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06 Dec, 2013 by Valerie
I met with Mr. Vergun for a half hour consultation as a result of a referral by the Oregon State Bar. I spoke with him by phone and emailed ahead of time of my areas of concern regarding a small business I am starting. There was technical statutory research that needed to be done for several questions. When we met, his answers were thorough and specific to my questions; however, he also provided related information that he thought might be helpful, and it was. I felt comfortable with him and confident in his knowledge. I expect to need more legal advice through the next year, and I intend to stay with Mr. Vergun as my counsel.
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24 Jul, 2013 by David
What Larry lacks in hair, he makes up for in intellectual genius. I have had Larry work on many of the business dealings our company has been involved with. He is easy to work with, fast at returning my calls, and getting down to the brass tacks of what I need. His intelligence and experience make him a goldmine of legal advice. I'd trust him with anything I have on my legal plate.
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06 Sep, 2012 by Kurt
Larry is a good listener and asks the important questions first. He seems to know the shortest path from my problem to a great solution (gets results faster and for less money), and he explains his reasoning well. I always go to Larry first for explanations of complex legal issues, and he's always got a clear answer.
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04 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnson recently helped me with a complex eviction case and was able to quickly obtain a favorable result for us at a very reasonable rate.
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13 Apr, 2018 by Brandi
I was being evicted and going to court with my landlord. I contacted Mr. Johnson and he took my case we went to court and I was awarded money because my landlord was at fault and violated many laws. I got extra time to move and got to keep my back rent. Mr. Johnson listened to me was very professional and moved the whole process along smoothly. It was a great experience! I highly recommend his services
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26 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
We went to Mr. Johnson because our landlord had not returned our deposit. He sent a letter and the landlord sent us our deposiot right away. He was prompt and got it done fast. He listened, understood and knew more about landlord law than anyone else we talked to.
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01 Jan, 2015 by Eva
David Hosenpud was a blessing for us. His knowledge, attention to detail and absolute high ethical standards put us at ease immediately. We trusted him with a very complicated litigation, and found him to be amazing. We would recommend him highly without reservation. Put him on your short list of best litigators in the Northwest! Really.
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28 Oct, 2009 by William
1. Advise to Client was always easy to understand with all sides of the issue addressed.
2. Always treated with respect and patience.
3. Would trust him on any legal matter on which he felt confident.
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27 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
David Hosenpud demonstrated his knowledge and professionalism before, during and after the legal proceeding; he always presented the information in a comprehensible manner and brought all possible options to the table.
I would definitely recommend him or call on his service again.
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07 May, 2015 by Gerald
We have consulted with Ed and have found him and his staff to always be very professional and knowledgeable. Ed helped us write a contract for our electrical company so we complied with the new CCB regulations. He also advised us on how to collect bad debt from a general contractor that we had dealt with and helped us walk through the process that seems to a layman almost insurmountable.
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07 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Edward was very informative from the start, he told me what to focus on and the 4 or 5 things that I needed to pay close attention to. This allowed me to sleep well at night knowing that he would take care of the business at hand. He seemed to work well with the opposing counsel and was very fair and reasonable . Edward was always accessible and quick to return calls and kept me most informed all along the way. In a divorce there is never a good senario, no one wins, hopefully you can go on respectfully about your life and I feel Ed and his team was very concerned about the personal affect of all involved. I would absolutely recommend Edward Lohman and his team to anyone looking for legal assistance. He was very knowledgable, informative and someone I can trust with my business and I would look to him for any legal help I may need in the future.
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04 May, 2015 by Kurt
Edward Lohman is an excellent attorney. He has handled a few significant matters in my life to very positive resolutions. Edward and his staff are Fast, Friendly, Efficient, Trustworthy and get the results you need. I highly recommend this firm.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Sandy
Newport Law
MINOR, BANDONIS & HAGGERTY
J. Christopher Minor
Michael Bandonis
Brian Haggerty
Jim Shepherd
We are retired, and the office is closed. If you have need of legal services, there are many good attorneys available in this area and up and down the Willamette Valley. You can search on line, or call the Oregon State Bar referral number (1-503- ).
If you need to communicate with any of the now retired lawyers regarding a past matter, you may drop a note to our former mailing address:
Minor, Bandonis & Haggerty
PO Box 510
Newport OR 97365
For a while, that postal address will be monitored from time to time, although no response can be guaranteed.
Thank you.
