Lawyers map
>78
experienced lawyers
Filter by
09 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Regarding divorce: He was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, empathetic, efficient. Gave great practical advice. I would hire again.
Read more
24 Jan, 2025 by Bryce abramson
Exceptional Legal Expertise and Unwavering Dedication
I had the privilege of working with Silveira Law on a complex legal matter, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional service and dedication. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Micheal demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and care.
Mike was incredibly thorough in analyzing my case, identifying potential challenges, and developing a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Their ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms made me feel confident and informed throughout the process.
I was always kept up to date on the progress of my case, and promptly responded to my emails and phone calls. They never left me in the dark, ensuring that I felt supported every step of the way. It was clear that my case was genuinely cared about, and my concerns were met with the time to address them with patience and empathy.
If your case involves litigation, you want Silveira Law on your side. Their ability to present arguments persuasively and their composure under pressure were truly remarkable. Their preparation, confidence, and command of the facts gave me an undeniable advantage.
What sets Silveira Law apart is their genuine passion for helping their clients. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt empowered and informed, even providing resources and advice to help me navigate the aftermath of my case. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome was evident in every aspect of their work.
Thanks to Micheal’s hard work, my case resulted in a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. They were honest about potential risks from the start but never wavered in their commitment to advocating for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend Silveira Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them a standout in their field. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf while keeping your best interests at heart, look no further than Silveira Law.
Thanks again Mike for your outstanding service—I am forever grateful!
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by S. baca
I cannot thank this law firm enough for the outstanding service they provided. Thanks to their expertise, my charges were significantly dropped to a minor charge, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. My attorney, Mike Silveira, truly went above and beyond by attending multiple court dates on my behalf, sparing me the stress and inconvenience of having to be there. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly courteous, professional and extremely patient with all my questions. I truly felt like I was in capable hands the entire time. I highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking legal representation. If I ever need legal help again (though I hope I don’t!), I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again. Extremely satisfied with the outcome, and yes, I’m a real person with a genuine experience!
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Mitty bhardwaj
DUI case dismissed! I had a DUI in San Mateo and Mike got it dismissed within a year. With Mike, the court process was very strightfoward during this stressful time. My appearance in court was not nessacary during the case. I have even reccomended Mike to my friends.
Read more
26 Feb, 2013 by Evgeni
I cannot speak highly enough of Michael Mengarelli. If you are looking for an attorney for business disputes and general civil litigation that will not give you the run around that is common in the industry, Mike is the one! He will work with you to make sure you are happy with each step in the process. He is a pleasure to work with. He took my case and charged me a reasonable fee for his services.
Other attorneys wanted a very large retainer when they looked at my case. I discovered him through my sister's friend who knew I was in need of a lawyer after I wasted a lot of money on attorneys that I hired previously and who failed to handle my case.From the moment I contacted Mike I had a great experience, He got back to me right away and after talking to him I immediately knew he was the one I wanted to represent me in this case. He established a connection with me that made me feel comfortable working with him Our opposing counsels were super aggressive and belligerent.
Case was extremely complicated, involved multiple issues ( loan, real estate partition, HOA breach of contract, former divorce, conflict of interest in family). There were involved multiple discoveries, motions, hearings, depositions. Mike was super inventive, attentive, detail oriented, and best of all, extremely patient. I and my family were not the easiest clients. Mike listened to my complicated case and helped me come up with inventive ways to come to a resolution. He handled a case for me long-distance. There was NO problem with the fact that I am in LA and he's in Bay Area.Throughout my case, Mike was excellent with communicating with me and keeping me updated with how things were going.
I loved the fact that he was always available and was very quick to respond to any questions that I had via email or by phone.. He has maintained a very human attitude and approach to handling my case and I have never felt like I was just a paycheck to him. Most importantly as a lawyer he does not waste time and is straight forwarded with his advise and opinions.Mike is simply the hardest working attorney I have ever met. I always appreciate those rare individuals who can balance the need to be a professional with the desire to be a friend human being.
