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31 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
My family and I used him as our lawyer few times already for motor vehicle accidents and personal injury cases. Great job each and every time. Highly recommend!
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Granovsky has represented me on a few occasions, and he has always exceeded my expectations.
He was able to get the very best possible results even though my cases were complicated. I knew the total cost of the fees up front, it was all very straightforward and definitely worth every penny.
He was very professional, prompt and efficient. He did an excellent job and kept me informed throughout the whole process. I was very pleased with the outcome of my cases. I would highly recommend Mr. Granovsky to anyone who is looking for someone who is trustworthy, knowledgable and sincere.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Oleg
This gentleman handled my underage drinking case like a true professional. Not only I was able to avoid a criminal charge, but also got a reduced fine. I would definitely recommend this lawyer to someone in need of one.
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28 Jun, 2021 by Laura santana
19 May, 2021 by Carmen maldonado
04 Dec, 2020 by Dana sarne
17 Feb, 2018 by Anthony
I retained attorney Bryan Suchenski when I needed help on a suspended license. Bryan reached a prompt and favorable outcome that far exceeded my expectations. He has a rare combination of great skill and knowledge with a friendly, direct approach that is refreshing. I highly recommend Bryan to anyone who wants to quickly and seamlessly resolve their legal issues.
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10 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Bryan was an excellent asset in my efforts to secure a variance for a multi-unit property in Philadelphia. He negotiated all efforts with L&I I was very pleased to get all the requested permissions and documents from the city. Thanks for your assistance.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Patrick
I have retained Mr. Suchenski's legal services several times in landlord-tenant matters, as well as minor litigation. His advice is realistic and reasonable, and it is clear he has always pursued my best interests. That has included working with the other side of a legal matter to resolve an issue without going to court. I would summarize his approach as "let's make this work." More than a source of formal legal advice, I can call Mr. Suchenski for perspective on reasonable and ethical ways to approach issues that arise in running my small businesses.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Pete
Jeffery is easy to work with, very knowledgeable and extremely professional. I would recommend him to work with anyone.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Michael
I worked with Jeff on a case that I was woefully undereducated on. In my first conversation with him, I could tell he was already well aware of the applicable statutes in my case, and very clearly outlined my best course of action. Throughout the process, he was extremely responsive, and answered all my questions quickly and clearly.
I would work with Mr. Mullen again, and recommend him to anyone.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I am beyond impressed with Jeff Mullen’s work ethic, persistence and attention to detail. He is a professional. Jeff has the ability to break down confusing legal literature into text that is easier to understand. He is honest and proficient in leading you in the right direction. It isn’t often you find a lawyer that has your best interest at heart. Jeff truly lives for what he does, and cares about every client individually. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Mullen. Thanks to him, I have a contract that focuses on my wants and needs. I can guarantee he is one of the most qualified attorneys in the field, and you will not be disappointed with his work.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Emil & rosanne
Over the years, Michael has provided prudent guidance on a number of legal issues for my wife and I. Most recently, Michael represented us in a real estate transaction. From careful review of the purchase and sale contract, making sure that all contingencies were satisfactorily met, to attending our settlement over 100 miles from his Center City office location, Michael gave us complete confidence that he was the right choice. Adding to the complexity, we were obtaining private financing which required drafting of all funding and legal documents necessary that would normally be provided by a conventional lender or bank. Michael's knowledge and expertise continue to surpass our expectations. His undivided commitment to service and client satisfaction is second to none.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Maureen
My husband and I first went to Michael to have wills done. He was very accommodating; my husband is disabled and couldn't go to Michael’s office to sign the papers, so he came to our house instead. Then we inherited a house and Michael helped us every step of the way until it sold. We couldn't have done it without him. Michael is a very friendly and pleasant person to work with.
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17 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
He handled my bankruptcy with ease and then has made himself available for various issues ever since. He is a top notch, ethical lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone.
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21 May, 2014 by Kathleen
We had been involved in an ongoing suit for 2 years. We had worked with 2 attorneys on our case, both came highly recommended. We could not understand why our case was going nowhere. We felt the prosecution seemed to be gaining ground, although we were told we had a good case . Our case dragged on and on.We were bringing strategy ideas to our attorney, because we never heard his strategy plan. Our attorney only intensified our stress level. We were at our wits end. We were the defendants and we had lost any quality of life we once had .
