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05 Feb, 2023 by Cat meowfia
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14 Sep, 2022 by Sherman sherman
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06 May, 2020 by Mary coronado
Very helpful
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12 Sep, 2022 by John luebrecht
Went here seeking legal advise, and I appreciated they were very upfront that their services didn't cover my situation. It saved wasting everybody's time
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19 Jan, 2022 by Tommy todd
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05 Jul, 2021 by Elizabeth govero
Did everything right
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
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12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
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29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
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12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
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29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
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12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
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29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
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12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
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29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
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28 Apr, 2023 by Allie bayless
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12 Oct, 2022 by Demetria hamilton
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29 Jul, 2021 by Richard jones
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15 Dec, 2023 by Rachel
She's a friendly down to earth person. I met with her in regards to an eviction but it wasn't your typical landlord tenant eviction. I hired the same day I met with her. She was understanding & sounded like she was on top of things. Then a situation came about in regards to the eviction causing it to not be just a simple eviction process. I emailed her & then spoke with her on the phone the same day i hired her letting her know of a letter I had received in the mail. She said she needed a little more time then 30 seconds to process everything, which is understandable & she said she would get ahold of me. Days went by & I had emailed her & tried to call her & heard nothing back from her. This went on for a couple weeks at least. I totally get that I wasn't her only client & her time wasn't devoted to only me & that she was probably busy. It just would have been nice if she would have at least emailed me back to let me know she was going to need more time or let me know something instead of leaving me hanging. I finally decided to just ask for my money back. She then emailed letting me know she could mail me a check or i could pick it up! Kinda irritating that she could email for that but not respond with anything to my emails or phone calls. I was really looking forward to her representing me in the beginning because I loved her attitude, ways of thinking & I just felt comfortable with her. She did give me all of my money back without a problem!
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26 Jan, 2023 by Emily
The first time we called she answered the phone with a bad attitude. We hired Diane and asked her to wait on setting court date and sending evictions and she sent them out anyways. We wanted to wait for the abandonment paperwork to work and she did not respect that at all. We talked to her a total of 16 minutes and she charged us $500. Claimed we would get a full refund if we didn’t need her and then she went and made her self needed by doing whatever she wanted anyways and then went back on her word. She is the worst attorney I have ever heard from and I would NOT recommend going through her firm! Even other lawyers called her highly unprofessional because when she was called out she sent very rude emails out to them as well! Seriously don’t waste your time!
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13 Dec, 2021 by Matt
A few years ago, a much younger man attempted to romance-scam my 85-year-old mother and attempted to obtain a POA over her assets. Diane's advice was invaluable and prevented much greater disaster from occurring. She walked me through all the difficult steps to obtain guardianship and stood beside me in those tense moments before the judge. I owe her a very great debt.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Justin Butler represented the developer of our subdivision and handled the transition of the homeowners association from developer to homeowners. once the homeowners took over the homeowners association, It was brought to our attention by a separate legal counsel that we were missing the bylaws for our incorporation, even though Mr. Butler specifically referenced attached bylaws within the documents he provided to us. Our team has reached out on multiple occasions, requesting these documents to which he does not respond in writing however, on a recorded phone call, he does acknowledge that he forgot these documents and he was going to write them over that weekend and have us to us the following week. sure enough, he never followed through on that and has continued to be unresponsive to additional communication. Funds were taken from our account to pay for this service that was never properly completed.
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19 Mar, 2014 by Barry
Justin has helped me on numerous occasions with my business. I trust him completely. Although he is over 50 miles away, I wouldn't use anyone else. I live in Kirkwood and have hundreds of attorneys that are closer.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Neal
Has handled everything personally for me from speeding tickets to legal advice on my business and has always been helpful and to the point.
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13 Apr, 2021 by Michael
Took my 5k and then spent the next 2 years telling me he had other important cases and had no time to work on mine. Other professionals in the field call him Tony bologna. That should give you an idea about this crook. When I fired him he refunded me $500. Stay away.
