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04 Apr, 2021 by Pepe
I personally, and we as a Company, could never say enough words to fully represent how much Phil means to us and what he has done for our credibility and reputation. Phil has simply and easily changed our lives (for the better of course). In our crazy world of everything competition and the bottom line – he took an astronomical shot in the dark with our case. According to many, our case was too complicated, too weak and too much of a risk to invest resources into. Phil gave us something that is simply invaluable and extremely (genuinely) rare: Phil gave us a fair opportunity. Furthermore, Phil was more than fair, transparent and dedicated throughout the entire process. After many delays and even more challenges on various fronts, Phil won our case. Not only did we recover the majority of our initial financial loss, Phil also gave us back our dignity. I don’t know what the future will bring us, but I do know that no matter what happens, things will always be better because of what Phil and his staff have done for us. Finally, there is not doubt that Phil is a special Attorney – but he’s an even better human being. I hope to be there for Phil, his staff, and his loved ones should they ever need anything from me, or from our Company. ~ Pepe ~
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29 Mar, 2021 by Lydia
When I think about people who I work with who make my life easier, the first name to come to mind is Phil Burkhardt, who has been there for me on personal legal matters on several occasions. Phil always makes me feel like his top priority, helps me think through my situation, and clearly explains what my legal options are. He always has my interests first, is constantly supportive and is never judgmental. As a woman in my thirties, sometimes I have spoken with attorneys who I feel didn’t take my circumstances seriously. I feel comfortable and confident calling Phil because I know I will get an immediate response, he will give me great advice, and he is never just looking for a fee. On many occasions, I have come to him with a situation and he has advised me away from pursuing legal remedies, even though that means no fee for him. Phil doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear; he tells me the truth, and that is why I trust him.
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28 Mar, 2021 by Beatrice
Law-firm Burkhardt and Larson accepted my real estate case in 2001, and little did we know, this would take five years and two trials. The party I was against had unlimited funds so this was a case of David against the giant. After mediation was not offering a reasonable settlement, we went to trial. Attorney Burkhardt prepared very diligently, assembling a very strong case. I felt safe because we were presenting the truth. Integrity and honesty are very important to me. I wanted an attorney that represented me, besides winning the case. The first judge overseeing my case saw right through the attorneys’ arguments and witnesses. I never forgot all the advise attorney Burkhardt gave me. I am grateful to his firm for their hard work.
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25 Sep, 2012 by Carson
I was referred to Bill Simon by a doctor in Charlotte, NC that had used Bill's legal services for his business in San Diego. He was extremely pleased with the legal work that Bill had done for his business. I originally had another attorney handling the settlement of an estate that I am the executor of. That attorney did not understand the Trust, so I was getting very concerned and nervous about my involvement as the executor from a legal stand point. I took the Trust and Will to The San Diego Law Firm and within twenty minutes Bill Simon had explained the Trust and Will to me. He assured me that he could execute the Trust and Will the way that it was intended. Bill's knowledge and skill was very impressive. Bill had his team ready to start the execution of the Trust and Will. They were professional and knowledgeable with every step that was taken. They worked with the heirs and kept an excellent relationship with everyone involved. The estate went into Probate, so Bill and his team handled it from start to finish with no hassles for me. They managed the funds and every situation that came up with skill and an impressive knowledge base. I totally trusted Bill Simon with handling everything involved in closing the estate. I'm usually not that trusting, but the integrity of Bill is beyond comparison. I let Bill and his team do what was required without me micro managing everything. I never had to question anything that they did. I could not be happier with their treatment of me and the handling of the estate. Bill Simon is my attorney for life. As far as I'm concerned Bill Simon is the best attorney to handle all of my requirements. I highly recommend him to everyone. Bill Simon is currently handling another legal problem for me concerning a serious situation with a building contractor. I am so confident in Bill's ability to handle this legal matter, that my personal feeling is that I will have a good resolution. Bill Simon is without a doubt the best attorney in California. I sincerely believe that you have made the right choice when you use Bill. Carson Estes
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25 Sep, 2012 by Robb
Bill Simon and John Masnica over at San Diego Law Firm are a pleasure to work with - they set us up on a fixed fee monthly plan that our tech startup could afford. They competently got us set up with our Corporation filing papers, logo trademark, service agreements, etc. We're now working on several other projects that are protecting and improving our business equity. Very good communication and it's nice not being charged $100 for each email communication like most attorneys do. Highly recommend Bill Simon and the team at SDLF.
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24 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Bill is the Managing Partner at San Diego Law Firm, the law firm in San Diego my business used to incorporate our company. Since then him and his staff have helped with many other aspects of protecting our business. If you have the chance to be in a meeting with Bill you will see how passionate he is about what he does.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Gerald
Our office has engaged Tim Kindelan's services on several occasions. Tim is a pleasure to work with, very professional and very responsive with regards to our legal needs. Each instance was resolved quickly and in our favor.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Kindelan and found him to be the best Lawyer I had ever worked with in my 40 years of business. Super smart but also practical. If you need an Attorney to give you the best advice, best representation and work harder and smarter than any other Lawyer, you need to hire Tim. Honest, ethical and brilliant!!!!!!!!!