He was extremely down to earth and a pleasure to be around. He is quick, efficient, and very knowledgeable about the law. I would trust him fighting for me in any and all lawsuits imaginable. Working with Mike and his level of expertise helped me to breathe, have peace of mind and feel confident. You should have seen him in that court. I was so nervous when I arrived for my first day of trial but was able to calm down somewhat after watching him for his opening statement and later for direct and cross examinations. During the whole two weeks jury trial Mike was calm and assertive and took the lead. I appreciated his confidence level in the heat of the moment. When my trial ended, it was apparent to me that Mike had nailed the case! The judge seemed to appreciate his professionalism as well. I am still working with him on our post trial issues .
I highly suggest him for most of the legal issues whether they are business or personal. I will continue to use him in the future and feel like not only is my legal advocate, but a friend whom I can trust with what is best for my legal objectives and intentions. Thanks goodness there are lawyers out there like Mike Mengarelli
Read more
17 Feb, 2013 by Lana
Michael Mengarelli is the best attorney I have worked with in civil litigation. He is knowledgeable,responsive and moral. In my experience, these are rare and difficult to find qualities in an attorney.
I have had to deal with lawyers several times over the course of my life.The right lawyer makes all the difference in any lawsuit or legal negotiation. He was extremely professional and practical in his approach He.is ethical, likeable, highly intelligent, extremely knowledgeable and not arrogant or stuffy like a few of the lawyers I have dealt with in the past.He was also very generous with his time and advice. He made us fully aware of all of our options, and steered us towards what he knew would be in our best interest. I could tell that he actually cared about our situation, and viewed us as a human being and not a big dollar sign . He gave me a rapid, detailed answer to my question, he responded right away any time and I'm definitely grateful for that! My case was extremely complicated. Michael represented all my family in this case.He took over it after we changed two attorneys whom we were terribly disappointed , desperate, hopeless and even more depressed in our situation. And one of my acquaintance who also used to be Michael's client, strongly recommended him and we took a risk hiring Mike Mengarelli.
Mike was working day and nights, all weekends and holidays for preparation for our trial.
My brother lives in LA and Mike flew to LA to be with him for deposition. He went through total of 8 depositions with us and our witnesses, 2 weeks jury trial. Despite the fact that it was difficult time for all our family, we felt truly protected and secured having Mike on our side.
He was exactly what we needed, and the outcome was the best we could have hoped for.
Hopefully, I will not need a lawyer anytime in the near future, but if I do, I know that I can count on him and he will be my first and only choice.
Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read more
21 Oct, 2024 by N kaya
Peter Gimbel and his team (Olga, Jorge, and Cynthia) are truly exceptional. They provided unwavering support and expertise throughout my Workers' Compensation case. They made a complex process feel manageable and always prioritized my best interests.
Thanks to their hard work, I achieved a better outcome than I ever imagined. If you're seeking a dedicated attorney who will fight for you, I wholeheartedly recommend Peter Gimbel.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Kumiko kawasaki
I highly recommend anyone to Gimbel Law Firm. Andrew Simmons provided me such a personal, friendly, yet very professional and knowledgeable professional service and information throughout the workers compensation trials. Thank you so much Andrews and Gimbel Law firm!
Read more
26 Jul, 2024 by Randy vickie
I love the way they were on top of everything that I needed and the office staff was up to speed on the needs of the client as well. It was very important that my needs were met, so that I could take care of my family. Amazing!!.
Read more
19 Sep, 2015 by Albert
After being referred to Mr. Riechert by my divorce lawyer, he was hired to defend a elder abuse case filed against me and my children. Mr. Riechert worked out the a settlement in the elder abuse case because of his skill of working with others. He got to the core of the case, which there was no basis for, and negotiated with the plaintiff and her attorneys and settled it.. During this litigation, we asked Mr. Riechert to get involved in the divorce by supporting my divorce attorney in real estate matters and other issues including breach of fiduciary duties of the other lawyers involved in the case. I requested Mr. Riechert to always appear in court with me for the 17 days of the divorce trial because his input in that litigation was valued by both the very skilled divorce attorney. I found myself in a position that without the diligent, resourceful and thoughtful help of Peter my world would have been devastated. Both Mr. Riechert and my divorce attorney worked together in a professional way and were emotional supportive in a very difficult time. Despite the fact my divorce took over 5 years, Peters helped made a very terrible situation pliable. Mr. Riechert went far beyond what he was paid for to make me comfortable and understand the legal process. I have and would recommend Mr. Riechert because of his superior skills.
