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19 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Bob is an exceptional attorney—professional, intelligent, and thorough. He simplified legal complexities during my employment dispute, providing comfort and confidence. His calm demeanor, combined with genuine kindness, made him not just a skilled lawyer but a true support. Highly, highly recommended. I was very pleased with the outcome. He was crystal clear throughout the entirety of the process. You will not regret it. Truly, a phenomenal person and attorney.
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06 Nov, 2022 by Christine marie
23 Jul, 2022 by Jewell hickman
They will help you with your legal issues
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06 Sep, 2024 by Keithdbey69 williams
A year ago i was rear-ended in a car accident for the first time in my life and this particular law firm ( MERCADO & SACRAMENTO, PC ) made it an easy transition for me in the process of securing damages and lost time plus medical to chiropractic treatment. A very Trustworthy and Diligent company that i would recommend to anyone. Thanks again Mercado & Sacramento, PC. I feel your firm got me the payment I deserved !! Ambrosio you're the Guy !!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Aloha khoo
I recently reached out to Attorney Ambrioso Sacramento after being involved in a car accident, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Within 24 hours of contacting his office, I had a consultation set up. During our meeting, Attorney Sacramento was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. He took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand, showing great patience throughout the process. I left our consultation feeling both informed and at ease. I highly recommend Attorney Sacramento for anyone seeking legal advice or representation.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Dominick morales
Michael is very kind, knowledgeable and is willing to answer any questions clearly and in a timely manner. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a personal injury attorney!
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09 Feb, 2022 by Mr. wang
During our very difficult time Ed casey was the one who help us a lots,
he gave us the options,
he gave us like lights in the darkness
The ways he help to us was like his own family,
I am 100/ trust in him
Thank you.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Danielle bologna
I first want to express how grateful I am that Ed took my case. Ed was recommended by another firm that was unable to take my case. Since the beginning of our relationship he has been honest, direct, patient, clear and informative. He responded quickly to all my many questions and took the time to walk me through the process. I always felt respected and important. Although my case did not have high potential for a large settlement he never treated me like I was less important and he never gave up on fighting for me. I could not have done this without him. I am forever grateful and would recommend him without hesitation.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Melissa xavier
Ed Casey is amazing! He took care of my sons injury case as if it were his own child's case. I would definitely recommend Ed to anyone who wants an attorney that cares about their client, has experience, takes time to actually get to know his clients and service their needs.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Suzanne lawn
Last summer, Mr. Huff assisted my son. They handled everything, even though I was terrified as a single mother. Thank God, the payment plan was really helpful, and my son is now back in school.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Hugo sanchez
I wrote this a long time ago, but it's better late than never. I believed my life was over, but Huff Legal saved me from a predicament. The reason for their busy schedule is their exceptional skill. I admire the entire staff.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Shawna wang
Listening to my cousin’s advice paid off. He told me Mr. Huff helped him a few years back, and now I see why everyone in East Oakland trusts him. It’s not cheap, but he’ll work with you if you’re serious. Just glad to have this chapter behind me.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Todd mccormick
Jesse is a super nice guy who I would recommend to anyone. He is kind and patient and helpful on every level.
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14 Aug, 2021 by Ana gloria rubalcaba
Vary informative. Referring me out but great attitude and service.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Hugh mcguire
Love the great service Jesse goes above and beyond the call
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08 Feb, 2019 by Barry
I was referred to Dakin by another attorney whom I know as my matter involved some real estate. I have worked with many attorneys over the years but working with Dakin was a pleasant surprise. Once he understood what I wanted to do, he worked over a weekend to produce what I needed to tackle the problem. Not only did he do what I asked in a very quick time, he followed up to inquire how it went and offered additional tips on how to use what he prepared for me to the best advantage. He clearly has a business mind which makes his advice on business matters so much more relevant.
Dakin has my wholehearted recommendation and I will be using his services again when I next need an attorney!
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17 Oct, 2015 by Varun
I contacted Dakin through avvo and he called me back the same day.
I've never reached a professional online that was so intelligent, honest and frank. He listened to my problems, provided advice, and took time out of his day to help me.
I greatly appreciate him taking time out his day, and I would have no hesitation recommending him to others. I cannot speak more highly of his professionalism.
