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27 Oct, 2014 by Be afraid
Do not use Jasen Adams. I cannot stress this enough. Mr. Adams does not practice; he malpractices. The statements and examples shown below are from verifiable events.
1. Mr. Adams does not follow up with clients supposedly because he is busy with cases, but he also misses court deadlines. In my case, he missed two key deadlines. If you cannot read a scheduling order and do not enjoy chasing down your own lawyer, give careful consideration to hiring Mr. Adams. His secretary can easily keep you apprised at no cost to you.
2. Mr. Adams increases his rates exponentially, but he fails to send notices about said increases. I feel he charged me for empty hours he could not fill with legitimate client work, basically because he has few clients.
3. Mr. Adams should send monthly invoices, but he does not do so. Yet the language in his engagement agreement gives the client a one-month window in which to contest the current invoice. In my case, Mr. Adams continually told me that absolutely nothing was going on in my matter, which told me that most of my retainer was intact; no bill=no charges, right? Mr. Adams did fabricate invoices when he was required to produce them, still claiming he had treated his fictional invoices as correct because I did not contest them. I cannot contest invoices I do not receive. Mr. Adams has no problem “fabricating” in general. He is passive-aggressive.
4. Mr. Adams does not keep accurate records of client payments. In my case, Mr. Adams claimed I owed him money, and that I had not paid amounts I knew I had paid him. Again, he also did not send invoices and did very little work. My retainers should have been substantially intact. He was quite comfortable as long as I could not locate statements for a credit card I had not used in years. Mr. Adams may be surprised to know that I finally found the statements in storage, and the statements are incontrovertible evidence that Mr. Adams lied to me and to others; he charged my card thousands of dollars for which he has never given an accounting. He is on record as stating I never paid him these amounts. His are the only transactions on these statements. Mr. Adams stole from me, kept inaccurate records and violated his ethical responsibility to use an escrow account.
5. When Mr. Adams his invoices, he charged me $100-or-more per hour for paralegal duties he claimed his secretary/receptionist had performed. There are no legitimate paralegal tasks on my bill such as legal research, subpoenas, reviewing medical records or preparing legal documents. Xerox copying and hole-punching are not paralegal tasks.
If you are desperate enough or naive enough to consider Jasen D. Adams as your advocate, don't. He will look you in the eye, eff up your case and rob you blind all at the same time. Staring at my credit card statements and the lies Mr. Adams had the gall to put in writing, I will be seeking a refund of the money he somehow lost through attorney oversight channels or the court or the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission. Do not put yourself in my shoes. You will be sorry. The most disturbing aspect of this is that Mr. Adams is the managing partner over a group of attorneys, so he can modify every bill that goes out of his office to his own benefit. Beware.
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10 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Miller. He seemd knowledgeable and helpful at first. Once he got my initial deposit I stopped hearing from him. He became a arogent and condescending. I never got what I paid for from him and put too much trust in him. In my opinion if you need competent legal help hire somebody else.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired this lawyer to manage my mother's estate and ensure our interests as the heirs. From the beginning he overpromised and under delivered. He will go on and on about how much he knows about everything, he loves to talk, is a big name dropper, and yet when it came to managing the various affairs that came up in the process of handling the estate, we found him extremely difficult to work with, and could do things in a timely and efficient manner without creating a huge headache for everyone. There were several inconsistencies between what he said and what he did. He struggled with the basics which is surprising for someone who has been doing this for so long.
For example he was unable to retrieve a $200 security deposit from the apartment building my mother was living in, not because there were damages, but rather because “no one from the apartment building management would call him back”. This sort of thing happened time and time again as he could not retrieve a phone record from the phone company, he did not know how to get tax information on our house that is publicly accessible online, etc. He also inexplicably insisted on hiring his own people for home repairs. These people charged significantly more than the contractors we wanted to hire for the same work that was to be paid for by the estate. Why hire more expensive contractors when the people we wanted to hire were people who were licensed, had done work for us in the past, and were charging less to the estate? We believe he was getting a significant kick back that was offsetting what he was losing from dipping into the estate funds. Especially since he was pushing to do repairs on things that were unnecessary, would drive up the cost, and not covered by the insurance company’s assessment of damages.