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15 May, 2008 by Anonymous
In late 2006 a developer proposed a large residenial/commercial development in a South Lincoln County community. The proposed development included multiple residential structures that would be located on lots that are CC&R limited to 1 living unit per lot. Additionally, several residential structures were proposed to be situated above commercial structures on Commercially Zoned lots (lying within the CC&R area). Many of these living unts were proposed to have heights that exceed the CC&R residential height limitation of 16-feet.
Mr Minor's first question of us was "Have your CC&Rs been continuously enforced?" Following our "yes" answer, he stated that the wording of the CC&Rs (specifically limiting residential structures to 16-feet height above average natural grade - irrespective of whether these structures are located on Residential or Commercial Lots within the CC&R area), coupled with numerous and supporting precident cases, placed us a winnable position, should the developer go ahead with his proposed deveopment and violate our CC&Rs. Mr Minor wrote the developer, clearly advising him of the perilous position that he was in. The developer had earlier gained approval of the Community's Planning Commission, which had chosen to avoid challenging him on traffic impact, density and other concerns voiced that had earlier been voiced by dozens of nearby property owners and other citizens.
Mr Minor's understanding of the law as it bears on CC&R and Zoning issues was most impressive -- as was his candor in asking the first question "Have your CC&Rs been continuously enforced?" -- and explainig that the community's ability to prevail in this case was dependent on prior enforcement of the prior enforcement of the covenents.
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07 Apr, 2023 by Charles
If you genuinely want someone that is passionate and cares, hire Keith... and he's more than just a nice guy, he's got that competitive spirit with the knowledge and passion. Highly recommend.
Truly has helped me immensely
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02 Oct, 2019 by Tammy
Keith is not only an amazing attorney he is an amazing human being! He helped me beat a slum lord and got me money to boot! He is passionate about helping people and gives his all! I highly recommend him! He is handsome too!
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01 Mar, 2015 by Jay
Scot handled our bankruptcy with the utmost care, professionalism and expertise. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
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16 Jul, 2011 by Mark j.
Talked to Scot on the phone for 45 minutes. He gave me helpful advice.
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25 May, 2018 by William
Just had a consultation with Richard. What a great experience for my wife and I. It turns out we got everything figured out in about 1/2 hour. We will definitely sleep better with the info we have now. Thanks so much
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04 Aug, 2010 by Blanca
Attorney Mario gave us peace and hope with a very complex process. My husband and I are truly grateful that we had the opportunity to deal with such a professional and knowledgeable attorney.
Thank you Mr. Mario!
The Morenos
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11 Mar, 2016 by Marlo
My husband and I recommend attorney Jeremy James to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, comprehensive, confident, smart and friendly attorney. Our experience with Jeremy was nothing but pleasurable, even though we were experiencing a very trying legal matter for almost a year. Jeremy will attend your meetings/hearings fully prepared and will get his points across confidently and clearly. The outcome of our legal matter was completely favorable to us all because of Jeremy. Jeremy James is an asset to the legal community.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Cameron
My wife and I had started a small business, and Jeremy was the resource we needed to provide it with a solid foundation. From the formation of our LLC, to contract services, operating agreements, strengthening our corporate veil, insurance advice, and more, Jeremy handled everything we threw at him. He went above and beyond with his quick communication and turn around time. Our business is strong, and we feel more prepared than I could have expected. I highly recommend Jeremy for your business attorney needs, and we will continue to work with him for many years to come.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Cameron is helping me with a very serious Constitutional case.
#FOURTHAMENDMENT
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02 Jan, 2019 by Bart
I feel very lucky to have connected with Mr. Green to handle my case. He expressed a sincere interest and engaged in the process immediately. He was very responsive to all my questions and explained issues clearly.
Cameron is really sharp on the legal issues and walked me through the process thoroughly. I am grateful that he is working on my behalf.
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05 Aug, 2021 by Rick
As a retired professional engineer, I have never needed a lawyer before, I couldn’t even play one on TV, let alone go toe-to-toe with an attorney seemingly committed to an adversarial process in a largely trivial fence dispute. Insult on injury, said attorney enjoined me against contacting plaintiff directly, ruling that out as a resolution tool. Before obtaining representation, I sought a quick tutorial, came to the Reynolds Law Firm, drawn by the 2nd paragraph of its Vision Statement which matches my own philosophy 100%. I scheduled an initial consultation & met with Rance Shaw on June 1, 2021. Best $$ I have ever spent. I won’t repeat the lavish praise “anonymous” bestowed on Rance on Feb 6, 2021, just concur in every detail. A key insight emerged during the time Rance generously allowed us which rendered obsolete a couple of strategies I had developed on my own, pointing to a better way. Long story short, I had already sent plaintiff’s lawyer one letter previously, now followed with a second letter. 60 days later, nothing. Complete radio silence! If that’s the end of the matter, Rance: sorry good buddy, but if I ever do need representation, I know exactly where to go. Peace & thanks! I'm still chuckling about Ruth Bader Ginsbun...
