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24 Oct, 2017 by Joseph
"After firing a home-improvement contractor, I was forced to redo his work. The contractor sued me for $3000, the balance he said was still due him. Mr. Melnikoff defended his claim and counter sued him for fraud. The court awarded over $48,000 in my favor and against the contractor. Mr. Melnikoff used his skill and knowledge to turn a bad experience into a happy and successful one.".
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05 Jul, 2017 by Ivan
I was very satisfied with my attourney's services and would definitly recommend him to anyone
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18 Aug, 2015 by James
Mr. Melnikoff exceeded my expectations and fought hard for my case. He was always available to talk on the phone or via email. I could not thank him enough for all the research and effort he provided for my case. He will be the first attorney I call whenever I need one.
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20 Feb, 2017 by Ryan
The experience that I had with Robert was top notch in every aspect; He was very transparent about the process and provided his expert advice every step of the way. He was able to turn a very stressful and uncertain situation into one where I received the best possible outcome available. I would recommend Robert to all of my close family and friends.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Gregg
I hired Rob to handle a dispute with a moving company and to make sure that my interests were protected. Robert negotiated my position with the company and resolved the dispute without filing a formal claim. This saved me money on attorney fees as well as resolving my dispute to my satisfaction.
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25 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Robert was both professional and personable and a pleasure to deal with. He went above and beyond the call of duty in assisting me with my case. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone seeking an excellent attorney.
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07 Sep, 2019 by Ricky / joanne
I was looking for a real estate lawyer to represent me on a home purchase I was given at lease four other names after calling and leaving messages . The only one who returned my call was Evelyn. This was one of the best decisions I could have made Having her on my side made was awesome she covered every angle and kept me informed every through out the mortgage process She is knowledgeable experienced and committed to her clients to ensure that their needs are met I felt like she was my big sister had control of everything that came up during the process. Today I closed and very satisfied with her representation Thank you Evelyn. Ricky / Joanne
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13 Jun, 2019 by Samantha
As a real estate professional for the past 8 years I have worked with many attorneys on real estate transactions. Ms. Latse is by far the absolute best. She is attentive, patient, understanding and all transactions are smooth with her. I highly recommend Ms. Latse as an attorney.
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23 Jan, 2015 by Les
I had a situation where my former employer refused to pay benefits that was owed me. This wasn't a simple case by any stretch of the imagination given it involved stock options, the balance of my time, and more. Evelyn took on this case and did a great job. Her first contact with my former employee yielded the results I was looking for. My former employer paid everything that was due me. I will gladly use Evelyn again. Brilliance personified.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Jason
I have consulted with Alan on several areas of entrepreneurship and have found his advice and guidance to be forward thinking and succinct. He offered specific insight I had not considered and guided me towards the best outcome. I would not hesitate to call upon Alan again when the need arises.
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21 Jan, 2015 by Simeon
I have known Alan Walter for at least 18 years and during that time he has successfully represented me at least three times and I am forever grateful for his counsel as well as his broad knowledge in both the law and business. He is both smart and insightful as to how to address and manage complex legal and administrative issues and above all, his integrity has been remarkable. He has been scrupulous in his dealings with both me and my family along with others to whom I have recommended him to. He has always been available and easy to interact with.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Jerry
I've worked with other lawyers in the past, but I enjoyed working with Alan the most. He was, by far, the most responsive to my needs. Alan helped me form and organize my LLC and addressed the issues that my partners and I were facing as a startup.
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06 Mar, 2019 by Aman
We enjoyed working with attorney Shilpa Samuel during our mortgage closing process. She is knowledgable, responsive, easy to work with and looks out for her client's best interest.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Had consulted her recently, she was extremely professional and provided the right insights and advise.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Janice
I contacted Mr. Echevarria on the phone hoping to get some advice . I am a tenant in Essex County . My situation was urgent at the time of my call. Mr. Echevarria answered the phone and proceeded to andwer all my questions. He was professional and very patient and kind. I would not hesitate to retain him as my lawyer or recommend him.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
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16 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I was looking for a local lawyer to help with a child support and custody issue, who actually had expertise in this area, and Mrs. Clark was the right person for my case. She was efficient, thorough, knowledgeable and paid attention to detail, and stayed in contact with me from the start of my case until the end. The Clark Law Group comes highly recommended, as I understand she has a fluid understanding of other areas of law as well.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I use Crew to manage business contracts and legal handlings within my business. I am very demanding and Crew never ceases to impress with his thorough research and professionalism. He is completely methodical in handling processes and covers all grounds that I have seen judge after judge have respect for Crew. He has always shown care and desire to provide the best service.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :) Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
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15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
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07 Sep, 2017 by Sandy sorkin
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17 Feb, 2019 by Alexis justiniano
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23 Mar, 2017 by Muriel g
Best lawyer by far!!
