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19 Mar, 2024 by Bikram
We reached out to Josh looking for a local lawyer who understood real estate law in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Furthermore, his understanding of both tent and landlord rights was instrumental in our decisions on how to proceed as we were concerned with our liability as we had documented everything to the best of our abilities and never thought we would be in this predicament fighting to keep what was ours. With Josh services and persistence we were able to avoid a lengthy and draining legal battle due to Josh through review of our case and his outline of approaches available to us (each with pros and cons detailed), reminding us that all of these options will result in justice and fairness but all with various timelines and costs. As we prepared for a lengthy battle Josh persisted to communicate with the other party convincing them that it was in their favor to resolve the issue quickly and justly.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Fred
Josh has handled business matters for my partnership as well as personal matters. He's been very constructive and provided valuable advice. And, notably, he listened to our needs and worked with us to find workable solutions.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Raquel b
He was so very helpful! He is not your typical lawyer, he's very personable and very kind! I appreciated him very much.
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25 Mar, 2021 by T. h.
I have nothing but positive things to say. Usually in life we hope to never find ourselves in a situation where we need a lawyer, however I could not be more grateful I found Tierney Law Group. Kent Tierney is professional, gracious, and will fight for you. When working with Kent, I could tell he is a man of integrity and could feel his genuine compassion for people. He is highly skilled in his field and I never doubted his expertise and judgement when handling my case. Personally, I am not an expert when it comes to legal knowledge. Kent was very patient, walked me through each step of the process, and made things clear and concise. He was always welcoming and never made me feel foolish for asking questions or for want I needed. He was honest and provided me with reasonable expectations and peace of mind throughout. In the end, Tierney Law Group resolved my case to my complete satisfaction with less stress and pain than I ever would have expected. Before hiring Tierney Law Group, I absolutely dreaded having to get a lawyer. Now, I cannot imagine a smoother process. I cannot thank Kent Tierney and his team enough for how they handled my case! If you need a lawyer, do not hesitate to go with Tierney Law Group, you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend their team for Family Law, but I have no doubt they can do it all!
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22 Apr, 2015 by Dana
Kent was very knowledgable about what needed to be done regarding my case and situation. He was always very truthful and didn't sugar coat things, which was refreshing. If something was not the most beneficial for me, he told me so, rather than just proceeding along, charging me the whole way! Since my case has been done, I've contacted him with a couple of questions, and he always gets back to me, and has been really helpful. He's very trustworthy and I would have no problems using him again for anything if necessary. This is how professional attorneys are supposed to be, and he's great!
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26 Feb, 2015 by Aarav s.
I found Mr. Tierney using Yelp. His reviews were excellent. He wrote a contract for my wife and I on a construction project. We have also used Mr. Tierney for several cases related to rental properties (evictions). He was very reasonable with his fees and extremely knowledgable. I don't write many reviews but I felt obligated to leave a review on Avvo because of their rating system. We investigated Mr. Tierney and were comfortable using him, we found him to be honest and extemely helpful. Don't rely on one site's rating system without investigating any attorney your going to use completely using all available resources.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Mary
Ms. Garcia helped me with a delicate personnel issue. She was professional, knowledgeable and worked with me to find the right solutions to protect me and my company. She works well with her team of paraprofessionals and ensures that the issue is resolved in a timely manner. Her attention to detail and genuine sense of humor make getting through challenging problems easier.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I was in need of urgent help with an employment matter and Melinda came through for me the same day. She fit me in for a consultation within hours of my call and read my documents prior to our meeting. She was thorough, attentive to my needs, knowledgeable, professional and above all very comforting.
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26 Jun, 2012 by Carol
Melinda provided me excellent advice in resolving an employment agreement related to an acquisition of the company I worked for. She is very knowledgeable, asked me what I wanted to achieve with her services, provided excellent service to achieve those goals, and was very cognizant of fees. I recommend her for employment related services.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Elizabeth
Excellence in taking care of my personal injury from beginning to end. Stephen and his team Are always available to help with the many things required during this kind of process. I’m very glad to have him by my side.
