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17 Sep, 2023 by Matthew
I would highly recommend Tom to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. Especially as a rental. He is truly one of the best in the business and made the entire experience stress-free and easy. Very knowledgeable and has fast communication.
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17 Sep, 2023 by Matthew
I would highly recommend Tom to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. Especially as a rental. He is truly one of the best in the business and made the entire experience stress-free and easy. Very knowledgeable and has fast communication.
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05 Feb, 2020 by Francis m.
I had a serious problem with our landlord so we decided to move. During the move Tom help with drafting letters to the owner and apartment building. It really made a difference. We decided to move and he also helped us find a new condo to rent. Very helpful and knowledgeable about Sierra Madre rental market.
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20 May, 2021 by Robert
David Huffman amended my will and advised me on a property matter. He brought clarity and commitment to both situations. I have known him for many years and can attest to his character and legal skills. I recommend him highly!
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03 Nov, 2016 by Ronna
I had been dragging my feet on putting my end of life documents in order but knew I needed to get it done. David Huffman was an excellent lawyer to work with in getting my trust/will completed. He is professional, knowledgeable and kept me motivated. He explained the process very clearly and I understood the difference between a will and a trust, how I needed to complete each form, how he would put the correct legal documents in order and other pertinent details. By the end of the process I felt incredibly relieved and grateful for the services Dave Huffman provided.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Michael
I have received excellent, competent service from Mr. Huffman and his associates on several real estate matters. His advice and guidance have been key to resolving what I had thought were unresolvable matters. His knowledge and calm confidence were essential in creating a doable strategy that actually worked. I have referred a variety of situations to him, with him being able to navigate through them to favorable conclusions. I feel very confident in Mr. Huffman's honesty, integrity and the sense I get that he truly is my advocate, working in my best interest. I feel fortunate that Mr. Huffman represents me in my real estate and business affairs. Knowing he is there when I need him is very important to my peace of mind.
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04 Dec, 2019 by Jason kho
I used Ms. Serine Tsuda for my prenuptial agreement and she is professional, knowledgeable, and transparent on the topics discussed at hand. She was able to guide me in an efficient and timely manner which I cannot thank her enough. At the end of my process with Ms. Tsuda, I was pleasantly surprised that she did not use up the entire retainer and refunded the remaining balance. I have dealt with plenty of attorneys and once you pay that retainer most attorneys will say that there is nothing left over. I really appreciate the honesty and ethics with Ms. Tsuda. I highly recommend anyone in need of attorney services to use Ms. Serine Tsuda and her law firm. Thank you again and your hard work is greatly appreciated!!!
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10 Aug, 2019 by Kasorl dith
I had a case that required knowledge of out of state laws and jurisdiction. I found myself in need of an attorney because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I reached out to Serine thru a family referral and that was the best decision I could have ever made. Serine and her team were on my side from day one. I was very intimidated, nervous, and extremely scared of the whole court process. Knowing I had Serine in my corner made an almost unbearable and stressful situation seem manageable. I never doubted Serine’s ability to achieve the best possible outcome for me. Serine goes above and beyond expectations. I felt very comfortable sharing the most private details with her because she was easy to talk to and extremely comforting. Serine is professional, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. Serine and her staff were always available to answer any of my questions and concerns. Serine went out of her way to ensure I knew everything about my case and what I was getting myself into. I am very fortunate to have her on my side. If you need a family law attorney and you want the BEST, then call Serine A. Tsuda. Serine has completely exceeded my expectations and I will forever be grateful for what she has done for me.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Otto sanabria
03 Sep, 2014 by Aram a.
I highly recommend Raymond Zakari for any and all of your property law needs! Raymond is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the field, and he will handle all of your property law matters in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. He really values his clients' concerns and executes with the precision and expertise of a surgeon.
