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07 Jun, 2024 by Chris jelley
A comprehensive firm rooted in experience with an attention to detail.
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21 May, 2024 by Samson freundlich
David Krangle and his legal team are hard working and caring professionals who can be trusted to handle your personal injury case from intake to verdict. I highly recommend their office.
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07 May, 2024 by Miguel guzman
07 Jun, 2024 by Chris jelley
A comprehensive firm rooted in experience with an attention to detail.
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21 May, 2024 by Samson freundlich
David Krangle and his legal team are hard working and caring professionals who can be trusted to handle your personal injury case from intake to verdict. I highly recommend their office.
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07 May, 2024 by Miguel guzman
07 Jun, 2024 by Chris jelley
A comprehensive firm rooted in experience with an attention to detail.
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21 May, 2024 by Samson freundlich
David Krangle and his legal team are hard working and caring professionals who can be trusted to handle your personal injury case from intake to verdict. I highly recommend their office.
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07 May, 2024 by Miguel guzman
07 Jun, 2024 by Chris jelley
A comprehensive firm rooted in experience with an attention to detail.
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21 May, 2024 by Samson freundlich
David Krangle and his legal team are hard working and caring professionals who can be trusted to handle your personal injury case from intake to verdict. I highly recommend their office.
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07 May, 2024 by Miguel guzman
07 Jun, 2024 by Chris jelley
A comprehensive firm rooted in experience with an attention to detail.
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21 May, 2024 by Samson freundlich
David Krangle and his legal team are hard working and caring professionals who can be trusted to handle your personal injury case from intake to verdict. I highly recommend their office.
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07 May, 2024 by Miguel guzman
03 Sep, 2024 by Mudassir
I had the pleasure of working with Binish Anjum for my home closing in New York, and I couldn't be more satisfied with her services. As someone relocating from California, I was unfamiliar with the differences between the two states' real estate laws. Binish expertly guided me through the entire process, clearly explaining every detail and nuance. She kept me informed every step of the way and was proactive in ensuring that we met the ambitious goal of closing within 30 days, significantly faster than the typical 45-day timeframe in New York. Her expertise and dedication truly made the experience seamless. I highly recommend Binish Anjum for any real estate legal needs.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Kathleen
Binish was recommended by our realtor. I knew from our first phone conversation that she was the attorney for us. She listened to my concerns and was very empathetic to our situation. From contract to closing she didn’t leave any stone unturned. Everything was done in a timely manner and there was no surprises at closing. If I ever needed a real estate attorney on Long Island I would definitely call her.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Martin
Excellent service. Knowledgeable and experienced.
Assisted me with all aspects of transactions with my best interests a priority. Highly recommended without reservations.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Toni gojcaj
Erisa is the most knowledgable attorney I’ve ever worked with. She made my home buying process easy and took the time to explain our contract and every document I needed. She’s very professional and easy to work with I would definitely recommend her to all my friends and family.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Michael celenza
Extremely knowledgeable, very reliable and helpful
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30 Dec, 2022 by Michael trivigno
My wife and I were buying our first home and without Erisa’s guidance this process would have been very overwhelming. She was very knowledgeable and caught every little detail that we would have never caught ourselves. She was patient with us and answered every question we had. She was always reachable and most importantly throughout this whole process she made us feel comfortable and that we were being taken care of. We’re very grateful for Erisa and we would highly recommend.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Eddie
I want to thank Adam Karhu for getting us to the finish line. The process can be stressful at time. But Adam makes sure we were well informed about everything. Thank you so much for closing the day before thanksgiving. My kids got the key to their new home just in time. I would definitely recommend Adam Karhu to anyone looking to buy a house. Excellent job Adam!!!
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02 Sep, 2022 by Aman
Adam helped us close on a house recently. He is very knowledgeable about the whole real estate buying and selling process. He is a professional and is very helpful in any questions a buyer might have. Any questions are answered promptly. Overall he has been great. Thank You!