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02 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I am so pleased to write this review for Tod. I was recommended to Garcia & Gurney by a friend of mine. I was in need of a lawyer and had exhausted all viable lawfirms that were on my list. I'm so happy to have found Tod. He was exactly what I was looking for and needed. He was so kind, thorough and patient with me. Having never been in a situation such as this, I did not know what to expect. Tod and his teams meticulous preparation enabled me to move forward with my suit with confidence and certainty. The result was more than I had expected and I am thrilled. I would recommend Tod and his firm to those who are unfortunate enough to be in this situation. He truly cares, knows the law and will get you the help you need.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Nandini chakravarti
I am from Delhi, India and would like to get in touch with Anoop Judge.Would appreciate if any contact telephone numer or email adress can be shared. my name in Nandini (Chankravarti) Ghosh and we studied in college together. I am reachable at +91.98106.33174 and email
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03 Oct, 2013 by Jay
I had a complex third party assignment case, and Phillip really came up with good solutions. I rate attorneys on knowledge, responsiveness, integrity, and the ability to think on their feet, and Phillip possesses all of these qualities. I will definitely hire him in the future, if the need arises.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Xuming fan
It’s a miracle! I was pulled over and charged with DUI in my personal car on July 23rd, even worse is I am a CDL driver. The very probable outcome would be CDL suspension, tough DMV hearing, IID installed, SR22 insurance pay, DUI Fine, and the worst, unemployment and get stuck in the miserable condition for a couple of years. Thanks be to God, I came across those real comments and cases like what I am writing down here and the details and descriptions convinced me. I did only one correct thing the next day: call Gorelick Law Office. It turns out a surprise conviction: wet reckless driving, no CDL suspension, no DMV hearing, no IID, no SR 22 insurance… I am wondering now maybe Lynn and Teresa could possibly have been able to dismiss my case if I had tried all my best. Reach out to Gorelick office, talk to Teresa, 100% trust Lynn, follow the advice and try your best, you will make it! Never drink and drive again!
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14 May, 2024 by William ulmer
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24 Apr, 2024 by Jorge rivas
I am extremely grateful for Lynn’s exceptional representation in my second DUI case. Lynn’s expertise and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. Their strategic approach and attention to detail resulted in a successful outcome for me. I highly recommend Lynn to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable lawyer. Thank you Lynn for your outstanding work!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mike larry
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14 Aug, 2024 by Olivia jackson
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06 Aug, 2024 by Keo getridge
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02 Jul, 2022 by Terry
Steven played "David" as we went after "Goliath" (Big Insurance). Friends said we couldn't win ..... we did! He knew when to push and when to back off. He wrote a great letter citing case law which signaled they weren't up against inept, novice representation. They quickly settled. He did exactly what I hired him to do. He was also referred to me by another happy client.
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28 May, 2022 by Linda
No one has to explain how difficult it is to recover money from someone who lied to you, left you in an awful place, and disappeared – but Steve and his team did. I hired someone I believed to be a contractor to do work on the foundation of my house. He showed me his card which had a valid contractor’s license number and he had done a couple of handyman jobs for me, so I trusted him. Several months into the foundation retrofit, the City of Oakland noticed his work while inspecting a house across the street, and to my surprise red-tagged my property. Before abandoning his work the “would be” contractor had left my house with an exposed foundation and other big problems. I later found out that my house was near collapse from this person’s bad work. Demands to finish the work went unheeded. Demands for repayment of the money I had paid went unheeded. I had no choice but to sue this purported contractor and the actual contractor whose license was involved. Through careful and strong legal strategy, Steve and his team got the other side to finally hear my story and see their risk, and achieved a significant court order that functionally ended the case and resulted in a significant settlement for me. This resonates with me because I know what it is like to be ignored and the energy it takes to power through that kind of behavior and Steve and his firm brought it off. At each point in the litigation, Steve worked to minimize my costs where possible, and also advised me in related actions against the unlicensed contractor’s co-conspirators which resulted in one claim being settled and judgments against the rest of the defendants. I recommend Steven Joseph Kahn highly.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Neil
Steven handled a lawsuit for me as a defendant regarding a real estate transaction. His understanding of the real estate law, contract law, and court proceedings was superlative. His representation was timely, accurate, and cordial. His negotiation style is to the point of law without emotion or judgement. He provided matter of fact options and handled negotiations with the plaintiff’s attorney VERY well. Steven is, acccording to the old adage, “a scholar and a gentleman.” I would hire Steven again, if needed, in a heartbeat.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Xuming fan
It’s a miracle! I was pulled over and charged with DUI in my personal car on July 23rd, even worse is I am a CDL driver. The very probable outcome would be CDL suspension, tough DMV hearing, IID installed, SR22 insurance pay, DUI Fine, and the worst, unemployment and get stuck in the miserable condition for a couple of years. Thanks be to God, I came across those real comments and cases like what I am writing down here and the details and descriptions convinced me. I did only one correct thing the next day: call Gorelick Law Office. It turns out a surprise conviction: wet reckless driving, no CDL suspension, no DMV hearing, no IID, no SR 22 insurance… I am wondering now maybe Lynn and Teresa could possibly have been able to dismiss my case if I had tried all my best. Reach out to Gorelick office, talk to Teresa, 100% trust Lynn, follow the advice and try your best, you will make it! Never drink and drive again!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mike larry
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14 Aug, 2024 by Olivia jackson
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mike larry
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14 Aug, 2024 by Olivia jackson
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06 Aug, 2024 by Keo getridge
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03 Jun, 2015 by Darren
Jim and his staff worked with us for more then 5 years on other matters with success as our corporate counselor before we had his firm take on a very complex, and potentially very costly corporate matter. They researched all of the claims, responded, formed proper defenses for the claims from our corporate documentation and guided us as to how to improve our processes and corporate arrangements to help us avoid issues in the future. He saved us many hundreds of thousands and grief taking the matter to a successful conclusion for us. In the 4 years since that matter, we have retained him to resolve 2 other matters of contract dispute and getting due payments from clients that failed to pay upon project completion, again, both in our favor. Long time corporate client here. We get great responsiveness, honesty, good explanations whenever we ask for advice, and successful results.