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24 Mar, 2023 by Dick grabowsky
A dozen years of quality legal representation for our companies from local courts to the NJ Supreme Court. Definitely a winning team.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :) Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
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15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
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06 Nov, 2017 by Hannah
Lori got the job done quickly and correctly but, when you pay a flat rate, you get what you pay for. As a first time home buyer, I had a lot of questions which she always seemed too busy to answer. If I sent her an email with 5 questions, she'd only answer 1 of them. This was extremely frustrating.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Gloria
Excellent lawyer was very helpful and patient throughout the entire process. Honest and well experienced, the only lawyer that was willing to take my case and we won! Definitely calling him back again and recommending him to everyone I know!
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24 Jul, 2017 by Allison
Hikmat was able to cut my debt almost in half. This loan company was ruthless. Hikmat's office handled all of the phone calls, e-mails, and letters from the company. We finally agreed to a payment plan and protected my credit rating. Thanks!
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16 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Hikmat was able to close on a house we fell in love with. There were some issues with the house and title that needed to be to handled and they were. We thought we were going to lose the house of our dreams, but Hikmat made the closing happen. I just wish the closing happened faster.
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27 May, 2024 by Carlos domenech
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06 Mar, 2024 by Starr berry shortcake
Provided great advice answering my Landlord/Tenant questions and drafted an excellent lease, it's much more thorough than the standard form leases you find online. I'm still using it years later.
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23 Dec, 2021 by Jeff kuschner
What Mr. Labeeb fails to mention in his negative review is that he was not a client but rather he and his wife were adversaries. They were tenants of my client against whom evictions were filed and his review is nothing less than an effort to sully my excellent reputation and wrongfully fails to mention the fact that he was not a client. The fact that he wrote this review demonstrates that he was not happy with the the services I provided to my client in taking actions to remove him and his wife from my client's property because of their actions.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Norrie for my will and living trust. He is very knowledgeable and excellent in what he does. He thought beyond my limited thinking for myself for my complex situation. I highly recommend him.
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27 Nov, 2016 by Laurie
I had a very bad experience at this firm. My husband and I went there for estate planning. My husband was ill and I feel like this firm tried to take advantage of our vulnerable situation. I feel like they were trying to sell us more than we needed and one of the lawyers lied to us about the new NJ law that is phasing out the NJ Estate Tax. He also told us that there was no unlimited marital deduction. I have contacted the firm and he insists I misunderstood but I was very careful to ask about specific scenarios and got the same answer. I have asked for my money back but they refuse. I have contacted the Better Business Bureau and filed a complaint but the firm has ignored it. I would not recommend this firm!
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11 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
He was recommended to me for a closing. He couldn't get anything right. Dates were wrong, the new address was wrong, he confused me for another client several times. He claims he never knew the closing date yet we discussed at length when it was and how to make it happen. He made other plans so he wasn't at my closing. He was extremely rude and demanding in emails to my lender to the point where they had to ask him to stop emailing. There is a fine line of lighting a fire under people to get things done and just being plain rude. He was plain rude. He even admitted to not paying attention to which person he was emailing because he looked quickly at the first name and then had the nerve to say to me that I don't understand how hard he worked to get my closing done. Well that is what you are payed for! He's even put me on closing emails for other clients. They had names not even remotely similar to mine. Just unprofessional all around. He cared about getting paid and not about quality.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Noelle
My husband and I decided to take a stab at selling our home in Livingston on our own. But, never having done that before, we knew we needed an experienced lawyer. Here comes Dan to save the day. He walked us through all of the steps, reminded us of certs/docs that we needed, and made the process a breeze. If we FSBO again, we know who we're calling. Thanks, Dan!
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26 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer because he said he could protect over 2 million dollars my Uncle left to the Catholic Church. He only recovered a tiny portion of what he claimed he could. He pressured me to go into a business venture with him in which he never did one thing he said he would. the venture went south and I was out hundreds of thousands of dollars while he still kept his job and seemed to not care one bit. Other lawyers in other firms said he was simply an egotist blowhard and had problems with all of the contracts he drafted. This guy should be avoided.
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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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