regardless of how much money I had or how hard the process became. She was honest with me, always explained complicated legal issues in a way that I could understand, and always made me feel important and prioritized. She even talked me through very difficult and overwhelming situations at night and on weekends. I felt supported and heard and will be forever grateful for her support through very stressful times, especially when my ex-husband would relapse or the police became involved. She was patient and understanding and kind. I was able to rebuild my life and focus on my children because of the perspective and advice she offered me in the few years I have known her - even when we were not in Court or getting ready to go to Court. I highly recommend Melissa, you will not be disappointed!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Ciara
I retained Melissa Willem to represent me in a child custody case and she took my retainer and then never answered any phone calls or responded to any emails. She didn’t even show up to court which was virtual ! She left me high and dry without legal representation and still won’t return my calls. I DO NOT RECOMMEND MELISSA WILLEM !
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15 Sep, 2022 by Angela
I hired Melissa for a case and it was a positive experience from the very first interaction. Melissa & her assistant were always timely with correspondence, went above & beyond to accommodate my hearing disability, and won my case in court! If you are looking for a lawyer who is passionate, determined & energetic about her job & clients- look no further and definitely hire Melissa Willem.
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24 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
She was prompt in conducting an attorney RE review and exceptionally thorough but the deal fell through. No phone call or attempt to salvage the situation. Very disappointed.
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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:
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What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
