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25 Mar, 2024 by Nadine
I highly recommend Joyce’s real estate attorney services! I cannot recommend them highly enough! I needed to sell my apartment within a short turnaround time as I was relocating for work and had a deadline to receive related benefits. Joyce was one of two attorneys referred to me, and from our first exchange, she demonstrated the highest level of responsiveness and precision that she maintained throughout the duration of our working together. There were a number of bumps along the way, and Joyce remained thoughtful, conscientious, solutions-oriented and client-centered at every step. She ensured every stakeholder in the home buying process remained engaged so things could move forward with efficiency. Because, in large part, of her tireless efforts and quick action, I was able to close on my apartment with just enough to secure my full relocation benefits. If you are looking for a knowledgeable expert who can remain focused and truly partner with you on a shared goal, Joyce is the perfect choice!
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23 Jun, 2023 by Chris
Joyce represented me for the sale of my condo. Her communication is excellent, she was very responsive and was always available to answer my questions. She is very professional and made the process super smooth. I will hire again with no doubt. Highly recommended!
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02 Jan, 2014 by Hashim
Joyce helped my wife and I purchase our first home. She was great. she explained what was happening during each step of the home buying process.
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18 Mar, 2020 by Isaiah
I am beyond thankful to have had Mrs. Shako as an Attorny. If Mrs. Shako is representing you, rest assured that you are in great hands. During trial, she literally controlled the court room. She is well respected by the Judges. It was easy to see who the lead attorny was in the courtroom. I will never forget Mrs. Shako and i hope the most high blesses her for assisting me save my younger brother life.
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15 Jan, 2013 by Adam
Mrs. Shako was the best attorney I have ever come across because without her, I would be under the jail right now. From day one I had confidence in her and she walks me through everything and she took the time to answer my many questions. Her fees are reasonable and she provide zealous representation and that combination is hard to come around. I would certainly recommend her to anyone looking for a defense attorney.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Reverend emma
Lesson learned with my case. Ms Walsh pursued all angels of my case. At times, I grew weary, but Ms. Walsh assured me that my types of case take time. The end result was favourable. She truly puts in the mileage for her clients. Patience truly is a virtue. I highly recommend Ms. Walsh.In addition to being a knowledgeable professional lawyer. Ms. Walsh is honest and trustworthy. I wish her all the best .
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20 Mar, 2018 by John
Michelle Walsh represented me in a landlord tenant matter. Her knowledge and wisdom proved effective without feeding in to the contentious natures of litigation. Ms. Walsh sighted numerous issues includinf improper service, accounting discrepancies. A very youthful attorney with incredible wisdom, wonderful advocate for her clients.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Yvette
David Doyaga is a professional, kind and extremely knowledgeable attorney. His staff is knowledgeable and always there to answer your questions.
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07 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I felt like he was taking care of a member of his family, when he handled my case. His performance was above and beyond what i expected. I was so grateful that people like him still existed.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Rosetta
Nasty and biased and connected with and high five with the enemies and all the whole failed to discuss anything and made you spend time for wrongly conviction which he shared with the same look alikes dogs who I. Suing and part of other filth if corruption of the system. However he is facing some massive arguments to have him brought down and anything involving me and obstruction what he died not know is that I requested a day to watch and clearly was not represented and something really does not ell right in fact this filth and Evan in law will be addressed with proper sanctions including biased and fraud.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Andre carneiro
#1 Lawyer in Westchester
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24 Jun, 2022 by N r
Always provides excellent advice and looks out for his clients best interests. Have used him several times and will continue to use for all future needs!!!!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Kathy reed
Today I went there the front desk was not helpful at all came off very rude didn't offer any assistance.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Alan ayala
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26 Sep, 2022 by G douglas
I needed their help regarding an eviction case that was brought against me but because of an alleged disagreement between myself and the attorney at LSHV I had to represent myself. Needless to say I am very disappointed with the fact that no one would represent me or even give me any useful advice. I would also like to point out that George Asante who is in charge of the Mount Vernon office promised to help me with my case but he didn't help at all. Janani Sritharan discussed my case with me but she did not give me good advice and did not help me to better represent myself. Honestly it felt that both these individuals expected me to beg for their help even though they never intended on actually helping me. I hope my experience is unique because it would be a shame if other residents of Mount Vernon had to deal with such unprofessional and uncaring people.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Ralph angles
Horrible Lawyer
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09 May, 2021 by Juan paulino
I highly recommend her.
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23 Feb, 2021 by Stacey clarke
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04 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
When given items to review to see if legal action was warranted and after a few calls and a two week wait a call was made by him to me. He proceeded to tell me all the reasons why I didn't have a case and then asked a series of questions that were answered on the first page of my two page letter to him that he apparently didn't review! When I questioned him as to how he was able to determine that I had no legal remedy when he obviously had not reviewed any of the paperwork sent to him he became extremely condescending which I didn't appreciate. I also let him know that if he wasn't interested in my case they just say so but don't tell me that I have no course of action when you haven't a clue as to what you're talking about! Totally unprofessional. I contacted another lawyer and when I told him over the phone the same particulars he cited at least three items that I had legal recourse against the party I was looking to sue. He then told me to look for a particular piece of legal papers in the mountain of paperwork I had gathered over the years so I could save myself the cost of having him spending hours looking for. Like I said, 100% unprofessional. Avoid him like the plague!
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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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