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4.9
216 Reviews
03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
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19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
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16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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13 Dec, 2024 by Kelly allen
13 Dec, 2024 by Kelly allen
Nick was great! He represented us on a real estate deal and it was smooth, professional and organized. I would highly recommend him!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Steve kositzky
Nick was great. Easy to get a hold of and answered every question I had. He kept me in the loop with every step in the process as well
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03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
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19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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19 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Boris was very helpful by constantly and consistently keeping me informed, advising the best routes to take, being honest and open, and utilizing his experience every step of the way in a professional and proficient manner.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Nicole
My lawyer was amazing. He walked me through step by step as this was my first legal court case. He stayed in contact to explain what we needed to do next for every court date. He is always confident and professional. Highly knowledgeable on all current laws. He continued to fight and deny their outlandish deals. As we took my case to trial, Boris informed all parties involved that there was no basis for this case. They choose to process anyways. Then once cross examination started he proved to them there was no case. I will always go back in the future if ever needed. What an amazing attorney and hard working, educated individual!!!!! Highly recommended.
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07 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I just want to thank Boris so much for the excellent service he gave my dear loved one, He was facing DUI charges, and Boris helped my loved one keep his drivers license and get through the court process with the wonderful outcome of not being found guilty for DUI. Boris kept us informed and up-to-date and we got through this with his excellent service. We are very grateful.
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03 Jan, 2025 by M george
This is my 3rd time working with Beth as a client, after working with her several times as a Real Estate Broker. No matter what the relationship, Beth and her team are always the perfect combination of professional, personable, knowledgeable and efficient. For this reason, I will continue to work with her and refer her to my clients.
Thanks Beth!
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31 Dec, 2024 by Adriana gavina
Beth was referred to me as my closing attorney in the sale of my house. Both her and her team were extremely helpful always answering all my questions in a timely manner no matter the time or the day of the week. They made the closing of my house easy and stress free.
Highly recommend!
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20 Dec, 2024 by James cole
03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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17 Jul, 2018 by Landell
Sonia helped me through a difficult business transaction. She was patient and very honest!
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13 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
My lawyer Sonia.. since i got terminated from my job in July 2017. I have been looking for a lawyer who knows about ADA law. She’s the one perfection for my case! I filed eeo against my postmaster so they hired their lawyer and I got Sonia for eeo meeting. They talked through speaker. She did great job to understand whats going on and she knows a lot of ADA laws which they don’t know and decided to break the Ada laws so we got fought to get job back and I got job back! Thank you for being patient with me for 6 hours of meeting. Not only that, she can be your lawyer if you have any problem with anything with job, or anything you named it! I highly recommend you to get her! I will keep her on my list if i have any problem again.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Adebisi
Sonia is a competent attorney who relates well with her client in a professional and understanding way. She is full of wisdom and handled my case with utmost sense of professionalism. She represented me well and secured a judgement in my favor through her gentle and logical representation. I’ll for ever be grateful to her for being such a friendly and compassionate attorney.
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24 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Beth Mann represented me as a buyer in a Chicago loan closing that was a tough deal to get done. Although I live out of state, she ensured everything was done right, via telephone and email correspondence. I highly recommend her because she is a very aggressive, knowledgeable lawyer, who is prompt, and always ahead of deadline schedules. She always kept me briefed and responded quickly to each issue. Beth is careful and focuses on both details and the big picture to ensure due diligence; she is also tenacious! Acting as my advocate under pressure from sellers, she negotiated and got additional requests approved, some even after the fact. Beth is efficient, effective, and someone whom clients can really trust to protect their interests. I thought she was great!"
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14 Oct, 2016 by Cynthia
Ms. Mann is fabulous!! Her staff is "on the case" and follows thru on important matters concerning her clients. Great communication. I retained Ms. Mann for my Closing...all I can say is "job well done" and "thank you so much for your great service!!" P.S. Beth Mann/aka/Great Legs!!
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11 Jul, 2016 by Brent
I have been referring friends to Beth Mann for 18 years. She is a very knowledgeable and honest real estate attorney. I have referred her many times and she does an excellent job representing. All the people I have referred to her (about twenty in the past ten years) have been extremely satisfied with the service they receive. And not only Beth is responsive and professional - her staff is top notch as well! I definitely recommend Beth Mann. You're making a mistake if you choose any other law office.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Brian cronin
Outstanding lawyers, strongly recommend.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Phil younan
Annie and Sami are the best duo I've had the pleasure of working with. They make real estate transactions as easy and seamless as possible. Every client I've referred to them has consistently expressed exceptional satisfaction with their work and the quality of their customer service and communication throughout the process. I highly recommend collaborating with them, especially if you need legal representation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Ramsey h
On our 4th closing with Kasheesh's office and they're awesome. Easy/smooth and always makes sure we cross the finish line regardless of what needs to be done!! Awesome service
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29 May, 2019 by Erik
Jim has worked with my clients in purchasing or selling their home over the past several years. He brings enthusiasm for doing the job right. Jim gives our clients a piece of mind during the stressful transaction of buying or selling their home, which is the ultimate goal. His knowledge of the ins/outs of a real estate transaction has saved not only money but our clients time. I can confidently refer Jim to my clients.
