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20 Nov, 2019 by Christopher hely
Peter is a fantastic attorney and an even better person. He is thoughtful, diligent and hardworking. He helped us fight a greedy builder by working through our town’s planning and zoning boards to stop a monstrosity being built next to our primary residence. And he did so with a tact and grace that he was then able to then help us buy that same property at a significant percentage discount over asking price. Unlike me, he didn’t get angry or take it personal in fighting a multi-year battle against the developer, who routinely lied to our town. He brought in zoning experts, an engineer and an architect to sway the town’s Zoning department and see fit that the developers project fail with multiple variance violations - he did so with an assertive grace that blew my wife and I away! Trust me; I’m cheap but I even told Peter he didn’t charge us enough for his great work. I’m now happy to call Peter a friend and genuinely can’t say good enough things about him. When we needed someone to have our back, Peter came through in a big way for our family, and for the historical integrity of our little community.
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21 Aug, 2019 by Maria
Peter is prompt and communicative. I worked with him on three different transactions/deals within 3 months time (he worked with accuracy and professionalism). He plans for the future and thoroughly prepared for any outcome of my cases. His advice was most appreciated with a transaction that I had to walk away from. I felt invincible with him by my side for my other deals. Without a doubt, I will choose Klose & Associates again.
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31 Mar, 2018 by Nelli
Peter helped us with our home purchase. He is very professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with. I highly recommend Peter's legal services!
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18 Mar, 2015 by Jeffrey
I encountered a legal situation in my field of fashion merchandising and marketing. We discovered that an employee was copying our design and selling the same to our client structure. I retained Joseph Adams to help us with this theft of our corporate entity. He was honest, direct and always explained everything in a clear and understandable manner. We appeared in court on numerous occasions where I felt Mr Adams was confident and obviously did a substantial amount of research., We ended up going to mediation which resulted in the defendant having to make a settlement to our company. Overall I was extremely impressed with Mr. Adams handling of our case. Most attorneys would never have put in this kind of time and personal effort. I would let Joseph Adams handle any of my legal concerns whether it be personal or business related.
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13 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
A step above the rest. Very giving of his time whether in a meeting or phone conference. Never a feeling of being rushed off or out. And his assistant, Carla, is excellent. And a lot of the experience with an attorney is with his assistant or secretary. So this is important. She is on top of everything and keeps you very informed. Walter is extremely knowledeable yet speaks in terms you can always understand. I have recommended him many times and always will. I'm not certain as to all the areas of law he works with. I've used him mostly for Realestate and have used his services multiple times over the past 6 years. He is well known and liked in the area of Nyack and he is the Town Attorney as well. Consider that i've taken the time to write this review. Hiring the right attorney is important.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Randall paulenich
Very detail oriented attorney. Follow up very good. Was willing to drive 35 miles out of his way (2 hour drive in traffic) to represent me for a ZBA hearing on Long Island. Outcome was satisfactory and everything was approved.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Geraldine fletcher
I met Peter Klose through very unfortunate circumstances, my brother was dying and we needed to get his affairs in order. From the beginning, what struck me most about Peter was his deep level of compassion and respect for my brother and then me. That never changed throughout our experience. Peter fully understood the level of grief that we were dealing with. His empathetic character was a tremendous gift for me in managing not only the loss of a beloved family member, but also the anxiety of now living through such a traumatic experience while having to settle his estate. Peter, on more than one occasion, also provided emotional support as I expressed how anxious the process of closing a loved one's life down was making me. He was honest in offering professional and personal advice. His words, "Let me handle this. It's what I do" couldn't have brought any higher level of trust in him. He was supportive and patient in allowing me to ask the same questions repeatedly. He was thorough in communicating with me throughout each step of the process and in understanding the details of the paperwork. Peter's "I don't like to lose" attitude assured me that he was truly working in my best interest. My circumstances weren't typical, but through his passionate work ethic, we got through it all. I can't say enough good things about the decent human being that Peter is, much less the level of his legal expertise. When I met Peter, he was a complete stranger, an off-handed recommendation from another stranger to me. When everything was settled, and I could reflect, I realized that Peter is one of those people that I was fortunate enough to have come into my life at the worst time of my life. In my vulnerability, I felt protected by him. I completely trusted him to handle the details of my brother's life without hesitation. We closed the door on this tragic event by sharing a slice of pizza, and a conversation about some of the more pleasant things in life. In closing, I highly recommend Peter Klose to anyone who needs an attorney who comes from a foundation of passion for his work, compassion for his clients, honor, and expertise in knowing very well how to manage your legal affairs.
