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05 Jun, 2024 by Rory klein
21 Feb, 2024 by Stan finley
Great law firm! Ryan was a very knowledgeable and helpful construction law attorney.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Ron tracy
I had a quick telephone call with Ryan from Tondevold Law about a Civil Citation I was issued by the City of Mesa for a tenant that lives in a property I own. Ryan was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the issue and gave some valuable suggestions how I could handle the issue myself. I would definitely hire them for any bigger issue.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Robert defart
Was riding home on my motorcycle. I was struck from behind by a minivan while stopped at a red light. The driver stated she was in a hurry to get to her daughters baseball game. After I was released from the hospital I contacted Justine Dudash, who works with your law firm. Justine was very helpful in getting me started with my case. Justine’s communication and quick response was very helpful throughout the whole process. I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.. Great job you guys.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Rocio enriquez
From the first initial call Dave and Evangeline have been more than amazing. They have worked through all of the concerns we had and have helped in all ways possible. I 100% percent recommend Zachar law firm!
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22 Sep, 2022 by Michele kruser
Suzie and her team were amazing! I can’t thank them enough for everything they put into my case to make sure I was well taken care of. They were always on top of my question and inquiries and quick to respond. I appreciate everything they did and highly recommend this firm.
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22 Mar, 2021 by Ryan
10/10 would highly recommend! Clint was quick to respond to all my inquiries.
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22 Mar, 2021 by David
When legal issues arise for us ordinary humanoids they always make us cringe. Some of that is of course the fact that any good attorney always costs a lot, or so I thought. The other reason to cringe is that none of us likes to be treated like ignorant low lives which is the way every other attorney has treated me. When I met Mr. Dunaway the first thing he did was treat me like we all want to be treated. That is with professional wisdom and respect. This man talks to his clients respectfully and treats us with compassion. His legal skills are impecable. I would think that the vast majority of smart but often rude could learn a lot from Mr. Dunaway. I can only hope that this attitude he has toward his clients and hopefully this review will treat him well. I know that this is the best attorney I have ever worked with. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Dunaway to anyone with a need for an attorney and doesn't want to be verbally abused.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Edward
Clint was great to work with. The time leading up to bankruptcy had been the most stressful of my life. Clint helped keep me calm and grounded. He told me exactly what I needed to do and guided me through the process. I am so thankful for him.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Kyle O’Dwyer to handle my side of a real estate transaction that went bad. He was referred to me BY NAME by a well known commercial real estate law firm in Scottsdale.
After our initial consultation, it was easy to see why I was referred to him. Kyle’s precision, execution and deep knowledge of real estate law combined with proper guidance led me to a winning outcome when I felt I didn’t have a chance.
Kyle was prompt in responding and handled the case with the highest integrity and professionalism. I highly recommend him.
To anyone reading this who is in my position, take note: You only get one chance to get it right. HIRE Kyle. You won’t regret it. His real estate expertise is PRICELESS!
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22 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Kyle stepped into an incredibly challenging case at the eleventh hour and crafted a powerful constitutional argument with just days to prepare. Over the year-and-a-half journey my case took, Kyle was more than just a lawyer; he was a pillar of strength and unwavering support. His constant availability and reassuring presence meant I never once felt like a nuisance or worried about the outcome. My gratitude for Kyle's dedication cannot be overstated—I was not just pleased but truly honored to have him by my side. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Kyle to anyone seeking a fierce advocate who will stand by them every step of the way. His dedication is not just remarkable; it's unparalleled. I am eternally grateful to him!
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26 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Kyle was our lawyer in a structural real estate matter. He was always readily available for us. He was quick to respond and always made sure all of our needs were met and questions answered. He fought for us and helped us settle our matter without having to go to court. Kyle was knowledgeable and made sure we got what we needed. We would highly recommend him.
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22 Jan, 2018 by Mary
Very experienced, knowledgeable, up-to-date with HOA laws and always there to help assist us with our CC&R's, as well as provide low cost remedies to enforce assessment collections, restriction disputes, and other legal matters. Clint has the patience to explain in detail the pro's and con's of any situation so we can make a decision that is best for the HOA. I encourage all HOA boards to contact Clint for representation since he continues to be an asset for us .
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16 Aug, 2016 by Marci
"Having served on an HOA board targeted by a litigious homeowner, I was extremely relieved when we changed representation and brought Mr. Goodman on. He is extremely invested in his work, and has an obvious grasp of the issues, allowing us to take action to address our most vexing problems. He is professional and pleasant to work with. After working with numerous HOA attorneys, I believe I have met one of the best. I highly recommend Clint!"
