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19 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy kromer
Cant say enough good things about this firm. They kept us informed about our case some of case is still ongoing but the workmans comp part is settled. After the lose of my father in a tractor trailer accident and being a only child so the brunt of keeping it together for my poor mother along with some help of friends and family it has been a upward climb plus dealing with the company my dad worked for at first i just didn't know what was going to happen to everything my dad worked for for 45 years and what was my mom going to do i didn't want her to have to sell the house or anything aspeciely when it wasn't his fault. Our attorney traveled back and forth between Pittsburgh and dubois pa to make it easier on my mom he made her so at ease and even did court threw zoom, we never had to leave our house. Its not over theres still things to figure out but mom will be taken care of and dads legacy will live on thak you Rhett for all your help i can't say enough to show my gratitude .
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14 Jun, 2021 by Karl thedude
Knowledgeable and professional staff
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01 Oct, 2020 by Meg w
19 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy kromer
Cant say enough good things about this firm. They kept us informed about our case some of case is still ongoing but the workmans comp part is settled. After the lose of my father in a tractor trailer accident and being a only child so the brunt of keeping it together for my poor mother along with some help of friends and family it has been a upward climb plus dealing with the company my dad worked for at first i just didn't know what was going to happen to everything my dad worked for for 45 years and what was my mom going to do i didn't want her to have to sell the house or anything aspeciely when it wasn't his fault. Our attorney traveled back and forth between Pittsburgh and dubois pa to make it easier on my mom he made her so at ease and even did court threw zoom, we never had to leave our house. Its not over theres still things to figure out but mom will be taken care of and dads legacy will live on thak you Rhett for all your help i can't say enough to show my gratitude .
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14 Jun, 2021 by Karl thedude
Knowledgeable and professional staff
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01 Oct, 2020 by Meg w
19 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy kromer
Cant say enough good things about this firm. They kept us informed about our case some of case is still ongoing but the workmans comp part is settled. After the lose of my father in a tractor trailer accident and being a only child so the brunt of keeping it together for my poor mother along with some help of friends and family it has been a upward climb plus dealing with the company my dad worked for at first i just didn't know what was going to happen to everything my dad worked for for 45 years and what was my mom going to do i didn't want her to have to sell the house or anything aspeciely when it wasn't his fault. Our attorney traveled back and forth between Pittsburgh and dubois pa to make it easier on my mom he made her so at ease and even did court threw zoom, we never had to leave our house. Its not over theres still things to figure out but mom will be taken care of and dads legacy will live on thak you Rhett for all your help i can't say enough to show my gratitude .
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14 Jun, 2021 by Karl thedude
Knowledgeable and professional staff
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01 Oct, 2020 by Meg w
19 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy kromer
Cant say enough good things about this firm. They kept us informed about our case some of case is still ongoing but the workmans comp part is settled. After the lose of my father in a tractor trailer accident and being a only child so the brunt of keeping it together for my poor mother along with some help of friends and family it has been a upward climb plus dealing with the company my dad worked for at first i just didn't know what was going to happen to everything my dad worked for for 45 years and what was my mom going to do i didn't want her to have to sell the house or anything aspeciely when it wasn't his fault. Our attorney traveled back and forth between Pittsburgh and dubois pa to make it easier on my mom he made her so at ease and even did court threw zoom, we never had to leave our house. Its not over theres still things to figure out but mom will be taken care of and dads legacy will live on thak you Rhett for all your help i can't say enough to show my gratitude .