Read more
20 Aug, 2012 by Joshua
Ryan was introduced to our organization through a colleague, and he offered legal advice regarding our Employee Handbook, HR issues, labor laws, etc... He spent time reading over our documents and giving us current answers regarding said questions. So far, he has been very helpful!
Read more
23 Jan, 2023 by Patrick canning
Toddler Paradise!!!
Read more
09 Apr, 2022 by Joanne ferretti
This office has taken care of my legal needs for 30 years. Thank you!
Read more
03 Nov, 2020 by Kaushik vinjamur
24 Jan, 2025 by Bryce abramson
Exceptional Legal Expertise and Unwavering Dedication
I had the privilege of working with Silveira Law on a complex legal matter, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional service and dedication. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Micheal demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and care.
Mike was incredibly thorough in analyzing my case, identifying potential challenges, and developing a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Their ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms made me feel confident and informed throughout the process.
I was always kept up to date on the progress of my case, and promptly responded to my emails and phone calls. They never left me in the dark, ensuring that I felt supported every step of the way. It was clear that my case was genuinely cared about, and my concerns were met with the time to address them with patience and empathy.
If your case involves litigation, you want Silveira Law on your side. Their ability to present arguments persuasively and their composure under pressure were truly remarkable. Their preparation, confidence, and command of the facts gave me an undeniable advantage.
What sets Silveira Law apart is their genuine passion for helping their clients. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt empowered and informed, even providing resources and advice to help me navigate the aftermath of my case. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome was evident in every aspect of their work.
Thanks to Micheal’s hard work, my case resulted in a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. They were honest about potential risks from the start but never wavered in their commitment to advocating for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend Silveira Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them a standout in their field. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf while keeping your best interests at heart, look no further than Silveira Law.
Thanks again Mike for your outstanding service—I am forever grateful!
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by S. baca
I cannot thank this law firm enough for the outstanding service they provided. Thanks to their expertise, my charges were significantly dropped to a minor charge, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. My attorney, Mike Silveira, truly went above and beyond by attending multiple court dates on my behalf, sparing me the stress and inconvenience of having to be there. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly courteous, professional and extremely patient with all my questions. I truly felt like I was in capable hands the entire time. I highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking legal representation. If I ever need legal help again (though I hope I don’t!), I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again. Extremely satisfied with the outcome, and yes, I’m a real person with a genuine experience!
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Mitty bhardwaj
DUI case dismissed! I had a DUI in San Mateo and Mike got it dismissed within a year. With Mike, the court process was very strightfoward during this stressful time. My appearance in court was not nessacary during the case. I have even reccomended Mike to my friends.
Read more
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
18 Sep, 2011 by Bill
I knew that I had the right guy when the opposing counsel asked "Are the Uccelli of Green VS Uccelli?" ( a famous case studied in law schools) David quietly answered: "Yes". The opposing counsel turned an ashen gray color.
Dave Uccelli is simply the best kind of lawyer and human being to have on your side in troubled times.
Read more
02 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
There are not enough enough accolades that I can give about this man. He is one of the hardest working people I have met and DEDICATED to honesty, integrity and attention to detail. He is a wonder to watch in court. Thinks ahead of everyone else by at least 5 steps and is intelligent and well spoken. His knowledge of case law that applies to the case at hand is always extensive and I never saw him thrown off course during a 5 day trial with me as his client in a lawsuit that then went to the Court of Appeals after we won in the lower court. He then recommended me to another fantastic attorney that won the case in the Court of Appeals. I would recommend this man to anyone seeking an attorney that will represent them with the utmost integrity.
Read more
23 Jun, 2018 by Jamie
Mr. Carducci is an all around good man! I went to the Legal aide Sciety with a housing issue involving my landlord, a housing program, and a roommate issue. Mr .Carducci followed thru and stood by me to the end! He made sure I wasnt unfairly evicted, he negotiated a deal and protected my credit! I'm sure when his children grow up and learn the meaning of integrity they will think of there Dad!
