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12 Oct, 2015 by Chetna
Santosh was very helpful in providing me the complete information for filling the green card paperwork. Especially related to the details and affidavits required in lieu of a birth certificate. She filed everything timely and followed up promptly and as needed. Thank you!!!
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03 Dec, 2009 by G. kumar
Attorney Santosh Kalra Pawar has helped my family three times over last 10 years. I approached her initially when my brother's student visa (F-1) application got denied at New Delhi consulate. Santosh reviewed my brother's previous application and very willingly took on my brother's case and made the whole application more presentable and professional ...end result is that my brother got the F-1 visa to continue his Graduate level studies.
A couple of years later, I hired this firm to handle F-1 visa for my cousin. Unfortunately, we were working under tremendous time pressure and Atty. Santosh was very willing to work with us under the time pressure and communicated directly with the New Delhi consulate...end result is that my cousin got her F-1 visa.
We hired her again to process Green Card for my parents after I got my US Citizenship through naturalization. We were debating between Consular Processing in India vs. processing in the U.S. Attorney Santosh gave us very practical advice keeping in view our circumstances that my parents could only stay in the U.S. for 2-3 months. What I liked about Santosh was that she was very willing to spend the time and explain in non-legal terms the pros and cons of very alternatives before I hired her and put the money down.
I'd whole-heartedly recommend this attorney for immigration related case.
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24 Nov, 2009 by Kidanemehret ethiopian orthodox tewahedo church
After consulting with several lawyers in upstate NY, we approached Attorney Santosh Kalra with difficult case. The challenges were big and risky to us and we wanted success. After hiring Santosh we noticed quick progress. Her interest in our case from start to end, weekly follow up, her promptness and availability, her countless hours of research, reasonable fee, and superb legal skills lead us to success. In the end, the legal case got resolved quickly and we ‘re very satisfied with the out come.
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12 Jun, 2015 by Phil
I had a situation where my property was over-assessed by almost twice the fair market value.
Sheila consulted with me via phone & email and advised that I go to the BOAR (board of assessment review) meeting and represent myself. She provided me with several different ways to approach the situation, and then provided several legal precedents where these methods were successfully utilized. Sheila also recommended a professional appraiser, and when his fees were astronomical, she recommended another who was very reasonable.
I am happy to report that I received the letter from the BOAR detailing the grievance board's decision, and they unanimously concurred with me that the original assessment was inappropriate, and changed the assessment to the value the appraiser recommended in his report.
Therefore, I strongly recommend Sheila. She is both knowledgeable and creative. 5 stars!
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23 Feb, 2010 by Samantha
Having worked with John on handling my uncle's estate, I found him to be an extremely professional and responsive lawyer. Even though the estate in question was not particularly large, I felt I was given a high level of attention and courtesy. I also felt as though he spoke to me in plain English, without all of the confusing legalese that lawyers are sometimes prone to using. This was especially helpful, as I never hd been through the experience of being an executrix before.
Additionally, I was handling the Monroe County estate from Philadelphia, which ended up presenting a few difficulties. I felt as though I could trust John to take the lead on any roadblocks that arose and handle them in a manner that kept the interests of the estate at the forefront.
Without reservation, I would recommend John to anyone who is seeking first-class legal counsel.
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03 May, 2019 by Jeff
Chris helped me finalize the sale of vacant land I advertised on Zillow without a Real Estate Agent. He allowed me to do as much of the leg work as I wanted to reduce my cost. Despite the protracted 4 month process, due to obstacles beyond our control, he was very prompt and patient will all my emails and phone calls.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Tania sims
Left multiple msgs and emails and no response
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21 Dec, 2022 by Bruce e. russell
25 Nov, 2022 by Manuel t. jones
09 Mar, 2023 by Tania sims
Left multiple msgs and emails and no response
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21 Dec, 2022 by Bruce e. russell
25 Nov, 2022 by Manuel t. jones
26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications."
It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages.
Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads:
"Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......"
Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
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04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
06 Feb, 2024 by Phillip dorf
Betsy is a very experienced attorney with over 20 years on her sleeve. The atmosphere is great and very inviting with great people to assist you with your needs. For her experience her prices are very fair.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications."
It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages.
Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads:
"Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......"
Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
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04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
06 Feb, 2024 by Phillip dorf
Betsy is a very experienced attorney with over 20 years on her sleeve. The atmosphere is great and very inviting with great people to assist you with your needs. For her experience her prices are very fair.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications."
It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages.
Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads:
"Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......"
Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
Read more
04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
06 Feb, 2024 by Phillip dorf
Betsy is a very experienced attorney with over 20 years on her sleeve. The atmosphere is great and very inviting with great people to assist you with your needs. For her experience her prices are very fair.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications."
It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages.
Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads:
"Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......"
Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
Read more
04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
06 Feb, 2024 by Phillip dorf
Betsy is a very experienced attorney with over 20 years on her sleeve. The atmosphere is great and very inviting with great people to assist you with your needs. For her experience her prices are very fair.
