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11 Mar, 2016 by Jess
There are good and bad in every profession so it's been like a fresh breath of air in dealing with an honest, skilled and caring attorney as is Matt Owen. He has handled all my business affairs like he was the owner and always sought and obtained a fair and reasonable resolve for me and my clients. Since 2005 I have consulted and will continue to seek his advise on any legal affair that comes to me and other business men like me. It's good to call him my friend.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Lorena zapien
10 Jun, 2014 by Tim
Mr Owen has worked with me a three different occansions over the last 7 years. He has been responsive, informative, and he was able to get the results i needed. I appreciate his experience and the work he has done on my behalf. I have the security of knowing ... if i need a great attorney, i have one. Thanks Matt.
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22 May, 2021 by Eddie v
02 Oct, 2018 by Kim crabb
29 Aug, 2018 by Gordon
Great Lawyer. Very responsive to our needs. Has been our Attorney for 20 plus years now. Has handled several issues for us.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Rick
I'm an attorney and also the owner of a title company. Joe represented the seller in a transaction and he did a great job of jumping in quickly and ensuring this his client's interests were protected. He was very responsive and easy to work with, which made the transaction move smoothly and helped ensure a easy close for the parties.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Mike toigo
One of the best. Not a shark, puts his clients above the money to be made. I would give my life to this man if we were in a foxhole. Joe has represented my family for over 30 years. He is an honest lawyer and a confidential advisor. You may trust Joe Stokely. I once had a legal situation and called Joe, he turned down the case BUT advised me to an associate that specialized with my legal matter. No strings attached, his advice was at no charge to me. He is a rare breed of honest and ethical attorneys. He ignors the dollars coming out of your pocket. He is a TRUE human being that cares. I would recommend him as a lawyer and as a person. He truly cares for your situation.
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20 Jan, 2014 by Anne
Joe Stokely has handled various small matters for my family, including power of attorney, wills, and advice on traffic ticket. He has always responded promptly and politely, and gives good value for his reasonable fees.
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07 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeff is a great lawyer to retain. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I had a client that looked to sue my company for unsubstantiated reasons and had not paid me a fee. Mr Wax attending court hearings on several occasions, was able to substantiate to the courts that my business performed a valuable service and in fact was owed its fees. My business was rewarded a favorable judgement. Thank You Mr. Wax for all of help in my business matter.
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07 Jul, 2016 by David
I had a few landlord-tenant issues that I hired Jeff to help with. Throughout the process he was quick to respond and communicate with me. He worked very efficiently to deliver the result I was looking for and solved the problem. I would not hesitate to seek his service in the future or recommend others use him.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Mitch
Jeff handled a non profit matter involving a government assessment. Jeff was professional and completed the work in an effective and competent manner, achieving the desired outcome for our organization. I recommend Jeff without reservation.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Galit
I highly recommend Marc Jacob! I had a commercial real estate dispute and Marc successfully negotiated with the landlord on my behalf, and achieved a very favorable outcome! Also, he always responded immediately to emails and texts! It was a pleasure dealing with him!
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08 Jan, 2013 by Eric
Marc Jacob of the Jacob Law Firm, LLC has been my real estate and business
attorney for over a year and a half now, and I have had many attorneys over
the years. Since becoming involved with my business, he has guided me to
avoid potentially disastrous deals, helped review and simultaneously pursue
multiple potential real estate financing arrangements, and has both
confidently and competently negotiated with much larger law firms and bank
executives. After a long, arduous negotiations process, he was also able to
close a very complicated, time sensitive and contentious deal remotely,
while out of the state on vacation! He works effectively with me, my staff
and with all the various professionals who were key elements to finally
getting a critical deal done. I look forward to continuing to work with
Marc Jacob and his associates at the Jacob Law Firm on other future business
and personal matters. He has proven himself capable, honest and loyal. I
consider him a trusted advisor and a friend.