When we hired Abby Sacunas it was as if we had representation for the first time . The difference was measureable; quick action, return phone calls, pressing ahead in an agressive professional manner. She had support staff which kept the momentum pressing forward. Abby was to the point and kept on point. We could not believe the attention our case received. Abby turned our case around. We were guided by Abby every step of the way. She prepped us brilliantly for our deposition. Now the opposing attorney knew he was facing a true professional.
Abby wrapped up our case in 3 months. If we had not switched attorneys we would still be floundering in a sea of unanswered emails and calls that seemed to deflect our concerns.
I know it may sound sappy, but Abby gave us our life back.
It is true what they say , at least in our case, you get what you pay for , and Abby Sacunas is worth every penny and then some. Abby Sacunas is the only attorney we will refer to friends or family, No matter what the issue may be.
She is brilliant.
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19 May, 2014 by Seth
Abby gives you the perfect combination of tenacity yet realism…will fight for you as if you are her family, but will not hesitate to tell you if you are going to lose and it's not a good idea.
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19 May, 2014 by James
Abby was extremely knowledgeable about the law, aggressive when she had to be, always positive helping to maintain my outlook on the case, and very thorough.
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27 Feb, 2013 by Michael
Jason was great! He immediatly addressed my concerns by having me forward the documentation regarding potential litigation against my company. After forwarding the documentation, I received a return call right away from Jason stating that there were numerous legal reasons why the other parties claims were worthless, and that if he needed to defend my company, he was certain he would be able to do so with 100% success. He drafted a letter to the other attorneys directly addressing the other parties concerns, stated that he felt their case was without merit, and that if needed, he was going to defend us aggressivelly. Jason was able to refute thier claims with clear cut legal precedents put in place to protect me and my small company. His obvious working knowledge of the law took immediate pressure off of us and we did not hear from the claiments again. Thank you Jason!
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23 Feb, 2013 by Nathanael
Excellent attorney! I had a contract dispute with a tenant that I was unable to settle myself. Mr. Sweet handled the matter for me in a discrete and respectful manor. He kept in constant contact with me and was able to fully resolve my issue. I would highly recommend his services.
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23 Jan, 2013 by Roger
Jason was great from start till finish. Everytime I asked a question he responded immediately. He walked me through the the entire legal process and deifferent scenarios. He gave great advice which lead to a great settlement. He is very knowledgable and isn't afraid to fight for you.
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01 May, 2015 by Ray
I was wrongly convicted [shoplifting] and was concerned I wouldn't be approved for Citizenship although I've lived in the U.S. for over 30 years.
Several attorneys I consulted with were very negative but then my wife's friend mentioned M.R. Cohen was THE lawyer to go to with tough cases. I met with him at his NE office [he has others in Center City and NJ] and instead of discouraging me, told me I should apply and he thought there was a good chance he could get me approved!
As we processed the application I immediately saw a big difference. His attention to detail was amazing. Again and again he suggested better ways to deal with an issue, made me get additional documents, etc., but in the end I understood why his 30+ years experience is a big edge to the other lawyers I had met!
I was approved and am very grateful Mr. Cohen agreed to represent me. He's helping me sponsor my brother and mother and I'd never want to use any other lawyer.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Joseph
M.R. Cohen, Esquire persuaded Immigration to approve my Permanent Residency denial. Amazing lawyer! Hard worker.
Very easy going, answers his own phone and doesn't mind answering repeated emails (without charge! --not out to nickel and dime you!).
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05 Dec, 2022 by Robert "buddy" stewart
I dont believe the one bad review for Joe on here, Joe is an amazing lawyer who actually cares, Mr. Capone definitely had my back and provided comfort and got me the results I needed to continue my everyday life. You'd be foolish not to hire Joe Capone!