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10 Jun, 2014 by James
I'm a real estate agent in Pasadena, CA and for the past couple of years I've been using Raymond Zakari for guidance to help me navigate most of the sticky legal issues I come across in my profession. Raymond has an exceptionally sharp mind and is very strategic when it comes to parsing out the relevant details in the haze of some of my transactions. He is also a phenomenal contract expert. He has helped me logistically structure some of my deals that were a bit more complex than most of my other transactions. But I'm mostly impressed with Raymond's ability to work with me in a timely manner and to be clear and concise. He doesn't mince words and in a profession where time is money, Raymond has definitely saved me on both.
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23 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Truly an amazing guy, he took the time to explain my problem from the start, he was genuine and cared a lot. He always kept me informed and his staff is so friendly. I could not believe how much he cared about my case, almost as much as I did. I love this guy, he is a great attorney and a great person.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Monty
I've been working with Bill for several years. His ability to quickly analyze complex business and estate matters, and then clearly articulate his recommendations, makes him an outstanding advisor. He continues to impress me with his superior legal knowledge and business acumen and his caring and positive attitude.
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20 Jun, 2015 by Traci
Mr. Kruse came highly recommended by a friend who has been his client for a number of years. In one short meeting, Mr. Kruse was able to comprehend our situation and clearly articulate a positive plan of action. He has been able to represent us with clarity and resolve. Mr. Kruse gives great attention to detail, he is quick to respond and has consistently exceeded our expectations. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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17 Jun, 2015 by J. robert b, md, phd
We first met Bill in 1987 or 1988 when he and Erin and Barbara and I hosted two young Japanese women exchange students interested in polishing their English skills during a summer session. Over the years, we have been repeatedly impressed by Bill's integrity and knowledge, and when it became time, we asked him to be executor of our estate, will and trust. He has been an excellent choice, low-key and confidence-inspiring for our adult children and attentive to detail. In fact, we have an amendment to our will on our current to-do list: Bill recently reminded us that it needed to be updated to include the birth of a great-grandchild or three; we have established 529 education trust funds for each of the "grands" and "great-grands," to make manifest our lineage's ongoing emphasis on the importance of education to a family's "health. This reminder of Bill's exemplifies the kind of care and attention that we never cease being grateful for.
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23 Oct, 2010 by Fenton
Yee Horn Shuai represented me when a former business partner did not fulfill his obligation to pay for his purchase of company shares. He handled my situation with diligence, expedience and professionalism. We were able to receive payment from the deliquent individual without having to go through the hassle of going to court.
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29 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
We are just off a large scaled lawsuits and Shuai was by our side every step of the way. He has provided us the most stress-free service throughout the whole process. He is intelligent, very resourceful, polite, and trustworthy, with integrity and morale. He speaks our language and helped obtain the most favorable conditions for us. I strongly recommend Shuai.
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23 Sep, 2010 by Corey
Yee Horn helped me with some legal employment troubles a few years ago. Needless to say, the situation was very stressful, but Yee Horn took care of everything and kept me up to date on my situation as it unfolded. He made a very stressful situation much easier.
If I ever have any need for legal expertise, I wouldn't think twice about calling Yee Horn again.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Rou duo
27 Dec, 2021 by Christopher bryant-stitt
Seamless. Professional and straight-forward immigration services. I would highly recommend Wong to anyone in need of help with permanent residency.
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12 Apr, 2018 by 王哲
30 Aug, 2023 by Helen bashoura
I hired Fernando to complete a premarital agreement for me. He is so personable and pleasant to work with. He is very patient and transparent with all questions that you have. His assistant Darla was also on top of everything. I would highly recommend Fernando for your family law needs
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29 Oct, 2021 by Douglas birns
06 May, 2018 by Justin bennett
04 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Maria Giragossian is a highly astute, intelligent, dedicated, and fierce lawyer who cares about her clients. She is direct and honest, providing concise explanations about legal complexities. Maria is invested and focused on her client's goals. She works a case with integrity, intense research and preparation, while giving realistic expectations of outcomes. She communicates actively and responds promptly, no question or concern is dismissed. Maria is knowledgeable about other attorneys, mediators, and court proceedings enabling her to fully discuss opposition and requirements. Each step of a case is accurately accountable and well represented.