Read more
27 Feb, 2011 by Debra
Mr. Carducci's legal exellance, compassion mixed with legal genius is a force and honor to have beside you. We faced homelessness, felt hopelessness, and segragated. He was able to convey our concerns, our hopes with such honesty and provide the legal arguments of the "protected class" with respectability. Not only did Mr. Carducci provide support and advice in communicating legal issues he gave my husband a restored sense of diginity and ability to trust.
Read more
21 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Former "big firm" lawyer. We worked with him when he went solo.
Read more
05 Feb, 2022 by Chad okada
Great litigation attorneys
Read more
17 Apr, 2023 by Arvind n
Excellent team - was there for a startup event and the people were amazing!
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
10 Feb, 2022 by Pardis mirmalek
I had a wonderful experience working with Andrew on a recent legal matter. I called a number of law offices but eventually found Andrew to be the most knowledgable, ethical and professional with a genuine care for his clients.
After deciding to retain him, he continued with the same level of care to provide a stellar service with timely responses and helping me with the range of knowledge and expertise he brought to the case.
I highly recommend him for legal counsel. He has knowledge and expertise, timely responsiveness and great deal of integrity. Thank you Andrew!
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Mojtaba
I started with Andrew as my civil lawyer, and after frustration with my family lawyer, I hired Andrew for my family case too. Andrew and his colleague, Lindsey, are the strongest attorneys I would vouch for. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. My former attorney made (/forced) me a settlement to share legal and physical custody of my minor. That was nothing but a disappointment. It made my case stretch over and over. When Andrew and Lindsey took over my case, I ended up getting full legal and physical custody of my daughter while the judge was boldly against me in every single hearing and trial. But Andrew navigated the case for me and made me gain full custody of my daughter. Andrew was transparent in presenting the case. He allowed me to express myself in the court. I have to add that Andrew is very fair and reasonable in his fees and charging me. I could not think of any better service.
Read more
10 Feb, 2022 by Santino rodriguez
10 Feb, 2022 by Pardis mirmalek
I had a wonderful experience working with Andrew on a recent legal matter. I called a number of law offices but eventually found Andrew to be the most knowledgable, ethical and professional with a genuine care for his clients.
After deciding to retain him, he continued with the same level of care to provide a stellar service with timely responses and helping me with the range of knowledge and expertise he brought to the case.
I highly recommend him for legal counsel. He has knowledge and expertise, timely responsiveness and great deal of integrity. Thank you Andrew!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Spencer kenner
No better law firm around. Kristine Meredith represented me as the top notch lawyer and negotiator only she be! She’s smart, personable, detail-oriented, hard-working, awesome and I can trust her.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Jill slater
Words cannot express our gratefulness for Danko Meredith. I will never forget, from day one, Mike took the time to fully explain the process. Shawn was efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate and kind in understanding our loss. I was impressed at every step of the way.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Neal bordenave
Mike Danko and his team delivered incredible results far exceeding my highest expectations. Highly recommended!
Read more
24 Jan, 2025 by Bryce abramson
Exceptional Legal Expertise and Unwavering Dedication
I had the privilege of working with Silveira Law on a complex legal matter, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional service and dedication. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Micheal demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and care.
Mike was incredibly thorough in analyzing my case, identifying potential challenges, and developing a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Their ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms made me feel confident and informed throughout the process.
I was always kept up to date on the progress of my case, and promptly responded to my emails and phone calls. They never left me in the dark, ensuring that I felt supported every step of the way. It was clear that my case was genuinely cared about, and my concerns were met with the time to address them with patience and empathy.
If your case involves litigation, you want Silveira Law on your side. Their ability to present arguments persuasively and their composure under pressure were truly remarkable. Their preparation, confidence, and command of the facts gave me an undeniable advantage.
What sets Silveira Law apart is their genuine passion for helping their clients. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt empowered and informed, even providing resources and advice to help me navigate the aftermath of my case. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome was evident in every aspect of their work.