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24 Sep, 2013 by Stephen
“James G. Schwartz and his law firm were recommended to my husband and me to help resolve a family issue involving company stock. When Jim came in he immediately assessed the situation and took all of the pressure off of our family. Jim and his Firm were then able to remove the problem which had caused us so much anxiety. Throughout the entire process we found him to be both extremely knowledgeable and effective in his work. Our stress level decreased markedly knowing he was watching out for our interests. I would highly recommend Jim and the Law Offices of James G. Schwartz PC”
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13 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
We were in a time crises with a real estate partner with whom we were trying to negotiate a buyout. The favorable financing was about to be lost. Jim Schwartz came recommended by a well known attorney and Jim scheduled a meeting immediately. He contacted the opposing attorney, drafted an agreement and saved our loan as well as resolved the issues. He was supportive, direct, and yet caring and helped us keep our sense of direction throughout. I would highly recommend Jim for your legal needs.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Kimberly easley
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17 Nov, 2019 by Nikki z
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30 Mar, 2019 by Kristen koeller
Nick Tooliatos and his team have been beyond supportive with my father's conservatorship. They are caring, precise, and have helped to keep me on track with my dad's care and support. Nick has been mindful to minimize unnecessary costs and offered expert advice that has lessened the stress on my family and me. For years, as my dad declined, I was told that it was nearly impossible to get conservatorship for a loved one, but Nick and his team made it happen. Thank God they did because my dad is in a much better place now. I highly recommend Nick and am grateful for his support and expertise.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Kimberly easley
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17 Nov, 2019 by Nikki z
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30 Mar, 2019 by Kristen koeller
Nick Tooliatos and his team have been beyond supportive with my father's conservatorship. They are caring, precise, and have helped to keep me on track with my dad's care and support. Nick has been mindful to minimize unnecessary costs and offered expert advice that has lessened the stress on my family and me. For years, as my dad declined, I was told that it was nearly impossible to get conservatorship for a loved one, but Nick and his team made it happen. Thank God they did because my dad is in a much better place now. I highly recommend Nick and am grateful for his support and expertise.
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28 Jan, 2013 by Mike
Blaha is horrrible. He rolls over on any request of the woman you are divorcing and tells you to give it to her. He allowed a friend of my wife's to undervalue our home by over $100k in the settlement and then he gave me bad advice to pay alimony when my wife was making over $80k a year and we had no children.
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17 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I went to azadeh for immigration consultation. She was late for her appointment and the moment she came to the office she very rudely asked me to sit down as i was trying to sooth my 1 month old baby by standing close to my chair, regarding the consultation she did knew nothing, she didnt knew where to look for type of visas and when i try to assist her she said she knows how to do her job well. it was 30 mins consultation and she had no interest in my case and in 8 mins she was done with me, least interesting in listening to me just spoke about her rate and not even bothered to listen to my whole reason of visiting her. She was highly unprofessional.
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26 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Worst Atty ever consulted!! I was given advice for an Unlawful Detainer case. In which she stated that she had done Hundreds of these types of cases. She wrote a four page Answer with no verifiable defences that could be used. Lotta legalise but no specific knowledge of Tenant Landlord Law. There was also extensive spelling errors that i had to fix. Not to mention she put the wrong case # on Answer. I was also told I could extend or reschedule court dates at leisure. Without reasonable expanation or excuse. This was to "Buy more time". Considering these types of cases move quickly through the judicial system. Only dire emergency situations can be used as reason to reschedule a court date. She also told me that a Verification to Answer was not needed. Also that it would be in my best interest to vacate premises before court date. Since I would have to "Pay back all rent owed anyway" Needless to say I never had to pay any back rent or deposit .Thank God I hired another Reputable Atty that was knowledgeable and recognized these errors before the trial date.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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