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30 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
My previous lawyer worked on getting money from my debtor for years, but he continued to fail and my debtor started to threatened to file a bankruptcy. Then Mr. Ferris stepped in to be in charge and was able to garnish his wage and now I have been receiving money from the debtor. As a matter of fact, this is not even his field yet, his assistance from the day one til now, I have nothing but appreciation. I would strongly recommend his service to anyone.
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17 Jan, 2023 by Helene
Mr. Estavillo consulted with me in a predatory foreclosure matter. He was succinct and sincerely wants to help the homeowners who were wrongly foreclosed.
His focus on the San Francisco/Oakland area makes his work even more impactful as predatory foreclosures are aggressive here. The homes are valuable and the lives of the homeowners almost irreversible changed if these foreclosures happen.
I am seriously considering hiring Mr. Estavillo. I would recommend anyone to contact his office if they suspect they are targets of predatory foreclosures.
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04 Jul, 2022 by Miguel
My wife and I paid him $7500 all I really needed was for him to get a city police officer that is keeping us from our home to stop meddling cause he ( the cop ) is trying to help an agency squat our home but instead Mr Estavillo started reviewing recorded deeds from the county over billed us so he can keep the remainder of the retainer and if that wasn’t bad enough he was reviewing the wrong person all together and at the end just abandoned us. Good thing I know how to read title I transferred our title in to a trust and perfected title but the city cop is still keeping us from our home. That’s wrong Mr Jason Estavillo. Unfortunately I have to say I know he does know real estate, foreclosure and civil law and he is a great lawyer cause I call it as I see it. I just don’t understand why he didn’t want to help us when we paid him.
Miguel and Zoila
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30 Sep, 2021 by Cyrus
In my contact with Mr. Estavillo,I found him very knowledgeable about my reason for calling his firm. I had interviewed several other lawyers, and none of them gave me the confidence that Mr. Jason Estavillo gave me.
Being in real estate and having experienced in several bankruptcy, and foreclosures, he absolutely knew the related legal avenues that one has to follow to get the best result for success.
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08 Aug, 2022 by Lathena
Mr.Wolf & his team are very polite. Mr.Wolf is a excellent attorney. He won my case for Tenant Right living conditions.
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13 Jan, 2013 by Casey
Andy Wolff assisted me with a tenant’s rights case in San Francisco. He satisfactorily explained the process and handled all affairs with extreme satisfaction.
He was readily available to handle questions and his staff was nothing but exemplary when supporting me with questions.
I would highly recommend Andy as an attorney to anyone seeking services from his firm.
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25 Oct, 2012 by Ronald
I can't say enough about the representation and results I got with Mr. Wolff and I have been involved with four other lawyers in the past! My landlord had been doing all this illegal stuff and had just ignored me until Mr. Wolff took me in. I did not pay anything and the landlord ended up eating all the costs. Suing someone takes time and I had to be patient. Mr. Wolff kept me informed and he negotiated an excellent result. I am so grateful!
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05 Apr, 2015 by David
I have retained Robert Levy multiple times to assist me with ongoing business, litigation and real estate matters. Mr. Levy is a smart lawyer who thinks outside of the box and sees the big picture. This gives him the ability to create, cost-effective solutions to issues and disputes.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
About a year ago, my wife needed a good lawyer to handle a real estate issue that she had with a family member. We found Robert Levy, and we are very glad that we did. He was a total professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and always available to answer a question. We highly recommend Robert.
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04 Feb, 2015 by Jody
We had a Real Estate Financing issue. We had a hard time finding an Attorney that was familiar with the specific laws. We found Mr. Levy by accident. In any case we are really glad we did. We had lots of questions and Mr. Levy was very patient answered them all. He advised us of all our options, explained them all to us. We were able to make informed decision. Mr. Levy found a resolution that would work in our situation. We can sleep again and we are so grateful. WE WOULD ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND MR. LEVY. He is experienced, Very Patient and Knowledgeable. I will be recommending Mr. Levy to my friends and family.
Thank you Mr. Levy.
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08 May, 2020 by Jamie
Ms Gargalicana is a very knowledgeable, accessible, highly focused, and judicious attorney. She represented my best interests well in a challenging and time consuming case. I appreciate her great attention to detail, deep knowledge of local and state law, as well as, her kind and caring way.