Thanks to Micheal’s hard work, my case resulted in a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. They were honest about potential risks from the start but never wavered in their commitment to advocating for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend Silveira Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them a standout in their field. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf while keeping your best interests at heart, look no further than Silveira Law.
Thanks again Mike for your outstanding service—I am forever grateful!
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by S. baca
I cannot thank this law firm enough for the outstanding service they provided. Thanks to their expertise, my charges were significantly dropped to a minor charge, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. My attorney, Mike Silveira, truly went above and beyond by attending multiple court dates on my behalf, sparing me the stress and inconvenience of having to be there. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly courteous, professional and extremely patient with all my questions. I truly felt like I was in capable hands the entire time. I highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking legal representation. If I ever need legal help again (though I hope I don’t!), I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again. Extremely satisfied with the outcome, and yes, I’m a real person with a genuine experience!
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Mitty bhardwaj
DUI case dismissed! I had a DUI in San Mateo and Mike got it dismissed within a year. With Mike, the court process was very strightfoward during this stressful time. My appearance in court was not nessacary during the case. I have even reccomended Mike to my friends.
Read more
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
02 Nov, 2023 by Eileen mancha
09 Feb, 2023 by Mark connally
04 Oct, 2019 by Bilsan carias
27 Jan, 2025 by Juan reyes
No puedo decir lo mismo de ross yo puedo decir que el es un corrupto les pague 30,000 a el y su complice y resulta que en la corte todos son amigos a fuerza hicieron que mi hermano se autoculpabilisara firmando un trato de sentencia, y abandono el caso antes de que se terminara su contrato pesimo abogado
Read more
24 Jan, 2025 by Walfre garcia
14 Jan, 2025 by Deidre byczkowski
Nafiz is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, kind hearted individuals I’ve ever met. 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend. Not only extremely knowledgeable of the law but also understanding and caring with people. Worth every penny. Down to earth, intelligent, understanding. Best lawyer in town!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Spencer kenner
No better law firm around. Kristine Meredith represented me as the top notch lawyer and negotiator only she be! She’s smart, personable, detail-oriented, hard-working, awesome and I can trust her.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Jill slater
Words cannot express our gratefulness for Danko Meredith. I will never forget, from day one, Mike took the time to fully explain the process. Shawn was efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate and kind in understanding our loss. I was impressed at every step of the way.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Neal bordenave
Mike Danko and his team delivered incredible results far exceeding my highest expectations. Highly recommended!
Read more
01 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
If you need legal help for your business, look somewhere else. There are many competent lawyers in the Bay Area that won’t charge you an arm and a leg for nothing.
Read more
07 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Suggest avoiding Stuart Hays and Transbay Law Group like the plague. Stuart Hays is incompetent, unprofessional and has no clue how to practice law. He charged me $15,000 to file a case I couldn’t recover legal fees on. He counseled me I could recover my legal fees so I would file the case. Overall, he is a terrible lawyer who lacks integrity and any kind of knowledge of the law. He included precedent in the filing for example which had no bearing on the case. Avoid Stuart Hays and Transbay Law Group!
Read more
18 Mar, 2014 by Steven
Stuart did a great job getting our Design Patent done quickly. We called him at the last minute and he returned our calls immediately and was proactive along the way to help us get our patent by the deadline. His professionalism, follow up and urgency all made this happen quickly. He also seemed very knowledgable on business issues and plan on working further with him to help our business grow.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Maria guadalupe arias
10 Feb, 2024 by Amanda parker-govea
Just say, I wish we didn’t need her but glad she was there in our time of need.
Read more
19 Sep, 2023 by Lo
Esther has to be the most straightforward, honest and hardworking lawyer I’ve ever had / met in my life. I was facing another strike with 2 prior felonies on my record, one being a violent strike and Esther was able to handle my case EXTREMELY fast which she was able to get all charges dropped / dismissed. After many nights of stressing out, worried about catching a charge on my record which could have ruined my life, I can now sleep comfortably knowing that I’m able to continue to be a contributing member of society.
Thank you Esther for being so caring and honest during my entire case!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
