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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I retained Pam to represent me for an order of protection and a divorce filing. For both hearings she would not return calls or meet with me until one day prior and so was not well prepared for the case. When we did meet, she gave me a list of twenty or so documents to come up with by the very next day, in triplicate, which I was unable to do. When I emailed her documents she would frequently say she never received them and she showed up to court late and without any evidence. She would file things without consulting me so I never knew what was going on in my case. She suggested strategies that sounded good but then never followed through with them. She consistently responded to my voice mails and emails by emailing me with "so it sounds like you're saying…" and then following with the exact opposite of what I had said. I would not recommend this attorney.
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01 Oct, 2012 by T.j.
I hired Pamela ( she goes by Pam ) Spicer for my divorce, and to say the least, she was great. She returned my calls, she met with me when I needed to, she did what she said she was going to do, and her legal fee was reasonable. Aside from this, I was very satisfied with how my case turned out.
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14 May, 2011 by Kelly
I have hired Ms. Spicer to represent me in two different matters. The first was a divorce and she went above and beyond the call of duty. She was accessible all the time, she was very fair on her fee, and in the end my cae came out wonderful. I then hired her again on a child custody issue, and it went just as well. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Donna hampton
Tara is awesome ...... They accommodate if situations come up unexpectedly always friendly and very helpful..
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09 Dec, 2024 by Hope marstiller
I have been working with them and with any law firm they are busy but I definitely would recommend them ! Tara is super sweet and always kept communication with me through whole process . Thank you guys for everything !!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Chadwick finchum
I agree as all the other people have stated that this law firm does not reach out to you, they are unethical, they lie and submit orders that are not true and bold face lie to you in court and also outside of court. For all the violations that they’ve committed a class action lawsuit should be committed to shut this firm down.
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14 Feb, 2025 by Pete hayes
I did not have a good experience with this law firm. Did not see much results and did not feel there was much care in process. Hopefully others will have a better experience.
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01 Sep, 2021 by Stephaine spencer
14 Feb, 2025 by Pete hayes
I did not have a good experience with this law firm. Did not see much results and did not feel there was much care in process. Hopefully others will have a better experience.
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01 Sep, 2021 by Stephaine spencer
23 Jan, 2025 by Donna hampton
Tara is awesome ...... They accommodate if situations come up unexpectedly always friendly and very helpful..
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09 Dec, 2024 by Hope marstiller
I have been working with them and with any law firm they are busy but I definitely would recommend them ! Tara is super sweet and always kept communication with me through whole process . Thank you guys for everything !!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Chadwick finchum
I agree as all the other people have stated that this law firm does not reach out to you, they are unethical, they lie and submit orders that are not true and bold face lie to you in court and also outside of court. For all the violations that they’ve committed a class action lawsuit should be committed to shut this firm down.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Donna hampton
Tara is awesome ...... They accommodate if situations come up unexpectedly always friendly and very helpful..
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09 Dec, 2024 by Hope marstiller
I have been working with them and with any law firm they are busy but I definitely would recommend them ! Tara is super sweet and always kept communication with me through whole process . Thank you guys for everything !!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Chadwick finchum
I agree as all the other people have stated that this law firm does not reach out to you, they are unethical, they lie and submit orders that are not true and bold face lie to you in court and also outside of court. For all the violations that they’ve committed a class action lawsuit should be committed to shut this firm down.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Mary
I met Cathryn Armistead after seeking counsel regarding matters concerning my mother, who could not represent herself. Ms. Armistead convinced me that I needed a conservatorship on my mother. She claimed that she would assist me with the conservatorship and any matter connected to it once it was obtained. Before hiring Ms. Armistead, her level of communication was high. After being hired and after she was paid, communication almost ceased entirely.
Several months after the conservatorship was granted, I hired Ms. Armistead in an attempt to seek justice for my mother, who had been the victim of neglect in an area nursing home. Once again, Ms. Armistead communicated with me regularly until a retainer was signed for services. After not hearing from her, I reached out via email to ask about a timeline for starting proceedings; I did not receive a response to my email. I then reached out to her office about the matter and was told by her paralegal that she did not know and would speak to Ms. Armistead concerning my question. I never heard back from her office and Ms. Armistead. I reached out again, but still no response.
After repeated attempts via email and phone to contact Ms. Armistead, I reported her to the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. After receiving a copy of the complaint, it was only then that I heard from her by mail. I received a letter terminating our contract because "our relationship had deteriorated" This is not about a "relationship" but business. I understand that it is within an attorney's right to decide not to pursue a case. It is grossly unethical and bad business not to communicate with a client.
I knew Ms. Armistead had her faults in communicating, but given the fact that it was a case of nursing home neglect of a loved one, I thought she would step up. It is inexcusable to keep a client waiting when time is wasted on helping an elderly patient (my mother) in a nursing home. Unfortunately, it appears that Ms. Armistead is only interested in obtaining new business without doing the work she is hired to do and doesn't like being held accountable, given that she terminated our "relationship" after being reported. It says a lot about a person when they are incapable of offering an apology for wasting your time and resources.
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
hired, she failed to support an innocent client, requested my case file information returned- never acknowledged the request. she sent a letter stating investigation of logistics near my residence, Never bothered to meet with me at my home, raised a concern as to the validity of the investigation. Friends and professionals questioned integrity of how the case was managed, -- rather mismanaged.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
A very complicated case where the lead attorney quit, and the case landed in Ryan’s lap. He did not consult with witnesses or anyone close to the situation. He took a multi million dollar lawsuit and settled for very little. Arrogance and incompetence is a bad combination. Worst of all justice was not served.
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29 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had found Jonathan Wardle through an online search and spoke with his receptionist and then Jonathan about an urgent legal matter I needed help with. We came to the agreement that I would pay them to write a letter on my behalf about the issue with some back and forth with the other party, and if we couldnt come to an agreement with them he would take my case on contingency at 25-30%.
He blew off writing my letter to the other party for two weeks until I had to remind him that I paid him to do a service. Once he finally wrote the letter, he told he my case wasnt worth his time, and that if I wanted to pursue the matter further, I would need to pay him up front to represent me in court, which completely goes against what was said me about taking the case on contingency if the letter didnt work.
I asked for a refund for what I paid him, and he refused and told me not to contact him anymore.
Do not do business with him.
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10 Sep, 2016 by Angie dailey
I hired this attorney to represent me. He had in his possession over $15,000 documentation to submit to the court on my behalf so that I could get reimbursed for my out of pocket expenses.
He requested the documentation. He got the final packet (he lost the first one) several months before the court closing of the matter.
The administrator acknowledged and was open to the submission of the documents because he realized that expenses had to be paid....the ones I paid out of my pocket.
He chose not to submit the reasonable, legitmate expenses because it was "his belief"...blah blah blah.
Our contract did not say that he would be interjecting his beliefs or personal opinions into the work that I hired him for.
Further, he never communicated with me when the suit was settled.
In my opinion, I would never recommend this attorney.
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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.