Also in the office is Priscilla Magallon, who handles paralegal documentation and communicates case activities. She is reliable, thorough, prepared, and very considerate. Priscilla makes sure all research and development is clearly understood by the client. All forms of information are explained without hurry or pressure, in a timely and organized manner. Priscilla is an asset to Maria's carefully constructed case.
I would highly recommend Maria Giragossian for representation, and appreciate her high caliber of work.
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22 Oct, 2022 by Karolina
Maria is my go to lawyer. She has guided me through tough situation. Always kept it professional and adequate in all cases. Highly recommend Maria
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28 Jan, 2015 by Courtney
Mrs. Maria Giragossian represents my former spouse in our family law case.
Generally, opposing counsel seems to strike fear in to someone's heart, but Mrs. Giragossian has successfully bridged a tumultuous gap and excellent represents her client while addressing my needs, as well as those of the opposing party. If you want a professional, thorough attorney who will opt to repair the problems in your case, simultaneously creating an air of approachability and professionalism, choose her! In addition, she provides much more of an aesthetically positive presence than the stereotypical dusty, worn down attorneys one would see drudging through the halls in the courthouse. With a bounce in her step, her evidently high level of intelligence is combined with a fresh, youthful aura that can assure you that you're getting the best of both worlds: confidence, composure, experience in a shockingly capable package. A fantastic combination of beauty, and brains....put bluntly. Highly recommended, and she's not even my representation.
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22 Feb, 2014 by Donna
We had a legal issue involving a foreclosure matter with two lenders on the foreclosure. Mr. Hogue was absolutely brilliant in his representation of our case. I highly recommend him because he knows the law, understands how to apply it and gets results.
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27 Jun, 2013 by Oscar f. (alhambra)
Dan is an excellent attorney whom I would highly recommend. I was dealing with a lien on my real state property which I was not aware of until I was attempting to refinance the home. To my surprise, the lien was filed in New York! He took my case when other attorneys were suggesting I deal with a lawyer in New York. He fought diligently and vigorously with a high level of professionalism. Thus, he was able to get the title company to proceed with escrow paperwork. He got the job done and saved me thousands of dollars! Thanks Dan!
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12 Jan, 2017 by Steve
I have known Scott for about 2 years and find him to be a very good business partner. He is very good at following up and providing us with great support. He is also very honest and very hard working. I would definitely recommend Scott to anyone that needs a good business attorney.
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15 Aug, 2013 by Karina
I would recommend anyone considering an attorney to look no further than Scott Wu. I have worked with Scott for the last ten years now, and I haven't encountered an issue that Scott wasn't able to resolve. He has helped my husband and I prevent costly mistakes by always reviewing contracts first before we sign them. Bonus, he's pretty funny and definitely witty. However, opposing parties beware he can be quite firm and aggressive if needed. I'm glad he's on my side.
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29 Jan, 2024 by George
I highly recommend Evgeniy. Evgeniy is an experienced lawyer and knows his business well, he quickly helped me with my question and explained all the details of the contract.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Mariia
I consulted with Evgeny Swarovski on the issue of housing legislation. The lawyer provided me with comprehensive answers to all my questions very quickly, competently and professionally! I will definitely turn to him next time and recommend lawyer Evgeny Svarovskiy as an excellent professional in his field and a pleasant conversationalist!
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25 Feb, 2016 by Daniel
I met Dennis at his office in Pasadena because my lender was going to foreclose on my home. I had no where else to turn and I was desperate. What impressed me was that he had a huge team at his office that listened to me, and they knew exactly what my bank was doing and reassured me that they've done this before. They outlined a strategy and I felt relieved. I really felt that I had a team behind me. Anyways, the result was that they found some bank errors which effectively blocked the foreclosure, and it forced them back to the bargaining table. We are negotiating a new loan and it's so much better then what I could of ever hoped for.
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30 Nov, 2015 by Patty
I am a Real Estate Broker and a client of Denis Rasmussen and the Real Estate Law Center.
