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27 Mar, 2023 by Bj ringuette
9 months ago, I reached out to Joseph at J.S. Fritzon Law to see if he would be able to help me litigate a case between an abusive employer and myself. He told me in the beginning it would not be a very big case however he would be happy to take the case based on the information that I provided. Over the next 9 months he was attentive to the case he was responsive to me and he treated me like a human being. In the end he got a decent settlement for me. I would highly recommend using this person. He is a patient attorney and very effective. My former employer was hedge fund billionaires. They had no intention of treating me like a human being. Joseph made them
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24 Mar, 2023 by Bernadette pupilla
Great experience in a very troublesome time. I received professional fast and intelligent service from Joseph Fritzson. I will highly recommend him and if I need law work done he will be the first I call. Thank you ms Bernadette .
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14 Mar, 2023 by Jahmeylia glasgow
The best lawyer by far .. I highly recommend his Services you won’t be disappointed
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08 Jul, 2024 by Omar karim
Frank and his amazing team at Weiss Zarett were amazing. They helped me at a hard time my company was going through. Very knowledgeable, and attentive I highly recommend this law firm for anyone looking for devoted and grateful lawyers.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lon merin
Very dependable and knowledgeable
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08 Jul, 2024 by Rachel avgush
Excellent lawyer
Listens, advice, caring
Will strongly recommend
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17 Nov, 2011 by James thanasules
Reena is a very valued colleague. She is a competent attorney who has assisted me with various legal matters over the years. She has proven to be a great resource. Clients and colleagues adore her not only for her legal expertise but her character, integrity and personality. She recently represented a family member in an estate proceeding. There were various issues involved which Reena was able to resolve quickly and efficiently (I think my family will start going directly to her and skip me in the future).
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13 Mar, 2010 by Elizabeth
Honest, and very caring Attorney. She was prompt,courteous and informative. She took the time to answer my questions.
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28 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Reena Gulati's services to close on my house and I was very pleased. She is very thorough with her work and I had a smooth closing.
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23 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Great office, location is convenient.
Easily reachable
Attorney justified & stood for my genuine rights
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03 Feb, 2015 by Mark
Took care of my needs, stood for my legal rights and followed up ,
communicated well with out any dalay, Available when ever I needed,
Excellant resource, to seek advice.
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13 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I was very happy that he was their to watch out for my rights and make sure I was receiving all the right protections in my closing. If he hadn't insisted on certain rights be upheld, I wouldn't have been able to move in within the agreed to date!!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Corneilsha malcom
08 Jul, 2024 by Corneilsha malcom
08 Jul, 2024 by Corneilsha malcom
29 Oct, 2009 by Madelaine
Gary worked diligently on the real estate transaction and anticipated in advance a problem with the name on a title deed and came prepared with an affidavit to the closing to explain the name discrepancy.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
215 Reviews
08 Oct, 2024 by Ann marie miller
Five stars!! We created a trust and just signed our final documents today and we are beyond pleased. We had our initial phone consult With Elizabeth and she explained the process and help us understand what to expect. We then Met with Ilana who patiently walked us through the entire process; time was not an issue. Everything was in house, from explaining each doc we signed to witnesses. The process was pain free and a great value for the money. We totally recommend this firm.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristina feingold
We did our will Ilana. Everything was done so easy and painless. It was a pleasant experience and we thank you for all your help . Thanks for being so patient with us, answering all our questions over and over.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Igor yagudayev
From start to finish, they made the whole process so much easier to handle. They were super responsive to all my questions and always kept me updated. I felt like I was in really good hands. If you need legal help, you gotta check them out
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13 Sep, 2024 by Leo vivas
Harely Fastman Y Dean Ferdenzi hicieron un muy buen trabajo con mi caso y se seguraron que mi pagos medico fueron cubridos. Se lo recomondo a todos mundo que vengan Aqui. Al Fastman Law Group
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jhordany benitez
El Fastman Law Group hizo un bien trabajo con mi caso y cogieron su tiempo con mi caso y me dijeron unos buenos resultados.