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16 Sep, 2015 by Cameron
I've worked with Clint and his peers on numerous occasion and they don't get much better than Mr. Goodman. He is incredibly responsive and communicates with his clients and provides top notch representation on collection and gen rep issues. I couldn't speak more highly of Mr. Goodman and Goodman Law
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03 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Thank you. Mr. Finter was very helpful, his advice was sound, consice and experienced. I enjoyed speaking with him.
In short, I would recommend his services to anybody looking for a great real estate lawyer who is friendly and knowledgeable. Simple as that. Thanks again!
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21 Dec, 2016 by John
I have personally used the services of attorney Aaron Finter. His vast experience in many legal matters proved helpful in my situation. I was impressed by Aaron's creative approach in my case that resulted in a win-win for all involved. As such, I have recommended Aaron as a resource to several of my real estate clients.
- John P., Gilbert AZ
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01 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Aaron Finter is a great attorney. He always kept me informed and never took advantage of me. He was excellent in depositions and in trial. A fair man, an honest man, and a true professional. 10+++
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28 Apr, 2022 by Amy
I had some landlord and tenant issues. Spencer Dickson reach out to give some advice. He was patient and responded quickly. Highly recommended.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Spencer was extremely helpful to me with a very stressful landlord-tenant issue. He listened to me and was sensitive to the contentious nature of the relationship between the landlord and me. He communicated with them in such a way as not to inflame the situation further, which I appreciated greatly. His fees were more than fair, and I would definitely recommend Spencer to a tenant needing help with landlord issues.
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08 Dec, 2015 by Deann
I was in a severe accident in October 2014. Spencer aggressively fought my case and dealt with all my medical providers to defer payment until the case was settled. I was able to receive the medical treatment I needed from the accident with no hassle. This is key when your hurt and need to heal. The last thing you need is denial of medical treatment from an accident. Spencer took action to ensure I was taken care of. Furthermore, Spencer settled my case in less than a year. Due to Spencer’s aggressive tactics, we settled the case at max amount. The kind and generous Spencer lowered his fee to ensure I received more money. I would classify Spencer as an aggressive lawyer, kind person, and generous spirit. If you need a lawyer to stand by you after an accident, I would highly recommend calling Spencer Dickson. Thank you, Spencer. If I ever need a personal injury lawyer again, I will use Spencer Dickson!
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20 Jun, 2017 by Heather
C.J. was very good at compiling all the docs we needed and explained the process. Very grateful that we now have this in place. We would recommend him to family and friends for sure.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Nate
CJ took care of some estate planning that I had long put off. Not only was the job done quickly, but the price was fair and below my expectations. The trust he created included items I had never considered. He also provided valuable advice and follow up for the implementation of the trust...i never felt lost or like I didn't know what to do.
I sleep better with this work done, and can't recommend CJ strong enough.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Robert
CJ walked us through all of the legalize of what our trust entails - in addition to spending the time with us he also gave us the documents and instructions that we need to move forward with moving our assets into the trust.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Threet has always been proactive with the problems we have come with and has always had a positive influence on our actions when we had to do tough things. He is friendly, direct, honest, trustworthy and loyal. We have been clients with Mr Threet for 14 years and value him and his legal expertise greatly. He was definitely the attorney we needed.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Brian
To Whom It May Concern:
I have worked with Mr. Threet on a few different occasions. I have used his services for both personal and professional matters.
With any of these matters, Mr. Threet took the time to review the matter with me thoroughly, discussed all of the facts of the matter, then gave me the security to know the matter will be handled in a timely and competent manner.
As a side note, with any of these matters, the knowledge that Mr. Threet provided of all of the aspects of these legal matters was beyond comparison.
This knowledge, and the personal care and thoughtfulness that was provided during our meetings, gave me the confidence that the matters will be handled with the highest level of professionalism and skill.
I highly recommend Mr. Threet for any legal matters that anyone may need.
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07 Jun, 2016 by Joe
Sterling has handled many issues for me and some have even had to go to court. He is always prepared and his judgment is right on. Good honest man!
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01 Oct, 2015 by Chris
Everyone in the office from the attorneys to the ancillary staff are stellar. I have always been recognized by name right when I walk in. (Only office to ever do so) There is absolutely no attitude, it's almost like visiting with a friend (and I do consider them friends after the way I have been treated.) Mr. Buntrock (and his assoc) are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have used them for several areas of law, and will continue to, because of their outcomes, but also because they treat you with true compassion and concern. Recommend without reservation!