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09 Dec, 2012 by Jonathan
Marc has been a huge asset to my business. From our initial consultation it was clear Marc was the type of attorney I needed - someone who knew the real estate business inside and out, and able to add value in every aspect. From establishing entities to transactional work to litigation, Marc has always been patient, accessible, insight and clear. I feel very fortunate to have found him and recommend him without hesitation.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Doug
I have relied on Kenneth Heinz's knowledge and legal
resources to give me and my city (City Of Country Club Hills Mo.) good and sound legal advice for the last 7 years
he has helped our city come back from having our city being mismanaged to getting back on the right track even thou times that he had to work in less than ideal conditions. He has always been knowledgeable and very helpful.
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13 Jun, 2016 by Ron
Six years after my home was built I hired a outdoor sprinkler company to install there system. One week latter I discovered that a finished section of my basement was flooded.
I met with the insurance company that covered this company and showed them the damage. At that time the insurance company inspector told me that the damage was not there fault. He said that the company that built my home was at fault.
By now I had a local plumber dig up the area that the system connected to my water source found the leak and had the pictures to prove that the system was not properly installed and was leaking into my foundation wall causing the flooding.
I hired Ken Heinz. After a series of phone calls and letters Ken got the insurance company to pay for the entire cost of redoing my basement...new carpet, drywall, wood trim and paint.
I along with my entire family have used Ken for wills,trusts and real estate transactions.
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24 May, 2016 by Jim
Ken Heinz has been the City Attorney for Richmond Heights since the mid 90's. During this time I was elected to the Council and elected Mayor. The Council and I relied on Mr. Heinz for all legal issues with the city, legislative and litigious. His research was always thorough and ensured that the city was on solid legal footing. Ken helped me organize my personal papers and make my wishes known for my family. I also had a dispute that required me to sue to recover funds owed to me. Ken was able to recover everything and in a timely manner. In short I trust Ken Heinz with all things legal and have not been disappointed.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Marshall
My client was sued in southern Illinois and I retained Josh as local counsel. Josh did a great job of helping us navigate through local procedures and customs. He was very knowledgeable about the law and court practices, and was invaluable to have "on the ground" in St. Louis.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Ken
I have sought Josh’s counsel on a number of items over the past 10 years. They have included employment matters, contracts, and business combinations to name a few. Without exception, I have found Josh Avigad to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but particularly practical when it comes to the application of the law. Avigad seeks to find ways to mitigate risk and resolve issues so that the wheels of business can keep turning. He will simplify your legal alternatives with an eye toward the achieving the desired end result as expeditiously as possible.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Todd
My company was involved in a contract dispute. A vendor was attempting to collect for a service that was sold based on false performance claims. Being a more experienced attorney, Josh was able to capitalize on a number of technical errors by the opposing counsel. One such error the counselor made was with respect to introducing a witness, effectively resulting in his dismissal. He also identified--and subsequently had thrown out by the judge--provisions in the contract which proved unenforceable in Missouri, effectively eroding their case and resulting in the case's dismissal. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Beinggreen
I serve as Executive Director for a large not -for- profit serving the region. Erica has been serving as legal counsel for our organization for several years now. She had assisted us with real estate matters, employee and financial related issues and is helpful, responsive to our needs and always courteous and professional. In consideration of our charity status her service has been provided free of charge or at a discounted rate because she cares about our work and this is just one of the many ways she supports the community. I highly recommend Erica Koetting for your attorney needs.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Matt
Highly competent and experienced counsel. Did a great job with my legal issues and kept me fully informed of my case progress.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
I talked to Erica about writing up a contract for me and she was very helpful in getting this done. She was able to get the contract done quickly. I would definitely recommend her. She is a very friendly person who is easy to talk to, listens to what you need and will do whatever she can to help you.