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23 Nov, 2017 by Matt
Tony Stein was referred to be from another Real Estate Investor. Tony quickly assessed our situation, replied to a frivolous lawsuit, strategically counter-sued the party, and won a 1-day trial when he put our opponent on the stand. Our case, although frivolous in nature, concerned us because false claims of fraud were levied and Mr. Stein, from our first meeting through our day of trial and the Judge’s decision in our favor on all issues, handled the case as the true tactician and professional he is. Tony is the most fair attorney we’ve ever interacted with - he wil never over bill. It was sweet to receive the check from the accuser. Tony flipped the case and won on presenting a concise, intelligent gent factual case on our behalf. I can’t recommend Tony often enough, and I would always call him first for any legal question or concern.
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08 Nov, 2017 by William
I was referred to Tony by a friend; Right away it was very apparent that Tony was focused on providing me with sound, and prudent legal advise. He does this while always considering the practical elements, and potential outcomes. Tony will always be the first person I call when, or if, I need legal advise or representation in the future. Top Notch!
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10 Nov, 2023 by Bridget townes
This attorney was highly recommended and now I m wondering why, phone was never answered when I would call in, messages left were returned with a letter which followed a week or so later. I was asked to do the leg work a few times and when we would speak he was hurried and inattentive. A doctor almost killed me in November 2016, 7 months later he drops the case after previously telling us we definitely had a case. Dr. Kevin Easley has had 5 malpractice and 2 wrongful deaths in less than 10 years ago. Preston didn't care about that or the pain and suffering my husband and I endured. So not glad he wasted 7 months we could have had a legit attorney work on this. I could go on but, the gist is he was horrible and if I could I would give him a big ZERO stars. Thanks Preston for wasting 7 months of our time, you should have said up front if I was not damaged permanently you wouldn't take the case, guess you weren't going to make enough $$$$.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Tyler pullam
shannon is like the best like forreal.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Rhiannon hall
Shannon truly goes above and beyond when it comes to handling cases. She's smart, keeps you updated during the entire case, and relentlessly works to get you compensated. I wouldn't want any other attorney to handle any personal injury case I might have.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Did not address my concerns or set appointment in a timely fashion and never reviewed the PDF I had attached stating the advice I needed and where I work from the jump. Wasted my time completely then tried to blame me for emails that never reached me. Never avvo again.
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19 Jan, 2017 by Deb
Mr. Puri was not only professional but also compassionate and caring. He gave me the confidence and support I needed to proceed with my discrimination case. He believed In me and knew I had been wronged. He helped to right that wrong and settlement was made. I will always be grateful for his guidance and the personal interest he took in my case. I would highly recommend Mr. Puri to anyone needing legal assistance.
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26 Oct, 2015 by Jay
Mr. Puri is a through professional who provides good and practical recommendations after review of the case. Our organization has used his services in three different cases and every time very pleased with the outcome.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Bridget townes
This attorney was highly recommended and now I m wondering why, phone was never answered when I would call in, messages left were returned with a letter which followed a week or so later. I was asked to do the leg work a few times and when we would speak he was hurried and inattentive. A doctor almost killed me in November 2016, 7 months later he drops the case after previously telling us we definitely had a case. Dr. Kevin Easley has had 5 malpractice and 2 wrongful deaths in less than 10 years ago. Preston didn't care about that or the pain and suffering my husband and I endured. So not glad he wasted 7 months we could have had a legit attorney work on this. I could go on but, the gist is he was horrible and if I could I would give him a big ZERO stars. Thanks Preston for wasting 7 months of our time, you should have said up front if I was not damaged permanently you wouldn't take the case, guess you weren't going to make enough $$$$.
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star star star star star
22 Aug, 2023 by Tyler pullam
shannon is like the best like forreal.
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star star star star star
22 Aug, 2023 by Rhiannon hall
Shannon truly goes above and beyond when it comes to handling cases. She's smart, keeps you updated during the entire case, and relentlessly works to get you compensated. I wouldn't want any other attorney to handle any personal injury case I might have.