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06 May, 2020 by Kimberly
Both Rowena and her partner, Deb, were extremely helpful even before I formally hired them. Rowena was knowledgeable and , responsive when I needed her. I appreciated her straightforward approach; she did not waste my time or money. We also worked well together, which was helpful and added ease to an unpleasant situation. Thank you, Rowena and G/G!
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
She has helped me in complicated Rent Control matters and is always available to answer questions at any time. She's diligent, professional, and communicates all details thoroughly
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28 Aug, 2015 by Aimee
Pat was able to come in to a complicated situation and untangle it, allowing my company to move forward. She is thorough, persistent, and gifted at putting together complex contracts in a way that is straightforward and understandable. I appreciate her ability to be both cooperative and protective in her representation. Highly recommend.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Barbara
Pat provided real estate advice on a wide variety of matters for our projects, including property acquisitions and property transfer agreements for SFO, eBART and the proposed Livermore extension. I worked closely with Pat for over 5 years. She's able to cut through very complex matters and has a remarkable ability to understand and convey to clients the most difficult concepts in a straight forward way.
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21 May, 2014 by Paul
Pat provided our major public works project with invaluable legal support on numerous agreements with third parties as well as support of environmental and real estate activities.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Jennifer
I knew right away after meeting Hannah she was the one. She is thorough and compassionate when it comes to her clients. She loves what she does and it shows. She takes time to let you know shes got your back when the chips are down. If you have been done wrong or are suffering she will make sure you have some guidance and resolution through the hard times. Shes definitely one of the good ones and i feel safe and reassured that she will do her absolute best to make sure I don't lose anymore than i already have. i highly recommend her!!!
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21 Sep, 2012 by Kara
I met Miss Oxley during the worst time of my life but she got me through it. She never judged me. Miss O helped me so much and went to battle for me. I would definitely recommend her.
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19 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Hannah is such a great lawyer! She always responded to me right away and always had time to listen and answer questions. Hannah got the best possible result in my case and fought super hard for me, all the way.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Lena
Ms. Woolfolk helped our soccer organization gain 501c3 status. She is efficient, knowledgeable, and professional. We fully endorse her services.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Jennie stepanian
I have had the good fortune to consider Kelly Woolfolk an esteemed colleague for years. Her tireless dedication and zeal for the law is outstanding. Her consistently positive results for her clients are evidence of her talent. As an attorney myself, I have sought out Kelly's unique perspective in complicated state and federal cases. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney.
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11 Oct, 2014 by Nicole
Kelly represented me during a mediation against a former employer. She was very professional and responsive. She did an excellent job and kept me grounded during the entire process in terms of having realistic expectations and what to expect. I'm so happy to have retain her services. I highly recommend her.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Ekam
Pritpal helped us in a challenging tenant situation. He explained every step of the unlawful detainer process in detail while being mindful of billing time. Prit’s guidance was invaluable in determining our course of action. He helped us attain the most positive outcome possible in our situation. My wife and I would definitely recommend his services.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Channate
Pritpal was thorough with his explanations for when it came to purchasing property and helped identify key differences on certain aspects. Super helpful, super friendly and very knowledgeable.
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04 Jun, 2014 by Robin
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Kristen to plan my estate. I found her to be knowledgeable, approachable and responsive. Kristen helped me plan my estate in a way that met all of my financial needs. I highly recommend Kristen to anyone who is interested in planning their estate.
Robin Avant
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24 May, 2013 by Gregory
My wife and I had the pleasure of hiring Ms. Louis as our Family Law Attorney in March of 2013. We have used other Attorneys in the past but none were as effective at dealing with our situation as Kristen. She was exceptional at explaining our options and helping us to make the best decisions for our family. She guided and directed us through some complex legal issues and was able to get us to the solution that was best for all involved. Kristen was always available to answer our questions and help us to resolve issues that needed mediation. I would not hesitate to refer my friends, family or colleagues to Kristen Louis for any legal work I need to have performed. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable and most important an objective advocate. She is one of the best young Attorneys I have had the pleasure of hiring for my family's need.
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28 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Ryan is very professional, knowledgeable, direct and truthful. He is very experienced in his field and gives you the most possible outcome straight out. Ryan kept me up to date with my case, almost every week he communicated to see how I was doing and to provide updates. He stayed on top of things. I'm very grateful to have found him, and I'm also grateful to his colleagues and to his Firm. The case was closed and turned out in my favor, I didn't see a day in court. I believe that if it wasn't for him, this would of have been a different story. Thank you Ryan!