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11 Sep, 2017 by Jeannine
My father had passed away and I have two other siblings in the family. I knew we had to go through probate on my fathers estate. Mr. Weiss and his staff helped us get through this difficult time. The process did take awhile to get through because as in any family certain individuals want certain possessions of the estate and also did not want for my family to be reimbursed for taking care of the livestock and the farm after our fathers demise. Mr. Weiss is very knowledgeable of the laws in probate and was very efficient in getting my family the reimbursement of taking care of the livestock and the farm and seeing that the siblings of the family were equally distributed the remaining assets of the estate in a timely and sufficient manner.
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09 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Chris was excellent to work with. He was very knowledgeable about the laws regarding workers compensation and knew the specifics of our case each time we talked with him. Chris was very personable and truly cared about the outcome of the case. We would not hesitate to contact Chris again!
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28 Apr, 2017 by Joshua
Mr. Weiss has been nothing but professional courteous and helpful to me he has quickly responded to any questions and or requests that I put to him comma and has done his absolute best to achieve my goals within a reasonable time frame. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for this type of attorney.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Payton ireland
04 Nov, 2019 by Candace bartlett
22 Dec, 2017 by Roy thompson
Best lawyer for miles
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04 Jun, 2021 by Saba
Jacki has provided excellent legal counsel.
Communication with her office is quick and seamless via email or phone call. Her immediate engagement in your case is followed by rigorous work until your issue is resolved. She is extremely thorough about explaining the legal process and keeps you updated about any developments.
I am thankful I got to work with her on my last case and I cannot recommend her enough!
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15 Apr, 2021 by Brandy
We could not speak higher of any attorney. She calls back promptly and gets the job done. She’s the BEST!!!!
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19 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Jacki helped me out with amending a speeding ticket in KCMO. She made the process easy, all done over the phone and via email. She even got the ticket extended for a bit so I had longer to pay it! Will definitely use her again for all future tickets I get!
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06 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Bryant succeeded in working through a very delicate case for my company, managing personalities, complex legal issues, and client expectations. When working with Bryant, you know that you are going to get 360 coverage to your case, your company, your employees, and the law. Very professional but approachable.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Meegan
We have hired Bryant and his firm on to help with multiple facets of our business. They have been very reliable and address concerns or questions quickly. They don't pressure you into decisions, but provide the facts so you can make an educated decision for your business.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Ron
Bryant has provided excellent litigation-related services for the City of Olathe on a wide variety of challenging matters. Bryant has diligently responded to our questions, has been thorough in his analysis, and has handled sensitive political matters with professionalism and tact. We will continue to engage Bryant and the Spencer Fane law firm on similar matters into the future.
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24 May, 2018 by Colby
Blake is an exceptional attorney. Did not rush my consultation made me feel confident by the time I left. Easy going guy to talk with about your legal issues. Comes off as very confident straightforward. His legal fees are very reasonable compared to other attorneys in the Barry County area. Can be difficult to reach at times but that should be expected with any attorney that is getting hired. Office staff very kind. Spoke with the paralegal she is also very knowledgeable. I would recommend Blake to any of my close friends I would also rehire him for future issues if need be.
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10 Apr, 2018 by Paula
We hired Blake to help us out on a new boat dock issue that we were going no where with. The gentleman that agreed to sign the forms with the other 11 members of the boat dock, did so, then removed his name a day before our final meeting. I went and spoke to Blake on how to handle the situation since a lot of money had changed hands in order to get our new boat dock built. Three to four people had bought or traded slips, and one member had purchased a brand new boat, which the new boat dock would accommodate. Blake took time out to go visit this gentleman at his home. After a few back and forth meetings
with this gentleman, he agreed to put his name back on the list at the Corp of Engineers office and paid his share so we could move forward. Our old boat dock was 35 years old and everyone is excited to finally see a new, safe and secured dock being built. I would recommend Blake Fields for hire. He did a great job for us.
