Lawyers map
>1.6k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
29 Oct, 2011 by Adam
CASE: quite title
Lawyer/Firm Alexander Barth - Cohen-Seglias-Furman
Result:
Barth basically handed my signature over to opposing counsel
for him to attach a legal description of a property of mine to mortgage as security on the settlement he worked out..The mortgage was supposed to be on the property in dispute.But another property of mine was mortaged because Alex Barth had failed to do a simple title search ,that would have found an existing mortgage already on the disputed property. Instead,Barth handed my signature over to opposing counsel,without knowing(or did he?) what it was going to be
attached to...
The result,,i still have no deed - a property of mine i owned free & clear is now fouled up by a bogus mortgage..And Cohen-Seglias sued
me for $70k.. Partner Marion Corneilous,who was suphoned for arbitration,didnt even show up.Contemt!! and Barth was voted against %100 by the ARB panel.His defense was that he had built in remedies into our serttlement,which were to pay Cohen-seglias more money to go back into court...
They royally screwed it up - mortgaged the property i was going to get a loan on to pay them..case never settled to this day.. and tried to charge $70k for a simple quite title,,that never happened.I hired James Pearl who shot down Cohen - Seglias at the arbitration and has almost gotten me the deed to the disputed property that started this whole mess...
Read more
30 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Avallone to handle a foreclosure. He handed the case off to another attorney in his office who retired right before the court case. As a result I ended up with Avallone who was not prepared to handle the case. It’s 5 years later and I’m still dealing with the fall out from Avallone’s incompetence and unpreparedness. Although Avallone cannot seems to find the time to prepare for your case he can always find the time to send you a bill.
Read more
05 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
This man is one of the most ineffective non-aggressive lawyers I have ever encountered. He allows himself to be intimidated by opposing counsel, gets thrown off track by irrelevant details, and doesn't familiarize himself with the real facts of a case. Would not trust him in front if a judge...would probably let opposing counsel run over him like a steam roller. He is good at running up large fees. Personally I think he is incompetent.
Read more
04 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
He creates the problem, encourages litigation, then settles the problem he created. Completely fee driven. Avoid.
Read more
20 Apr, 2018 by Denise fox
I met Mr. Brennan at an East Vincent Township zoning hearing. He was very rude, aggressive, interrupted us and treated my husband and I like we were second class citizens. He did not allow us to have a reasonable debate with the zoning board. He once again last evening would not allow me to speak uninterrupted for five minutes. He is a bully and unfairly uses his authority to conduct these meetings.
Read more
22 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
While employed with Messa & Assoc. Law firm in Phila. Brian Kelly was assigned to handle a real estate matter for me. I now see from this profile that he has no real estate background. He bungled my case and when he departed the firm, I was not informed by him or the firm. It was a two part case. The matter was handled in the reverse and the primary and optimal objective was never achieved. I lost large sums of money not only in legal fees but as a result of the matter remaining unresolved. Messa & Associates at S. 22 St. in Phila. is culpable. They suggested assigning another attorney at additional costs. I terminated our association and would not recommend the firm nor Brian Kelly. I understand Brian went on to work with a title company. Does that not require real estate knowledge? I have since engaged another attorney to complete the matter at additional costs.
Read more
29 Aug, 2023 by Family mail
Apparently this was a lawfirm that represented a case in PA, well, almost a year later and not one word from anyone after case was finished and it's almost as if they are partnered with the shady lawfirm Matthews & Associates that hired them to get more money from people.
Read more
06 Nov, 2019 by Shadow dancer
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!! IF I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS, I WOULD!!!
I was referred to Feldman and Pinto by Flagger and Associates and truly wish I hadn't been!
From the beginning, there was a clear LACK OF COMMUNICATION from ALL PARTIES of Feldman and Pinto. I continuously needed to reach out to schedule documents to be given to them, get updates I was promised, etc.!
I was treated very rudely and unfairly!!
They then wanted me to sign blank release forms for me and my son; OUTRIGHT REFUSING to even speak to me about WHO they would be requesting forms from, despite me mentioning that I might have additional people/agencies that could provide information.
They also OUTRIGHT REFUSED TO ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS!!
In addition to this, they wanted me to sign documents with FALSE INFORMATION ON IT, despite this being pointed out to them MULTIPLE TIMES!! I asked, and was REFUSED, a corrected copy to sign!
I provided information to them in a timely manner; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DO THE SAME EXCEPT TO DENY WORKING WITH ME!!!
THEY OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CASE!! I WILL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER LAWYER TO HELP MY SON WHO WAS INJURED IN THE NICU!!
DO NOT BRING YOUR CASE TO FELDMAN AND PINTO; YOU WILL BE SORRY IF YOU DO!!
Read more
29 Aug, 2023 by Family mail
Apparently this was a lawfirm that represented a case in PA, well, almost a year later and not one word from anyone after case was finished and it's almost as if they are partnered with the shady lawfirm Matthews & Associates that hired them to get more money from people.
Read more
06 Nov, 2019 by Shadow dancer
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!! IF I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS, I WOULD!!!
I was referred to Feldman and Pinto by Flagger and Associates and truly wish I hadn't been!
From the beginning, there was a clear LACK OF COMMUNICATION from ALL PARTIES of Feldman and Pinto. I continuously needed to reach out to schedule documents to be given to them, get updates I was promised, etc.!
I was treated very rudely and unfairly!!
They then wanted me to sign blank release forms for me and my son; OUTRIGHT REFUSING to even speak to me about WHO they would be requesting forms from, despite me mentioning that I might have additional people/agencies that could provide information.
They also OUTRIGHT REFUSED TO ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS!!
In addition to this, they wanted me to sign documents with FALSE INFORMATION ON IT, despite this being pointed out to them MULTIPLE TIMES!! I asked, and was REFUSED, a corrected copy to sign!
I provided information to them in a timely manner; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DO THE SAME EXCEPT TO DENY WORKING WITH ME!!!
THEY OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CASE!! I WILL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER LAWYER TO HELP MY SON WHO WAS INJURED IN THE NICU!!
DO NOT BRING YOUR CASE TO FELDMAN AND PINTO; YOU WILL BE SORRY IF YOU DO!!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
