Lawyers map
>1.1k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
12 Oct, 2024 by Erich breimhurst
I can't say enough about the quality of the service from Quatrini and Erika Dowd. Her staff and especially Shayla did such a great job and helped me immeasurably through the disability process. Lifesaving! Thank you so much.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Natalie marhefky
I highly recommend this firm for your disability claim. Erica and Shayla were very helpful and encouraged me through the entire process. 😊
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Justin noel
Well What was a long, painful journey & in my case w a lot of uncertainty, having the ladies in my corner (Attorney Theresa, Rhonda & CJ) was a big help. Thank-you ladies
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by J gecko
They were terrific. Prompt, professional, kind, and fair value. Ms. Bowe was absolutely perfect. Thoughtful, presented all options, and advised without pushing. Their help made going through a difficult situation much better. Would highly recommend!
Read more
27 Jun, 2024 by Melissa s.
Aleksandra Kocelko was awesome! She was timely, accurate, helpful and focused! She communicated quickly and answered my questions. Needing a divorce lawyer is never the goal, but having a great lawyer when you do is! I will be recommending BOK and Aleksandra to others. Thanks, Aleksandra and team!
Read more
09 Nov, 2023 by Eddie whitfield
16 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Wayne handled my case and did an awesome job. He had held his stand and fought for me against a tough insurance company.
Bravo Wayne ! His staff was very supportive also and kept me updated. I would highly recommend The Chiurazzi Law firm .
Thank you everyone.
Read more
02 May, 2024 by Mike and kim
Wayne and his team did a wonderful job handling our case. The whole team is very professional and responsive, they treated us like family.
We very highly recommend the Chiurazzi Law Group.
Read more
15 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I was hit from behind in an auto accident in October 2021, and although insurance paid the medical bills and gave us the "value" of the totaled car (which was far below the actual replacement costs), I was still far worse off afterwards. Wayne's group helped take care of additional loss of work and negotiated a reasonable settlement. Since we were just coming out of Covid restrictions, these things went slowly, perhaps in part because the other driver was out-of-state, but Wayne & his team remained dedicated to seeing it through, and we received a better settlement than I had expected.
Read more
17 Jul, 2023 by Tom
Attorney Lloyd Welling prepared Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, and Living Will documents for me and my wife. Lloyd was courteous and professional. He took time to listen and answer all my questions. He understood my particular needs and did not try to sell me or convince me to buy a more expensive type of Estate Plan. I received my documents within a week after my consultation at a very reasonable price.
I highly recommend attorney Lloyd Welling for your Estate Planning needs!
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Jan
Lloyd was friendly and informative. He listened and made sensible suggestions for writing my will, power of attorney and living will. The process was smooth and easy. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone in need of planning and preparing end of life documentation.
Read more
21 Apr, 2023 by Christine
I contacted Lloyd Welling to have a will and power of attorney completed. I must say that my experience with Mr. Welling was exceptional! He is so personable and down to earth and very easy to talk to. He spent a lot of time with me answering all of my questions and did not rush me. I am referring him to my family members who also need the same services. Thank you also to Judy who was very helpful also.
Read more
10 Oct, 2020 by Sherry
Mr. Elliott took on my case and I was very pleased with the professionalism, communication and in the end the settlement. He is very intelligent and was an excellent lawyer. I would go back to him in the future if needed. Highly recommend him!
Read more
05 Oct, 2020 by Isaac
Todd is a fantastic Lawyer,he took my case and handled it so good along with team and I got a good settlement. He is so detailed in his reports and requests,never leaves out anything. It was a beautiful experience .
Read more
04 Oct, 2020 by Matt
a year ago i was walking my senior dog on my street. a neighbor whose dogs are all aggressive towards other dogs slipped its collar and tried to attack my dog. she was also walking her dogs. during this i ended up getting bit on both legs.
todd helped me through this which took longer with covid to see specialists about the scarring.
todd helped me settle out of court and i am very happy that i decided to use his services.
Read more
10 Aug, 2023 by Jeff
Dorothy handled my divorce and custody case so well. Very easy to work with and always on our side. Highly recommended!
Read more
22 Apr, 2015 by Kenneth
“I want to thank you for the great job in representing me thru out the divorce process . Your professionalism and caring throughout the case was comforting !!! I will not hesitate to refer anyone needing a divorce attorney to you and your firm !!!