Harley Fastman and Dean Ferdenzi son buenos abogados y recomiendo su oficina.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Lisa mortensen
I was in a bad car accident 2023 and had no idea of what to do. Cohen & Jaffe were recommended by a friend. The first person I spoke to was Carola Sanchez. She was understanding and compassionate and helped me navigate this situation. From there Melissa Petronis also got involved. Dara Kohl helped with my doctors appointments as well. Mr Stephen Tiger was my lawyer. Every conversation with him, he was sympathetic and listened. The entire team was truly so helpful and made me feel like I was their only client. Phone calls and emails were always returned promptly. They all worked with me and helped me resolve this case to my satisfaction. I highly recommend their offices.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Ann marie miller
Five stars!! We created a trust and just signed our final documents today and we are beyond pleased. We had our initial phone consult With Elizabeth and she explained the process and help us understand what to expect. We then Met with Ilana who patiently walked us through the entire process; time was not an issue. Everything was in house, from explaining each doc we signed to witnesses. The process was pain free and a great value for the money. We totally recommend this firm.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristina feingold
We did our will Ilana. Everything was done so easy and painless. It was a pleasant experience and we thank you for all your help . Thanks for being so patient with us, answering all our questions over and over.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Igor yagudayev
From start to finish, they made the whole process so much easier to handle. They were super responsive to all my questions and always kept me updated. I felt like I was in really good hands. If you need legal help, you gotta check them out
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08 Oct, 2024 by Ann marie miller
Five stars!! We created a trust and just signed our final documents today and we are beyond pleased. We had our initial phone consult With Elizabeth and she explained the process and help us understand what to expect. We then Met with Ilana who patiently walked us through the entire process; time was not an issue. Everything was in house, from explaining each doc we signed to witnesses. The process was pain free and a great value for the money. We totally recommend this firm.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristina feingold
We did our will Ilana. Everything was done so easy and painless. It was a pleasant experience and we thank you for all your help . Thanks for being so patient with us, answering all our questions over and over.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Igor yagudayev
From start to finish, they made the whole process so much easier to handle. They were super responsive to all my questions and always kept me updated. I felt like I was in really good hands. If you need legal help, you gotta check them out
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09 Aug, 2024 by Latham abboud
I recently had the privilege of working with Jason Barbara during a challenging time in my life, and I cannot speak highly enough of their services. From start to finish, Jason Barbara demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and compassion.
From our initial consultation, Jason Barbara took the time to understand the intricacies of my situation and provided clear, practical advice that helped me navigate the complexities of the divorce process. Their deep knowledge of family law was evident in every interaction, and they consistently offered sound strategies that prioritized my best interests.
What truly stood out was Jason Barbara’s ability to balance empathy with assertiveness. They were always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide reassurance during what was undoubtedly a stressful period. Their support was not just legal, but also emotional, making a significant difference in how I experienced the process.
Jason Barbara was incredibly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that no aspect of the case was overlooked. Their negotiation skills were impressive, and they were adept at achieving fair and favorable outcomes. I felt confident and well-represented throughout every phase of the proceedings.
In addition to their professional prowess, Jason Barbara and their team were approachable, respectful, and committed to delivering the best results. They made a difficult situation more manageable with their dedication and skill.
If you find yourself in need of a divorce lawyer who combines legal acumen with genuine care, I wholeheartedly recommend Jason Barbara. Their expertise and dedication make them an invaluable ally during such a pivotal time in life. Thank you, Jason Barbara, for your outstanding work and support!
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10 May, 2024 by Toss toad
Nothing has been done on my case for over a year, and the dude still held on to my balance and refused to give me a final invoice, adding to the emotional stress. I cannot get another lawyer until I am cleared from him financially. But he won't give me a final invoice and the balance so I can move forward. How are these things right?. This is one of the main reasons for firing him. Lies, lies, lies, lies. Do NOT use this firm!
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08 May, 2024 by Katie mckeon
Lance Meyer is a great man who keeps your goals in sight, even when your judgement is blurred by emotion. He sticks by you even when you are the one putting the road blocks up. He is a good man who goes beyond what is expected, Lance has good judgement I suggest you listen to him.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Latham abboud
I recently had the privilege of working with Jason Barbara during a challenging time in my life, and I cannot speak highly enough of their services. From start to finish, Jason Barbara demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and compassion.