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02 Sep, 2017 by Jake
An honest guy that didn't over-bill me for taking on my Divorce. Handled it well and with respect for me. He took the time to explain to me what was going on and did a great job in court.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
He has been on top of everything. He has succeeded in helping me when other attorneys neglected my case.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Chris
Jason has been doing my taxes for several years. He's thorough, kind, accommodating, easy to work with, and extremely ethical. He always works with our schedule and has good suggestions for saving money. I myself am an attorney, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him.
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24 Sep, 2018 by Lori
On two separate and unrelated real estate issues Mr Disabato was able to quickly resolve title issues and deed filings. Living out of state it could have been a disaster hiring an attorney sight unseen but I was very, very fortunate and pleased with his representation. I would use him again in a heartbeat and highly recommend him.
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12 Mar, 2018 by R. hunter
We hired Mr. Disabato and his brother for a lawsuit surrounding real estate that had been going on for 1 full year with an attorney. They met with me and were frank and to the point. They put me at ease by explaining every aspect of the process. They listened and heard my concerns and gave realistic possibilities. Within 3 months the case that had been dragged out by another attorney for 1 full year had ended with a huge victory. You will not be disappointed with their high skill set and professionalism. Complete WIN_WIN_WIN!! Thank You
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31 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Graham was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Very understanding and professional throughout the entirety of my case. I would absolutely recommend Graham Oswald if you have any issues with traffic tickets or other minor infractions.
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11 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Graham was very friendly and extremely knowledgable about all aspects of my case. I would HIGHLY recommend him!
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24 Mar, 2018 by Aimee
We/I hired Ray for the guardianship of a disabled adult. The family relationships are complicated and usually hostile, however Ray patiently helped keep the peace through to the hearings end. In terms easy to understand Ray explained the court procedure, printed & provided us with the laws applying to the situation.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Karen
I hired Raymond for a divorce lawyer. My case was processed efficiently, and professionally. He helped me navigate through the process with utmost respect. He is highly intelligent. He presented my rights, in terms that I could clearly understand. I felt respected and valued as a client. He was patient with me.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Lucy is an excellent attorney - responsive and practical approach to business issues. Would hire her again and recommend her to others seeking business litigation and commercial dispute advice
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12 Jan, 2016 by Joe
My company was fortunate to have Lucy Unger on our side. She is smart, strong and professional, and will not be pushed around. Her commitment to our case was complete and unwavering, and she got the results we badly needed. Don't let her nice side fool you, Lucy will fight for you as if she was fighting for herself.
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14 Jul, 2013 by James
Charles and his staff are second to none. They handled my case with understanding and professionalism, and felt at ease from the moment that I spoke with them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone and would use them myself again should the situation arise.
You cant find better.
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19 Jun, 2013 by Bill
Many people do not know that they have an option when it comes to threats from credit card companies there is an option it is Chuck Replogle helped me and my wife on several cases. Thanks
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16 Jul, 2013 by Bryan
I am the City Administrator for Lawson, Missouri. Mr. Lauber has been our city attorney for several years now. He has helped us with lawsuits, legal negotiations and personnel issues. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen have just recently requested his help in planning for the city's future, especially in the area of economic development.
Mr. Lauber has always been thorough in his research and is able to focus all of the different factors into clear decision points for us to act on. He is always professional and has shown a strong character and high level of integrity. Our city has greatly benefited from Mr. Lauber's assistance and counsel.
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06 Mar, 2013 by Darla
Mr. Lauber is the City Municipal Attorney for the City of Urich and has served this position for the past two years. We are very pleased with his service and the knowledge that he brings to the City leaders.
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17 May, 2021 by Mary rice
Very honest and nice.
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09 Sep, 2020 by Candace tatum
Excellent!!! Best in town
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10 Feb, 2022 by Jeremy matthew
22 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Matt was an amazing advocate! He brought a large entity to it's legal knees!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sherlyn jurgensen
I have hired Lindsey twice for legal matters and I can not speak highly enough about her. She is both personal and professional. She is prompt to answer questions and resolves issues in a timely manner! You will not be disappointed with the legal representation she provides to her clients!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jessica johnson
She is such an amazing person!!! She truely is the kindest, most loving, sweet person, and a great attorney!!!! I wish i could give her more than 5 stars!!!!
