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02 Sep, 2014 by Frankii
Mr. Barbaro is an awesome person and a man I knew before coming to him regarding the law.
He is a GREAT man that has a sense of humor yet his judgement and personal character are wonderful. He cares yet fervent and passionate about his work, and does it extremely well. Family can be fickle, yet when all you seek is the truth and dishonesty may be in play, there are things that can and should be done about it, especially if it is a person or person’s, last wishes. Mr. Barbaro Jr., takes wills, the deceased and determines what their desires (wills),last wishes are and makes sure its fair to everyone in the will. Philip Barbaro Jr., always has your best interest in mind. Do you want someone who has your back, all the time? Mr. Barbaro is that person. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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08 Apr, 2013 by Deanna
In my opinion, my lawyer Mr. Philip Barbaro Jr., was professional, conscientious and someone I can highly recommend. He went above and beyond my expectations. My case was overwhelming to me. Phil would continually say “you don’t need to be worrying about this…that’s why you hired me. Let me do the worrying”. He made me feel very comfortable and well represented. I appreciated his directness and “get it done” attitude. I can honestly say, Mr. Barbaro made my unpleasant lawsuit end with what I think was the best possible outcome!
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01 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
never returned my calls. left me hanging
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08 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Kim is only concerned with how much money he can get from his client. A competent attorney could have had the case against me dismissed soon after it was filed as a fact of law. Mr Kim billed our legal plan for tens of thousands of dollars in work he never did and dragged his feet and procrastinated in doing anything to defend me. When I realized he was lying to me, it was too late to get another attorney before trial. Now, the Judge has determined that the cased did not follow the law. Both attorneys (plaintiffs and defendants) have taken enormous amounts of money and just walked away. DO NOT USE THIS ATTORNEY!!!
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21 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Atty. Kim was very helpful when we called him for help due to a lease agreement dispute. He was the only lawyer that took our case and was very knowledgeable about the law. He made us feel very safe. That was a very stressful moment for that I couldn’t sleep the night before. I am thankful that I called Atty. Kim. He is an expert at real estate law.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Anil
Unfortunately We did not retain this lawyer from AVVO.
We retained him for 2 cases until resolved he wanted full cash upfront for total cases. we gave him , yes we are stupid to do that even though he said he has some problems which i think he was in financial problems. after about a year he withdrew from the cases and left us alone without lawyer and now we are about to loose (dismissed )both cases worth very big amount because we do not know the law and judges will not wait till i find the lawyer. He kept all the money and has not returned any retainer fee yet but has promised few times that he will but never does. Be careful please. we wasted years on this cases and we lost all in a year. He never understood what the cases are all about because he was paid in full in advance. good luck
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07 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
During my juncture with Brandon A. Carroll, I discovered him to be untrustworthy and not knowledgeable about the law. My concerns range from misrepresentation involving wrongful filings, and procrastination. Brandon A. Carroll simultaneously misfiled cases and engaged in a pattern and practice of attorney misconduct. As a lay person when you hire a representative you except for them to be thorough, knowledgeable and loyal. Based off my experiences, I would not recommend Brandon A. Carroll under any circumstance.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Carroll about a real property matter and he provided the analysis I needed to make a decision.
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26 Sep, 2018 by Max
I hired Andy Turner of the law firm Lagerlof, Senecal, Gosney & Kruse in Pasadena to handle a dispute that I had with my neighbor and his insurance company. For over a year I spent many hours emailing, texting and calling Mr. Turner attempting to get updates on how the case was going. On almost every occasion it took several days to reach him. When he finally did respond it was one excuse after another as to why there was no movement in the case. While little progress was made during the time he handled the case Mr. Turner billed me for more than $15,000 (which I promptly paid) and then he quit when I refused to accept a settlement with terms he agreed to without consulting with me.
I reached out to several lawyers who reviewed the case and the attorney I ended up hiring was quite adamant that Mr. Turner made several rookie mistakes. He said with the evidence and paperwork I had provided Turner he should have been able to settle the case within months for more than the amount I was demanding. Andy Turner's ignorance of the law almost caused me to miss a crucial filing deadline that my new attorney caught and dealt with. My new attorney, who unlike Turner has the highest AVVO rating, settled the case in 3 months and charged me the cost of filing the lawsuit and administrative fees. A grand total of $1000. $14,000 less than Turner billed me for accomplishing nothing and quitting the case.
I can say, first hand, that Mr. Turner's low AVVO rating is well deserved. Had I taken his AVVO rating into account I never would have hired him and I caution anyone who considers hiring him to think again. I plan to file a complaint with the California Bar Association.
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07 Jun, 2018 by Bobby
In 2014, Nieves' firm, Hunt Ortmann, agreed to represent me in a $112,500 case. Nieves, a partner in the firm, oversaw and guided the two attorneys who worked on my case. Somehow, 4 years later, Hunt Ortmann had billed me roughly $350,000 while recovering less than $10,000.
Nieves and his firm handed my case to a brand new attorney (new attorney admitted to CA State Bar the day after I signed my retainer agreement with Hunt Ortmann). Other attorneys have reviewed my bills from Hunt Ortmann and concluded that the new attorney egregiously overbilled me because it seemed I was paying for his on the job training.
Nieves' firm mislead me about recoverable attorney fees while pursuing a defendant for 16 months and obtaining zero dollars.
Nieves' firm obtained a default judgment only to have the judgment vacated because the firm "STRATEGICALLY DECIDED NOT TO SERVE A FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT ON A MAJORITY OF THE DEFENDANTS". Yes, Nieves' firm, Hunt Ortmann, intentionally failed to serve a first amended complaint.
Hunt Ortmann also intentionally mislead the court by asking for that default judgment ON THE COMPLAINT instead of informing the court that a valid and operative first amended complaint existed.
Hunt Ortmann made numerous mistakes on my still unresolved case, charged me to try and correct those mistakes, and abruptly threatened to withdraw from my case at the worst possible time.
Each of their mistakes are a matter of public record now. The judge informed Nieves' co-workers in person that they should have served a First Amended complaint (common sense), and that they should have asked for a judgment on the amended complaint, not the original complaint.
I would not recommend this attorney or this law firm to anyone!
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07 Jun, 2018 by Bobby
Flores, with his firm, Hunt Ortmann, agreed to represent me in a $112,500 case. Somehow, 4 years later, Hunt Ortmann had billed me roughly $350,000 while recovering less than $10,000.
Flores and his firm handed my case to a brand new attorney (new attorney admitted to CA State Bar the day after I signed my retainer agreement with Hunt Ortmann). Other attorneys have reviewed my bills from Hunt Ortmann and concluded that the new attorney egregiously overbilled me because it seemed I was paying for his on the job training.
Flores mislead me about recoverable attorney fees while pursuing a defendant for 16 months and obtaining zero dollars.
Flores obtained a default judgment only to have the judgment vacated because Flores "STRATEGICALLY DECIDED NOT TO SERVE A FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT ON A MAJORITY OF THE DEFENDANTS". Yes, Flores and Hunt Ortmann intentionally failed to serve a first amended complaint.
Hunt Ortmann also intentionally mislead the court by asking for that default judgment ON THE COMPLAINT instead of informing the court that a valid and operative first amended complaint existed.
Hunt Ortmann made numerous mistakes on my still unresolved case, charged me to try and correct those mistakes, and abruptly threatened to withdraw from my case at the worst possible time.
Each of their mistakes are a matter of public record now. The judge informed Flores to his face they should have served a First Amended complaint (common sense), and that he should have asked for a judgment on the amended complaint, not the original complaint.
I would not recommend this attorney or this law firm to anyone!
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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.
