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4.9
113 Reviews
10 Dec, 2024 by Chris murray
Honest, intelligent, thoughtful, and sharp. He truly cares about his clients and will go to bat for you. Cant express how much he improved my financial situation by catching an issue that would have changed the trajectory of my life. I trust Ricardo with the most important issues and know he will do everything in his power to seek justice on my behalf. Highly, highly recommend.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Nina kiriushina
The Law Offices of William Pernik provided exceptional service and expertise in handling my case in Monterey.
The whole team was professional, attentive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend them!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Jasiah millhouse
Extremely professional friendly and charismatic. Albert and Suzie have done an amazing job helping me throughout this hectic process of getting help with my injuries and recovery top tier I definitely would recommend them to my family and friends
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25 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Both my husband and I were extremely happy with Mr. Philip Daunt's help regarding our legal matter. We only wish his business was in our area, we would hire him to advise and represent us in court. We would recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice.
Thank you so much for all your time, help and advice.
Sincerely, Bob and Pamela Schooley
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05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Anyone who rents in the Monterey area can appreciate the cost of renting and with that comes high deposits. Its really important to know what you are getting into when you sign a lease. I cant say enough about Mr. Daunt. He helped me on a residential lease that went wrong. He knows the laws and was able to guide me in the right direction. I really enjoyed his approach to my problems and of course his great guidance that worked extremely well for me.
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25 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Printed info first received was very helpful $39 for a few minutes with an attorney was very helpful in helping me decide which direction to go forward. My only question would be why was not the $39 talk with an attorney for a few minutes offered sooner.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Yoevita
Marc has helped me to navigate the complicated world of commercial lease and operating expense. The whole process took many months and each step he advised me on what to do. He was able to save me a lot of money in the end. Thank you Marc for your expertise and advice!
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24 Jun, 2017 by Laura
As a business owner, I have consulted with Marc on several occasions regarding employee issues. His advise has never lead me in the wrong direction, even if it wasn't always the advise I wanted to hear. He is also enjoyable to work with in addition to his trustworthy expertise. Highly recommend him!
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23 Jun, 2017 by Cuinn
It's hard to find a lawyer that isn't honest and caring. I had a few labor questions for Marc and he answered them honestly in way that showed that he cared for my business so that I could be protected. Thx Marc
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12 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Maija West helped me with a tricky estate issue in 2013. She was prompt, did the necessary research, and suggested solutions that resulted in the situation being resolved very smoothly. I felt she charged me a very reasonable price for her work.
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12 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
It goes without saying that filing for a divorce is not easy and a little overwhelming. Maija West helped to make this process less daunting and she gave me the needed confidence to make proactive decisions for my future. Maija was understanding and patient with me while always looking out for my best interests legally. I completely recommend her as a strong legal council for your needs and as a good person to have on your side.
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28 Dec, 2016 by Linda
Virginia Howard helped our non-profit resolve a long-standing situation that had eluded other lawyers and accountants. She has the perseverance, commitment, and intelligence needed to get the job done. Additionally, she took us on as an ally and made us feel so supported in the process. We would recommend her to anyone looking for a great attorney.
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07 Feb, 2011 by Brian
Virginia Howard did an excellent job for me and my company. I had never had a legal action brought against me and was unsure of how everything worked. Virginia explained everything in concise terms. She got to the root of the issues and really made me feel like I had a strong advocate on my side. In the end, our case was resolved with a very positive result. I am glad the other side did not have her representing them!
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23 Jul, 2011 by Patrick
Kenny knows his stuff. I had a pending lawsuit and he made sure I was protected. Was very understanding and did an excellent job. My goto attorney.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Chris murray
Honest, intelligent, thoughtful, and sharp. He truly cares about his clients and will go to bat for you. Cant express how much he improved my financial situation by catching an issue that would have changed the trajectory of my life. I trust Ricardo with the most important issues and know he will do everything in his power to seek justice on my behalf. Highly, highly recommend.
Read more
21 Jun, 2024 by Nina kiriushina
The Law Offices of William Pernik provided exceptional service and expertise in handling my case in Monterey.
The whole team was professional, attentive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend them!