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19 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Ryan McHugh represented me on the misdemeanor charges against me, and achieved the best reults that we targetted for. I highly recommend Mr. McHugh.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Terema
My name is Terema and 8 months ago my family and I were being displaced do to gentrification. Long story short, I was introduced to Micah through a wonderful organization called ACCE. Micah was asked to represent my family and he excepted the challenge, pro bono I might add. Micah was professional, transparent, knowledgeable and overall a pleasure to have on my team. Micah was diligent, persistent and most of all effective. Micah’s willingness to help my family, (free of charge) made the difference in our lives. Without Micah’s support my situation would’ve been a living hell to say the least. Ultimately, my family and I were displaced but because of Micah’s hard work, we were given the time and money to transition into a new chapter in our lives. I’m happy to report that my family and I are doing well and I’m the proud owner of my first home. To say Micah is a Blessing is not an understatement, it’s just one of the many words I’d use to describe him. Rest assure that if Micah is representing you or your loved ones, your in the best hands possible. Thanks Micah for ALL you do and I pray for your continued success. Terema
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20 Sep, 2019 by Daniel
Wow, what an honor it is to write this review. Without him knowing, I contacted several law firms who were publicly known in the area and they all failed. For example, they talked to me instead of with me. Another example is that I felt like another number in line, and as though they had more important cases than mine.
Micah J. Clatterbaugh has been my go to ever since. I have had three instances where Micah assisted me. Each of those three cases, he allowed me to be the driver and respected my thoughts about the case. On one of the cases, we worked on it for over a year and we gathered all of the information needed. When it was time to sign the form, I decided to back out and I never felt like he pressured me to reconsider. On my second case, we spent at least 6 months working on it and when we were coming to the end of it, we both realized that addressing the issue in court was not in either of our interest anymore. On the third case, we spent just a few hours on and he said, "we don't have to meet up, just talk with me on the phone about it." He soon called my alleged person and followed up with an email; my alleged person fixed the issue on the spot.
Having Micah as a resource gives me the strength and confidence to be a healthy human being. Knowing I have someone who knows the law, talks with me and not at me, is professional, friendly, is not a yes man but rather someone who will challenge you to dig deeper, is certainly someone that I would want to promote.
Please contact Micah J. Clatterbaugh for your civil matters, Employment, labor, Landlord or tenant issues. I am a true customer of his. I have utilized his advise on just about all of his expertise.
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01 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Stuart helped us oppose a hotel project being ushered in our neighborhood by the City of San Jose. Stuart impressed us with his expertise and broad understanding of the issues. His professional advice to our homeowners association was invaluable and greatly appreciated. Capable, knowledgeable, and effective. It was a joy to work with him.
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08 Apr, 2008 by Morris
First let me say that I am 69 years old, mostly retired business man and during my business career I had a reasonable amount of experience with attorneys. In point of fact at one time, we were involved in an anti-trust action which spread over 6 years. That was one contact with a large law firm, which did an outstanding job for us.
Mr. Flashman was referred to us by another firm. We needed an attorney to draw up referendum petitions for a citizens group which I headed up. It was essential that this be done quickly and correctly. He within a few days had the material to us. During this time he literally gave us an education on referendums, the pitfalls and possibilities to make sure we could gather the necessary signatures.
That we were successful was in no small measure due to his expertise. He along the way was able to give us counsel on environmental issues and other challenges. He has had a lot of experience with the referendum process, and it was so helpful.
At the end of this successful process, we elected to enter into negotiations and eventually reached an compromise agreement with the developer. Mr. Flashman became our attorney in drawing up the legal document for this agreement.
All along the way with was a period of about 8 months, he was on a very timely basis able to give us excellent advice.
I could not give a higher recommendation to anyone than what I offer for Mr. Flashman. On top of all of this, he fees were very reasonable, which for a citizens group always presents a problem since funds are very limited.