Read more
28 Nov, 2014 by Mat
Excellent lawyer. Highly recommended. Please see below the letter that I sent following our case. It is from the heart.
Dorothy,
I wanted to take a moment to convey the absolute appreciation that I felt following the conclusion of the trial negations last week and conclusion of our case. Although following the events we were all overwhelmed with emotion, I felt it necessary to fully express our gratitude, albeit a few days later.
During this very exhausting and emotionally consuming period for me and my family your knowledge, professionalism and dedication to our case truly maintained our faith and guided us to the light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout the duration of our case I felt as though we always continued on a positive path toward our initially discussed goals which I directly contribute to your efforts. Through every up, through every down and every step of that way, your research and efforts continued to set favorable conditions for the most positive outcome possible. In the words of my superior, you were beyond doubt, our “pro from Dover”.
Coming from a business in which I change the lives of young Americans everyday, I understand that my case and it's outcome, while life changing for us, is the exact thing which you accomplish on a daily basis. My story, my situation, is no better, no worse, no more or less tragic than the numerous you have or will deal with in your successful career. It is, however, mine. And because of that I can, with out a doubt, say that you have closed a chapter of my life that is now behind us and allowed us to begin writing the next. You have changed our lives and most importantly the life of my son who will look back one day and be grateful for the opportunities that your work and efforts afforded him.
We are humbled and grateful.
Sincerely,
Matt
Read more
13 Jan, 2023 by Janice kunak
Local law firm that is experienced and friendly. They're busy but answer calls promptly and usually able to accommodate your schedule.
Read more
25 Sep, 2020 by Sherrie seigh
They had my paperwork done very quickly
Read more
04 Apr, 2019 by Crista brackley
Knowledgeable, affordable and friendly!
Read more
15 Feb, 2016 by Jean
Brian is a great attorney for homeowners associations! He knows PA condo law inside and out. He's easy to talk to, he listens well, is thorough and follows through. All the time. His solid, practical approach to solving problems has saved our association thousands of dollars. Too often when you utilize attorneys you think only of the payout, but with Atty. Koeberle we have been pleasantly surprised with the return on our investment. He's a keeper!
Read more
01 Feb, 2016 by Brad mccarrell
I am very happy to have Brian as my business attorney. With his knowledge and guidance, I feel like he is a part of my business, not just our lawyer. I am a small contractor, and part of what he does is write and review my contracts. He does a fantastic job and couldn't imagine doing business without his help!!
Read more
26 Jan, 2016 by Paul
Professional, experienced, knowledgeable, Brian Koeberle has guided the legal needs of my business negotiations with expertise. I trust him completely.
Read more
10 Jan, 2018 by Kimberly
Nicole Hauptman Amick went above and beyond for my husband and I to get a very reasonable settlement on our school taxes on our new house. Her and the company went above and beyond for us. She was very easy to get a hold of, answered in a timely manner, and was not over priced like other places I got quotes from. She did all the leg work for us and represented us in person without us needing to go. I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs an attorney.
Read more
20 Feb, 2017 by Brent
Nicole was able to negotiate a settlement on my property taxes that exceeded my expectations. She diligently followed up on the appeal which expedited the process and clearly communicated throughout the process. I really appreciated her hard work.
Read more
21 Jan, 2017 by John
Nicole did an excellent job in handling my assessment appeal. I found out they were raising my assessment late and only had a few days left to file. I hired her immediately and she filed everything quickly and kept me informed of the whole process. Basically it only took about ten weeks to get everything done successfully.I got a $150,000 reduction in my assessment. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of assessment appeals.
Read more
06 May, 2020 by Carla
I recommend Mr. Xides to anyone looking for a great attorney. I consulted with him about a real estate transaction and his knowledge and expertise were obvious from the first conversation, where he offered alternatives I had not considered and explained the reasoning behind them concisely. He was very easy to communicate with, returning phone calls and emails promptly. He is friendly, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about getting the best outcome for his clients.
Read more
06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We needed help writing an operating agreement for our LLC that went from a sole-proprietor LLC to a three person partnership. Rob Xides was very helpful in crafting the agreement, and getting us to think about things we didn't think about on our own. He also helped us to feel confident in setting up the operating agreement with terms that worked for us, and he didn't necessarily try to coerce us into typical attorney-like contracts. He was very understanding of our goals for our partnership.