From our initial consultation, Jason Barbara took the time to understand the intricacies of my situation and provided clear, practical advice that helped me navigate the complexities of the divorce process. Their deep knowledge of family law was evident in every interaction, and they consistently offered sound strategies that prioritized my best interests.
What truly stood out was Jason Barbara’s ability to balance empathy with assertiveness. They were always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide reassurance during what was undoubtedly a stressful period. Their support was not just legal, but also emotional, making a significant difference in how I experienced the process.
Jason Barbara was incredibly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that no aspect of the case was overlooked. Their negotiation skills were impressive, and they were adept at achieving fair and favorable outcomes. I felt confident and well-represented throughout every phase of the proceedings.
In addition to their professional prowess, Jason Barbara and their team were approachable, respectful, and committed to delivering the best results. They made a difficult situation more manageable with their dedication and skill.
If you find yourself in need of a divorce lawyer who combines legal acumen with genuine care, I wholeheartedly recommend Jason Barbara. Their expertise and dedication make them an invaluable ally during such a pivotal time in life. Thank you, Jason Barbara, for your outstanding work and support!
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10 May, 2024 by Toss toad
Nothing has been done on my case for over a year, and the dude still held on to my balance and refused to give me a final invoice, adding to the emotional stress. I cannot get another lawyer until I am cleared from him financially. But he won't give me a final invoice and the balance so I can move forward. How are these things right?. This is one of the main reasons for firing him. Lies, lies, lies, lies. Do NOT use this firm!
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08 May, 2024 by Katie mckeon
Lance Meyer is a great man who keeps your goals in sight, even when your judgement is blurred by emotion. He sticks by you even when you are the one putting the road blocks up. He is a good man who goes beyond what is expected, Lance has good judgement I suggest you listen to him.
Read more
09 Aug, 2024 by Latham abboud
I recently had the privilege of working with Jason Barbara during a challenging time in my life, and I cannot speak highly enough of their services. From start to finish, Jason Barbara demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and compassion.
From our initial consultation, Jason Barbara took the time to understand the intricacies of my situation and provided clear, practical advice that helped me navigate the complexities of the divorce process. Their deep knowledge of family law was evident in every interaction, and they consistently offered sound strategies that prioritized my best interests.
What truly stood out was Jason Barbara’s ability to balance empathy with assertiveness. They were always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide reassurance during what was undoubtedly a stressful period. Their support was not just legal, but also emotional, making a significant difference in how I experienced the process.
Jason Barbara was incredibly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that no aspect of the case was overlooked. Their negotiation skills were impressive, and they were adept at achieving fair and favorable outcomes. I felt confident and well-represented throughout every phase of the proceedings.
In addition to their professional prowess, Jason Barbara and their team were approachable, respectful, and committed to delivering the best results. They made a difficult situation more manageable with their dedication and skill.
If you find yourself in need of a divorce lawyer who combines legal acumen with genuine care, I wholeheartedly recommend Jason Barbara. Their expertise and dedication make them an invaluable ally during such a pivotal time in life. Thank you, Jason Barbara, for your outstanding work and support!
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Toss toad
Nothing has been done on my case for over a year, and the dude still held on to my balance and refused to give me a final invoice, adding to the emotional stress. I cannot get another lawyer until I am cleared from him financially. But he won't give me a final invoice and the balance so I can move forward. How are these things right?. This is one of the main reasons for firing him. Lies, lies, lies, lies. Do NOT use this firm!
Read more
08 May, 2024 by Katie mckeon
Lance Meyer is a great man who keeps your goals in sight, even when your judgement is blurred by emotion. He sticks by you even when you are the one putting the road blocks up. He is a good man who goes beyond what is expected, Lance has good judgement I suggest you listen to him.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Yuki ruan
Mr. Rubin is professional, courteous and kind. He represented me at the traffic court hearing and greatly reduced the fines. I really appreciate his help!!!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Bryan perlin
I recently worked with Jonathan for a traffic court case and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. He communicated clearly, explained the process thoroughly, and genuinely cared about achieving the best result. Thanks to his expertise, one ticket was dropped and I received no points on the others. Highly recommend Jonathan for his professionalism and dedication.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Edan karmely
I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan P. Rubin, and I couldn't be more satisfied with his exceptional legal services. Jonathan expertly managed to get my 2-point ticket reduced to a 0-point violation, showcasing his deep knowledge and proficiency in traffic law. Throughout the entire process, he was professional, attentive, and genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome for me. His dedication and expertise resulted in a successful resolution that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Jonathan P. Rubin to anyone in need of a top-notch attorney. Thank you, Jonathan, for your outstanding work!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Bryan v
Melvin was our attorney for our house closing and he was excellent throughout the whole process. He treated us like a family friend rather than an attorney. He was professional, patient and made everything stress-free.
