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01 Jan, 2021 by Jeff
Dan advised me on some foreclosure and bankruptcy issues as well as employment contract. He is brutally honest and ethical to a T!
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20 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Great lawyer affordable I saved my house! I was in foreclosure and needed help. I was able to get a low repayment. Dan explained everything to me.
Thanks Dan!
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19 May, 2017 by Kenneth yoon
Sam came recommended and I've used him in a couple matters. His firm knows their stuff and provides good advice and representation for a fair fee
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10 Oct, 2023 by Simone d
Very caring office, these people actually want you to succeed.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Cindy ranger
Very knowledgeable and friendly!
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03 Jul, 2022 by Shawn grinstead
06 Jul, 2023 by Reynaldo alejo
20 Oct, 2022 by Richard quintilone
Handled a very difficult and contentious case with very difficult client and resolved it favorably. Kelly and his team are very tenacious and accessible. Highly recommended.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Walter aman
19 Sep, 2022 by Lisa garcia
Mike helped me win two cases. He’s an amazing honest person, I recommend all my family and friends to him.
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30 Mar, 2021 by C m
04 Feb, 2020 by Elvin ivory
This lawyer ask for 5,000$ For a retainer,without any information no paperwork or contract,my antennas went to the roof.Very poor representation,when I confronted him,all of sudden he remember all the paperwork.Retainer means non refundable. I know that.All of this was for just in case we go to trial.I had to ask him to bill me for the work he had done.I was reminded that 5,000$ that he wanted had not arrived .only $300.
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27 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
What a ridiculous man. He just bought the apartment I live in. So I called him within a 48hrs of the purchase to introduce myself as his new tenant and he was incredibly rude... not a big deal, just shows his character.
What is a big deal is, he sends me a letter the very next week saying he's raising my rent over 50%. Ha, what a joke. In California, a rent controlled state. Shows how much he knows the law. And then tries to get me to sign a new lease with weird additional feast not in my original lease.
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10 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Richard is one of those people who are so EGO driven that they do not even consider talking to people politely. Unfortunately I had to call Richard to follow up on the contract he had to draft for one of my client's when I asked him politely when can I expect to get the copy of the contract from him he yelled at me & called me names before he hung up. I am baffled how he is in a profession to help people when all he is about is my way or the highway. Rudest person I have spoken to who has no respect for others.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Richard Meaglia is a nightmare. He refused to give me direction after hiring him. Avoid this guy at all costs. He helps the other side and doesn't care at all if he leaves you broke and on the street while the criminal gets away with murder & whatever else they did. Richard will protect the other guy over his own client. It's just "too much work" for him to defend his client. There are other choices, go with someone else. After giving NO good advise what so ever and me firing him even, he still extracted 60K from our estate. DO NOT sign HIM up, unless you want to lose and lose badly.
I had to do ALL the work myself. I paid ALL the estate bills out of what should have been my money to complete school with and buy a home. Meaglia took a full 5 years before calling the estate "done". He makes more money the longer he drags out your case. This is documented by other reviewers too. He NEVER EVER would give me any advise on how to close and handle completion of the estate. He should have helped me to at least buy out our family home. But that was just "too much work" for him to set that up too. SO now I am homeless forever. In fact he would never even write any letters in response to the other attorneys demands. I still to this day have to pay estate fees after all these years out of what should have been my portion of my settlement. I now have to live in my 4Runner until it dies or I do, which ever comes 1st. I have had to live in the car even needing a hip replacement now since Mom was a hoarder and I did all the work. Meaglia refused to lift a pen to write a letter to have my Sister Laurel get what she wanted out so we could efficiently clear out the house and sell it fast and for a good price. I instead have been forced by the other attorney to store and pay for the junk. I can't even afford to pay for an apartment or go back to school. I am screwed, due to his mishandling of the estate. My Sis is well set up in a HUGE house and putting herself AND her kid through school that was clearly and in writing set aside for me. This was set aside to rehabilitate from taking time off from my great job I used to have, so I could go back into it with my full degree. Instead I have nothing and am homeless due to his handling of the case. You will one day find me at the bottom of Suicide Bridge since I can't afford to live to an old age now. My blood is on his hands.
Do yourself a favor. Find anyone else.
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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.
