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21 Reviews
4.8
18 Reviews
01 Aug, 2024 by Kimberly
I had retained Heather in 2003 while going through a tough Divorce. It was a very difficult time and that's when I realized just how much she fought for me and my young son. Her tenacity and work ethic is top notch!
Twenty years later, my ex-husband had me back in court and without hesitation, I immediately contacted Heather's firm, and she took on my case, yet again. She fights for you, and fights hard. She has done so much for me during the tough times of divorce battles, etc..
It's alot to go through legal situations, as it is, but when you find the lawyer that will fight for you, that's everything! Ty! Heather!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Michael avellino
Hands down the best lawyer I've ever worked with!!! She makes Johnny Cochran look like a scrub. Honestly though, Heather is professional and if you simply push the I believe in her button she will advise and assist you, then crush your case.
I had little hope in winning my custody case. I am an out of state father, going for full custody against my ex who looks amazing on paper since she is a teacher and licensed professional counselor. From the moment of my consultation with Heather I knew I made the right choice with her as my lawyer. She is straight forward, direct to the point and will advise you for the best possible outcome she believes she can get you. If she feels you can win, she means it.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Charles davis
Heather did an excellant job in my case. She was at the top of her game from the beginning. She responded to all questions in a timely manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone .
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.4
9 Reviews
23 Aug, 2024 by David
Jonathan was one of the attorneys that my company hired to litigate a business related lawsuit on our behalf. He was attentive and listened to our concerns and was firm and aggressive in prosecuting our case. My partners and i were very pleased with his performance on our behalf as well as his entire firm.
Great lawyers and great firm. I highly recommend them for any legal needs that you may have
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22 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Jonathan helped me close on a sale of real estate. Proficient and detailed oriented lawyer who negotiated great terms for me. Would recommend!
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25 Aug, 2022 by Jared hill
22 Jan, 2025 by James dalessandro
They couldn’t have been more helpful. They found us very reasonable movers and helped with many aspects of the move that were not their responsibility.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Daniel dollman
Very helpful and patient group.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sam curotola
Selling a house can come with hidden obstacles that take time and patience to overcome, these guys at Buy Box had both patience and time to let me get it all sorted out .
It was the best experience with this team and I thank them for all there support with this process.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Tammy kammenzind
We worked with Attorney Kocelko and her team to complete a will and had a wonderful experience. She made something that seemed so daunting basically effortless. She offered sound advice and answered all of our questions through the entire process. I highly recommended this firm.
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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!
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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!
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5.0
1 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
05 May, 2023 by Paisley law
Really great lawyers in this law firm. Chris Gale and John Harshman are really wonderful to work with. Couldn't ask for nicer people or a nicer office. Everyone is amazing in this firm!!
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02 Jan, 2014 by Francine
Anthony was instrumental in resolving my incredibly high Allegheny County Property Reassessment. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Allegheny County property assessment appeals process, which made my life so much easier. My property had almost doubled in value and thanks to Anthony’s diligence and attention to detail, my property was revalued at a very reasonable number. He is a consummate professional and very service-oriented. You could not ask for a better attorney if you have a problem with property reassessments. He clearly went above and beyond in my case and I would highly recommend him.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Jim states
Stay away
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10 Jul, 2024 by Melissa
18 Apr, 2024 by Jared buzzard
Primo goes above and beyond, you’re in good hands with Primo.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Elizabeth raposa
Got a free consultation and refuse my case because he claimed that I was to far although I am in the process of moving to Allegheny County currently.....he more concerned about location than the law apparently. , his name i think was Adam or something that started with a, and my intake person was Domenic she was nice it was at 11am on 6th of December goofy firm. Owner info
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23 Oct, 2024 by Brad fleming
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.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Elizabeth raposa
Got a free consultation and refuse my case because he claimed that I was to far although I am in the process of moving to Allegheny County currently.....he more concerned about location than the law apparently. , his name i think was Adam or something that started with a, and my intake person was Domenic she was nice it was at 11am on 6th of December goofy firm. Owner info
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23 Oct, 2024 by Brad fleming
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Brett montgomery
I had a very good experience working with Beth Shovlin on the closing of a house recently. She was very knowledgeable, and easy to understand when it came to "legal speak". I appreciate all the hard work she did to make this closing seamless, and being so flexible with meeting with me. I recommend working with Beth for anyone who has real estate needs.
Thanks Beth!
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07 Nov, 2023 by Dominic reale
If I could give a 0 stars I would. I do not recommend using this law firm unless you want to have a disaster happen to you . I hired this law firm to sell a popular piece of property in heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The Attorney that was assigned to me, Beth Shovlin has zero knowledge of the law , i don'teven know how she is a attorney , she doesn't understand any of the laws and gives horrible legal advice. Beth admitted making a huge blunder and just quit during the negotiations and kept the retainer. Which is a disgrace. Beth cost me tons of money to fix what she admittedly got wrong . I even paid double the amount of retainer fee that the firm was asking to have the property sold asap . Beth Shovlin was so awful. If she had any integrity, she would have resigned at the beginning & sent me to a transactional lawyer. If you want a gaint disaster on your hands and incomplete transactions, and incompetent lawyers representing you then hire this law firm . They have zero understanding of the real estate laws .