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29 May, 2024 by Brett
We've been working with Kory for over two years on tenant and contractor issues. He's always very responsive and bills fairly.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Stubblefield has a strong reputation in this community. He has a charisma that is very trusting and honest. Mr. Stubblefield can explain the legal steps that an everyday person can understand. I would recommend this kind man to anyone for representation.
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23 Jul, 2023 by K. a.
Grant Mabie is EVERYTHING a you need if you're looking to resolve a legal hiccup. He didn't try to oversell himself because he KNOWS what he's talking about. He didn't try to "sell" me either. He spoke to me in a down to earth manner and provided practical advice allowing me to make an informed decision. I wouldn't hesitate to call him again if I need representation in the future.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Pablo
Nathan was a pleasure to deal with during my Chapter 7. He answered all my emails promptly and thoroughly. I highly recommend him.
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23 Jun, 2020 by George usleber
Everyone I dealt with at Hesse Martone was extremely professional. My Company was caught up in a Withdrawal Liability suit and they worked hard on our behalf to minimize the losses. Also want to emphasize how fair they were on there billing practices.
Top notch firm!
George ........
Chicago, Il.
Chicago, Il.
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14 Dec, 2017 by Kenny felty
23 Jul, 2023 by K. a.
Grant Mabie is EVERYTHING a you need if you're looking to resolve a legal hiccup. He didn't try to oversell himself because he KNOWS what he's talking about. He didn't try to "sell" me either. He spoke to me in a down to earth manner and provided practical advice allowing me to make an informed decision. I wouldn't hesitate to call him again if I need representation in the future.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Richie
I'm in real estate sales and Brad is always available at the drop of a hat if I have any questions on a particular contract/form that might have loose wording or language. He's helped me out with surveys and potential title issues as well on some of my deals. I've known him for a long time and can trust him with anything that I or my clients might need consulting on.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Alanna
Tom has been my lawyer for many years and is always compassionate and timely with his representation. Tom recently helped my husband and I with resolving a complex case, he was diligent in getting the issue resolved for us. He did not hesitate to help us when we were struggling and did an excellent job representing us. We highly recommend him as he has never let us down and does fantastic work.
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04 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Carnes did a great job on my case after two other lawyers told me they couldn't help me. He was up-front about what he could do for me, and charged me a reasonable fee.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Annemarie gamache
Working with the Watts Group was a great experience! They were very professional and provided thoughtful insight on what to expect during the legal process and my case. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would definitely work with them again.
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08 Nov, 2015 by Nataly
Paul is knowledgeable, intelligent, and he took our case very seriously. He always kept us abreast of the status and was honest and concerned throughout. If there were more stars to give, I would gladly give them. I'm thankful I chose his services and highly recommend him.
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30 Jun, 2015 by River
Casey Coats is an angel and a walking miracle. I went to her with barely anything in my pockets and she was able to work with me to form a payment arrangement that worked around what I could afford rather than what was most convenient for her. She genuinely cares about her clients and got to know me rather than just treating me like another folder in the pile, which is exactly how I felt with previous attorneys. Ms. Coats handled a DWI case for me and in about a month after I first entered her office I received a letter in the mail from the DOR telling me that the state was dropping the charges and my license was reinstated. I was so shocked, I could not believe it. Not only was she able to handle my charges but she also took time out of her busy day to council me on other legal matters when I would stop in for a payment. I can say from experience that she is going to be one of the best choices you will find in this city for representation, and I am so glad I wondered into her office. I will definitely continue to use her services in the future and recommend her to every person in need of an attorney.
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17 Dec, 2011 by Daniel
Casey pays attention, grabs on, and does not let go. Relentless. Glad to have her on my team when I need legal assistance.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
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What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