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27 Aug, 2022 by Charles
Adam was recommended to me by our real estate agent. I called him and hired on the spot I am so glad I did . He handled our closing very smoothly and always was prompt with replying to emails and messages. He communicate with us every step of the way was very reassuring . He also is a very nice person. I highly recommend Adam for all your real estate needs. He definitely deserves all the accolades and awards he has received!!
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28 Feb, 2023 by Alison aliazzo
I came to Ron feeling very nervous about my new business. I felt lost in a sea of state laws and paperwork, having no idea where to begin. He was not only knowledgeable, he made me feel as if my ‘problems’ were now in his hands, that he would easily handle what needed doing, with very little work on my end. All the while, he kept me fully informed on what was happening and answered any questions I had about the process. Everything went smoothly and I am happy to report that my business is now up and running successfully. The entire experience was a pleasure! Ron is easy to talk to, personable and engaging. He responded to emails and calls right away, sometimes immediately…unheard of in today’s world. Needless to say, I can’t recommend him highly enough. A five star experience, for sure!
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25 Feb, 2023 by Lee sparaco
Highly Recommended! Ron is great attorney, very responsive, fairly priced, and explains things in a very down to earth way, that is easily understood.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Karissa maggio
Ron was extremely helpful and put my mind at ease as I exited a very restrictive contract to start my own business. I am so grateful for his patience and expertise. I would highly recommend him!
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28 Feb, 2023 by Alison aliazzo
I came to Ron feeling very nervous about my new business. I felt lost in a sea of state laws and paperwork, having no idea where to begin. He was not only knowledgeable, he made me feel as if my ‘problems’ were now in his hands, that he would easily handle what needed doing, with very little work on my end. All the while, he kept me fully informed on what was happening and answered any questions I had about the process. Everything went smoothly and I am happy to report that my business is now up and running successfully. The entire experience was a pleasure! Ron is easy to talk to, personable and engaging. He responded to emails and calls right away, sometimes immediately…unheard of in today’s world. Needless to say, I can’t recommend him highly enough. A five star experience, for sure!
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25 Feb, 2023 by Lee sparaco
Highly Recommended! Ron is great attorney, very responsive, fairly priced, and explains things in a very down to earth way, that is easily understood.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Karissa maggio
Ron was extremely helpful and put my mind at ease as I exited a very restrictive contract to start my own business. I am so grateful for his patience and expertise. I would highly recommend him!
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10 Aug, 2023 by Sam moskowitz
If you’ve ever had any experience with getting arrested, spending time in jail till a judge hears your case and allows you to leave, following up with further court dates, as well as the implications of all these occurrences - it can be incredibly overwhelming and rather difficult to keep a straight head throughout.
That is ofcourse NOT the case if you’re able and/or fortunate enough to find yourself a lawyer who genuinely gives a damn about what might happen to you - and legitimately knows her way around the court room & the legal system.
And so, try as I may - but I simply struggle to adequately express how immensely grateful I am to Serena Townsend for how swift, professional, honest, and KIND she was with me throughout the entirety of my case.
I often would display very palpable stress in the face of this ordeal - but she kept me on the straight, and was very patient with me when she had plenty of reason not to necessarily be so patient…
If you are in trouble, and you’re looking to face it with any measure of confidence that you’ll come out okay - I earnestly suggest that you look no further than Townsend, Motorola, & Uris Law.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Joseph pisano
Sarena knocked it out of the park for us! Her experience and knowledge coupled with her confidence and compassion shone through when arguing our son's case; and in doing so, garnered the attention and respect of every attorney in the room. (The Judge was impressed with her as well.) We would highly recommend her without any reservation whatsoever! She IS the lawyer for the job!
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09 May, 2023 by Kyle brown
Best decision I've ever made was going with Townsend, Mottola and Uris. I would highly recommend to anyone in need. Sarena Townsend was always cool, calm, collected and knew the law better than everyone in the room at all times...including the judge.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Sam moskowitz
If you’ve ever had any experience with getting arrested, spending time in jail till a judge hears your case and allows you to leave, following up with further court dates, as well as the implications of all these occurrences - it can be incredibly overwhelming and rather difficult to keep a straight head throughout.