Read more
11 Jan, 2016 by Josh caldwell of the pittsburgh real estate investors assn.
Rob Xides has helped me with a number of legal issues, from contracts, to dealing with tenants, and even government agencies. Rob is level headed and knowledgeable. There are a lot of lawyers out there but very few have the combination of legal knowledge and compassion for the little guy that Rob has.
Read more
19 Jul, 2021 by Emily r.
Henry is an incredible lawyer; He will go above and beyond for his clients & truly cares about what is right. He is extremely knowledgeable and will take the time to explain details being upfront & honest, while taking into consideration your thoughts and concerns to find the best strategy and outcome. Henry is a tough negotiator and a natural in the courtroom. Our company would not be where it is today without him. I would not hesitate to contact Henry if we ever needed his expertise again & have full confidence in him. I highly recommend Henry and the Houston-Harbaugh Firm.
Read more
06 Jul, 2021 by Tom walsh
I have known Henry Sneath for over a decade and have worked with him as co-counsel on two lawsuits. He is a fantastic trial lawyer. If I have a case in the Pittsburgh or western Pennsylvania area, Henry is the first call I make in order to associate him as co-counsel. Working with Henry Sneath is a true pleasure.
Read more
22 Jun, 2021 by Keith
Henry is a fantastic trial lawyer from start to end. Henry served as outside counsel for my company while I was Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Varian Medical Systems, in a very complex and difficult patent litigation in Pittsburgh, Pa. Henry was superb at initial case assessment and strategy, with a strong command of the facts and the law. Throughout the case, Henry’s intelligence and strong analytic and practical skills ensured we stayed on top of all strategic and procedural considerations. Henry is easy to work with – I could always have frank discussions of details and strategies. Even in very difficult discussions, I could count on Henry to listen to my input with complete confidence he’d always give me his honest assessment, such that we could always stay focused on the job at hand. Even with all the “sausage making” involved in a years-long IP litigation, Henry would never lose sight of the big picture. Henry is excellent at eliciting testimony and cross-examining witnesses. He has a natural questioning and argument style that goes over well with a jury. I wholeheartedly recommend Henry for IP and complex cases without reservation.
Read more
20 May, 2023 by Anna slobodnyak
Joe is incredibly knowledgeable and delightful to work with!
Read more
21 Apr, 2023 by Dennis mcdermott
Would recommend Joe to anyone takes his time to explain everything
Read more
01 Jan, 2023 by Bob jantsch
Did great work on my estate planning.
Read more
19 Jul, 2021 by Emily r.
Henry is an incredible lawyer; He will go above and beyond for his clients & truly cares about what is right. He is extremely knowledgeable and will take the time to explain details being upfront & honest, while taking into consideration your thoughts and concerns to find the best strategy and outcome. Henry is a tough negotiator and a natural in the courtroom. Our company would not be where it is today without him. I would not hesitate to contact Henry if we ever needed his expertise again & have full confidence in him. I highly recommend Henry and the Houston-Harbaugh Firm.
Read more
06 Jul, 2021 by Tom walsh
I have known Henry Sneath for over a decade and have worked with him as co-counsel on two lawsuits. He is a fantastic trial lawyer. If I have a case in the Pittsburgh or western Pennsylvania area, Henry is the first call I make in order to associate him as co-counsel. Working with Henry Sneath is a true pleasure.
Read more
22 Jun, 2021 by Keith
Henry is a fantastic trial lawyer from start to end. Henry served as outside counsel for my company while I was Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Varian Medical Systems, in a very complex and difficult patent litigation in Pittsburgh, Pa. Henry was superb at initial case assessment and strategy, with a strong command of the facts and the law. Throughout the case, Henry’s intelligence and strong analytic and practical skills ensured we stayed on top of all strategic and procedural considerations. Henry is easy to work with – I could always have frank discussions of details and strategies. Even in very difficult discussions, I could count on Henry to listen to my input with complete confidence he’d always give me his honest assessment, such that we could always stay focused on the job at hand. Even with all the “sausage making” involved in a years-long IP litigation, Henry would never lose sight of the big picture. Henry is excellent at eliciting testimony and cross-examining witnesses. He has a natural questioning and argument style that goes over well with a jury. I wholeheartedly recommend Henry for IP and complex cases without reservation.