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star star star star star
22 Aug, 2024 by Christina
I can't recall the last time I dealt with a business or individual that was as outstanding as Bruce Secrist and his Paralegal, Avin. My parents had passed away without ever making any estate/beneficiary plans. I had no idea the size of the "estate", if there was any money or assets to pay debts, my brother and I knew nothing. I called two attorney's offices and left messages with the details, they never called me back. I called Bruce Secrist's office and he not only called me back within an hour, he gave me excellent advice. It was 2020, Covid, and I was living in Florida. We opened an estate and Bruce handled it for us right to the end. We had to deal with the IRS and 5 years of unfiled taxes, missing money Bruce recaptured for us and three vehicles that needed titles and Bruce went to the DMV and stood in line and handled everything. He was a GOD SEND. TIP: Protect your assets and your family and have a plan with an attorney that knows what to do to protect you. If you need someone SHARP, active and engaged - Bruce Secrist is the attorney. He and Avin are an amazing team of professionals. They communicate, follow up, and know what you're talking about when you call. The estate wasn't worth hardly anything and they treated us like it was their only case. If you're in SouthWest Missouri and need an Estate Attorney, Bruce Secrist should be your first call!
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11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I feel like there are plenty other attorneys in Joplin that do a better job than Bruce Secrist. He did an adequate job on my divorce/custody...but was I overwhelmingly pleased? No. He just doesn't really seem to care about you as a client or even a person. I found him devoid of all personality altogether. Our second time retaining him was an utter disaster. He took our money and did very little to resolve our case. We ended up hiring someone else.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Jordan
I used Bruce in 97'-2014. He was great and helped me with my child custody issues. He also helped me with many other things. I also referred him to friends that he also helped out tremdously. He's fair and straight to the point no hidden fees like most.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Kyle and jamie
Mark Roy helped us evict our non-paying tenant in Springfield, MO The tenant had great credit and paid on time for 18 months and then all of a sudden didn't pay. We wasted no time and filed for eviction when he failed to pay March 1st, 2016 rent and was non-responsive to our inquiry about payment, with Marks help we filed by the 8th and he was out with sheriff notice by March 30th, 2016! Thank you, Mark! Jamie and Kyle M.
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10 Jan, 2014 by Yehuda
Needed him in a real estate case - a very complicate not common one. he took the time to understand me and to learn the special "view" of the case. The fees were VERY reasonable.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Russell grafton
I went here to fill out my paperwork for disability. The ladies in this office were a big help and very courteous. I was very impressed by the way I was treated.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Colin schwartz
If zero was an option I’d select that. Dennis is an incompetent lawyer. Wasted years of my life and got me nothing. Thank you for using the medical evidence in court that would have won the case. If you use this lawyer. You’ve been warned. He is a bad lawyer
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31 May, 2024 by Kevin eisenhauer
Not nice at all. The secretary was rude. Dennis was also very rude when he called back. All I wanted was information.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Russell grafton
I went here to fill out my paperwork for disability. The ladies in this office were a big help and very courteous. I was very impressed by the way I was treated.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Colin schwartz
If zero was an option I’d select that. Dennis is an incompetent lawyer. Wasted years of my life and got me nothing. Thank you for using the medical evidence in court that would have won the case. If you use this lawyer. You’ve been warned. He is a bad lawyer
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31 May, 2024 by Kevin eisenhauer
Not nice at all. The secretary was rude. Dennis was also very rude when he called back. All I wanted was information.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response. Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money. Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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star star star star star
10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response. Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money. Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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star star star star star
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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star star star star star
08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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star star star star star
10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response. Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money. Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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star star star star star
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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star star star star star
08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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star star star star star
10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response. Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money. Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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star star star star star
09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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star star star star star
08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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star star star star star
10 Apr, 2024 by Mae rascher
Would not suggest Bradley bodeux ever he's a family attorney here I had a case he was my lawyer for and lost the case with him but that's not even the issue the issue is years later someone asked him for information from my side and he spilled it all including video from the office this person was in favor of the otherside I found this information out when I started talking to the other side about going back to court. DO NOT TRUST HIM HE WILL TELL PEOPLE YOUR PRIVATE STUFF AND NOT FOLLOW CONFIDENTIALITY!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Dan milburn
I have had Bradley Bodeux as my family attorney his entire career. I can tell you with a clear conscience that I would not trust anyone else with my affairs. Bradley and the team he has put together are "top tier." These people know what they're doing and they don't waste time getting the job done. Working with Bodeux Law Group has been a benefit to me, my family and my friends for many years.