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06 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Rance Shaw expertly navigated our real estate fraud case, securing a judgment in our favor with an award for every dollar we sought through arbitration.
Prior to hiring Rance, we had consulted with multiple attorneys, but knew from our initial consultation that he was the right person for our case, and we were not disappointed.
Rance immediately grasped our situation, recommended a course of action and deftly managed our unusual case and a particularly difficult and uncooperative respondent.
Throughout, Rance demonstrated a wide knowledge of legal process and points of law, yet never hesitated to say “I don’t know, let me get back with you about that” concerning the more arcane points of our unique case. He prepared us fully for the proceedings of the arbitration, and the hearing itself was professional and amicable.
Rance is not only competent, intelligent and skillful, he is a genuinely kind human being, and despite the difficulty of our circumstance, we very much enjoyed working with him.
We’re ever grateful for the blend of expertise, competence and personal warmth that Rance brought to our situation. It was truly reassuring to know we were in such capable hands through this trying process.
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03 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I had HOA dispute with board and got consultation from Mr. Knaupp. He gave me really excellent advice for a resolution. He is very honest and kind professional who really care about his client and highly recommend him
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02 Oct, 2017 by Tim
Ben helped my wife and I with a very limited time frame where
our backs were against the wall and went way beyond the norm
to help us keep our home. Would highly recommend him to
anyone. Plus he is more affordable than most.
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09 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I cannot give a high enough recommendation of Kate. She hands down won my case in court. She is effective, ethical, wonderful to work with and truly cares about her clients. I would recommend her to anyone and feel confident they will be just as pleased with her work.
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25 Oct, 2010 by Barb
I highly recommend Kate Brooke to anyone needing excellent legal representation. I have referred her personally to family friends and clients. She has a very disarming personality when meeting her clients and is absolutely deadly in action, which is a wonderful combination.
She gained the respect of all at Re/Max equity group, Inc. keeping us safe and informed and since going on her own has taken that same respect with her.
Sincerely,
Barb Knudsen
Knudsen Group LLC
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12 May, 2022 by Kristin
I can not recommend Natalie Wetenhall enough! She is not only knowledgeable and competent but she also has this wonderful ability to explain things in a way that non-lawyer's can understand. Her breadth of legal understanding is very impressive. She is responsive to questions and concerns and provides a level of care that you don't often see in the legal world. She cares about her clients and provides top notch legal service.
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06 May, 2022 by Gina
Natalie has been a tremendous help to us in establishing a new homeowners association for our townhouse project. She has helped us through the paperwork and necessary documentation for our compliance, and she continues to advise us with prompt replies and competent guidance when issues arise. We would highly recommend her for future legal assistance.
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28 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I've hired Rob for several legal reasons. He helped my late husband and myself with estate planning years before my husband got sick. When he was informed about my husband's cancer, he made sure that we knew what to do. He explained clearly his recommendations and helped facilitate those choices quickly and efficiently. His fees were not only fair and reasonable, but he went above and beyond what was expected. Rob has since written up a pre-nup for my second marriage and my trust for when I pass. He is also excellent at helping with hard conversations and teaching legal principles in a concise and clear way. He is not only competent but compassionate. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Rob for all and any of your estate planning needs!
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21 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
My aunt recommended Rob Fotheringham to me and I am very glad she did. Rob and his staff treated me with such kindness. The legal matter he helped me with was delt with in a very organized way. I never felt "out-of-the-loop". The process was explained to me in a straightforward and understandable way. Rob has lots of experience, so he was able to relate to and answer all of my questions and concerns. I fully recommend him.
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23 Jan, 2023 by Rowshan r. ceo green leaf lab
Paul has helped my company grow and thrive over the years. He is very knowledgeable, trustworthy and very thoughtful. We have multiple attorneys represent our multi state business over the years and Loney Law Group is the one I trust the most out of all of them and the one I find myself relying on for advice. I highly recommend him as a lawyer.