Read more
19 Jul, 2021 by Emily r.
Henry is an incredible lawyer; He will go above and beyond for his clients & truly cares about what is right. He is extremely knowledgeable and will take the time to explain details being upfront & honest, while taking into consideration your thoughts and concerns to find the best strategy and outcome. Henry is a tough negotiator and a natural in the courtroom. Our company would not be where it is today without him. I would not hesitate to contact Henry if we ever needed his expertise again & have full confidence in him. I highly recommend Henry and the Houston-Harbaugh Firm.
Read more
06 Jul, 2021 by Tom walsh
I have known Henry Sneath for over a decade and have worked with him as co-counsel on two lawsuits. He is a fantastic trial lawyer. If I have a case in the Pittsburgh or western Pennsylvania area, Henry is the first call I make in order to associate him as co-counsel. Working with Henry Sneath is a true pleasure.
Read more
22 Jun, 2021 by Keith
Henry is a fantastic trial lawyer from start to end. Henry served as outside counsel for my company while I was Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Varian Medical Systems, in a very complex and difficult patent litigation in Pittsburgh, Pa. Henry was superb at initial case assessment and strategy, with a strong command of the facts and the law. Throughout the case, Henry’s intelligence and strong analytic and practical skills ensured we stayed on top of all strategic and procedural considerations. Henry is easy to work with – I could always have frank discussions of details and strategies. Even in very difficult discussions, I could count on Henry to listen to my input with complete confidence he’d always give me his honest assessment, such that we could always stay focused on the job at hand. Even with all the “sausage making” involved in a years-long IP litigation, Henry would never lose sight of the big picture. Henry is excellent at eliciting testimony and cross-examining witnesses. He has a natural questioning and argument style that goes over well with a jury. I wholeheartedly recommend Henry for IP and complex cases without reservation.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by Jessica
I was upset and scared about a tenant landlord dispute until I consulted with Rev. Dorothea S. Hall, esq. She graciously took time out of her day to discuss & help me understand my rights under Allegheny County law. Rev. Dorothea Hall is a compassionate and ethical person.
Read more
12 Nov, 2022 by Rev. armando j. rhon
Attorney Dorothea S Hall is knowledgeable, great communicator, responsive, and patience. She has great listening skills and is very compassionate. Without compassion for their clients, a lawyer will never reach their true professional potential. With Rev. Dorothea S Hall you'll be in good hands!
Read more
15 Feb, 2018 by David
Very professional but yet caring attorney that will go to any lengths to help and represent you.I have had w other lawyers that were only concerned about money .Attorney Hall is by far the best lawyer i have ever had.
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Robb bunde
14 May, 2020 by Angela schroeder
03 Oct, 2017 by Krista sipos
As a local Realtor, I have worked with this establishment on an ongoing basis and am more than thrilled with the way they do business. Whether the work is centered around getting a home sale transaction to closing, or dealing with a complicated estate process, the folks at this company are prompt, professional, and consistent. I refer them all the time to colleagues and clients alike.
Read more
11 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
I routinely work with Hal on real estate matters on a professional basis, and he handles every transaction as though it is his only. Personally, Hal helped me FSBO-er it. He was expeditious, professional, and easy to work with. I highly recommend him.
Read more
11 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
Hal is very knowledgeable and thorough in what he does. He is easily accessible and very responsive. He kept us informed throughout the entire process. With his diligence we were able to achieve a very favorable outcome. We would definitely engage him again!
Read more
22 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Scotti is always very responsive to my company's needs. He makes himself available whenever we need him, and is extremely knowledgeable in his field. He is very knowledgeable about AIA contracts and was very helpful in making changes to fit our needs.
Read more
02 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Excellent Guidance and communication
Read more
20 Sep, 2017 by Michael wright
I've been using Matt Fiscus for nearly 10 years to handle all my real estate legal situations, as well as all my closings.
I own 80+ properties and have sold 50+ more throughout the years. Matt has earned my complete trust to handle all my legal needs for my business. I don't think twice about his advice as he always has my best interest in mind.
I have completed several hundred closings in the past decade. As far as I'm concerned, Matt's closing team is the best out there.