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25 May, 2023 by A dude with asperger's
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23 Nov, 2019 by Beverly deschepper
The prices are very good
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19 Apr, 2024 by Mark h
The only attorney I would ever higher. They did a fantastic job getting me the settlement and being there trying to maximize my pain and suffering settled ment. Jacob Was so helpful and did a great job with my claims Thanks, Marks
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10 Apr, 2024 by Matthew donovan
I worked with Lee Viorel on a matter and he was extremely responsive, informative, knowledgeable, and an overall excellent attorney. I would recommend him and the firm to any of my colleagues.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Ty kensinger
Great service but you pay for it
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19 Apr, 2024 by Mark h
The only attorney I would ever higher. They did a fantastic job getting me the settlement and being there trying to maximize my pain and suffering settled ment. Jacob Was so helpful and did a great job with my claims Thanks, Marks
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10 Apr, 2024 by Matthew donovan
I worked with Lee Viorel on a matter and he was extremely responsive, informative, knowledgeable, and an overall excellent attorney. I would recommend him and the firm to any of my colleagues.
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star star star star star
13 Mar, 2024 by Ty kensinger
Great service but you pay for it
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star star star star star
20 Sep, 2024 by Yolanda pickett
Wasn't trying to give a 1 star i want to reach out to inform of our concerns why Noone communicate with my daughter the laywer suppose to reinsurance us not keep us in a limbo legal aid on forests park please help bring my grandson home PLEASE
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20 Sep, 2024 by Yolanda pickett
My daughter has a case with you guys she has a laywer with you guys there's no communication we are left in a limbo Noone returning calls or emails I want my grandson back home if there's no commucation how do we suppose to feel how long do this custody count suppose to carrier on my daughter feel sad because Noone working in her favor my daughter is a good mom it seems there working with this felony we want to feel like the laywer working for us and it doesn't feel. Like it
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan penn
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16 Aug, 2024 by Chris myers
My ex tried to steal custody from me with slander and false statements. I'm happy that Cynthia was able to make a fair and accurate judgement on my case. Not easy going through a divorce, but happy to have this GAL appointed.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Steve carapella
Unethical, drags every case out to maximize his profit. Speak to any other lawyer or judge that’s ever worked with or around him. They all will tell you how unethical he is. How he hasn’t been disbarred is astonishing. Unethical!!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Aaron t
Jonathan is the best! Couldn’t be where I am without him! Appreciate you sir!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Youa thao
Like all the other 1 star review they will take your money...then say you don't have a case and will be short with you and try to talk you out from moving forward because they know they will not get any money out of the case. Brian and his team barely wanted to communicate or give us updates, but they want to charge us on discussing on reimbursing us back for the remaining work they didnt want to do..seriously?! What a joke!
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18 Mar, 2024 by Lynn toliver
The Harrah Law firm helped me through a difficult situation & supported my interests throughout the legal process. All the team members were professional and kind and seemed to be understanding of my situation. They handled items promptly and met deadlines throughout the whole process. I would definitely use their services again if I ever find myself in need of legal real estate representation.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Me de
They will lie to you until they get your money, then they will ignore you until you threaten them with another firm. I just can't believe they have any good reviews. They are obviously reviews from a paid firm.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Logan sneed
I gave Steve a 2500 retainer to help me with my divorce. He ended up billing me for about $2000 and then saying he didn't want to handle it and released me. I still haven't received a check even though I gave his secretary my address.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Nolan james
Major Neely went out of his way to protect and defend my constitutional rights. He is a stellar American, a patriot, and a United States Marine. Good on him, good on him and his actions. Thats all i have to say
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12 Dec, 2021 by Genny b
PLEASE BEWARE.. these lawyers gouge clients, add frivolous charges and are not ethical. Clients pay their high rent and not for appropriate legal services. Reporting them to be investigated.
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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:

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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