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Buntrock is an exceptional lawyer! He handled my personal injury case a little over a year ago. Shane made things easy to understand and was able to secure a favorable settlement in my case. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy lawyer.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Sean
After meeting with several bankruptcy attorneys, my wife felt that most were either unprepared or willing to throw anything at the courts in hopes to see what sticks. Ben was exceptionally honest, knowledgeable, and straight forward. We knew that he would be honest and would not do anything unethical to jeopardize our case. Him and Celeste have been exceedingly friendly and helpful. They made what a difficult time much more bearable by explaining the overall process, what to expect and when.
Although I won't be filing for bankruptcy again, I would hire Ben in a heartbeat if I had to choose again.
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02 Jul, 2014 by C.w.
I met Ben Skinner at a Real Estate Lunch and learn at my broker’s office. This attorney knows his stuff. Whenever I have an agent question whether it is on commission, disclosure, contracts, liability, etc, Ben always has the answer. Love working with him! I even had him review the documents when my husband and recently bought a new home. His fees are very reasonable and unlike most attorneys he is very efficient with his time!
I have also referred friends and family to him for bankruptcy matters. He has helped each of them navigate the bankruptcy process with support and consideration. His team and him really understand the emotional side of bankruptcy.
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25 Mar, 2017 by Jamie t
Sterling Peterson did a good job of explaining our rights, he laid out possible scenarios with various remedies and handled negotiations to a success conclusion. He kept us advised on the progress of our case and kept me focused when I got frustrated. I highly recommend him for his expertise, experience and professionalism.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I found myself on the wrong end of a lawsuit, which unfortunately in USA is all too common. It was completely baseless but when you are being sued you do have to respond to the suit or settle the suit. I was being sued for an exorbitant amount of money and on a rather tenuous, if not frivolous claim. In reality the basis of what I was being sued for would not have withstood a judgement even if the plaintiffs established jurisdiction, which they likely would not have had I chose to fight. The grounds of the settlement are confidential so I can only say that in some states the basis of the suit is actually thrown out by judges based on law and the plaintiffs are forced to pay attorney fees and a penalty for bringing such a suit. Unfortunately Arizona does not have these laws. As a result I was in a panic and just wanted out of the suit. I had previously hired a "blazing gun" type attorney who specialises in this type of law but he made matters worse. There was an offer of settlement but it involved large sums of money to be paid and I was not guilty of any wrongdoing so I was not willing to do that. I had contact with Brad Denton who was also amazing and Sterling handled my claim and to be honest I am so happy he did. Within weeks we had a settlement offer as soon as he replied to the lack of basis of the lawsuit. I would likely have won but been out a lot of money so when he had got the opposing counsel to simply see that they really did not have a winner they offered a settlement that had little impact on my life, no out of pocket expenses and it has now been dismissed. I did have to fall on my sword and do something I disagreed with morally but as it has no effect on my life the saying, "I'd rather be happy than right" comes to mind. I am thrilled with his ability to see through the facts of a claim and relay that to his opposing counsel and effectuate a settlement I otherwise do not think I would have got. I cannot say enough good things about Sterling. He is personable, approachable, knowledgable, funny, and talented as a lawyer. What he did my "blazing gun" lawyer who allegedly specialised in this type of law was unable to do. I highly recommend him as a lawyer and his firm is great, they give their time and do not just give you time you are paying for but had contact both on an amicable (human) basis, as well as great legal communication.
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08 Aug, 2017 by Don
Devon was extremely helpful, answered questions and sent our demand letter
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Made setting up will and living trust very simple. Very responsive and was able to get everything finalized quickly.
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27 Jul, 2013 by Jane
Greg is a great communicator, and very responsive. Good Knowledge of the real estate law.
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27 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Stockton has been a great resource for various questions I have had. He is very knowledgeable but at the same time will let you know if that is not his specialty. His firm has several attorneys that practice in different areas which makes it nice to work with one firm.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
David was brilliant. Quickly researched my issue. He was honest and fair with billing. He didn't use common legal techniques I have experienced before to increase billable hours. Great guy with compassion.
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11 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
The Law Office of Clint Smith represented me in, Chapter 7 proceedings, on the recommendation of a friend.
I met with Mr. Allen for my consultation where he took the time to thoughtfully answer all of my questions.
Mr. Allen was present with me during my debtor's hearing. He met with me just prior & it put me at ease for the hearing.
On the occasions I had to contact the office or had detailed questions he quickly accepted my call & assisted me.
