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15 Reviews
23 May, 2023 by Donna duchai
I would recommend Attorney Christopher C Vader for your legal needs in the Palm Springs area.
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23 May, 2023 by Nancy pavao
23 May, 2023 by Dave sperry
First, my sincerest apologies to Chris, Pam, and all the staff for my complete negligence and selfish tardiness in posting these reviews of our experience. My only excuse and defense is that I have been having way too much fun these past few months with the toys I have always hoped for in my “Golden Years” of retirement. I.e. Kubota Tractor, hydraulic dump, flat bed, and now constructing a pole barn to store it.
My wife, I, and our Minnie Aussie departed our Olympia, WA home on the start of a month long retirement “road trip of a lifetime.” On day two we were hit by a drunk driver in Joshua Tree, CA. While we were all relatively unharmed our brand new (3,500 miles) GMC truck was totaled. We returned back to Olympia six days later and asked ourselves, “what the heck just happened and now what?” I sat down and composed a six page narrative of what happened describing what was going on in our lives before, at the time, and after, this horrific incident. At the same time, Leta was searching for a personal injury lawyer. After much debate and settling on two, we flipped a coin and Leta won. I am SO glad she did.
I am confident that this narrative assisted Chris greatly in determining the value of our case and, more importantly, who we are, our history, feelings, dreams, etc. And he was able to achieve this without us ever having hade face to face communication. We did, however, enjoy many hours on the phone at both the beginning and at the end of our near 18 month association. And none of that time on the phone was created for “billing hours.” It was all on Chris’s dime.
Chris worked tirelessly in communication with both the defendant’s insurance company, as well as ours to obtain the maximum “underinsured motorist” coverage we carry. Ultimately, we were awarded the maximum limits allowable on both policies. We each received two checks, one from the drunk drivers insurance, and one from ours. We just renewed with our insurance and I have not noticed any increase in premium. The only way we could have received more money would have been to go to court with a jury trial. Given our Covid-19 environment and the snail’s pace the court is moving, I believe Chris advised us correctly in accepting the full limit offer. I can never thank this firm enough and would, without hesitancy, recommend them to anyone who has been wrongly injured in the Palm Springs area. I’m still looking forward to footing the bill for a meal at Elmer’s.
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01 Jun, 2017 by Morgan
Mr. Klatchko came highly recommended through another law firm to assist in estate probate matters in the greater Palm Springs area of Riverside County. His firm is efficient and gets the job done, with clear communication to the client along the way. I recommend Klatchko without hesitation.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Cynthia and sara
The 5 star rating for Attorney Philip Klatchko (and also his assistant Jolene) is richly deserved. I would have given him a 10 on a 10 point scale, based on interactions to date.
In our case, the actual client was an elderly parent whose mental abilities have been fading. He functioned adeptly as part lawyer and part psychologist and seemed to understand the innuendos of dealing with this category of client and their families. The presentation of all legal documents appeared immaculate. He (and Jolene) responded to and initiated communications in a timely and proactive manner - especially with regards to setting up appointments and replies to emails and "requests." While his services are not cheap, we believe (and have been told by others) that his fees are "well worth it." In our specific case we can highly recommend Attorney Klatchko for estate and trust-related matters of an aging or elderly clientele and their families.
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12 Jun, 2016 by Kerri
Philip Klatchko was my mother's attorney. He managed all arrangements for her Estate and drew her Will. He was incredibly thorough and easy for her to work with.
After my mom passed away, I was appointed Executrix of her Estate. I turned to Philip to help me through this murky process... a job one can't possibly prepare for. Philip was patient, kind, supportive, trustworthy, available and always willing to educate when I needed it. He held my hand through this very confusing and emotional process to the very end.
When the time came to purchase my own home in Los Angeles, Philip assisted me in buying the home from directly from the owner.
I have also consulted Philip on a number of occasions for miscellaneous legal advice. I would recommend him to anyone wholeheartedly.