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08 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
After 25 years of no child support payments, Tim Kindelan successful brought me a check totalling back support, interest, penalties and lawyer fees. This was not an easy task. He succeeded where others had failed. Mr. Kindelan came to my aid recently when my landlord locked me out of my business illegally. In need of immediate help, he succeeded in getting the doors unlocked, a new key handed to me and my landlord set right. He was aggressively respectful and handled the situation flawlessly. Tim Kindelan is a man of honor. I have known him for years on a professional level and he has continued to maintain his integrity and skillfully bring me the results I have wanted. That certainly has not been true of other lawyers I have hired in the past. I highly recommend Tim Kindelan if you are in need of legal advice or help.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Sherman thomas
Conger law was beyond words. The understanding, empathy and diligence the firm displayed on our behalf was exemplary. They were very compassionate and considerate in every decision they made on our behalf, going above and beyond. They treated us like family. We truly appreciate all you've done and couldn't have made it through this difficult time without your expertise.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ericka daigle
I am very grateful for Ryan’s unwavering support throughout my case. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns, and he consistently demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. His deep understanding of my personal situation helped me tremendously through this difficult time. Having him as my advocate definitely put me at ease. He handled my case with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Stella corona
Ryan is hands down one of the best in the business. I am so thankful he was my lawyer for a personal injury case. Both the outcome and the process far exceeded my expectations. My case was not straightforward nor easily won, but with Ryan’s expertise, patience, and people savviness, he was able to help me get a great settlement. As anyone who goes through a personal injury case knows, the process can be daunting. With Ryan by my side I found I was alway informed, he went above and beyond to teach me things and make sure I was lock step with all of my options as a client. Moreover, he always listened to me and took my input and direction to heart and incorporated it into our approach / strategy. With personal injury law, having the right lawyer on your side can truly make or break your case. I saw this first hand with my case, everyone Ryan interacted with respected and liked him, and that makes a huge difference in how things move forward (or don’t). As someone with extraordinarily high standards, Ryan absolutely knocked it out of the park for me. I’ll forever be grateful for him and his hard work, he’s a gem to work alongside and I’m lucky he was my lawyer. Highly highly recommend Conger Law 10/10
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07 Sep, 2023 by Maxx lajoie-goppert
A moment ago Even though we were on other ends of the state, Daniel went out of his way to find me providers to get me quality care and make sure all of my concerns were heard and documented. Daniel consistently checked in on me and gave me timely updates. He got me a settlement that I was very happy with and I'm glad to have been able to work with him. Very easy to work with and I'd highly recommend his services!
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03 May, 2023 by Tony p
I had the pleasure of having Daniel as my attorney. I found him by using google maps. No recommendations, nothing. My first call was after 7pm, my only time available. I got his voicemail, was not surprised. Left a message. Expected nothing. Less than 2 minutes later he called me. Impressed is understatement. He walked me through everything, no hidden agenda. I am now pain free from my injuries, all because of Daniel.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Nelli p
I am SO GRATEFUL to the team of professionals of this law firm, who possess a rare blend of expertise, empathy, and resilience. I had the privilege to meet a majority of people in the office and felt their care and wonderful human qualities. Kathy is an amazing administrator! Paul Jonna and Robert Weisenburger handled my case from the beginning to the end with exceptional professionalism and unwavering integrity. They are skilled negotiators and effectively vindicated my cause against an international corporation that discriminated against me. Grounded in traditional values, they project honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability, putting a client at ease in stressful situations. They were very patient with my strong accent and limited English, explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. Their humble attitude helped me to relate to them and establish a strong working relationship. Paul’s leadership skills, a fierce commitment to justice and stellar responsiveness provided a steady ground for Robert and I to work on multiple details of my case. Robert has amazing analytical skills, a sharp eye for important nuances in multiple pages of paperwork and counseling skills. He is kind, supportive and patient. It was a blessing for me to work with him even on tedious stages of paperwork preparation, a stressful 9-hours Deposition and a scrupulous Mediation process. He exercised his personal faith to support me during this long legal process. My words are not enough to express my very positive experience in my legal battle.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Courtney rogers
Robert Weisenburger and the Limandri & Jonna team helped me and my family through a stressful lawsuit with great kindness and attention to detail. They always answered all of our questions and took time to make sure we were comfortable and understanding of the process. We could not be happier with the work this office has done and the outcome they were able to procure!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Jim rogers
I've been an attorney in Ohio for 37 years. I've referred two high profile cases to Robert Weisenburger as California counsel. The opposing counsels in each case were large, international law firms with offices in LA. Robert provided exceptional legal services in a prompt and ethical manner. His analytical skills and strategic thinking allow him to handle complex matters, while at the same time explaining concepts in understandable terms for the client. I give him the highest possible recommendation.
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03 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
We hired her to assist with a real estate transaction. Complaints- she had difficulty filing important legal documents by the deadlines. She never kept us informed as to the status on the case. She lied on many occasions regarding documents filed. She was also extremely difficult to get a hold of if we needed to send her important information. She told us she had over 20 years of experience working on real estate transactions- due to the poor quality of her work, this is hard to believe (numerous grammatical errors in documents and we had to tell her the facts of the case over and over again). Many times it seemed that she did not know what she was doing. We were very disappointed with her work.
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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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