He also was in charge of getting the homeowner’s insurance company to come up from their initial repair payout. He did get them to pay more but he claimed it was the maximum they were willing to pay. After one phone call to our own contractor, our contractor got the insurance company to pay out even more.
The amount of effort we used to convince the lawyer to not use his contractors, and that we wanted to use our own contractors caused needless delays and headaches. We had to set up a meeting in the lawyer’s office just to get him to call off his contractors! It seemed that he was working against us instead of for us?! By his own admission, he can be a real “prick” and we exclusively saw that side of him following our initial meeting with him where he was on his best behavior.
He also created several unnecessary delays by claiming he did not use email and that everything had to be done by phone conversation (where there is no record of communication) and/or snail mail where things are needlessly delayed. Halfway through the entire process, he magically started communicating by email once we had a realtor of our choosing involved in the process for selling of the house.
Beware…he will try to get you to use his brother who is a realtor. Imagine the conflict of interest! We hired our own realtor who was able to keep the lawyer in check on several occasions. But the sale of the home was also majorly botched. The lawyer failed to address our rent back contingency in reviewing the final sale of home contract. This is a blunder of epic proportions. Because he missed this, the occupants were forced to move 2 months before they were ready and were only informed of this by the buyer's agent, not the lawyer who has tasked for reviewing the contract and whose signature was on the contract as representing the best interests of the estate. Even after we confronted him on this, he refused to admit is negligence. We felt his ego and difficulty in working with our realtor really set us back and made the entire process much more difficult than it had to be. Believe half of what you see and none of what he says. My recommendation, stay away or you will learn the hard way.
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31 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I dealt with this Attorney all of maybe 30 seconds before seeing how unprofessional he was.
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18 Jun, 2020 by Stephanie
This man took care (of that's what you want to call it) of my Grandmother's estate after she passed away last year, July 2019. He is not the one you want to use if you would like things taken care of in a timely or correct manner. He messed up soooo many things with my Grandmother's estate, I have zero doubt that she is rolling over in her grave and for sure NOT resting peaceful. I will NEVER recommend this man to anyone- not to mention how much he thinks he should be paid... wow just wow, it's all I have to say.
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04 Feb, 2021 by Chuck
Billy, prolonged my case and charged me frivolous fees after losing the case through unnecessary motion filings. Furthermore, I would not recommend his services - EVER!
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03 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
After the initial consultation, Mr. Steelman was impossible to get in contact with. After 3 months I finally got a DRAFT of the will and advanced directive he was drawing up. When I emailed him with questions I received no answer. When I finally reached him on the phone he was rude, indicating he does litigation and would get to me when he could. He was curt and told me if I he was taking too long that I could find another atty, which is exactly what I am going to do
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06 Nov, 2013 by Rachael.
After paying all most $4000 in suit, 4 years later he took another $864 from me single mother of 2 during nov and dec. No contact, Hides behind very rude secretary that hangs up on you and is out of town for months at a time, so if you do hire him, I don't see how he can be in court when he is away from town every day, for weeks and months at a time, first it was he is in court, Then out of town, wont explain how I owe, I had garnishment on paycheck, how come I never stopped working (garnishment is autosystem) then 4 years later I owe still $300 and another all most $600 in interest, he stopped payments, He is only one who can stop garnishment, just so id owe interest in the future, No employee can stop there own garnishment, Only from the ones receiving the money can stop it, No income tax check intercepted no more paychecks
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07 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
We had a buyer use Xpress Title and this attorney to file a deed for a property in January 2016 and as of today September 7, 2016 the Deed still has not been recorded.
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22 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional yells and over talks you does not listen before responding.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Nicole talley
Called to clarify a garnishment that done out of order. First rep was understanding and explained the law to me. Pass me to a supervisor who was rude and close to getting checked. I'm trying to get this done and being nasty is gonna work.
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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.