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16 Jan, 2020 by Texas plaintiff
Shaun represented me in a personal injury matter against a vicious predator and his army of victim blaming lawyers. The case went to trial and Shaun single handedly represented me with honor, dignity, and victory. Six lawyers in the courtroom for the opposing side were no match in the seven day trial against solo Shaun Murphy. I knew after the first interview I had with SBEMP that Shaun Murphy was the only lawyer who would properly handle my type of case. Shaun had the knowledge, experience and proven results in the often misunderstood and sensationalized type of personal injury case he represented me in. I spoke with several lawyers before talking to Shaun and they all wanted to take my case. It was only after Shaun reviewed my case that I felt comfortable in moving forward. It was the best thing I did. Shaun confidently and aggressively pursued justice until the mission was complete. Through pre-trial litigation, trial, appeals, and full collection Shaun was a pillar of integrity. He was always responsive and focused on justice. Shaun is not only a fierce litigator but he has a very high emotional intelligence as well. He knew exactly how to respond to me in my most difficult moments of a long haul. He was a rock solid pillar of strength all the way. I can never thank him enough for all that he did while fighting for me. Impeccable with his word. Impeccable honor. Don't trust your highly sensitive litigations matters to anyone else. Proven experience matters. Litigation with Shaun is not a drill or a legal experiment. He knows exactly what he is doing.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Doug
Shaun Murphy has been my attorney against Riverside County for the past 5 years. At the trial court level, the judge made some very poor decisions against me, which the 4th DCA reversed in full last week. Now I have the opportunity to hold the County accountable for some very serious federal civil rights violations, in addition to several state law torts.
Throughout this long, difficult, and very trying process, Shaun Murphy has been a consummate legal professional. He has been personable, knowledgeable, and responsive to all of my legal needs and requirements. He co-authored a masterful appeal that formed the foundation for the appellate reversal in my favor at the 4th District Court of Appeal. He stood up to the bully man tactics of my legal opponents, and protected my legal rights at every critical juncture. Finally, Shaun Murphy has a feel for the litigation process that is difficult to quantify, but that is tactically invaluable, and it inspires client confidence at every point in the legal process.
I highly recommend Shaun and his team at SBEMP for any and all of your legal needs.
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16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Shaun Murphy is the best Attorney ever! My experience with him was a personal injury case. I contracted an STD from a man that I had been dating long term, who forgot to tell me that he had herpes before we had sex. The devastation, embarrassment and humiliation was unbelievable. My self worth was gone forever, or so I thought. One night I was watching the news and heard of this Attorney who had just won a 4.5 million dollar law suite for a simular case. I had no idea one could sue for something like this. I called his office the next day, told my story and he took me on as a client. Shaun is dedicated to these types of cases, so I felt no embarrassment when I had to discuss anything with him or anyone in the office. When I felt hopeless, Shaun always brought me strength. He was sure we would reach a settlement, which we eventually did. We had to fly to a different state to meet with the X and his Attorney. Four hours later, we settled! The very first day I spoke with Shaun, he told me that we would settle, but I had so many doubts at that time. I gotta hand it too him.... He sure knew what he was doing. He never gave up!
Not only has Shaun won a settlement for me, but he was instrumental in helping me to believe in myself again and to trust in others. Thank you Shaun for making someone else think twice before spreading an STD around again! "One down..... thousands to go"!
I would not hesitate to hire this man as my Attorney again. Highly recommend him, especially for Personal Injury involving an STD.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Gerald
We brought an interesting case to Mr. Darrin that required him to be extremely methodical and creative throughout the process. Mr. Darrin navigated the complexity of the case as a seasoned professional. Not only did we prevent the defendant from walking away with all of our money, we controlled the disbursement of funds that were held in escrow until we came to a full and mutually beneficial resolution. I’d highly recommend Mr. Darrin for Real Estate and Business matters.
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28 Sep, 2014 by Jack
I am currently working with Mr. Darrin on a case where locating a participating partner has been very difficult. Although we have not made definitive contact yet, we are working on several excellent leads thanks to the work of Mr. Darrin and his supporting team of experts. I am optimistic we will reach a satisfactory conclusion to this case very soon. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the process of working with Mr. Darrin has been delightful, very professional, and most congenial with excellent progress to date. I recommend Mr. Darrin very highly and would work with him without hesitation should the need arise.