That is ofcourse NOT the case if you’re able and/or fortunate enough to find yourself a lawyer who genuinely gives a damn about what might happen to you - and legitimately knows her way around the court room & the legal system.
And so, try as I may - but I simply struggle to adequately express how immensely grateful I am to Serena Townsend for how swift, professional, honest, and KIND she was with me throughout the entirety of my case.
I often would display very palpable stress in the face of this ordeal - but she kept me on the straight, and was very patient with me when she had plenty of reason not to necessarily be so patient…
If you are in trouble, and you’re looking to face it with any measure of confidence that you’ll come out okay - I earnestly suggest that you look no further than Townsend, Motorola, & Uris Law.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Joseph pisano
Sarena knocked it out of the park for us! Her experience and knowledge coupled with her confidence and compassion shone through when arguing our son's case; and in doing so, garnered the attention and respect of every attorney in the room. (The Judge was impressed with her as well.) We would highly recommend her without any reservation whatsoever! She IS the lawyer for the job!
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09 May, 2023 by Kyle brown
Best decision I've ever made was going with Townsend, Mottola and Uris. I would highly recommend to anyone in need. Sarena Townsend was always cool, calm, collected and knew the law better than everyone in the room at all times...including the judge.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Leanne
Eleni was great very knowledgeable and professional from start to finish. She made this process so simple for us. Highly recommend her.
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21 Feb, 2022 by Chrisoula
Ms. Mavros Panagos helped me with my fathers estate. She was very knowledgeable on setting up the estate. She gave me excellent advise and was there from start to finish. She’s awesome!
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21 Feb, 2022 by Gus
Eleni helped me with my purchase of my first home. She spent as much time as I needed explaining the process, documents, bank requirements, inspections and anything I wasn’t sure about. I trusted her cause she fully explained everything to me and was always available. Wonderful person!
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07 Jan, 2022 by David
We recently sold our home. Mara went above and beyond to make sure the entire process went smoothly and was as easy as possible for us. She was extremely thorough and 100% without a doubt, always had our best interest in mind. I would highly recommend her to anyone. 10/10
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05 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
It was a pleasure working with Mara. She was always very responsive and professional
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23 Apr, 2016 by Akash
We appointed Mara and Alexandra to be our attorneys for the sale of our NY condo. She had previously helped us buy another condo 12 years earlier. I thought they did a great job - they were thorough, experienced, competitively priced, easy to get in touch with, and a general delight to work with.
Although it was a cash sale, there was an added complication that we were foreign nonresident aliens, and she had to talk the buyer's attorney through how to complete the FIRPTA witholding docs - which she did very well.
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30 Dec, 2014 by Ron stewart
I would highly recommend this lawyer. Based upon my 8 year relationship with him. John has provided great insight over this period. I had two complex Real Estate issues that he worked tirelessly to help resolve and have continued to rely on his sound legal advice on several other legal issues.
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30 Dec, 2014 by Ron stewart
I would highly recommend this lawyer. Based upon my 8 year relationship with him. John has provided great insight over this period. I had two complex Real Estate issues that he worked tirelessly to help resolve and have continued to rely on his sound legal advice on several other legal issues.
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30 Dec, 2014 by Ron stewart
I would highly recommend this lawyer. Based upon my 8 year relationship with him. John has provided great insight over this period. I had two complex Real Estate issues that he worked tirelessly to help resolve and have continued to rely on his sound legal advice on several other legal issues.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Evan dackow
I used mr. Curcio for some legal matters for my business. It was painless he handled everything for me. It was very nice to have a sound mind that I knew I did not have to constantly check on progress of the matters he briefed me with any information I needed to know and had it all handled very neatly and very smoothly.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Jennifer
Anthony recently represented me as I purchased my first home. He was extremely organized, professional, understanding, easy to get in touch with, and patient with my questions. I have recommended him to friends and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Anne
Anthony quickly and efficiently resolved and issue for me related to a lien on my property from an old mortgage by a bank that no longer existed.
He was able to accomplish in a few weeks what I had been trying to do for more than a year.
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07 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Elefante was instrumental as our attorney in the closing on the sale of my parents' house. Rose made sure we had gathered all documents needed, explained things clearly during the closing and had a very good rapport with the buyer's attorney, enabling the whole process to be completed in an efficient & professional manner. We were all very pleased with her services.