Read more
18 Oct, 2016 by Jonathan stark
I've had bad experiences with other attorneys that match all the lawyer stereotypes you've likely heard or experienced. Unresponsive, ridiculous pricing, and outright arrogance. Matt came highly recommended from my accountant more than a decade ago and I've used his services for more than 30 real estate closings since then. I've referred him countless times to my friends and family for a variety of legal issues ranging from real estate closings, settlement questions, real estate legal issues, landlord / tenant questions, oil and gas contacts and even for my will. Everyone I've ever referred has always been as satisfied as I am. What separates Matt's firm from any I've ever dealt with are the depth of knowledge in many aspects of the law, reasonable prices, fast responses and honesty. No attorney is an expert at all areas of the law. If Matt isn't knowledgeable about a legal topic; he most certainly knows an attorney that is. I appreciate someone that is forthright about this and isn't trying to represent me when they know they aren't the best person for that case. Matt has earned all my business and has become a friend as well as someone whose advice I hold in the highest regard.
Read more
30 May, 2022 by Cr zurchin
Vicki and Nicole are knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated attorneys with a laser focus on your case. Their drive and analytical skills position you for an optimal outcome. You can count on them to be “All In.”
Read more
27 Oct, 2015 by John ratay
Smart Lady! Nice As Can Be! Thanks Vickie! John Ratay
Read more
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
10 Oct, 2019 by Velvet
I bless this man and his whole family he eased my worries and gave me a break from my mourning he is so kind and thoughtful very thorough saved my home and sense of well being an asset to our community
Read more
22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Josh handled a commercial loan transaction from start to finish in a highly professional, expedient and cost-effective manner. I would recommend Josh for a variety of contract review-related and real estate matters.
Read more
23 Nov, 2016 by John m.
Sharon has successfully appealed 24 properties. She is easy to work with and very professional. Sharon responds to request with a sense of immediacy. I have referred her to other real estate investors and the reports back are stellar. I appreciate the fact that there is no cost to me unless she gets results and she gets results!
Read more
05 Dec, 2014 by James
I am a commercial landlord with properties spread throughout Pennsylvania. After years of property tax increases, coupled with tax appeal losses, it became apparent that representation solely dedicated to commercial tax appeals became paramount. After refusing daily phone and mail solicitation, I decided to research for an attorney whom represented large landlords that enjoyed a substantial success rate with the property tax appeal and its process. Months of research led me to Sharon F. DiPaolo Esquire Partner Siegel Jennings Co.,L.P.A.Allison Park Pa 15101 in my hometown of Pittsburgh Pa. After a 10 minute phone conversation, I knew my research was not in vain. Having found an attorney educated in property values with a true compassion to get the values right, while supporting the landlord and challenging the property tax system. I highly recommend Sharon F DiPaolo Esquire for the following reasons. Sharon is a true leader in her field, very easy to talk with, prompt, efficient, kind and considerate, educated with compassionate in all manners. Sharon and her dedicated expertise will now relieve me, allowing me to focus on being a landlord, servicing my tenants with the best possible properties at the lowest possible cost.
Read more
21 Nov, 2016 by Stacey
I needed to have a will drawn up as well as Estate Planning. As I started to work with Matt, I knew he was a good choice. Matt had the expertise to make the entire process very easy to navigate. He helped to guide me through the process with ease as he was very knowledgeable about all of the information that was needed. He answered and clearly explained any questions that I had. His demeanor is very approachable, which is exactly what I was looking for in a lawyer. I was extremely happy with his services as well as the outcome. I will definitely use his services again when needed.
Read more
10 Oct, 2016 by Amy
I came to Mr. Feinman with a complicated legal concern regarding my business. He immediately and diligently worked to solve my problem in the best way possible. Mr. Feinman went above beyond and put my mind at ease. I would highly recommend to anyone with legal concerns.
Read more
27 Apr, 2022 by C brown
Mr Gray is very pleasant. He listens to concerns completely & focused on the matter at hand with a plan to back it up. When I talked to him, he discussed different view points & tactics. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was straight forward & even recited different laws & statues as he went over possible scenarios. He made us feel much better because he thinks things through. He was punctual & actually early when meeting up. We are confident knowing we have someone who cares & knows the law.
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Antonio hipps
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.