Four of my clients and I have retained the services of his firm " The Real Estate Law Center" The expertise and experience of his staff are exceptional. All four of us were so thrilled with what a great Job Denis and his staff had done, we are excited to write this review and refer our family, friends and anyone who needs help. Denis Rasumessn and The Real Estate Law Center firm does superlative work. We can't thank you enough !
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04 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
He helped me and my family save our home, thank you Tom!
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02 May, 2015 by Malik
I contacted Bob based and had a very positive experience. Unfortunately, he doesn't specialize in the type of case I have, but his follow up and follow through were great, and I appreciate the direction he gave me for my case. I highly recommend reaching out to him for your legal affairs.
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05 Feb, 2018 by Tim
We hired Mitchell to take on a major public agency on a complex environmental matter. He thoroughly researched the issues and shaped a winning strategy. He's hard-working, diligent and persuasive.
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13 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I was a client of this lawyer. We obtained a proper settlement because of his negotiation skill.
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19 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Bruce is a great attorney. He's professional, experienced and a genuinely good guy. It seems like he has done most everything in the legal field and can give advice on any questions you have. Really reasonable rates, compared to others lawyers I checked out, and he works fast.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Gina rincon
He's awesome!! Along with his other attorneys. Well worth it!!
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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14 May, 2015 by Morgan
Charles Gugliuzza is a great lawyer, truly. I've been in a tight situations before, but this (the last time) there was a problem with a construction paper. A friend of mine has recommended me to go to Charles Gugliuzza LLC and so I did. Mr. Charles was really helpful from the beginning, offered me a couple of solutions to my problem. I believe that he has huge experience with these matters, after all he is specialized into this. At the end of the day it Charles and I agreed to work together.
In just a few weeks, as promised, my papers have been cleared and I am grateful for that. It was all done at a very professional level.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Jose luis gomez
No is always a yes with Lu.
Did an amazing job on my high profile case.
Stayed & was well aware of the process.
Would hire when possible :)
Easy as tea time.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Big papa merks
I’m so grateful for Alpine Law Group. They were so helpful and patient with all my questions. I’m beyond Thankful.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Todd goodson
Hello my name is Todd goodson I got hit by a car August 14th didn't know what to do I thought I waited too long but then I took a chance and reach out to this company called Alpine law group not sure exactly what the date but maybe 8 months 6 months later my life got changed by not being a I sue happy person but being a reality person because I need help so I'm going to say thanks to Aaron and his group at Alpine law group thank you very much for all the help you did for my case it was awesome. And in the future I plan on referring anybody that I know that needs help to you guys so I hope you guys can handle there cases if you see a case there! Thank you very much Todd Goodson 👍
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17 Aug, 2024 by Dolores miranda
Cecilia is the person that I communicated with throughout my son's case and she was always very sweet and informative. Thank you for making the long process pleasant when speaking to you.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Big papa merks
I’m so grateful for Alpine Law Group. They were so helpful and patient with all my questions. I’m beyond Thankful.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Todd goodson
Hello my name is Todd goodson I got hit by a car August 14th didn't know what to do I thought I waited too long but then I took a chance and reach out to this company called Alpine law group not sure exactly what the date but maybe 8 months 6 months later my life got changed by not being a I sue happy person but being a reality person because I need help so I'm going to say thanks to Aaron and his group at Alpine law group thank you very much for all the help you did for my case it was awesome. And in the future I plan on referring anybody that I know that needs help to you guys so I hope you guys can handle there cases if you see a case there! Thank you very much Todd Goodson 👍
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17 Aug, 2024 by Dolores miranda
Cecilia is the person that I communicated with throughout my son's case and she was always very sweet and informative. Thank you for making the long process pleasant when speaking to you.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Christy nguyen
As someone that doesn't meet attorneys often, I absolutely love Donald.
I was in a difficult place and not really knowing how the law worked - Donald stepped up and made sure to assure me of the outcomes of my case.
He represented me like I was his own family member and took the time to answer every single answer I had.