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05 May, 2017 by Pam
Rose helped our family out during crisis. She established a Trust and a will for both of my parents. At the time I consulted with her, both of my parents were hospitalized and I did not have a clue what I needed to do. Rose walked me through the process! When my father was released from the hospital and put in a rehab facility, she came to the rehab facility as my father was unable to come to her.
Rose was kind, patient and caring throughout this process and thoroughly explained what was in the best interest to our families needs.
I HIGHLY recommend Rose as an elder care attorney.
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01 May, 2017 by Helen
I hired Rose for my first case in 2011. Rose worked to get my Mother on Medicaid. My Mother required to be cared for in a nursing home. I would not have been able to complete this task on my own. It was very complicated and Rose did an outstanding job. My experience with Rose is like going to a friend or family. Rose was able to protect my home by setting up a trust.
I also had to have power of attorney and healthcare proxy set up for myself and for my Father to care for my Mother. I had the same documents completed in the event I would need to care for my Father.Rose helped to draw up a will for myself and a will for my Father.
When my Mother passed away, Rose attended the funeral.
In 2015 I put my home on the market and Rose referred my to a real estate lawyer who was excellent .Rose advised me as well in the process.
Again in 2015 I hired Rose now for my Father who became very ill. My Father required to receive Medicaid and she successfully got him approved. He has a different situation than my Mother and he can stay home, so Rose was able to guide me through that complicated process as well. Rose helped to set up another type of trust for him.
In 2016 my Father was hit by a car and injured, I turned to Rose and she referred us to an accident lawyer who also is excellent.
Rose continues to check in with me and I can contact her at anytime for any advise. Rose is the best.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Maryanne
Brian has been an invaluable asset to me and my business, providing unwavering support and guidance throughout our professional journey. His exceptional legal expertise and dedication to his clients have consistently exceeded my expectations.
What sets Brian apart is his impressive knowledge of the law and his genuine care for his clients. He always took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, patiently explaining complex legal matters in a way that was easy for me to understand. Brian's clear communication and ability to simplify intricate concepts made a difference in my decision-making process.
Beyond his legal acumen, Brian consistently demonstrated his commitment to my success. He went above and beyond to ensure I felt supported, whether negotiating critical contracts, providing strategic advice, or diligently handling complex legal transactions. His proactive approach and attention to detail have saved me time and resources.
Brian's professionalism, integrity, and personal touch have made him a true pleasure to work with. His unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients has been evident in every interaction with him. I have complete confidence in his abilities, and his expertise has been invaluable in helping me navigate through challenging legal situations.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Brian Heitner to anyone needing a reliable, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney. His exceptional service and unwavering support have significantly impacted my life, and I am truly grateful for his contributions.
Thank you, Brian, for your exceptional service over the past five years. Your professionalism, expertise, and genuine care have been instrumental. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Ken
Brian took over my case from another lawyer who was not a good fit -- and quite honestly he restored my faith in this profession. He's extremely smart, knowledgeable, honorable, savvy, and an extraordinary consensus builder. He has one of the highest degrees of emotional intelligence that I've seen and therefore was better able to read and communicate with the judge, clerks, other lawyers, etc. Brian knew how and when to be tough (yes, he can be a tiger) in order to achieve the desired results for me, his client. He was easy to work with in an otherwise emotionally charged matter -- and I'm proud to say that this man is a true mensch.
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22 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Was extraordinarily lucky to find Mr. Heitner when my first attorney quit on me. He is the kind of lawyer who TEACHES other lawyers about the rules of Estates and Trusts. From the moment I hired him for a litigation case with my siblings, I felt like I was in terrific hands. After a year of wasted time and money with my first lawyer who dragged things out, and who mistook the handling of my case as an Estate matter vs. a Trust, Brian saw the other side didn't have a leg to stand on, and quickly, competently, and most efficiently tied it up in a couple of months. This is the guy you want by your side in a deposition.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Anthony
Mr. Rizzo was very well prepared and settled my case quickly with a favorable outcome. I highly recommend him
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10 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Rizzo is and has been handling my on-going foreclosure case including attending foreclosure conferences over the past 2 years. He has been responsive, follows-up immediately and alerts me to any additional information required as soon as he is made aware. He is still working with me on the foreclosure. I have been through several attorney's with over the years and Mr. Rizzo is truly trustworthy and patient as well.