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07 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Our company hired Paul Loney to help us with our Medical Marijuana Business needs. He seemed to be one of the most experienced attorneys in this field. He is extremely knowledgeable and seems like an person with integrity. I would highly recommend him as an attorney.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Travis holt
17 Mar, 2021 by Dona mathews
I have turned to David many times over the years and he has always given sound advice and guidance on my legal issues. I am so glad to know that he's there to assist.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Michael niedzwiadek
Great person! Played sax at the show wouls love to play more:)
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01 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Ben helped me start a small business from forming and entity, negotiating a lease and finding financing. I highly recommend him.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Jennifer
Mr. Domingo was astute in assessing the needs of his client/our patient. He was fair in making the calls to represent his client in getting the settlement he needed while also being responsive to addressing the medical bills that were due to our clinic. We greatly appreciated his legal assistance in the matter.
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30 May, 2012 by Colleen & edd
Not only a great attorney, but a really nice guy too. Helped us with my elderly Mom's deed on her home, and several other things that came up in the process at no additional charge. We owe this guy, and will be back for any and all our legal needs. Thx Joe!
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17 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Bill compiled a will for me explaining in detail all the items that entailed. I sought his advice with a housing problem and he was spot on with his information. He's an honorable and ethical man I'm proud to know.
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26 May, 2020 by Kristen
I was referred to Bill for a water leak case in my former apartment in Portland, OR. He was responsive, explained the process in detail and did a wonderful job working with the opposing attorney. He is passionate about plaintiff's rights and I recommend him to anyone in the area. Thank you Bil for your excellent work on my case!
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03 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Kevin has been a great asset with my web development business. He has given solid business and legal advice for contracts, employment, and has helped my company when a lawsuit was threatened on us. He is very good at what he does, and he loves his work. He makes an investment in his clients and clearly shows that their best interests are his goal. I would recommend Kevin for any small business looking to expand or grow.
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16 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
So far I have hired Ms Van Meter to review and revise my commercial office lease, employee manual and a real estate transaction that was having some payment problems. In all cases she provided worthwhile advice and was prompt, professional and fair priced.
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31 Dec, 2014 by Dave
Chris represented me when I was in an accident. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns. The insurance adjuster was being very rude to me up until I hired Chris, then I never had to deal with that insurance a****** again. Chris took care of everything for me and even got the insurance to reimburse me for the crutches I had to rent.
I would advise anyone who needs help to call Chris.
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19 Feb, 2017 by Gerd pretzel
My husband and I had an appointment with Mr. Simmons to introduce ourselves and go over Estate Planning and Will (Living Trust). We found him to be very pleasant, understanding, smart and extremely helpful with our situation. He is going to draw up a draft for us to review and we will definitely work with him. We would be happy to refer his services to family and friends.
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17 Dec, 2019 by Brian
Ms. Leathers provided a low cost initial consultation and went above and beyond guiding me through how to address my issues with my landlord and management company. She was precise, straight forward, and laid out a game plan that proved to be spot on and has led to positively resolving many of the issues I initially brought to her. Her integrity is rock solid, fees are more than reasonable, and her concern for her clients genuine and unwavering.
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13 May, 2011 by James
Darien is a highly skilled negotiator and litigator with extensive experience in construction law. He keeps us informed and diligently pursues our legal matters with great skill and professionalism.
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07 Oct, 2022 by Todd trierweiler
Having 37 years of experience and working with 100’s of attorneys, I have found the expertise in business related matters exceptional. She is great to work with and has a wonderful personality.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Shelley
I have worked with Larry for a number of years. He operates openly , is very responsive, and knowledgeable. He has kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommended him highly to anyone seeking business or trust council.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Geoff
Jane helped us rewrite our TOS for a web based service as well as help us out with a marketing partnership that went south. She was very helpful, quick and was able to communicate with us in best ways to proceed with and without her intervention. We still use her as our legal council and have no desire to change in the foreseeable future.
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28 Aug, 2021 by Steven kenyon
I found myself in need of a lawyer during my divorce, on a different matter. Aaron Martin was referred to me by a lawyer. His took time to know my case, was professional throughout, my case. My case was decided in my favor and could not ask for a better outcome. Once my divorce started Aaron Martin referred me to lawyer he knew and trust in the Salem area to help me. Again better outcome I could ask for, since divorces are always difficult. Aaron Martin prove to me, to be honest, hard working and knows the law. If, heaven forbidden if I need a lawyer again my first call would be to him.
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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.