Beth Shovlin should resign as a attorney because she doesn't know anything about anything. As mentioned I had to hire another attorney to rectify the contract. Total waste of time . There are plenty of better options out there then this Law firm . This law firm is a total waste of time and money. Highly recommend staying far away from this Law firm .
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14 Sep, 2023 by J h
Beth is very kind and professional!
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01 Nov, 2024 by Jillian canastraro
I was blessed to have the opportunity to have Douglas Williams represent me in a very serious worker's compensation case against a powerful company. I went through extreme pain & very wrongful negligence causing my life to be traumatic & health deeply damaged. The case was the first type of this kind. All other lawyers were intimidated by the challenges and were even disrespectful to me. Douglas Williams was respectful, compassionate, confident & accepted the case with ease and grace. He was open and honest in communicating every challenge and possibility. He completed everything he said he would and overcame every obstacle turning out what everyone else made excuses not to do saying was an impossible win. He was fearless, committed to the lengthy process & demonstrated great compassion and integrity. A true master, I am greatful and thankful. Contact him immediately truly the best.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Pam Schriller really does go above and beyond. I am 20 years old & went into my case pretty much blind to anything. She was very thorough throughout this process. We’ve been through 2 hearings together and i honestly couldn’t thank her enough for what she has done for me. I was very nervous and she always assured me. She is on top of all of her work, and is very very prepared for anything that comes her way. I recommend her as your lawyer anyday of the week. She is hard working and really does listen. She understands and cares a lot about not only her work, but the individual she is working with for the cases she has. Thank you for winning my case the past week & being great at what you do. I appreciate it more than anything. You are the change in the world that we need.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Mike
Very knowledgable and capable attorneys . when you have a problem it feels good knowing these guys are in your corner!! they fight for veterans and you can tell they love doing it. so glad i found them. especially james burn.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Brett montgomery
I had a very good experience working with Beth Shovlin on the closing of a house recently. She was very knowledgeable, and easy to understand when it came to "legal speak". I appreciate all the hard work she did to make this closing seamless, and being so flexible with meeting with me. I recommend working with Beth for anyone who has real estate needs.
Thanks Beth!
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07 Nov, 2023 by Dominic reale
If I could give a 0 stars I would. I do not recommend using this law firm unless you want to have a disaster happen to you . I hired this law firm to sell a popular piece of property in heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The Attorney that was assigned to me, Beth Shovlin has zero knowledge of the law , i don'teven know how she is a attorney , she doesn't understand any of the laws and gives horrible legal advice. Beth admitted making a huge blunder and just quit during the negotiations and kept the retainer. Which is a disgrace. Beth cost me tons of money to fix what she admittedly got wrong . I even paid double the amount of retainer fee that the firm was asking to have the property sold asap . Beth Shovlin was so awful. If she had any integrity, she would have resigned at the beginning & sent me to a transactional lawyer. If you want a gaint disaster on your hands and incomplete transactions, and incompetent lawyers representing you then hire this law firm . They have zero understanding of the real estate laws .
Beth Shovlin should resign as a attorney because she doesn't know anything about anything. As mentioned I had to hire another attorney to rectify the contract. Total waste of time . There are plenty of better options out there then this Law firm . This law firm is a total waste of time and money. Highly recommend staying far away from this Law firm .