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12 Jun, 2013 by Jack
6/12/13
My sister and I were very interested in starting our own restaurant. The idea of setting up the business was intimidating to say the least. After retaining David as our attorney all of our apprehension disappeared. He covered the different ways of setting up our business explaining the advantages of going with a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in easy to understand terms, keeping us informed every step of the way. I’m very impressed with his accessibility; I can contact him any time, either by phone or email. David handles himself in a very professional manner, always giving sound advice. And his services are very reasonably priced. Moving forward, I will continue to seek David’s legal advice.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Jeff
John is an excellent attorney
He has done excellent work for our city
I am very impressed with his knowledge aND his abilities in court.
John is also not afraid to go to court. Several attorneys I have worked with want you to settle everything John is not like that.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Earl
Mr. John Pinkney is a fabulous, caring and aggressive attorney who knows the law and delivers favorable results to his clients. John's guidance and demeanor along with his excellent staff offer great communication along the way of the issues being addressed. If you are looking for a smart attorney that you can trust and feel at ease with from your initial meeting, I highly recommend John and the services he can offer to resolve the most complex legal issues we face in today's world.
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08 May, 2019 by Carolyn bailey
I needed advise on a contract I was planning on entering into and Ms. McKee pointed out some problems and some possible future problems. We were able to work out a new contract and meet my deadline.
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27 Nov, 2013 by Kurt
I am a retired English teacher on a pension. Accordingly, I was also an estate document do-it-yourselfer. I thought that after spending many hours carefully researching and writing my documents, that it would be an easy matter to find an estate attorney to vet them and pay a consult fee for this service.
I was mistaken. The first attorney I spoke to, one with superior ratings, said that if I paid $1.00, he risked liability. Attorney after attorney, likewise, did not offer assistance, essentially ignoring my do-it-yourselfer status and, instead, offering exorbitant services. Needless to say, being made to feel like a pariah was not the expected outcome for my self-reliance!
After attorney number eight, in steps Attorney O'Kane, the first person sympathetic to my predicament. She confirmed that, in general, attorneys would be reluctant to take my case “as is” because the practice of estate law is rife with malpractice lawsuits.
Yet, she was concerned and agreed to help me. We made an appointment for a consult, free of charge. She made sure I understood that she would examine my documents but that she would not warrant them. She would then offer a price for re-doing my documents according to California law and that I could accept or reject that price without obligation.
She spent at least one hour carefully reading, taking notes and asking questions. The price she offered was more than reasonable. Through the process, we communicated easily via email. Her office staff were very helpful.
I am now finished with my bona fide documents, the time I spent as a do-it-yourselfer was not wasted, and I'm very happy.
Attorney O'Kane is to be commended not only for her astuteness and workmanship but, moreover, for her warmth, caring and integrity. She therefore receives five stars.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Dennis
Maureen has prepared loan documentation involving some of the most complex real estate secured, franchise based loans. She is exceptional at spotting title issues and potential issues that may arise in collateral foreclosures or borrower bankruptcy filings. I have personally worked with attorneys at prominent San Francisco and Silicon Valley law firms on complicated creditor and real property issues. Maureen takes a back seat to none.
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15 Apr, 2016 by David
Brent handled my mediation regarding a real estate dispute. Even though an attorney is not required at mediation I was very pleased at his due diligence. If he was not involved I do not feel the result would have been favorable. I would definitely recommend Brent Clemmer as he is one great attorney!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Lauren bates
My experience using Kayway Attorney Services as a process server was great. Kayla is very responsive and made everything simple and easy. I will definitely use her company again!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Ashley gonzales
We needed to find a process server fast as time was running out. We found KayWay services and everything was taken care of right away. She let us know when the defendants were served and even took the Proof of Service forms to the court to file for us afterwards. Thank you, Kayla! This really saved us time and stress.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Brenda lopez
Kayla was great! Fast responses and got the job done!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Lauren bates
My experience using Kayway Attorney Services as a process server was great. Kayla is very responsive and made everything simple and easy. I will definitely use her company again!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Ashley gonzales
We needed to find a process server fast as time was running out. We found KayWay services and everything was taken care of right away. She let us know when the defendants were served and even took the Proof of Service forms to the court to file for us afterwards. Thank you, Kayla! This really saved us time and stress.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Brenda lopez
Kayla was great! Fast responses and got the job done!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer coyne
Jeff Yoss was recommended to be by another attorney. He and his staff were clear and helpful during all phases of my case and we were able to reach a very agreeable settlement.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kelly morgan
Jeff Yoss is a great attorney. Very skilled and professional. I would highly recommend working with Jeff.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Mirna arely castro martinez
12 Aug, 2024 by Allen balle
Excellent service from start to finish! The team at Cortright Law Center was always available to answer my questions and provide updates on my case. I was impressed with their dedication and attention to detail. Thanks to their hard work, I received the compensation I needed to cover my medical expenses and lost wages. Definitely the best workers' compensation attorney in Palm Springs!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Harry wirtz
Just want to give a shoutout to Kevin for his awesome work on my case in Palm Desert. Not only did he help me understand all the legal jargon, but he also made sure I got the compensation I deserved. It's not every day you find a lawyer who's actually got your back!