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04 Apr, 2015 by D.bell
The man is beyond great.I have had enough good and bad to know over the years He and only two others in his league in 30 years.He is professional,suave,ethical and down to earth.He can make a phone call and poof!Magical touch.Amazing! He representedy son on false charges against him,and needless to say:Withdrawn.God Bless you,Mr. Capone.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Lisa
Mr. Bongiovanni was an outstanding attorney skillfully using his exceptional attorney skills maintaining the highest level of professionalism during my highly contemptuous case. My case was personal and emotional and Mr. Bongiovanni never faltered resolving every obstacle (and there were many) presented by opposing counsel. Mr. Bongiovanni commitment went beyond expectations. He tirelessly worked to resolve my case. I would Highly recommend Mr. Bongiovanni.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Domenic
In my professional experience, I have worked with a number of attorneys on a range of matters.
While many exhibit professionalism, none has surpassed the blending of professionalism, candor and empathy that Joseph possesses.
He has guided me through a sensitive legal matter that intertwined a complex set of business and personal concerns. He has also advocated successfully on my behalf in purely business matters and liability issues.
Through them all, he has demonstrated unswerving capabilities and a clear understanding of exactly what it means to be an advocate. He is a source of sound advice and good counsel, and above all...a directness that exudes an understanding of the matter at hand combined with the varying needs of the client; ranging from the obvious legal to the psychological to the practical.
Whether it being simply to serve as a sounding board or to think through contingency and strategies...Joseph is a wise man, a family man and a good man. He is responsive and communicative in a timely manner, as he understands that your respective legal matter might very well be the most pressing issue in your life, and he treats it as such. I have never, ever felt like a number or simply another manila folder on his desk.
He is someone I have come to rely on and also have the privilege to come to consider a friend.
To simply say that I could not recommend Joseph more wholeheartedly does him little justice.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Douglas Leney has been my attorney for the last five years. Mr. Leney was successfully able to direct me in the formation of a number of businesses and partnerships over the years. He also represented me when things turned for the worse and stepped up as my legal council. I highly recommend this individual for his high level of professionalism, deductive reasoning, creative approach and perseverance when faced with challenging tasks.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Doug's firm in March 2014 and he was quickly assigned my case. At the time, my company was in the process of trying to recover a large debt from one of our vendors, on our own, for 2 years. In order to pay us, our vendor had to sell his company, which only complicated things. From the beginning, Doug showed himself to be very "hands-on" and proactive. The case was far from simple, but Doug was always prepared for every twist and contingency. After nearly 18 months of negotiation, we closed a very good deal which allowed us to receive a large portion of the debt upfront and reasonable terms on the back-end. We were so pleased with Doug's performance that we still consult him on other matters nearly 1 year after the case was settled.
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15 Jun, 2015 by Fred and linda
Assisted us financially to address major debt. The job was in Pennsylvania. We went through bankruptcy and this took a few years, with its problems. She was there at every step along the way. She defends those that cannot defend themselves.
She held your hand through the whole process and explained each step.
Sharon went beyond and above on every step.
She was always on time and early.
Her quality of work is superlative.
There is nothing she could have done better.
She is a great, compassionate, fantastic person and lawyer. She cares about what she stands for and what she does and defends those that cannot defend themselves.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Karen
My husband and I hired Mrs. Masters to represent our son when he was sued by a credit card company. We expected her to negotiate with them and we would pay to settle.
After she spoke to our son, he opened up to us about the extent of his debt problem following his divorce. She suggested bankruptcy was his best option and was able to stop all the creditor calls immediately. She did a great job and got his debts discharged, so he could have a fresh start.
I would reccommend her to anyone who is facing problems with creditors and debt.
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08 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Shapiro for a business litigation contract dispute and was extremely satisfied with our end result. Not only did Mr. Shapiro provide me with the quality representation, he kept me informed every step f the way. His demeanor and knowledge assured me and kept me at ease. I would most definitely recommend Mr. Shapiro to my business colleagues and plan to maintain a business relationship with him and his firm as well.
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08 May, 2013 by Alex caroline robboy
Adam Shapiro is a trustworthy, quality lawyer. His work was timely. He was extremely responsive to my needs. I felt his prices were reasonable. He advice was solid. I can't say enough positive things about my experience (s ) with him.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Drew cannon
Joel was not only extremely helpful in finding the right attorney my legal matter.
He was straightforward, responsive and very helpful.
I would highly recommend you call this firm first! I know I should have.