(my choice of type of case chosen below is because you don't have a category that really fits what he did for us )
Morris Brown
contact person
Menlo Park Tomorrow
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08 Jul, 2024 by Peter kim
Kyle gives great customer service and he is very responsive and knowledgeable! He helped me with my injury case tremendously. I had a lot of questions and was unsure about parts of the law, but Kyle was there with me every step of the way! I would definitely recommend him and his law group!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sofia marie greenwald
Kyle spoke at a legal panel I attended and his passion for the law and helping others was extremely evident in the way he spoke. He was so kind to correspond with me afterwards and give me advice as a pre-law student, and his legal insight and understanding was very greatly appreciated.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Peter kim
Kyle gives great customer service and he is very responsive and knowledgeable! He helped me with my injury case tremendously. I had a lot of questions and was unsure about parts of the law, but Kyle was there with me every step of the way! I would definitely recommend him and his law group!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sofia marie greenwald
Kyle spoke at a legal panel I attended and his passion for the law and helping others was extremely evident in the way he spoke. He was so kind to correspond with me afterwards and give me advice as a pre-law student, and his legal insight and understanding was very greatly appreciated.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jaechul lee
I don't usually post reviews at all but wanted to to take my time to write about Kyle Morishita and the efforts he went through to help get my aunt back into the United States. To many lawyers it may be a case or one of many clients, but Kyle understood, for myself and my family, the importance of a family member possibly being separated from due to US immigration policies, and made us feel it was as important for himself. He was very clear with his directions/expectations and advised us on what through phone, zoom, email and text through a grueling 6 month process. In the end, all things that he told us to expect was met, we followed all advise/directions and my aunt is now here in the US as of last week free and clear to stay. I absolutely recommend Kyle if you have any immigration needs, he will put you and your family first. Thanks Kyle!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sofia marie greenwald
Kyle spoke at a legal panel I attended and his passion for the law and helping others was extremely evident in the way he spoke. He was so kind to correspond with me afterwards and give me advice as a pre-law student, and his legal insight and understanding was very greatly appreciated.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Clayton mandly
In 2020, my fiance and I sought Kyle's help. Our plans took a big hit because of COVID. We were panicking, but Kyle calmed us down. He worked quickly and saved us. I couldn't be happier with his help.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Jose garcia
13 May, 2019 by Valerie
I have had the pleasure of working with John on multiple property issues including rental home sales, contract issues, NNN and commercial contracts. John is extremely knowledgeable and straight forward,. He has prevented me from making mistakes and has also resolved conflicts with ease. He is easy to work with and super responsive!
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24 Jan, 2013 by Milton
High degree of integrity and a cheerful personality, she is one of those rare individuals
that is easy to work with and take initiative, as appropriate. Is ready to offer attentive service: quick answers to questions, prompt updates on work status, and more. Her legal competence is excellent and knowledgeable not limited to only handling Home Owners Association - Common interest development law. She handled and settled our HOA construction litigation case without costly trial in a timely and professional manner. She is one lawyer I would highly recommend.
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08 Jun, 2010 by Bill
Mike is my legal quarterback. I bring him in on all legal issues and rely on his ability to identify the appropriate response and the appropriate legal person in his firm to address our needs in a timely and efficient manner.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Kiri
I've the unfortunate opportunity to interview and work with a lot of lawyers at this point. Jerry has been the most effective, easy to work with, patient, and coherent attorney by far. He's resolved issues quickly and cost-effectively. I think of him as both an attorney and adviser.
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06 Aug, 2022 by Audra
She is amazing and awesome! She has done so much for my boyfriend and I, I mean late night ,after hours, totally above and beyond normal instances. She has a beautiful soul. Just love her.
Audra Bowers
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14 Apr, 2020 by Madeline
Wortham has been with me every step of the way. His expertise far exceeded my expectations. All my questions were answered and I was never left in the dark. My case was handled with compassion and empathy, which lead to me being satisfied with the conclusion. I would highly recommend Wortham Briscoe to anyone looking for a trustworthy legal representative.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Kim is an excellent, seasoned lawyer who tells it like it is-- but in a nice way. She is a leader with her own practice-- this experience and expertise in the field makes Kim a big fish, and she would do well to take on larger clients engaging in new or existing business or real estate transactions. I can tell she is committed to honoring her humanitarian values when doing business: Scala is generous and cares about the people behind the deal and making sure that the agreement works out for everyone involved. She advised me on engaging in a new business venture and I couldn't be more happy with her response and our interaction. Kim also was a small business owner herself-- so she understands the legality of an endeavor but also the other intangible rewards that make us entrepreneurs. Highly recommended for general business counsel, contracts law, strategic advising, real estate.
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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.