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23 May, 2019 by Mike
We hired Mr Smith to help with the sale of my mother’s house. He helped us to negotiate the price and got us through a few roadblocks. He was also very helpful at the closing, explaining all the documents we had to sign. We were pleased enough that we recommended him to others.
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23 May, 2019 by Mike
Jim Smith was our closing attorney through the process of both selling and buying our home and we cannot say enough about him. We had a short turnaround after selling our house quickly but Jim’s knowledge and efficiency made this a stress free experience for us. He worked really well with the real estate agents and banks to get everything done rapidly while communicating with us the entire time. He also was available to answer every question we had. We were not able to make it to both closings while moving out of our house on the same day so he worked with us ahead of time so that he could take care of one closing for us. We would highly recommend him!
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15 Aug, 2014 by Paul
I have used Ms. O'Connor as my business attorney. She is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I would refer friends and or family to her without hesitation.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Ann butler
26 Dec, 2024 by Tarek shahbandar
Very helpful and easy to reach
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20 Dec, 2024 by Lukas stary
Helped me so much.
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13 Jan, 2025 by James kenealy
Mr. Huguelet and his staff were very cordial and professional. They made our process go smoothly and helped us with all our matters.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Gregory kwak
Good service and very helpful.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Barbara peterlin
Mr. Christopher is a very nice lawyer and easy to talk with my sister and me! He gave me a new nice book! I like him very much!!
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01 Apr, 2020 by Ronald
Rocco was the 2nd attorney I hired for the sale of my house and the difference was night and day. I dropped my first attorney because communication was poor, could almost only communicate through his assistant which could take days to get a response to an email, and when I did talk to him he was condescending and made me feel stupid for asking questions and like I was wasting his time. Rocco on the other hand was always available within minutes or at least the same day. He was calm and patient and always made me feel like he was there for me to answer any questions I had. I had a direct line of communication with him and always spoke with him directly and he was reassuring throughout the process. This sale was a tough one for me as I dealt with many flaky buyers and sometimes that frustration would come through when talking to Rocco but he handled it very well and was able to make me feel better about how to get what we want throughout the negotiations. And in the end he got the job done. I will only always use Rocco for my Chicago real estate dealings. Just can't say enough good things. Hire this man.
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23 Aug, 2016 by Rosie
Rocco Massari was our real estate attorney for closing on the home we sold and for the home we purchased. It was great working with Rocco. He walked us through the process, answered all of our (countless!) questions and made the closing process easy. For the closing of the home we sold, we didn't even need to be there. He handled all of the paperwork and made it such a seamless process. It was a pleasure to work with him!
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22 Aug, 2016 by James
Massari law is professional and courteous in every way. Mr Massari helped me plan and write out my family wills. He went over every detail and explained the entire will process from beginning to end. I would recommend Massari law to anyone seeking good service with a professional touch. Our family looks forward to use Massari law again in the future.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Brian cronin
Outstanding lawyers, strongly recommend.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Phil younan
Annie and Sami are the best duo I've had the pleasure of working with. They make real estate transactions as easy and seamless as possible. Every client I've referred to them has consistently expressed exceptional satisfaction with their work and the quality of their customer service and communication throughout the process. I highly recommend collaborating with them, especially if you need legal representation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Ramsey h
On our 4th closing with Kasheesh's office and they're awesome. Easy/smooth and always makes sure we cross the finish line regardless of what needs to be done!! Awesome service
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25 Nov, 2024 by Brian cronin
Outstanding lawyers, strongly recommend.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Phil younan
Annie and Sami are the best duo I've had the pleasure of working with. They make real estate transactions as easy and seamless as possible. Every client I've referred to them has consistently expressed exceptional satisfaction with their work and the quality of their customer service and communication throughout the process. I highly recommend collaborating with them, especially if you need legal representation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Ramsey h
On our 4th closing with Kasheesh's office and they're awesome. Easy/smooth and always makes sure we cross the finish line regardless of what needs to be done!! Awesome service
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24 Nov, 2024 by Rob johnson
Bob and Heather have been great to work with! Highly recommend.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Miguel michel
Carlos was an invaluable partner in my first home purchase. While I had done my research and had a good understanding of the process, his expertise ensured every detail was addressed thoroughly and professionally. Carlos was responsive, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying and resolving potential issues before they became problems. He made the entire process seamless and stress-free, giving me confidence that I was in excellent hands. I truly appreciated his clear communication and dedication to ensuring everything was handled perfectly. I highly recommend Carlos De Rio to anyone looking for top-notch legal guidance in their real estate transactions!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Guadalupe garcia
Excelente servicio, atento y Profesional!👍
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07 Dec, 2018 by Daniel
Mrs. Las is one of the best attorney's I have used. I am a Real Estate Agent and have used Attorney Las on several deals representing buyers and sellers. He is very knowledge, quick to respond, and always a pleasure to talk to. Highly Recommend!! I have used Attorney Las myself personally and it always has been a positive experience.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Tara
I used Mr. Mack for both a purchase and a sale closing, and he was very responsive and efficient. He looked out for my rights in both transactions and was on top of all of the details. He was recommended by my realtor.