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Jasiah millhouse
Extremely professional friendly and charismatic. Albert and Suzie have done an amazing job helping me throughout this hectic process of getting help with my injuries and recovery top tier I definitely would recommend them to my family and friends
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20 Dec, 2015 by Eric
With Kathleen's help and advice over several years she kept my family in our home that was threatened with foreclosure. She never gave up and was always there when the bank tried to make us give up our home. The foreclosure has been settled to our advantage due to Kathleen's deep knowledge of the legal aspects of real estate.
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29 Nov, 2015 by Karen e smith araujo
Kathleen O'Sullivan Mahan went above and beyond to fight for my rights in a real estate foreclosure matter, which led to a great outcome for me after a long case. She demonstrated tenaciousness, expertise, dedication, grit, and a heart of gold in the midst of it all. Just what was needed - a tough strategyzer who is skilled when dealing with the relevant laws and able to do serious battling with the other side without losing the human touch necessary to communicate effectively and remain connected well with me through a very difficult time that was taking quite a toll on me. She helped me through it and saw that I was not taken advantage of. I recommend her as THE attorney you want to have representing you when the going gets rough. Her many decades of experience and knowledge working on real estate law are highly valuable in securing a prevailing decision in your favor, in my opinion – a wise investment in you getting justice and a fair outcome like I did... AND - I'll never stand by tolerating another bad lawyer joke in my presence again. :-) I'm very grateful.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Judie
I have gone to Leigh Rodriguez for legal advice and assistance law I need help with; easy to work with and always very effective. A friend came to me the other day asking if I could recommend an attorney and I gave her Leigh Rodriguez's name and phone number right away - no question!
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07 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Gary's helped me several times regarding fraud and business negotiating. Came through always.
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05 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael is sharp, honest and straightforward. While he told us immediately that he was relatively new to the Monterey area, he is not at all new to law. He understood the complexities and nuances of our case immediately and I feel confident we are in good hands.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Chris murray
Honest, intelligent, thoughtful, and sharp. He truly cares about his clients and will go to bat for you. Cant express how much he improved my financial situation by catching an issue that would have changed the trajectory of my life. I trust Ricardo with the most important issues and know he will do everything in his power to seek justice on my behalf. Highly, highly recommend.
Read more
21 Jun, 2024 by Nina kiriushina
The Law Offices of William Pernik provided exceptional service and expertise in handling my case in Monterey.
The whole team was professional, attentive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend them!
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Jasiah millhouse
Extremely professional friendly and charismatic. Albert and Suzie have done an amazing job helping me throughout this hectic process of getting help with my injuries and recovery top tier I definitely would recommend them to my family and friends
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Forest
Worked with Joe Cisneros at Biegel: I'm part of the Gav College Faculty and Joe is the contract lawyer for our Union to support us. Worked on a potential retaliation issue (that has a lot of specific issues that are a tangle of union contract and edu code etc) that needed clarification before deciding what next.
[will update with outcome]
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05 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne johnson
Im writing to share my unwavering recommendation for Eric N. Holk, Attorney and Counselor at Law, and his exceptional team. Over the years, Eric has been an invaluable resource for my family, guiding us through the complexities of wills and estates for three generations.
From the outset, Eric's thoroughness and deep understanding of the law have instilled confidence in us during what can often be a daunting process. His extensive experience and commitment to his clients set him apart as a well-versed family attorney who genuinely cares about the individuals he represents.
Eric and his team go above and beyond to ensure that every detail is meticulously handled, providing clarity, support, and peace of mind. Their professionalism and dedication have made our family's legal matters not just manageable but also a positive experience.
If you are looking for an attorney who will tirelessly advocate for your best interests, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider Eric N. Holk and his extraordinary team. They are truly a cut above the rest.
Warm regards,
Yvonne Johnson
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14 Dec, 2023 by Teresa-jessica pfau
06 Aug, 2024 by Forest
Worked with Joe Cisneros at Biegel: I'm part of the Gav College Faculty and Joe is the contract lawyer for our Union to support us. Worked on a potential retaliation issue (that has a lot of specific issues that are a tangle of union contract and edu code etc) that needed clarification before deciding what next.