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05 Jul, 2024 by Megan strawn
Kevin made finding a reliable workers compensation attorney in Coachella less daunting. His clear expertise in workers compensation law and approachable demeanor provided the reassurance I needed. The result? Peace of mind and a successful claim.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Allen balle
Excellent service from start to finish! The team at Cortright Law Center was always available to answer my questions and provide updates on my case. I was impressed with their dedication and attention to detail. Thanks to their hard work, I received the compensation I needed to cover my medical expenses and lost wages. Definitely the best workers' compensation attorney in Palm Springs!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Harry wirtz
Just want to give a shoutout to Kevin for his awesome work on my case in Palm Desert. Not only did he help me understand all the legal jargon, but he also made sure I got the compensation I deserved. It's not every day you find a lawyer who's actually got your back!
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05 Jul, 2024 by Megan strawn
Kevin made finding a reliable workers compensation attorney in Coachella less daunting. His clear expertise in workers compensation law and approachable demeanor provided the reassurance I needed. The result? Peace of mind and a successful claim.
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21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
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21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
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21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
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21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
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21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
Read more
21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
Read more
21 May, 2024 by Kevin abrams
Unacceptable experience. See my feedback below to the firm after having an awful experience on what was a very simple request.
"The manner in which your firm has been communicating with me is bizarre and almost robotic...On top of that, there was no material explanation as to why such fees would be necessary. For your reference, I reached out to two of your competitors, all of which promptly responded to me via email with a normal conversation and discussion that involved a human back and forth with questions, and elaboration on my request. It was refreshing. Secondly, the potential fees of up to 4 hours for $550/hour for a reaffirmation were referred to as "ridiculous" not only by your competitors, but from other out-of-state counsel that I have worked with in the past. On top of that, some of which offered alternatives that require no fees whatsoever. In conclusion, the manner in which you conduct business and communicate is not only seemingly fee-driven instead of sincerely helping the needs of a potential client, but also not a fit for me."
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04 Apr, 2024 by Judy garcia
My husband and myself had a great experience with SBEMP, they are very professional and helpful. We had some legal documents taken care of with them and couldn’t have been more pleased. Highly recommend them for all your legal needs.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Charlie calhoun
So, I have a very challenging case. It spans two states and two different courts in Riverside County. Did I mention a very challenging Ex? Long story short, Valarie (probate area of practice) and Carolyn (family law) are amazing. They have fought tooth and nail for me. Let me be clear….this is not a “discount” law firm. The old adage, you get what you pay for. I needed competent hard working lawyers. Lawyers who knew the ins and out of each issue. That is what I got. Their guidance was/is worth every penny. These two women are amazing and I am so thankful for finding them. I can’t speak for anything outside of family law or probate, but I can tell you if you have an issue in these two areas, use them.
