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26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
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19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
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31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
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19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
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31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
18 Dec, 2024 by Kevin stoner
McGrath McCall handled the closing for our recently purchased home. They were extremely professional. Working with Kelly Hayden made everything seamless and easy. While I will not be purchasing a home again any time soon, I will certainly consider them as my first choice for any title and closing needs.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Lw automotive
Was charged over $13k in lawyer fees and asked for a break down of what I was charged for and they told me they do not have to share the information. This is not how you do business
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jon b
Awful experience after being a client for many years, and I could not recommend them to anyone. I was charged over $1000 to end services for some simple trademark renewals. The attorney of record changes had already been made, meaning there was practically nothing left to do. If your business needs patent or trademark services, I would avoid Metz and find more personal services elsewhere.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jon b
Awful experience after being a client for many years, and I could not recommend them to anyone. I was charged over $1000 to end services for some simple trademark renewals. The attorney of record changes had already been made, meaning there was practically nothing left to do. If your business needs patent or trademark services, I would avoid Metz and find more personal services elsewhere.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Tammy valero
19 Jan, 2024 by Guy berkebile
Great, honest law firm. I use them for my business and have had great experiences and successes with them.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jon b
Awful experience after being a client for many years, and I could not recommend them to anyone. I was charged over $1000 to end services for some simple trademark renewals. The attorney of record changes had already been made, meaning there was practically nothing left to do. If your business needs patent or trademark services, I would avoid Metz and find more personal services elsewhere.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Tammy valero
19 Jan, 2024 by Guy berkebile
Great, honest law firm. I use them for my business and have had great experiences and successes with them.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Attorney Daniel Stoner was very kind to share his time and expertise when I had called with a question. I learned so much from him. He is very knowledgeable and helped me to understand many aspects of my question. Thank you, Attorney Stoner. Your work is wonderful -- A+
If ever my friends need an Attorney, I will mention your wonderful work.
Thank you again. Blessings, Jan
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22 Jan, 2025 by Scott
Failed to act on a time sensitive matter after promising. Claimed to have done work on my case yet failed to provide any invoice. Stoner did however, make false accusation against me that contradict email chain.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Chris
They strung us out for years with little to zero communication on a very simple case. They just want to keep you on their pay roll. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere!!!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Colleen saban
28 Jul, 2024 by Samantha mueller
I wouldnât go to Attorney Padgett for legal advice. She canât speak to her staff with respect, itâs doubtful she could speak on behalf of her clients with any.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Amelia arnold
20 Nov, 2024 by Kurtis lampe
Ryan and his team worked to get me the settlement I deserved. They are very responsive and kept me up to date on the case. The process took time, but was extremely easy. Iâm thankful they were in my corner and would recommend them to anyone.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Dillon sarver
01 Sep, 2024 by Jamie seigworth
Heâll straight take your money and run. Itâs funny. I left a review years ago about it but it has since disappeared. This dude is a huge piece of work. He literally took our money and went back to Pittsburgh and removed himself from the case. What a creep! These â5â star reviews are paid. I would put money on it.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Do not call list
Elizabeth Molnar advised me to address my criminal case by initiating a PFA case. I spent $$$ for a paragraph and sat an entire day in court to submit it. They appeared with me on the scheduled hearing date, knowing it would be postponed, and charged me another $$$.
She told me I needed to hire a criminal lawyer 2 days before my case because they didnât have one to send, that was another $$$$. But that firm showed up, exceeded the desired expectations THIS firm requested to win the PFA, and did it with one court visit that lasted 30 minutes.
The PFA hearing was postponed again, another full day in court, then wasnât given clear billing expectations moving forward. She handed off the case to Meghan Zupanic. An emergency arises, thereâs a PFA violation, Elizabeth was on vacation, Meghan took 2 days to respond, the lack of action resulted in a PFA being filed against me.
Told them I planned to change firms, Elizabeth offered me a lower flat fee, promised to address my concerns about lack of urgency or communication, I paid them another $$$$. They made no effort to communicate or keep me informed, likely because they werenât doing anything to prepare or ensure the desired outcome for the cases.
I did the investigative research that Elizabeth suggested, said she would do, and then didnât. I researched claims and accusations, pointed out lyes, and provided evidential proofs that could be used in my case. Meghan was so ill prepared for the case that the judge was genuinely frustrated. While my character was being ripped to shreds, the JUDGE asked why she wasnât objecting. She had dates wrong, hadnât reviewed crucial parts of the case. The conclusion? Another full day in court. My case for the PFA violation was dismissed and a Temp PFA was granted against me.
They have negated any validation I had of being a victim from the criminal trial. I relived all my trauma to provide them the resources to protect me from being fearful of them ever happening again. He got to walk away smiling, calling himself the victim, while I have to live with the perpetual fear of being arrested if he sees me somewhere.