[will update with outcome]
Read more
05 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne johnson
Im writing to share my unwavering recommendation for Eric N. Holk, Attorney and Counselor at Law, and his exceptional team. Over the years, Eric has been an invaluable resource for my family, guiding us through the complexities of wills and estates for three generations.
From the outset, Eric's thoroughness and deep understanding of the law have instilled confidence in us during what can often be a daunting process. His extensive experience and commitment to his clients set him apart as a well-versed family attorney who genuinely cares about the individuals he represents.
Eric and his team go above and beyond to ensure that every detail is meticulously handled, providing clarity, support, and peace of mind. Their professionalism and dedication have made our family's legal matters not just manageable but also a positive experience.
If you are looking for an attorney who will tirelessly advocate for your best interests, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider Eric N. Holk and his extraordinary team. They are truly a cut above the rest.
Warm regards,
Yvonne Johnson
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14 Dec, 2023 by Teresa-jessica pfau
06 Aug, 2024 by Forest
Worked with Joe Cisneros at Biegel: I'm part of the Gav College Faculty and Joe is the contract lawyer for our Union to support us. Worked on a potential retaliation issue (that has a lot of specific issues that are a tangle of union contract and edu code etc) that needed clarification before deciding what next.
[will update with outcome]
Read more
05 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne johnson
Im writing to share my unwavering recommendation for Eric N. Holk, Attorney and Counselor at Law, and his exceptional team. Over the years, Eric has been an invaluable resource for my family, guiding us through the complexities of wills and estates for three generations.
From the outset, Eric's thoroughness and deep understanding of the law have instilled confidence in us during what can often be a daunting process. His extensive experience and commitment to his clients set him apart as a well-versed family attorney who genuinely cares about the individuals he represents.
Eric and his team go above and beyond to ensure that every detail is meticulously handled, providing clarity, support, and peace of mind. Their professionalism and dedication have made our family's legal matters not just manageable but also a positive experience.
If you are looking for an attorney who will tirelessly advocate for your best interests, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider Eric N. Holk and his extraordinary team. They are truly a cut above the rest.
Warm regards,
Yvonne Johnson
Read more
14 Dec, 2023 by Teresa-jessica pfau
25 Oct, 2023 by Aimee roberts
What can I say,
She's better than the best.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Pamela mccormick
Laura charges 400.00 /hour. Does not get the job done. Weak communication skills
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26 Oct, 2016 by Jrc
Laura is very helpful, courteous and professional. It is the best experience with an attorney our family has ever had. All aspects of our estate plan were carefully considered and implemented according to our wishes.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Blue west
Dutch is an intelligent, understanding, and goal focused individual who will do whatever he can to ensure your needs are met. He is timely with responses and so is his team. Everyone at Monterey peninsula law is smart, experienced, and professional. If your category of legal issue is on his list look no further. On top of everything Dutch has a very calming and enjoyable demeanor, making the hardship of dealing with legal issues less stressful. He often used excellent analagies with me to help better understand my legal issues. Again if your category of legal issue is within the wheelhouse of Monterey Peninsula Law, look no further.
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20 Oct, 2024 by Mr. fillmore
Dutch and his team were a tremendous help when I needed my tenants to vacate my rental property. The entire process was smooth, and the costs were reasonable. Although my tenants were good, I needed them to leave as I was taking the property off the rental market. Wanting a legal and respectful process, I chose to engage a lawyer instead of navigating it myself. I contacted a few lawyers, and Dutch was the most responsive and professional, with a thorough understanding of the latest landlord laws. He explained the process clearly, and we had signed agreements on scope and estimated costs, which made me feel at ease. Everything went smoothly, Dutch and his team kept me informed throughout, and I reciprocated. The only hiccup occurred when one of the long-term tenants contacted me directly after engaging the lawyer, which briefly complicated things. Ultimately, it all worked out and the tenants moved out. Thanks Dutch and Smokey!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Anita white
I had a hard time finding an attorney that would help me with my case, and he took my case before deadline. It was costly, but he won my case. I am very appreciative to him and his firm. My case was about insurance trying to deny me and he got me approved. Well done. Thank you.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