I would recommend him in the future.
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09 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Nicholas was a terrific lawyer and very hands on with my file. His experience and knowledge is leading edge in his profession and he is very well know in the real estate industry. He specializes in Real Estate Law and his prompt attentiveness to my file was greatly appreciated. Highly recommend.
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02 Jul, 2014 by Greg
Nicholas Diiorio came highly recommended by my Realtor & I am glad i took her advice.
Nick was always on the ball, attentive, responsive, returned emails / calls sand was always honest and trustworthy. Nicholas had no problems ever going the extra mile for me & my Fiance as his client going to bat for us. I will use his services again in the future!
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26 Oct, 2018 by Luis torres
I'm very gracefully have a firm lawyer like Raymond Suris & Associates P.C, I'm received very good treatment on every aspect of my case ,they fight for obtain the best amount money cover my future spences...
I recommend....
Thanks and God bless you
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17 Apr, 2014 by Greg
I found Ray Suris on google. I called his office and made an appointment. I met him 2 days later and when I left I felt like I could trust him. He was honest and his office answered my questions whenever I had one. I received way more money than I thought I was going to get. I was out of work and really needed it. Ray Suris did a great job.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Emily
I recently hired Mr. Fedele as my real estate attorney. Closing on a house can be a very overwhelming and nerve racking process. Mr. Fedele was very professional and attentive at all times to my needs as his client as well as to my concerns I had as a first time buyer. He took all responsibility and eased the stress which I am most appreciative for. I would highly recommend him to friends and family.
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19 May, 2015 by Kim
My husband and I used Michael as our real estate lawyer when buying our house last year. He was always available when we needed him and immensely knowledgeable. We had a few hiccups along the way and he was always right there advising and guiding us through the process. I have recommended Michael to many friends and relatives and will continue to do so. If you are looking for a top notch lawyer he is definitely it.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Young is an incredibly intelligent and diligent attorney. I always felt that I was in "the right hands." He told me when to fight and when to save my money, which was important to me as a business owner. He zealously represented me and I always felt he "had my back."
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29 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
A true consigliere.
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11 Mar, 2014 by Vincent s. dibenedetto / vinny the guido
Michael Wickersham is honest and trustworthy. I was pretty sure I had a case, but now I am certain of it thanks to Michael. He is intelligent and responsive too, so hire him for your legal needs. He is worth it folks !!!
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08 Sep, 2020 by Ronald
Helped us out with all aspects of our mother passing. Handled everything from nursing home expenses to the selling of moms home. Thought of everything and was well diversified and kind.
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03 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Craig Handler is an experienced no nonsense litigator who aggressively advocated on the behalf of my company in a very complex matter. Craig kept me informed regularly through the entire case and was always accessible to me. He explained issues to me in a clear and concise manner and made me feel very comfortable about the entire process. I found Craig to be extremely honest and trustworthy and I was impressed by the manner in which he interacted with his colleagues, staff and the court.
I recommend Craig without reservation and would use him in the future if I am ever in need of assistance.
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07 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Terrific Lawyer - quiet powerhouse would be the best description. He was right on about everything that went forward with my case and never left my side.
I would highly recommend anyone that needs an Attorney that is honorable, respected and intelligent - use Mr. Cummings.
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09 May, 2017 by Billy
Very profession, understanding and listen to my complain. Very knowledgeable about the NYSDEC law.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Trust client
Matthew has extensive knowledge of trust law and real estate law !
I recommend him if you are in need of solving your estate planning problems via trusts , or have a real estate matter.
The time for proper estate planning is asap.
Trusts and estate planning can seem confusing , but Matt is good at explaining the pros and cons of different approaches .
Protect the assets your family has worked for over a lifetime , might as well !
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