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31 Dec, 2023 by Henry anjus
God bless him. He is fantastic person. He was my attorney. Thank you.
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06 Nov, 2022 by Frankie
I highly recommend David MacCartney Jr. because he is honest. The most important quality that I respect about being a recipient of his services is that I know that he is sincere. David cares about his clients as if he was representing himself. I could not give him a five star rating because he deserves a Rare Diamond rating!!! It’s very comforting to speak with an attorney to just ask a question, and the conversation turns into a 3O minute dialogue about your family and your life. Thank You so much, David for your words of encouragement. As a man who Honorably served in the United States Air Force, I salute you for your service. To those who need honest Legal Representation, contact him! Frankie Ford, DAV USAF Retired
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08 Feb, 2022 by Siena. g. porta
This is a professional law firm and I did obtain the results I requested, dealing with intellectual property rights. However their billing procedures leave much to be desired (in my opinion.)
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17 Jan, 2020 by Jim
Dave was very thorough in all aspects of our case from start to finish. Dave and his office staff kept me informed so I had a full understanding of what was transpiring
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08 Feb, 2022 by Siena. g. porta
This is a professional law firm and I did obtain the results I requested, dealing with intellectual property rights. However their billing procedures leave much to be desired (in my opinion.)
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09 Mar, 2021 by Natalie
I hired Matthew after my former boss refused to provide me with my last paycheck. I was able to get back the last paycheck PLUS money that I didn’t even know I was entitled to and penalties against my former employer! Matthew was great at explaining all of my options and following up on my case! Hands down the best attorney I have ever hired!
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05 Mar, 2021 by Emilia
My aunt hired him when she was having a problem with her tenants on a house that she intended to sell. Matthew acted upon it promptly, smoothly and efficiently without incurring further costs on my aunt’s side. He always answers her questions and responds very quickly as he value the essence of time as regards her situation. I highly recommend him if you are seeking a Landlord/tenant Lawyer. He is really great and charges a reasonable amount unlike others. Thanks Matthew for a job well done!
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08 Feb, 2022 by Siena. g. porta
This is a professional law firm and I did obtain the results I requested, dealing with intellectual property rights. However their billing procedures leave much to be desired (in my opinion.)
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10 Oct, 2019 by Scott keegan
Don Feerick is a great attorney!
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06 Feb, 2018 by Alak shah
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27 Feb, 2018 by Andy
Mr. Lewis has shown his professionalism time and time again. When you need him, he was always responsive and very supportive.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Randy
Robert Lewis , handled our extremely complex case very professionally with great results. Personal service and very available. Robert knew exactly what to do and it showed with the results.
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Lewis originally represented me in Bankruptcy court, when I was CEO of a mortgage marketing firm. He was flawless in his ability to clearly show the insanely aggressive court trustee that I did not owe any of the creditors a penny. I was given a totally clear Chapter 7 without having to pay a penny. Mr. Lewis then (four years later) represented me for my divorce (after 29 years of marriage) and was able to overcome a slew of false allegations (including Protection Orders) and eventually award me maintenance and unsupervised visitation. He was always available and even gave me his cellphone - which he amazingly always found time to pick up (unless he was in court) and respond immediately (and I called him from 7am till 11pm!). The man was patient beyond belief, and showed a great deal of empathy for my situation. I would highly recommend Mr. Lewis.
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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.