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14 Jun, 2021 by Karl thedude
Knowledgeable and professional staff
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01 Oct, 2020 by Meg w
30 Oct, 2024 by Daniel hoey
John Foster is a real professional. I run a firm that buys houses from people who need to sell off-market, and one of the reasons is people in some kind of financial trouble, pending foreclosure, etc. John helps us serve these people well and has really impressed us with his responsiveness, competence and character. All of this and he is incredibly reasonable with his billing. If you need someone to help you navigate difficult circumstances, I strongly recommend John.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Haley burk
Unfortunately, I don’t have many positive things to say. John worked with me financially, however he was very uncommunicative, unresponsive, often going weeks without acknowledging that I sent him a text, email or phone call. My boyfriend also hired him and is experiencing the same issue. If you have an immediate issue, he is not the lawyer for you.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Adam chipps
John did what seem to be impossible and that was get my daughter back in my life for me. He is knowledgeable and very understanding. He will fight until the end for anyone. Highly recommend him!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Randa lewis
24 Feb, 2024 by Mama mia
14 Jun, 2023 by John nicklaus
We had a very negative experience with Todd Alan.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Randa lewis
24 Feb, 2024 by Mama mia
14 Jun, 2023 by John nicklaus
We had a very negative experience with Todd Alan.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Randa lewis
24 Feb, 2024 by Mama mia
14 Jun, 2023 by John nicklaus
We had a very negative experience with Todd Alan.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Ashley pamplin
I needed some information and Mr. Brian Walters was SO helpful in explaining my options. I was nervous to even make the call and he made me feel much more comfortable and provided information that helped me make an informed decision.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gary mack
Attorney Brian Walters is not your average attorney. Let me tell you something about him. HE ACTUALLY CARES!!! He'll go out of his way to be there for everything you need and always listens to all of your questions. I first met Brian close to 20 years ago that I had hired for a close friend. Since then he's been there for me a few times. The last time I called him ,he was on vacation out west and when his phone rang , he actually answered it. It wasn't his office or any other associate,it was Brian that answered. Like I said before,HE ACTUALLY CARES about his clients. In short,,,, if you are ever in need of a excellent attorney, that will always be there for you, remember the name Brian Walters of the Delta Law Group!!!( Thank you Brian for all your help and support )
Respectfully yours
Gary
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23 Jun, 2023 by Kyrah carey
Paid $2500 for ONLY the preliminary hearing and she did nothing. Couldn’t even get him bond. She did not put up a fight nor did I feel she had his best interest during the case. Even worse she had no communication with us and was showing up late. I wouldn’t recommend her ever at all. We consulted with a different lawyer who said even said she didn’t do anything he shouldn’t still be in jail because it was an illegal search! He would be out if she did her job. I honestly can’t believe how bad she was. ( AND THE DEFENDANT IS STILL IN JAIL!)
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12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
12 Jun, 2024 by Reverend sandra lynn barber
All good
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15 Feb, 2024 by Nici
15 Nov, 2023 by Debbie king
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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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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16 Jul, 2023 by Ms. k. baskin
20 Jul, 2021 by Andrew sanderbeck
08 Jun, 2021 by Joe shebetich
Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased with having attorney Robb Gavin help me with my real estate needs. I have just used him again for assistance in another real estate issue that he came through for me again! I was very pleasantly surprised how expedient and fair he was with his fees. Mr. Gavin originally asked me for a retainer to secure his services. He was so efficient with his work that he sent me back more than half his retainer. You can't be more honest than that!
Thanks Robb!
Joseph Shebetich
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16 Jul, 2023 by Ms. k. baskin
20 Jul, 2021 by Andrew sanderbeck
08 Jun, 2021 by Joe shebetich
Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased with having attorney Robb Gavin help me with my real estate needs. I have just used him again for assistance in another real estate issue that he came through for me again! I was very pleasantly surprised how expedient and fair he was with his fees. Mr. Gavin originally asked me for a retainer to secure his services. He was so efficient with his work that he sent me back more than half his retainer. You can't be more honest than that!
Thanks Robb!
Joseph Shebetich
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16 Jul, 2023 by Ms. k. baskin
20 Jul, 2021 by Andrew sanderbeck
08 Jun, 2021 by Joe shebetich
Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased with having attorney Robb Gavin help me with my real estate needs. I have just used him again for assistance in another real estate issue that he came through for me again! I was very pleasantly surprised how expedient and fair he was with his fees. Mr. Gavin originally asked me for a retainer to secure his services. He was so efficient with his work that he sent me back more than half his retainer. You can't be more honest than that!