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14 Sep, 2023 by J h
Beth is very kind and professional!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Elizabeth raposa
Got a free consultation and refuse my case because he claimed that I was to far although I am in the process of moving to Allegheny County currently.....he more concerned about location than the law apparently. , his name i think was Adam or something that started with a, and my intake person was Domenic she was nice it was at 11am on 6th of December goofy firm. Owner info
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08 Nov, 2024 by Sam harris
Thomas christopher is amazing at what he does. I will recommend him, to anyone that needs his services.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Yamir cordova
Recommend 100% very smart lawyer
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24 Jan, 2025 by Shamus murphy
I hired Mr.Tutera to represent me for my case he was a really good attorney I would highly recommend him for any legal services even got a few of my charges dropped!! Any problems he is the man you want to have by your side.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Gerry neal
Very good communication between the lawyers and ourselves. Highly recommend if you are in need of services .very friendly and very knowledgeable
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14 Jan, 2025 by David houggy
Highly recommended. I got there name from a google search when I suddenly needed a lawyer. They had great reviews and responded immediately when I needed time-sensitive counsel with a family matter. Thomas McKinley is an excellent lawyer, very clear in his communications, reassuring and compassionate. Lawyers are always expensive but I found their rates reasonable. He was able to communicate directly with the DA and save me a lot of footwork and time, and was able to get the matter resolved without me having to deal with the court directly and provided great reassurance throughout. Well worth the money and I will call him first if I ever have any other needs
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jill hamrick
Our experience with the Halpern Law Firm was very positive and beneficial. Everyone we worked with was pleasant and helpful and explained what to expect during the entire process. They kept in touch with us frequently to let us know what was happening with our case. David Halpern was compassionate and caring toward my husband and myself. I could always call him to ask a question and if he was busy he would return my call as soon as he was available. I would definitely recommend them.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Mn crime
We worked with Nicholas DiNardo for a consultation and he hit it out of the park. To-the-point, helpful and straightforward, Nicholas gave us the details we needed on a case in PA (we are based in MN) and he would be a great advocate for anyone needing legal assistance in the area.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Monica white
I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support and dedication this law firm provided during what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in my life. Over the course of nearly two years, they stood by me: Atty Nicholas DiNardo, Jena Bednarowic, Niki Erdner and Jessica Fabian. Their professionalism, expertise and unwavering commitment to my case were exceptional.
They went above and beyond to guide me through a complex and emotional process. Always keeping me informed and ensuring I felt supported. Thanks to their tireless efforts, I can now keep my family home. A priceless outcome I will never forget!
If you are looking for a law firm that truly delivers results and treats their clients with respect and dedication, I wholeheartedly recommend them. They are not just a law firm; they are advocates who genuinely care about the people they help.
Monica W.
Pittsburgh, PA
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30 Dec, 2024 by Burgh
Love this company
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26 Dec, 2024 by Kiesha awkward
26 Dec, 2024 by Raguel themis
Thanks to their hard work and determination, my case was won, and I received the justice I deserved. worker right law firm kept me informed throughout the entire process, always answering my questions and providing reassurance during a challenging time
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04 Feb, 2025 by Branden stipetich
Extremely professional no run arounds and did a great job Settling my case would 10/10 recommend
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08 Jan, 2025 by Bj gregg
George is a great guy. Levelheaded with more common sense than most lawyers. Well respected among his colleagues, couldn’t recommend him more.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Caroline sykora
Excellent law firm that took great care to get my 90 year old mother the max compensation after being hit by a car. We couldn’t have asked for better legal services—from effective communication, to simple human understanding and empathy. And of course they obviously know the complex legal, medical and insurance ins and outs.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Dr crisatina pennybaker
Watch this judge today extremely fair judge
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04 Jul, 2023 by Elle damon
16 Jun, 2023 by James naughton sr.
I've known Jay for ,, 30+ years, AND hes fought numerous cases for me sith ninety percent positive action in my favor. Hes a good hearted, person with a determination too help you and be there one hundred percent. I was short on money, he still defended my wife, and understood the gravity of her situation and never walked away. Thanks Jay, all theses year yh
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06 Dec, 2024 by West raspberry
I highly recommend Eric!! He is so easy to work with and reasonably priced. He has helped me through several business transitions including buy outs, selling, and opening new businesses. I’m so thankful for his help and knowledge!!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Paul bierker
Elliott & Davis has helped me through numerous legal engagements. Each time objectives were clear. Budget was respected and results were amazing. Eric as usual exceptionally helpful on numerous issues and situations.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Rob cardillo
I've been working with Eric Davis at Elliott & Davis for over ten years. I rely on him for sound legal advice delivered efficiently and at a reasonable cost. My highest recommendation!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Elizabeth raposa
Got a free consultation and refuse my case because he claimed that I was to far although I am in the process of moving to Allegheny County currently.....he more concerned about location than the law apparently. , his name i think was Adam or something that started with a, and my intake person was Domenic she was nice it was at 11am on 6th of December goofy firm. Owner info
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Brad fleming
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.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Jacqueline
Mr. Elliott is handling a serious injury claim for my friend, but he also helped me with a claim against my former landlord and made sure I was fully protected. I would strongly recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer.
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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!
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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 .
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06 Nov, 2023 by Zara esme belhassen
IGNORED AND GHOSTED.
THE POPULAR FIRM WAS NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR ME!
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06 Nov, 2023 by J.r. wagner
06 Nov, 2023 by John cubic
Julie has a heart of gold.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Dr crisatina pennybaker
Watch this judge today extremely fair judge
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04 Jul, 2023 by Elle damon
16 Jun, 2023 by James naughton sr.
I've known Jay for ,, 30+ years, AND hes fought numerous cases for me sith ninety percent positive action in my favor. Hes a good hearted, person with a determination too help you and be there one hundred percent. I was short on money, he still defended my wife, and understood the gravity of her situation and never walked away. Thanks Jay, all theses year yh
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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!
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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02 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Excellent Guidance and communication
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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.
