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12 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Our working relationship with Mr. Seigler spanned over 4 years. It was not associated with criminal defense, but with civil problems regarding an easement. Mr. Seigler was contacted & hired after another local lawyer was paid to get resolution to the problem, but failed to take timely action. Mr. Seigler worked diligently in a timely fashion to attain success for us in this difficult, drawn-out case. We highly recommend Mr. Seigler!
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16 Oct, 2017 by Edward and valerie
We met with Attorney Seigler to explain what had happened to the line fence. During the course of resolving issue of the removal of the fence without our knowledge we brought family records and expenses regarding the dispute. The pros and cons of the issue were presented to us by Attorney Seigler. He presented the evidence and his pending correspondence to us prior to presenting our side of the issue.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Jb
A few years ago, I faced a complicated business situation. I asked a local attorney if he would be interested in assisting me. He said the case was beyond his realm. He said the person he would recommend would be Darrell Seigler of Ottawa. Darrell did a great job in a difficult case. He faced 4 or 5 legal teams and produced excellent results for the complexity of the case. There were no surprises. He kept me informed throughout. He kept costs reasonable. I have used his services on several other occasions. At times, I have just used him for advice. I recommend him highly
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21 Oct, 2021 by Greg rowlee
Highly knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. This is possibly the most likeable lawyer ever.
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07 Sep, 2017 by Jon b
Jim is always diligent and very helpful!
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17 Feb, 2016 by Michael dean (gaidheil)
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22 Apr, 2024 by John frederick
Spoke with Mark S. on the phone was very knowledgeable very professional
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01 Oct, 2018 by Michelle harper
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24 Sep, 2012 by Marissa
A friend referred me to Chris Minelli for some traffic tickets I got earlier in the year. I had only gotten parking tickets before, so was really unaware about the process and afraid of the consequences I might be in for. Mr. Minelli did a wonderful job of explaining the situation and navigating through the system and my court appearance. He was professional, knowledgeable and friendly through the entire experience. I always felt informed of what he was doing and why, and in the end, the situation was resolved very simply!
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06 Sep, 2022 by John j budach jr
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22 Jan, 2020 by Eileen king
Robert Eshbach is a great lawyer, great Mayor and just a great person. He works very hard for his clients and his office manager is the best! Very happy we chose his expertise, finesse, intelligence, professionalism, and great knowledge of the law to represent us. Thank you Eshbach law office we so appreciate your help!
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01 Jul, 2019 by Nikky danai
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02 Feb, 2024 by Carmina pereja
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31 Mar, 2023 by Lynnie logan
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28 Jan, 2023 by Kevin sterling
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02 Feb, 2024 by Carmina pereja
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31 Mar, 2023 by Lynnie logan
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28 Jan, 2023 by Kevin sterling
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02 Feb, 2024 by Carmina pereja
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31 Mar, 2023 by Lynnie logan
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28 Jan, 2023 by Kevin sterling
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31 Mar, 2023 by Bryan o'connor
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24 Apr, 2022 by Frank golden
Mike Fuller is one of the best lawyers I know!
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28 Jul, 2019 by Nfg
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31 Mar, 2023 by Bryan o'connor
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24 Apr, 2022 by Frank golden
Mike Fuller is one of the best lawyers I know!
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28 Jul, 2019 by Nfg
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04 Oct, 2024 by Kristen roy
So far in my partner’s custody case , Karen has helped him get his equal rights and has guided him in the correct way. She also has been on top of everything with getting the court process to move along. I continue to have faith she will help him achieve his goal and what is the best interest of the child
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02 Oct, 2024 by Troy janes
Karen is very punctual, honest and straight to the point. If you want someone who genuinely cares and will fight tooth and nail for you this is the lawyer you want. I greatly appreciate her services and would hire her again if needed.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Caitlin hale
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19 Aug, 2017 by Carrie
Ryan is an excellent and understanding Attorney. He is patient, honest, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I highly recommend him .
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22 Sep, 2016 by Kevin
Attorney Hamer did a good job with our minor case. We had no prior experience with needing a defense lawyer, so we were a little nervous about the process. We had never heard of him or met him in the past. We found him through a series of phone calls, made the initial call to him, took a big gulp, and hired him. He turned out to be a good choice! Despite our low-profile case and the modest fee he would earn, he cared about us and he worked to achieve the best result possible. He returned calls and emails in a timely manner--usually the same day or the day after. Being a worrier, I tended to be the one to initiate the majority of the emails, but he always answered promptly. He appeared on our behalf in court, arranging matters so that we never had to appear in court (though this was partially possible due to the minor nature of the offense). He was courteous and professional and honest. He achieved a more favorable outcome than we could've achieved on our own. We highly recommend him for anyone who needs a defense attorney.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had hired Ryan for a DUI Case. Anytime I asked what his approach was going to be to the case, he could never give me a straight answer. I paid him $1500 just to have my court case continued multiples times. He was also very poor at getting back to me about anything regarding my case. Instead of reaching out to me to give a status update, I always had to contact him to find out anything at all.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
He made promise of child support order within 2 months of filing divorce-during consultation. He said” I’ll give you a deal” 13 months later- a young woman and her children have struggled and suffered -financially, physically and mentally at the hands of this completely unprofessional beast. From his lack of professionalism - to his down right dirty demeanor. He promised child support on 4 occasions - trips to court- never produced anything. He did absolutely nothing but double his bill!! He should be disbarred!! He doesn’t show up for court- his client does- he’s embarrassed because he was trying to pull a fast one on the judge and other party- so he calls up this young lady - screams at her for 10 minutes- gets on a zoom call- sets her for trial and then files a motion to withdraw. Who does that? He charged her a ton of money and 13 months later- still at square 1 nothing accomplished- absolutely nothing accomplished- and he jumps ship. Possibly he didn’t like the question “ what have you done for me?” This horrible individual treats some of his clients as if they are insignificant in this world- why does he think he can do that?? Because he’s been doing it for a very long time and getting away with it . No more !
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12 Jul, 2024 by Stephanie wright
RUNNNNN would NEVER recommend him. He took my $2000 which if he did his job my situation would have been resolved in a few weeks. He did NOTHING I did all the research and foot work and he kept prolonging it for months and months with no follow through just excuses. His lack of professionalism was appalling I tried to fire him multiple times. He begged and stated he would do his job just give him another chance. The 3rd time he stated “if I don’t do my job you can come to my office and punch me in the face”. Wowwwww what professional would EVER say something so bizarre. When called him out and asked why things weren’t taken care of like he said he would his anger was ridiculous. He seemed out of it most of the time so this again was concerning.
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18 May, 2024 by Ricki ann topel
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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