Thanks Robb!
Joseph Shebetich
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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 didn’t have one to send, that was another $$$$. But that firm showed up, exceeded the desired expectations THIS firm requested to win the PFA, and did it with one court visit that lasted 30 minutes.
The PFA hearing was postponed again, another full day in court, then wasn’t given clear billing expectations moving forward. She handed off the case to Meghan Zupanic. An emergency arises, there’s a PFA violation, Elizabeth was on vacation, Meghan took 2 days to respond, the lack of action resulted in a PFA being filed against me.
Told them I planned to change firms, Elizabeth offered me a lower flat fee, promised to address my concerns about lack of urgency or communication, I paid them another $$$$. They made no effort to communicate or keep me informed, likely because they weren’t 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 didn’t. 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 wasn’t objecting. She had dates wrong, hadn’t 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 couldn’t 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 they’ve 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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19 Nov, 2023 by Michael troiani
Really disappointed in the character of Attorney Brian Kane.
Biran Kane bullied me personally and defamed me publicly based on his perception and without any opportunity for me to defend myself to correct whatever false perception of which he decried me.
His character is unbecoming of a professional and I would not work with him.
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31 May, 2023 by Rebekah jenkins
The view!! Beautiful building.
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14 Jan, 2023 by Rachel cale
Rachael was absolutely amazing with my mom's divorce. She is an excellent communicator and always got back to her right away. She always kept us up to date on what was happening and worked very hard for a good resolution. Highly recommend!!!!
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19 Nov, 2023 by Michael troiani
Really disappointed in the character of Attorney Brian Kane.
Biran Kane bullied me personally and defamed me publicly based on his perception and without any opportunity for me to defend myself to correct whatever false perception of which he decried me.
His character is unbecoming of a professional and I would not work with him.
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31 May, 2023 by Rebekah jenkins
The view!! Beautiful building.
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14 Jan, 2023 by Rachel cale
Rachael was absolutely amazing with my mom's divorce. She is an excellent communicator and always got back to her right away. She always kept us up to date on what was happening and worked very hard for a good resolution. Highly recommend!!!!
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25 Jan, 2025 by Kyle kendall
I used this firm a while ago for a car wreck and thet got me a great settlement. Recently I used them for a neck injury and they got me 1/10 of what I should have got. I was extremely disappointed and upset. I had to call numerous times to remind them I was a client and was waiting. I talked to some other firms after I received my settlement and they told me they could have gotten me a lot more money. I would rather use Edgar Snyder than these guys again what an insult the amount of money I got for a neck injury. These guys are a joke now.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Lori vrolijk
I have been with the firm for about two years as my divorce is taking time due to the other party. I started off with one attorney and due to maternity leave, Bethany stepped in to get the process moving after my retainer was given. I was then assigned to Chrystal. She has explained everything well and took charge of my divorce. She won the APL for me. She answered every question I had timely. The outcome of the divorce with child support and alimony is fair, considering the laws. She will also work on my custody. To be truthful the divorce process is expensive (depending on your situation), but the experience that comes with the firm is worth the cost. The firm has been very workable and most importantly truthful with me.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Karen footman
This firm and our Attorney has been nothing less then a blessing to our family, when we thought that everything was going against my son fighting for his child, Chrystal stepped in with no hesitation and took the wheel, provided the evidence and got my son his child. we are so grateful for everything she does and pushes hard for us each and everytime, she fights for us like she would for her own family. I couldn't be more happier, pleased and blessed 🙏 and would refer anyone I know to this firm and attorney any chance I get. Thank you again!!!!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I hired the attorney for a real estate matter. Initially attorney Wakefield was responsive but that was not the case after paying the retainer. Email communication was unprofessional at times. The attorney would provide timelines in updates that were never met. Overall a costly, frustrating and disappointing experience for this former client.
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03 Apr, 2023 by Mark
I hired Kathryn Wakefield in April of 2022 to Open a Judgement. She was initially communicative and polite. She asked for a $1000 retainer and I agreed. As soon as she had my money she became uncommunicative. It has been a year since I hired her and she has still NOT filed the paper work to Open the Judgment. DO NOT GIVE THIS LAWYER A RETAINER!!