My impression of him was that he truly cared about his cases and clients were not just a number. His integrity during my Chapter 7 case was impeccable.
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08 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Ms. Hawkes has been helping me resolve some legal matters with a company taking action against me. She has been very easy to work with and explains things pretty thoroughly so that I know just what is going on and what I can hope to expect.
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12 May, 2020 by Todd
“Cody Huffaker and his team have helped me through some difficult estate and trust litigation. He was responsive, empathetic, creative, and competent in his approach to my case. I would definitely recommend hiring Cody for trust and estate litigation.”
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02 May, 2013 by George
We hired Mike as part of a complicated construction litigation matter. We knew that getting him involved would be our best chance to get the case settled, because Mike is not only a great construction lawyer, but also a very reasonable and practical attorney. Many lawyers are happy to run up a big bill while they "process" a case and thereby milk their clients dry. Mike isn't like that. He will work hard to reach the most practical, cost efficient result possible -- hopefully with a speedy settlement, but with litigation if necessary. I could not recommend him more highly.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Chris
The entire office and all of the attorneys are fantastic. I began with Ms Spears at another firm and followed her to Buntrock. What a difference in offices ! She has been an immense help to me in a very trying and difficult situation. So much so, that I am now using her in other areas she has expertise in. She is a no nonsense gal, but still cares immensely about you as a client.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Robert kirkpatrick
I contacted Leanne about an issue. She was kind enough to review my request and while she could not help me she did some research and followed up with multiple recommendations for folks who could assist. I really appreciate her and her assistant Cassandra taking the time out of their day to help me. We do not see people helping others for no other reason than to be a kind person enough anymore and I appreciate their going above and beyond to help me.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Mike fasano
Leanne handled my divorce and did a nice job. Very professional, efficient, knowledgeable, and excellent on follow up. The outcome of my divorce was fair which is what I wanted to accomplish and Leanne's experience definitely played a role in that.
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02 May, 2023 by Christopher guymon
Leanne is awesome. She sincerely cares about her clients and does an incredible job at protect them and their families.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Ken dicicco
Great group! Phil and his team are terrific! Highly recommend!
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15 Feb, 2024 by Jason o'neal
The team at Cardis Law is second to none. They truly care about their clients and treat them like family. If you are looking for an honest attorney, call Phil Cardis. When he took my case, we sat down and held cared about me as a person. Listened to me and walked me through the strategy and the process. I never felt like I was alone in this. Thank you Phil for taking the time and helping me when I had no where else to go.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Kayla feher
Phil made estate planning a quick and easy process. Answered our questions promptly and spent extra time with us going over every detail.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Sarah murphy
We had a great experience working with Daniel. Our accident situation was very stressful and we didn’t know where to start. Thankfully we found Daniel and not only did he take care of all the stress and unknown, he explained everything well and is very easy to get ahold of and gives you all the time you need. It was wonderful to be able to focus on our healing and our family, knowing we were in good hands.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Michael shallal
If you want justice for a loved one for medical malpractice, and wrongful death stay away from this law firm. They will only take your case if the victim and their family didn't sign any medical documents at the hospital. Not sure what planet they practice law on. What a waste of time.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Angelita martínez
Jackson White. Awesome Job on my case!! Daniel was the person that worked with my case. Amazing job! I’m really grateful. He’s an excellent person. He always was informing me to tell me everything that was happening. He explained everything very well! I Really recommend!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Joann calarco
My experience working with attorney Justin Call was exceptional. He is very personable. I felt comfortable working with him from the very beginning of our first meeting. I wanted to set up a Trust. Even after looking online to educate myself, I was still somewhat unclear about all that was involved. Justin was very patient and knowledgeable as he explained the various aspects that were important for me to fully understand. I was able to ask questions that he answered clearly. I grew more confident in what I needed to do for the Trust, and how it worked in general, due to his supportive demeanor.
It was a great time saver that our first 2 meetings were virtual. I appreciated his staff setting them up to fit my schedule. Reminder emails were appreciated. When I went to Justin’s office to review and sign the documents, he continued to take the time to make sure I understood everything I was signing.
Working with Justin was a pleasure. Because of his hard work and commitment, I now have a complete Trust I fully understand. I recommend him to anyone who expects an attorney to be committed to your needs and to work hard in your best interests. Thank you.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Joshua m.
Justin Call was an amazing landlord/tenant lawyer. He was knowledgeable and helped me with everything I needed. Incredible service as well
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14 Nov, 2023 by Cesar aparicio
I recently had the privilege of consulting with Attorney Justin Call regarding an appeal for my case, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, Justin demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved, which immediately instilled a sense of confidence.