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
We used this office for selling a house. They are paid by you but are behaving like they are working for everybody else but you. Go somewhere else if you could!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Mark
HORRIBLE!!! On March 19, 2024, this attorney agreed to add a simple Codicil to our Last Will and Testament. "I'm happy to assist you with updating your estate planning. I can also prepare a Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Power of Attorney if desired" she boasted to us on that date. We informed her that time was of the essence..it needed to be done before June 4, 2024. "We have plenty of time" she responded with. On March 22, 2024, she wrote "I’ll review and will contact you to discuss any necessary modifications."
It is now 5 weeks later, and this woman has gone AWOL. Not a single communication of any sort, nada, zip, zero! When you call her office, you get a recording stating "my preferred method of communication is through email." OK...we obliged. Result from that email 6 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero! So...now we call her office a SECOND time, but this time we left a voice message (since her "preferred method of communication" has obviously fallen on deaf ears). Result from our voicemail message 3 days ago as of this writing? Nada, zip, zero!! This woman doesn't even have the decency and common courtesy to return messages.
Update! Today, FINALLY we received an email which reads:
"Sorry, I was on vacation visiting my mom in Florida when you emailed last week. I have a lot going on right now and I know that you're anxious to proceed. I am referring you to......"
Uh what? Are you kidding?! We've just lost 5 full weeks! We have NOTHING to show for our trust in this attorney. If you've got unlimited time and patience for a bait and switch attorney with zero communications skills to massage a document as important as a Last Will and Testament...then by all means, this is your attorney!!
Read more
04 Apr, 2024 by David abbatoy
09 Mar, 2023 by Tania sims
Left multiple msgs and emails and no response
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21 Dec, 2022 by Bruce e. russell
25 Nov, 2022 by Manuel t. jones
14 Sep, 2017 by Jeanne
Creary Law Firm has handled multiple residential real estate deals for me over the years in Rochester and in other areas as well such as the Adirondacks and Saratoga Springs, NY. I have always found his office to be responsive and detailed oriented in their work. I would and have recommended him to my friends and colleagues.
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05 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Bill helped us immensely through the purchase of our first home. He was professional, friendly, and overall a great guy. We ran into a problem during the transaction, and Bill was all over it, ensuring that was came out on top. He was available when we called and very helpful in easing our anxiety. Would greatly recommend Mr. Creary for anyone purchasing a new home!
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18 Aug, 2013 by Lixx
Creary's office was recently hired by us for selling our house. The whole experience was really bad, and it was the worst part of the entire process.
First of all, he only contacted us once before we decided to hire him, as soon as we hired him, he never returned our calls, nor any emails. The staff in his office were very slow too, in most of the cases, we had to call and left two or three voice messages in order to get their responses.
Second, he just didn't do his job. Our buyers for some reason delayed the closing date, and we urged his office to find out the reason and push the other party to close as soon as possible. But he never urged them, and didn't notify us any of the progress. We have moved before the closing date, so we were completely blocked of any information of the progress.
Third, he was first referred by our agent from Nothnagle, and we were told the fee would be $400, but at the end, they charged $450 without any explanation. Since the original number wasn't written in any documents, we were unable to prove it was $400. $50 isn't a whole lot of money, but it definitely shows how dishonest they are. It seems Nothnagle would get some commission back by referring him, but his performance just hurts the reputation of Nothnagle.
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03 Dec, 2023 by Teal schlegel
Helped me with a business issue early on during the startup. They were thorough and responsive. Thank you.
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19 Oct, 2023 by C shirley
Asked this firm to aid in a fraudulent deed issue. They literally billed me not once, but twice ! before making any progress what so ever.
I had them send a simple "threat" letter to begin the run of the mill process of so called legal action.
The letter was nothing short of embarrassment and the person receiving the letter must have literally laughed out loud. I know I did. I quickly replied saying the letter is inaccurate and that I'd be glad to answer any questions , but the letter was sent anyway in a rush and I was ignored. It's funny to how I was quickly billed for the mistake. But questions go unanswered for a week. Obviously did not listen or care about my issue, Just wanted the money for Nothing.
When I foolishly asked the next steps of the process via email..even though my gut told me to run already , i was ignored for a week and guess what? surprise! I received another bill in the mail for those emails I sent.
The balls on some of these lawyers. Yet another example of why you should never pay anyone up front.
I just wasted hundreds of dollars for a bogus letter and 2 questions that went unanswered. If that's not bad enough , a child could have wrote the letter 100 times better or had AI do it in seconds. For free .
Imagine hiring a plumber and you come home and he's tearing the roof off...does he get paid?
Thankfully AI will cut out the use for all lawyer's and the paperwork in the future, 4 of 4 lawyers I've used in my life so far have been absolutely worthless money grabs. It's amazing how a computer made a wonderful argument and letter in seconds. Choose wisely
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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.