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15 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Do not use this man. He prepared documents for me, which I paid thousands for, and when I called a few years later to inquire about costs to update them, his incompetent assistant told him I was asking him to perform these services for free, which was not true. She flatly refused repeatedly to quote me a price for the VERY simple services I was requesting and insisted I needed to come in and pay for an hour of the lawyer's time in order to find out how much it would cost for me to literally just change one name on a document. Ludicrous way to do business. He then sent a nasty, vitriolic, factually inaccurate letter "firing" me as a client, accusing me of wanting free services, which is a lie. The California Bar advised me to lodge a complaint. Take your business elsewhere. This was the worst experience, most unprofessional experience I've ever had with a law firm. Awful.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Steve
I've worked with Eric to complete our will, and more recently to create our marital trust. He's an exceptional attorney. He and his staff are very organized, with great follow-up on pending items that we needed to provide. He made the process simple and easy to understand. Eric is also very civic minded, and contributes his time and resources to a number of community organizations. I'd highly recommend him.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Archie
I went to Mr. Rudolph because I did not feel that I was getting competent legal advice from my current lawyer. I could not be more satisfied with this decision. Mr. Rudolph and his staff have provided me with 5-star service and competent legal advice. He listens carefully and takes whatever time is necessary to explain all of your options. I feel that my estate planning is in better shape than ever. I have referred several of my friends to Mr. Rudolph and they have all shared their positive experiences with me.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Mark
I came to Michael Kaiser after a bad auto accident in which I suffered a traumatic brain injury. Thinking I'd never be able to recover, Mike assured me that he could send me to the best doctors in the area. Because of him, I was able to make a truly miraculous recovery and hold the other party accountable. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him. My family and I are forever grateful for him and his terrific family-run office.
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17 Jun, 2015 by David
Before hiring the Kaiser law firm, we spent months and thousands of dollars carefully interviewing many of the highest rated attorneys in California including some of the premiere firms on Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles. Out of the vast array of talent we were pleased to find Michael Kaiser locally in Palm Springs. Honestly we were a bit suspicious because of his Palm Springs location and because his hourly fee was one half to one third what the most prestigious firms charged. (Most of the prestigious lawyers charge for the first visit. Mr. Kaiser said "you don't own me anything, I haven't done anything for you yet.")
Instead of claiming "to fight for his clients," he provided us with a list of over 100 cases that he had actually taken to trial. Instead of promising results, he gave a reasonable assessment of the risks and advantages of various stratgies. Instead of claiming that he "won" all his cases, he explained that for trial lawyers a "win" is getting a better result in court than in the best settlement offer, then he made the cases available so we could check for ourselves.
Knowing that our company was cash strapped due to the lawsuits, he helped us keep the fees down by letting our company staff do as much of the grunt work as possible, such as copying, Bates Stamping, investigating and research. As our case progressed, we remained concerned that we get the best possible representation. Mr. Kaiser did not object to us retaining one of the prestigious Avenue of the Star specialist attorneys to provide second opinions and consult on our case, and he cooperated fully with the "second opinion" attorney.
Mr. Kaiser handled most of the important work himself, but saved us money by using lower paid attorney associates to do some of the work. He supervised their work and ensured that it was up to par. As trial neared, Mr. Kaiser encouraged our primary witnesses to observe another case which he was trying in Riverside. I personally watched the entire trial and saw that Mike Kaiser speaks well, is clear headed, stays focused, objects promptly and maintains a pleasant demeanor with the jury and the judge. Nothing flustered him.
Our case involved extensive travel for depositions. Mr. Kaiser allowed us to save money by booking lodging on Priceline for him and driving him ourselves rather than flying him to the various locations. During some very long trips we were able to observe him interacting by phone with other clients. He appeared to treat all of them with the same diligence and attention that we got. He billed the travel time fairly and used our trips to coach us in preparation for trial. That way we didn't have to pay double, once for travel time and again for coaching time. Also, to the extent he used travel time to attend to other clients' work, he did not bill us for the travel.
Due to his extensive, careful, preparation and some skillful motions in limine, Mr. Kaiser won a stipulated judgement in our favor on the eve of trial. Even if we had lost, I would say that Mr. Kaiser went above and beyond what was expected and that he gave us his full attention and charged very fairly. Let's face it, you can't win them all . . . although I sure was happy to win.
Since that time, Mr. Kaiser has handled a number of other matters, both major and petty for us. He's written effective letters to deal with neighbor nuisance issues like barking dogs, and he used an anti-SLAP motion to quickly end a defamation lawsuit against me. On top of that, he's provided reasonably priced coaching to help me self-represent myself in cases which don't require his full attention.
Lots of people claim to be tough. Most of them roll over pretty quickly. Mr. Kaiser doesn't say or promise
much. He just performs.
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23 Mar, 2012 by Marty
I am a client of Mr Kaisers. He has not done his job to the best of his ability in my opinion in my case. He was very deceptive in his fees. He did not get the results he said that he would. Mr Kaiser has 1 goal. taking your money.
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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.