What truly set Justin apart was his ability to convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner. He patiently explained each step of the appeal process, ensuring I was fully informed and comfortable with the proceedings. His dedication to my case was evident through his meticulous attention to detail and his proactive approach to addressing potential challenges.
Moreover, Justin's empathetic and supportive demeanor made a typically stressful process much more manageable. He was always available to answer my questions and provide reassurance when needed.
Overall, my experience with Attorney Justin Call was outstanding. His expertise, coupled with his genuine commitment to his clients, makes him an invaluable asset to anyone navigating the complexities of the legal system. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective legal representation
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26 Apr, 2024 by Arizona tim
My wife and I used Atchley law firm for our bankrupcy. The staff were very helpful answering questions and letting us know when each step had to be done. Payment was reasonable and could be paid over time instead of all at once. I feel I made some new friends. If you need estate planning or a bankrupcy give them a call.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Richard martin (riccardo)
I like to start off by thanking Atchley law firm and the great staff and customer Servive . You guys made this so comfortable for me , you kept me posted and your email response was perfect So for anyone looking into filling Bankruptcy this is the law firm I recommend. Great staff
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26 Oct, 2023 by Tony longo
30 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer alai
04 Sep, 2024 by Sam gifford
Robert was extremely helpful with my trust and will. He explained the consequences of NOT having documents prepared and went over the fine points of my new trust and will. Gladly recommend his services to all.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Wesley reinke
Robert was excellent in making our estate planning easy and clear. He answered all our questions quickly and in a way we could understand. We got a living will and trust with his firm and it was a lot easier than we anticipated. I wish we found him sooner.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Joann calarco
My experience working with attorney Justin Call was exceptional. He is very personable. I felt comfortable working with him from the very beginning of our first meeting. I wanted to set up a Trust. Even after looking online to educate myself, I was still somewhat unclear about all that was involved. Justin was very patient and knowledgeable as he explained the various aspects that were important for me to fully understand. I was able to ask questions that he answered clearly. I grew more confident in what I needed to do for the Trust, and how it worked in general, due to his supportive demeanor.
It was a great time saver that our first 2 meetings were virtual. I appreciated his staff setting them up to fit my schedule. Reminder emails were appreciated. When I went to Justin’s office to review and sign the documents, he continued to take the time to make sure I understood everything I was signing.
Working with Justin was a pleasure. Because of his hard work and commitment, I now have a complete Trust I fully understand. I recommend him to anyone who expects an attorney to be committed to your needs and to work hard in your best interests. Thank you.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Joshua m.
Justin Call was an amazing landlord/tenant lawyer. He was knowledgeable and helped me with everything I needed. Incredible service as well
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14 Nov, 2023 by Cesar aparicio
I recently had the privilege of consulting with Attorney Justin Call regarding an appeal for my case, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, Justin demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved, which immediately instilled a sense of confidence.
What truly set Justin apart was his ability to convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner. He patiently explained each step of the appeal process, ensuring I was fully informed and comfortable with the proceedings. His dedication to my case was evident through his meticulous attention to detail and his proactive approach to addressing potential challenges.
Moreover, Justin's empathetic and supportive demeanor made a typically stressful process much more manageable. He was always available to answer my questions and provide reassurance when needed.
Overall, my experience with Attorney Justin Call was outstanding. His expertise, coupled with his genuine commitment to his clients, makes him an invaluable asset to anyone navigating the complexities of the legal system. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective legal representation
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10 Dec, 2020 by Amber jones
Friendly and knowledgeable. They don't make you feel stupid. Offer sound advice and provide a common sense approach to situations.
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28 Jan, 2017 by Wade
I hired Mr. McKindles to represent me in a complex lawsuit involving business, real estate and family law issues, which we won. His analysis and strategy skills are excellent and he was very responsive each time I contacted him. I highly recommend him and would definitely use him again.
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03 May, 2016 by Pamela
John is an excellent attorney. He helped me to resolve a very complicated estate involving siblings and in-laws after my mother passed away. It was a very difficult time in my life, but John remained calm and compassionate, always keeping me well-informed and explaining in detail my legal rights as a beneficiary and the best legal course to take to accomplish a fair and just result in my case. John is well-grounded and very confident in case law and litigation. He quickly learned through filings and investigation all facts and moved immediately to preserve all assets to which I was entitled. His explanations were reasonable and clear. Within a very short time-frame, my claim was resolved with the best possible result. I highly recommend him to other clients.
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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.