We could call him anytime without going through a secretary. Highly recommended for any real estate needs.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Yuri iskhakov
08 Jul, 2024 by J l
Hired Melvin to purchase my first house. From start to finish Melvin is VERY responsive and gave sound legal advice. Highly recommended.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mercy c
Highly recommend, Reena and the team are not just professionals, meticulous but they truly fight for you and your best interest. I was in another state during the sale of my home. I felt at ease thought the process knowing that Reena was on top of everything.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Leandro karunungan
Reena helped me with a house purchase transaction where I was the buyer. She is very thorough, reads everything, challenges everything that could not be fair. If you need a no nonsense, thorough lawyer, you can’t go wrong with Reena.
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16 Aug, 2024 by R. n.
Reena was always responsive and quickly replied to questions regarding unexpected issues that arose. She is knowledgeable, honest, and efficient. I am grateful for the support and compassion she provided during a challenging, arduous case.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
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03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
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03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
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03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
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03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
Read more
03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
Read more
03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Wieslaw golaszewski
David is the guy you need in corner when it comes to divorces. Highly recommend this gentleman.
Read more
03 Aug, 2024 by William vandenburgh
08 Jul, 2024 by Annie holder
This law firm is by far the best and affordable that you can find to assist you in your time of need . Mr.Ahearne and his Staff is very helpful caring and understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking assistance with DUI Iand DWI Cases. He is there for you from start to finish.
Read more
06 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Jessica to close our home and she made it as painless as possible for us. Took care of everything before we even asked. We then hired her to do a family members estate. They said it was the best decision they made. Will definitely be using her again
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04 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I had hired Jessica for a closing in 2016 and I was totally dissatisfied. When called she rarely answered her phone and when she got back to me she would ask if I had new information based on information my realtor gave me. She doesn’t follow up on anything and although I wasn’t able to close, she charged me a hefty fee. I actually know someone who recently used her with the same result of her unavailability when called. I would not recommend her.
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18 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
This was my first time buying a home and Jessica was recommended to us. She did a great job and would always get back to me in a timely manner. If I had any questions, she would always get back to me as soon as she could, if not the same day. I highly recommend Jessica to anyone who wants to hire her services. She is very kind and helpful.
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12 Feb, 2020 by Peter panorias
05 Jan, 2019 by Andrew zaltman
Very knowledgeable tolerant and caring
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05 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I was facing an assault charge. He cost my me almost 8k and did not really did much for me. I talked to the cops beforehand so this maybe had something to do with my bad result. But the worst thing was that this lawyer kind of pushed me to accept the DA's deal of prison time and parole. I did not know that I was pleading guilty also to "in satisfaction" charges which were, At times, worst than the main charge I plead guilty to. In any case, not really a good experience with this man because he did not disclose that I was also pleading guilty to other charges. I was surprised when I heard it first from the judges mouth and the das mouth.
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03 Dec, 2017 by George
Charlene has handled multiple legal issues for us over the years and has proven herself to be reliable, trustworthy and thorough. She always gets the job done with expertise and completeness. Her last job was our fathers living trust and will which was so easy thanks to her. She is a fantastic attorney and human being.
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11 May, 2015 by Mike
She was suppose to handle a legal case for a family member. Had a conversation about it, gave her a retainer, she was suppose to wait until we got the documents together. Two days later we told her we were not moving forward, she refused to return retainer yet she didn't do any work. She's a scam artist ! On another occasion, a lady died who gave her entire estate to the church, Charlene purposely has held it up for closing for 8 years now, so she can collect her 6% annual fee.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