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28 Apr, 2017 by Philip
After meeting with two attorneys to represent me, it was clear almost immediately Phil was the right representation. The retention process was easy, his schedule and staff was very flexible and I really felt like Phil truly cared for me as his client. He was very thorough in his analysis and provided me with winning counsel and also just generally explaining state laws which can be very confusing. Marital agreements are not the easiest of conversations to have, and Phil provided me with guidance and ethics in that area as well. I would absolutely recommend Phil for any family law needs.
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24 Aug, 2021 by Natasha
Bill is a stand up guy! Compassionate, focused and very knowledgeable. Do not hesitate to hire him. You will not regret it!
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03 Jul, 2015 by Jara
Mr. McLaughlin is a professional and skilled attorney. His legal expertise and range of practical experience make him an incredibly effective advocate for his clients. This was my first time dealing with a criminal charge, so I was very nervous about what would happen and how it would impact my future. On our first meeting, Bill immediately put me at ease and walked me carefully through my available options. Throughout his representation, he consistently responded quickly to my phone calls or emails and thoughtfully answered any question I posed about my case and potential outcomes. As a lawyer, Bill is smart and experienced. He thinks through complex legal matters to find every possible solution. However, even more than his legal aptitude, it gave me confidence knowing he was on my side. He really cares about his clients, and it shows. He provided individualized attention, working with me through the specifics of my criminal case. He gave me all the information and tools I needed to make an informed decision about how to move forward in my case. Finally, he supported the decision that I made and we won my case. Bill’s clients are lucky to have him. I would highly recommend his services to anyone needing legal help in NJ or PA.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney Thompson was referred to me by a family member for an Estate matter. He was very knowledgeable and adept at maneuvering his way around the Register of Wills' office. He did exactly what he was hired to do for the price that he gave me. I will be calling him again when it is time to sell the family home. He is also a Real Estate Broker. I cannot say enough about the excellent service he provided my family.
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15 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Thompson is a true professional. He was always on time, kept me informed about my case and handled all of the paperwork in a timely mannner. he really made a difficult situation
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03 Oct, 2020 by Danyelle
Yvonne Haskins is very knowledgeable and detailed. During the process, she is careful in reviewing each step and you have a full awareness of everything, she will represent you with a strong and energetic demeanor to ensure success every time. I have full confidence in her abilities and am thankful to have her as my Counsel.
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26 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Haskins is a very experienced and competent real estate lawyer, with a special expertise in zoning. She has handled and won complex zoning appeals at the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment. Her work on complex landlord-tenant cases focuses on representation of landlord evictions; however, she also provides pro bono advice to low income tenants. She represented me in a case of fraud against me by my landlord under a lease purchase agreement, and we won.
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5.0
1 Reviews
27 Feb, 2017 by Angelo
Very Personal, very professional. Excellent Attorney. He got the job done!! I would approve him to family and friends.
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13 Feb, 2016 by John
I in fact, DID hire this attorney. I had a very difficult situation and Daniel Guided me through the very technical issues involved, achieving the best outcome I could have hoped for. Good attorneys come at a price, but worth every penny, considering the outcome, and in a short period of time. Highly Recommend!
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5.0
1 Reviews
26 Sep, 2012 by E & a
Kevin became involved in our case when we were already at trial. He got up to speed quickly and went out of his way to make us feel comfortable. His ability to understand the nuance and complexity of our issue in such a short period of time was more than a little impressive. Both in the courtroom and in trail preparation, Kevin's ability and exceptional acumen are quite clear. We consider ourselves more than fortunate to have him on our side, and could not be more appreciative of his efforts and abilities. Kevin and his firm as a whole are remarkable and we couldn't have been better represented.
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07 Oct, 2010 by Anthony
Mr. Ditomo is always ready to help and listen. He has helped my family with many issues and gotten positive outcomes.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Lawrence amaturo
Mike has been my partner's and my business attorney for nine years. He handles our Operating Agreements, Employee issues, Real Estate development and provides the general business direction good lawyers can offer. A strong recommendation for any business operator who wants a straightforward, no BS opinion on most matters.