I truly recommend Donald and his services!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Jose “anonymous” x
I have been a client of the Law Offices Of Donald J for over three years, and I couldn't be more pleased with the outstanding service they provide. Donald and Lisa have been instrumental in handling all my speeding tickets and various legal matters with utmost professionalism.
I always felt informed and confident that my legal issues were in capable hands. Their convenience and efficiency have truly set them apart.
Thanks to the Law Offices Of Donald J, all my tickets have been successfully resolved. I am immensely grateful for their expertise and the peace of mind they have provided throughout the years. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and professional legal assistance.
Thank you, Donald and Lisa, for your outstanding work!
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11 Apr, 2023 by Victoria macedo
Just wow!! i'm eternally thankful for the work Don Matson has done for me and the horrible charges against me. He goes above and beyond what is expected and responds incredibly fast. It's extremely rare to meet people who remain passionate and determined. Knowledgable, sweet, and kind. If you're ever in trouble, he's the man to call.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Christy nguyen
As someone that doesn't meet attorneys often, I absolutely love Donald.
I was in a difficult place and not really knowing how the law worked - Donald stepped up and made sure to assure me of the outcomes of my case.
He represented me like I was his own family member and took the time to answer every single answer I had.
I truly recommend Donald and his services!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Jose “anonymous” x
I have been a client of the Law Offices Of Donald J for over three years, and I couldn't be more pleased with the outstanding service they provide. Donald and Lisa have been instrumental in handling all my speeding tickets and various legal matters with utmost professionalism.
I always felt informed and confident that my legal issues were in capable hands. Their convenience and efficiency have truly set them apart.
Thanks to the Law Offices Of Donald J, all my tickets have been successfully resolved. I am immensely grateful for their expertise and the peace of mind they have provided throughout the years. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and professional legal assistance.
Thank you, Donald and Lisa, for your outstanding work!
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11 Apr, 2023 by Victoria macedo
Just wow!! i'm eternally thankful for the work Don Matson has done for me and the horrible charges against me. He goes above and beyond what is expected and responds incredibly fast. It's extremely rare to meet people who remain passionate and determined. Knowledgable, sweet, and kind. If you're ever in trouble, he's the man to call.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Anthony jones
Kyle is the absolute best! We are writing to express our deepest appreciation for your outstanding work in negotiating our lemon law case. Thank you for your professionalism, work ethic, and continued support. Your expertise was pivotal in providing us a favorable outcome. You went above and beyond our expectations to resolve the case. You provided the most excellent representation! We will gladly recommend your service to others who may need legal assistance. With sincere thanks, Anthony and Michelle Jones
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06 Jun, 2024 by Matt brady
Kyle was a superstar in EVERY way. I was of course nervous but read some great reviews and decided to trust them. Right of the bat he was easy to reach, friendly, helpful, and great with follow thru. My brand new electric car from a new European company had SO many issues, not starting, doors not opening, sunroof not opening, GPS not working, weird nosies, it was an endless list of issues. Most of them were not life treating and more annoying, but he was able to get me a full refund. IT was a leap of faith and I am glad I took it.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Charde irby
Just finished working with Kyle, who out of all the attorneys I reached out to was the only one who did not screen my call. Kyle immediately made himself available to look into a matter that probably only occurs once in a blue money. He made sure I understood the complexity behind this legal matter and actually heard me out when I explained my side. He patiently answered all of my questions and helped me understand all available courses of action. I highly recommend Kyle for any of your lemon law needs.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Rou duo
27 Dec, 2021 by Christopher bryant-stitt
Seamless. Professional and straight-forward immigration services. I would highly recommend Wong to anyone in need of help with permanent residency.
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12 Apr, 2018 by 王哲
27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Peter has been my attorney for a few years, assisting me through a challenging case involving a contractor's license issue. He successfully helped me obtain a lien and work with the bond to recover funds. Throughout the process, Peter was consistently honest about the time, effort, and costs required to achieve the desired outcomes. His deep knowledge of construction law was evident and invaluable in navigating the complexities of the case.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