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08 Sep, 2010 by Mary
Hired Amy Corrigan for several matters over the years. She was knowledgeable and always kept me informed of the progress of my cases.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Taylor sweeney
Jeff and Nick were so efficient, professional and easy to work with. The closing process was smooth and effortless. They had our best interests in mind every step of the way, so we knew we were in very capable and caring hands. I can't recommend them more highly.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Gwen bell-diggs
Jeffrey was very nice, as well as accommodating. Everything with smooth with the sale of my property. I will definitely work with Jeffrey again in the future.
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16 May, 2024 by David chelepis
Highly recommend! Very knowledgeable and helped make my real estate closing go smoothly.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Sarah brown
I had a wonderful experience working with Michael Canna and Canna Law Offices to set up a will, trust, and power of attorney. Michael was really helpful in translating my ask ("I need to be responsible and set up stuff like a will and medical directives, right?") into the resources and documentation I needed.
These things can be difficult to think through and to talk about. Within that context, Michael was highly skilled at walking me through the documents, asking generative questions, and making sure I fully understood how everything will work. I would highly recommend working with this firm for estate planning.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Katie brinkman
Mike did an amazing job! He helped us with several different types of real estate transactions. He represented us on a new construction contract, as well as buying and selling different properties. Mike is very thorough, professional and great to work with. Him and his team are there to assist you every step of the way. They are all extremely helpful and reliable through the entire process. We felt very lucky to be able to work with Canna Law Offices!
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27 Jul, 2022 by Adam guldan
Mike was great!!!! He helped my family and I with the close of our house. There were “issues”leading up to the close with the builder that Mike handled too. He always took the time to listen first and was very timely in getting back to us. I really appreciate everything he has done. I plan to use Mike for other legal needs in the future.
I would highly recommend him. He is a local guy who grew up in the area and knows the surrounding communities. Super easy to talk with….Great job Mike! Thank so much
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26 Dec, 2024 by Ann butler
26 Dec, 2024 by Tarek shahbandar
Very helpful and easy to reach
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20 Dec, 2024 by Lukas stary
Helped me so much.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
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03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Demario harris
Phil by far is a man of his word as it pertains to his profession! I had an incident in Downtown Chicago with the law; where I was facing a class III Felony. The moment Phil got the call from my family, he tackled the job right away! From our initial interview to the very last court date, He never stopped working on my case. He & I both knew I innocent in the matter and he didn’t stop working until he provided the facts and evidence to show the Judge alongside the District Attorney that I was not a criminal who should be trialed. Elated to say: I am now a free man. I highly recommend reaching out if in trouble!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by F.l oguntade
I have the pleasure of working with Josh Rudolfi and Cassandra over the past 5 years, and I can confidently attest to their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.
I first engaged with Josh in 2019 when he took over my case and he’s shown an impressive level of expertise and a deep understanding of my case.
They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to me by helping me achieve the best possible outcome to my case.
It’s been a very tedious journey but in the end I’m happy with the outcome and without any hesitation, I would definitely be recommending their services.
Thank you so much for putting my interests first.
F.L.O
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Shinori ishamura
Very patient and helpful would recommend to anyone
Read more
13 Jan, 2025 by James kenealy
Mr. Huguelet and his staff were very cordial and professional. They made our process go smoothly and helped us with all our matters.
Read more
13 Jan, 2025 by Gregory kwak
Good service and very helpful.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Barbara peterlin
Mr. Christopher is a very nice lawyer and easy to talk with my sister and me! He gave me a new nice book! I like him very much!!
Read more
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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:
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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.