While I hate to leave such a terrible review, its impact will pale in comparison to how their terrible service has impacted me. They refused to provide me any billing details. They couldnât speak to a single reason or cause for their negligence other than blaming the JUDGE. They dwindled the possibility of a partial refund so I could seek new counsel, they suggested they would take action to try and remedy part of the outcome, but what they really did was just exhaust any legal window I had for recourse.
The negligence, the lack of professionalism, lack of accountability, blame shifting, failure to honor the terms of the retention contract that was signed, is all just absolutely appalling. As theyâve made zero effort to remedy any of this, and have in fact made it worse, I will be filing complaints with all the necessary legal entities. I implore anyone seeking genuine help to look elsewhere.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Annie miller
Ana Lisa Petrella is an extremely efficient, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. She got me through the very important process of dealing with child support successfully. Will you be charged for phone calls and emails? Of course. But her rates are reasonable and her experience is extensive, so she will not waste your time, or hers for that matter. When you reach out, she responds within the day, sometimes the hour if you catch her between hearings. She is a warm soul that clearly wants to help her clients get what they deserve. As a woman, I wanted a woman representing me through this process. She gave me the confidence to ask for what I needed, and to not give in to my natural instincts to roll over. I'm so grateful to the person who recommended Ana Lisa to me, and now I'm paying it forward to whoever reads this. Do yourself a favor, just call her.
Her office, paralegals, and admins also deserve high praise. They keep you apprised of everything from billing, deadlines, and correspondence about your case. You'll get itemized statements monthly so there are no surprises. Let's face it, if you're seeking a lawyer, you are already stressed- Ana Lisa and her team relieve as much of that pressure as you let them. Just let them. :)
Thank you, Ana Lisa and GRB Law, for a seamless process in my case.
Annie
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09 Jan, 2025 by Melinda wedde
Highly recommend Morgan Bonekovic--kind, thoughtful, and responsive.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Naveen koka
I sincerely Thank Valerie May, Kent May, Elizabeth and Amy who worked on my case, provided valuable inputs, helped me to build a strong case for EB1A and EB2 NIW.
With their guidance and help I was able to get much needed approvals to speed up my AOS application. I am very happy with their service and communication.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Paul carter
Highly dissatisfied in dealing with these jokers and would recommend looking elsewhere for sure
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13 Oct, 2024 by Clean perks
Ahit place
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28 Jun, 2024 by Mike sizemore
I recently had a disappointing experience with Lynch Carpenter LLP. I retained their services to review a potential claim against Harbor Freight regarding the information tracking practices on their website. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory.
From the outset, communication was sparse and uninformative. Despite the initial promise of investigating potential violations of privacy laws that could result in significant statutory penalties, I found myself repeatedly in the dark about the progress of my case.
The firm did not provide timely updates or clear explanations of the steps being taken in the investigation. This lack of transparency left me feeling uncertain and frustrated. Whenever I attempted to reach out for more information, the responses were either delayed or non-existent.
Additionally, the promises made during the initial consultation seemed to evaporate as time went on. There was little to no evidence of substantial progress, and I felt like my case was not being given the attention it deserved. Given the potential for significant statutory penalties of up to $5,000, I expected a more diligent and proactive approach.
Overall, my experience with Lynch Carpenter LLP was deeply disappointing. I would not recommend their services based on the lack of communication, transparency, and apparent commitment to my case.
Don't pay them a Penny if you value a Dollar.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Brooklyn bridges
Horrible experience they negatively impacted my case and life
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03 Jun, 2024 by Tea jane-ann
Been waiting since 2018 to settle a case. Havenât received any information or a resolution since.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
Read more
21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
22 Aug, 2023 by Susie bailey
03 Aug, 2023 by Don saluga
Clark Hill handled my mother in law's estate which consisted of one simple investment account. It took approximately 19 months for them complete the final distribution , way longer than than expected. They admitted they "dropped the ball." They did not communicate their progress very well at all. To add insult to injury when we asked for an update because it was taking so long, they then charged us hundreds of dollars in fees just to answer this simple question. I would not have hired them if I knew what I know now. Judge for yourself.
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21 May, 2018 by Amy peluso
01 Feb, 2023 by Erik oas
These people are union busters
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12 Apr, 2022 by Eric g
14 Jan, 2020 by Joe goss
Good place to eat
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26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 đ
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing Iâve found this firm responsible for is making sure their âBill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashionâ
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
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, itâs 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 lawyerâs 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 lawyerâs 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 attorneyâs 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 youâre 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 youâre 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 lawyerâs website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases theyâve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Associationâs 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.