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27 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Buck helped me right out of the gate and my result was excellent. His ability to extract client details of a case, evidence and formulate a strategy and cross examination was key to my positive case results. He is young, but his credentials and schooling are impressive. I am currently using him again on another case as he has gained my trust based on the first case results.
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07 Dec, 2014 by Ed
My 21 yr old son was arrested for a misdemeanor level crime. We were referred to Mr Sciolla and promptly a consultation occurred. Mr Sciolla looked at the merits of the case and since my son was in fact guilty, Mr Sciolla saw it would be pointless to try and get my son off with a trial where the preponderance of the evidence showed beyond a reasonable doubt my son was guilty. He did not attempt to charge more money in a sure losing effort. Mr Sciolla was honest and he explained if my son would agree to plead guilty he could almost guarantee a favorable sentence. At the conclusion, my son had a very minor sentence, the fines were set in stone, however 14 months later, my son now has another chance to follow his dream career as the record has been expunged. Mr Sciolla was responsive to any questions and concerns we had and hopefully we will not need his services again, I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Sciolla for any criminal offense from the most serious to the less.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Frank j. barcia
Kristin Teufel (Esquire) is a Lundy Law Lawyer that embraced my injury case with the following: (1) compassion for my three broken ribs and balloon type elbow contusion, (2) provided information pertaining to medical & legal procedures which eliminated confusion & prepared me for the upcoming processes, (3) after two years, Ms. Teufel's monitoring of the healing process was completed, (4) efficiently organized procedural tactics which ensured an immediate acceptable settlement agreement by the insurance company & myself and (5) after three months following the settlement, a "follow up" was required for disconcerted accusations made by the Rawlings Company (medical insurance), “Your attorney has not responded to our inquiries, nor has he or she acknowledged representation of you.” This was totally an inaccurate statement because I received copies of letters that transpired between the Rawlings Co. & Ms. Teufel's office. Therefore, Ms. Teufel immediately put her professionalism to work with the following statement, "I will take care of it for you." and a resolution letter to the Rawlings Co. made it all disappear.
My reply letter to Ms. Teufel contained the following statement:
Kristin Teufel this is how I see you “Successful”
“Success is not measured in dollars and cents, but rather in terms of how determined you are to persevere, how committed you are to maintain an unbending integrity and how willing you are to stay the course when surrounded by doubters.”
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30 May, 2014 by Dkhai
I have had the misfortune of needing the services Mr. Lord provides.He and his staff made the situation so much less stressful just through the knowledge that was shared about my situation. Knowledge is truly power when coming from the right person who helps and does not undermine you when you are at your weakest and most vulnerable seeking resolutions to problems. Thank THE LORD for Mr.Lord DKhai
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08 May, 2021 by Mary
After months of going back and forth with a life insurance company regarding a policy that I was supposed to get when my ex husband died I called the Boonswang law firm and Hunter was assigned my case. He was able to get it settled and get the money I was owed. I cannot say enough good things about Hunter. Mine was an unusual case but Hunter kept me informed throughout the whole process with emails and phone calls. If you need a lawyer to get the insurance policy money you are owed I would definitely recommend the Boonswang Law firm and Hunter.
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30 May, 2012 by Eve
Mr.Walker was referred to me by a friend regarding a complex business matter. But it did not seem so complex after he explained things to me in language that I understood. As for results, I can only say that he under promised and over delivered.
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13 Jun, 2014 by Vincent
Rich Mulcahey is an outstanding lawyer.He was very instrumental in handling a difficult case for me.
He demonstrated professionalism and knowledge while handling the matter and without his skills it would have never settled.
I would highly recommend him to any one.
Rich is as good as it gets.
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24 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Never had an attorney other than Sheldon who considered EVERY option, way beyond just litigation. The goal was how to efficiently resolve a dispute through negotiation that evidenced a collegial approach to conveying why the opponents and their counsel should be VERY WORRIED. This is a smooth, not slick, advocate who, in deps or trial, lays a virtually hypnotic path toward the unexpected implosion of a witness. I have watched him establish a series of seemingly harmless admissions by a SMART person whose testimony just methodically lead to the precise opposite proclamation than the respondent meant to convey. Simply put, the witness "accidentally" told the truth before he realized what had happened. Sheldon cares, and he produces favorable results. Nuff said?
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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.