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18 Nov, 2022 by Elaine
I hired Attorney Wakefield after seeing the good reviews here, but I did not have a good experience. Felt overpromised and underdelivered. Communication was difficult; she was quick to respond in the initial consult, but after we funded the retainer, it seemed our case was no longer a priority. Expect several days or more between responses to short questions. We were verbally told timeframes that ultimately were not met. Luckily we ended it early, but we lost a bit of money and a few valuable weeks of time in our case. Review her contract carefully and get multiple opinions on your case before making a decision. This review is my personal opinion based on my experience.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Pat donnelly
I was treated with courtesy and respect from day 1. Whenever I had a question, concern or suggestion, I was answered promptly.
We settled quicker than anyone expected !
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21 Nov, 2024 by Liam skye
David was wonderful to work with. Very professional and explained how every step would go. He and his team answered every question I had for them and in a timely manner.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Pete bruening
Working with Manes & Nahari was an outstanding experience. David Manes provided the perfect mix of deep legal knowledge and authentic personal interest in my case. I felt completely understood and valued throughout the process. I highly recommend this law firm!
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20 Jan, 2025 by J hill
I can’t not recommend Aaron Sontz enough! He is an amazing lawyer, very smart and dedicated with years of experience. He was always available when I had questions about the case If not he call back within 30 min. Yes I was nervous about the outcome of the case because who we was up against but Aaron Sontz told me he was confident we could win the case and did just that. He went above and beyond I appreciate everything more than i can say thank you so much Aaron Sontz and I highly recommend him 100%!!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Mike
Stephanie Solomon of HKM did an amazing job of helping me through a difficult time when an Employment attorney was needed. She was compassionate, transparent, and went above and beyond to help make for a smooth process and successful settlement. I highly recommend Stephanie and HKM Employment Attorneys LLP.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Davis rohr
Do yourselves a favor, stop outsourcing your answering service to 3rd world countries. Their English is broken and barely intelligible. It's embarrassing to speak with them. You lost a very large employment discrimination case because of it.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Luis m
Great group of attorneys! They treat you like family and will fight for your rights.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Darla kay jobkar
Steve Townsend is the best!!! Trustworthy, Experienced, Super Efficient and Responsive. I highly recommend!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ricky reyes
Absolutely thee best legal representation in all Pittsburgh, Pa. Forget the rest. Mr. Townsend is the best. Trust me, I know and this comes from someone out of Philly, Pa. Mr. Townsend gives his all and his word is as solid as gold and it's weight. If ever someone needs legal representation on any level, do yourself a favor call Mr. Townsend, trust me. It's worth a phone call to get the best representation.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Luis m
Great group of attorneys! They treat you like family and will fight for your rights.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Darla kay jobkar
Steve Townsend is the best!!! Trustworthy, Experienced, Super Efficient and Responsive. I highly recommend!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ricky reyes
Absolutely thee best legal representation in all Pittsburgh, Pa. Forget the rest. Mr. Townsend is the best. Trust me, I know and this comes from someone out of Philly, Pa. Mr. Townsend gives his all and his word is as solid as gold and it's weight. If ever someone needs legal representation on any level, do yourself a favor call Mr. Townsend, trust me. It's worth a phone call to get the best representation.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Luis m
Great group of attorneys! They treat you like family and will fight for your rights.
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Darla kay jobkar
Steve Townsend is the best!!! Trustworthy, Experienced, Super Efficient and Responsive. I highly recommend!
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Ricky reyes
Absolutely thee best legal representation in all Pittsburgh, Pa. Forget the rest. Mr. Townsend is the best. Trust me, I know and this comes from someone out of Philly, Pa. Mr. Townsend gives his all and his word is as solid as gold and it's weight. If ever someone needs legal representation on any level, do yourself a favor call Mr. Townsend, trust me. It's worth a phone call to get the best representation.
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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.
