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11 Oct, 2015 by Mark
Milena Rodrigues Arantes provided great legal advice on employment law. While not her primary discipline, she was open to a consultation and was able to offer great resources that successfully assisted me. She was caring, knowledgeable, and resourceful throughout my experience. I highly recommend her services.
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20 Feb, 2014 by Patricia ann
Stephen Navaretta is by far an exceptional attorney. He is very well educated and knowledgeable and the office staff is superior. I worked with Mr. Navaretta with regard to real estate, trusts, and administration law. He always kept me up to date and informed with any issue I was seeking advice for. Mr. Navaretta is kind and caring and I recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice.
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23 Jul, 2016 by Paulgreenwood
I contracted Roger Messer in March 2015 for a personal injury action. In December 2014 I was a passenger in my mother's auto, when she fell asleep and drove off the road. I needed surgery on both shoulders, and I lost considerable work time and money. From early on, every time I talked to Mr. Messer, he warned me that we might not win the case against my mother's auto insurer. During the summer of 2015 I had a couple of surgeries, and then rehab. I talked with Mr. Messer's Paralegal, Julie, in August 2015 and told her my rehab was over. In September 2015 Julie called me and said all Roger needed was a doctor's report on my shoulder. I went to the doctor on October 8, and asked for the report. Doctor said report would be sent to my lawyer. I immediately called Julie and told her that the doctor would send the report. I waited until February 2016. When I heard nothing from my lawyer, I wrote an email. Julie responded by saying, " Haven't heard from you in awhile. Are you still treating?" This came 4 months after I had told her that my treatments were over and the doctor was going to send a report. I asked her if she received the report. She said no. I waited until March, then wrote again.
Julie said that she still had not received the report and she would contact me when she did. In April, tired of waiting, I asked her again. She still had not received the report. I personally called the doctor and asked them to send the report. They told me they had sent it months prior. I asked them kindly to resend it. At this point, Roger asked me to personally get my mother's auto insurance policy so he could "go over it". Over one year later he was asking me for a very important document which I believed he already had. Next, after getting the doctor's report, Roger told me he wanted to meet with me to discuss a demand letter and how much we were going to ask for. He said he needed to talk with me first before sending the letter. Great. So I made an appointment, and a few weeks later drove up to meet with Roger. I sat down in front of him, and all he said was, "I'm going to need your prior year's W-2". So I drove 40+ miles round trip for something he could have asked me for over the phone.
That was in May 2016. In July 2016, without any prior notice, I received a letter in the mail from Roger with a copy of a demand letter he wrote to the auto insurer. He did not ask me or even let me know that he was going to send the letter. I had zero input as to the demand amount, which, by the way, I believed to be too low. There are more problems I had with Roger, but, in the end, the insurer denied the claim, stating that there was a clause which stated that family members are excluded from making claims against the insured. I went over the policy several times and did not see such a clause. Roger also told me that he went over the policy and never saw such a clause. So then, why did he accept the insurers explanation so easily, and without proof? Obviously, I am going to see another lawyer. I am extremely dissatisfied with Roger Messer's performance, and that of his Paralegal. I believe the case failed more to the efforts, or lack thereof, of my lawyer, than of the law. I do not recommend Roger Messer at all. That is my opinion.
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23 Jun, 2015 by Doris tropf
I first met and hired Roger Messer in 1981. Our youngest daughter, Lynnette, was killed by an impaired driver, he also severely, permanently injured her 15 month old son who was in the car with her. My family was devastated by our loss. It was extremely difficult for my husband and myself to deal with legal matters at that time. Initially our reason for seeing Roger was to secure the guardianship of Lynnettes two children , their father and his family were not an option (the father was in jail at the time of the tragedy)---when Roger heard our story he immediately realized we needed more help than this. Roger not only secured the guardianship of the children for us, we later were able to adopt them, he got the children secure, lifetime settlements. He also saved my husband and myself from making a very costly error with the car insurance company, and much more than I could write in this small space. He did all this with the most kindness, and thoughtfulness to our raw feelings. Over the 34 plus years I have (with complete confidence) recommended him to several families who were in a like situation as ourselves, he helped them all. They have all thanked me for sending them to a "jewel". He has helped all three of my remaining children with legal matters, as well as close friends. You can make all the "lawyer" jokes you want (and I have made my share), but I tell you Roger Messer is no "joke". He is compassionate, intelligent, gentle and kind, and he has a wonderful staff. He and his staff over the years have been very generous to the less fortunate in their community. Not only is Roger a very skilled lawyer, he is a wonderful family man, he was always there for his childrens sports and scholastic endeavors, he was a wonderful son to his mom, who he dearly loved and fulfilled her passion for fishing whenever he could. Not only is Roger Messer "my" lawyer-----I think of him as "my friend". I thank him from the bottom of my heart, not only for what he has done for my family, but for being a lawyer who will not and does not lower his standards, he is a lawyer for "victims", not the "bad guy".
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30 May, 2021 by Gene
He didn't have any idea how to pursue a personal injury suit. He let the expiry date come and go on subpoenaing cell phone records as the other driver was texting.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Henry
Ron, Has represented on more than one occasion and has always been personable and professional. Has always explained everything and gave an honest opinion.
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1.0
1 Reviews
20 Apr, 2017 by Jd
This guy should be disbarred. How he passed is beyond me. If you want to lose time and money hire him.
My closest friend is a real attorney in NYC and I showed him Steven Messer' conversations with me and he said I should contact the bar association. Guess what? I am very soon.
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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:
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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.
