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01 Apr, 2024 by Ashwini kulkarni
I recently worked with Helen's team for my H1B application and it was a smooth process. I was kept well informed on each step which in my opinion is extremely helpful given the process. Look forward to working with Helen's team for further steps.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Armin ahmadi
I had a fantastic experience with Crystal Malik. Despite not being under contract with us, she was incredibly helpful. Crystal responded to every email and query with patience, providing detailed and informative answers. Her assistance was greatly appreciated!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Travis medley
Excellent experience with Helen. I found her to be professional, efficient and responsive. She helped resolved our issue and provided guidance. Highly recommend!
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01 Apr, 2024 by Ashwini kulkarni
I recently worked with Helen's team for my H1B application and it was a smooth process. I was kept well informed on each step which in my opinion is extremely helpful given the process. Look forward to working with Helen's team for further steps.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Armin ahmadi
I had a fantastic experience with Crystal Malik. Despite not being under contract with us, she was incredibly helpful. Crystal responded to every email and query with patience, providing detailed and informative answers. Her assistance was greatly appreciated!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Travis medley
Excellent experience with Helen. I found her to be professional, efficient and responsive. She helped resolved our issue and provided guidance. Highly recommend!
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07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
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10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
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07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
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10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
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07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
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10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
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15 Aug, 2024 by Mike dee
Got my 60 in a 45 speeding ticket dismissed. Attorneys commonly send letters to people seeing if they need representation. The letter says if there was an error or if a ticket was not received to disregard the letter. Call and speak with the team before you rely on reviews by people that have never used them or even spoken to them. I spoke with them, followed their instructions, and got excellent results. I asked for a "no contest" plea and try to minimize my punishment, but the ticket was dismissed!! Greg and his team delivered everything exactly as they specified.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Gil patrick
I recently received a traffic ticket for speeding in Virginia. Prior to my court date I received a letter from Attorney Gregory Waddell offering the availability of his services if I needed an attorney. His letter contained an offer for a free telephone consultation. I called Mr. Waddell and he was in court. His paralegal said she would have him return my call. Within two hours Mr. Waddell returned my call and asked how he could be of assistance. After reviewing my citation, and it's particular circumstances, he did not feel his services and associated fees were necessary since I planned on personally attending my court date. He went on to give me helpful advice on how to plead my case and suggested I take an online defensive driving course prior to the court date as the judges. have a tendency to look favorably on that type of pro active approach. WOW! What a true professional approach from Mr. Waddell. So many attorneys would have pitched their services to collect a fee. Mr. Waddell was more interested in doing the right thing and not taking advantage of a client. I can assure you that if I ever find myself in real need of an attorney I will be seeking out Mr. Waddell. I suggest you do the same. Gil Patrick
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01 Apr, 2024 by Doug
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21 Mar, 2024 by Denise dade
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19 Jan, 2024 by Shamara edmonds
Very rude, unprofessional and robot like.
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06 Jan, 2024 by Niki abel
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21 Mar, 2024 by Denise dade
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19 Jan, 2024 by Shamara edmonds
Very rude, unprofessional and robot like.
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06 Jan, 2024 by Niki abel
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28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Her communication was very poor and I had to correct her on several occasions about key details about my case. Very arrogant and demeaning at timesI regret not firing her and getting another attorney. I had a good case with the co-parrenting counselor agreeing to testify about our sessions and the actions by my then wife and Mary said she spoke to the counselor about testifying. Instead I found out after court that, per the counselor, Mary never spoke to the counselor about her testifying. Mary only tried to scare me our of going to court because it would be appealed by my wife if I did indeed win custody. I fell for it only to regret ever having her. I should have reported her behavior to the bar when it happened but was to beat down by everything that had just happened and was worried that she would cause me problems if I was back in court in the future.
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03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had her in a criminal defense case and she was terrible. It started with a lack of communication leading up to the date. Once in court, she did not ask anything or stand up for me in any way. I fired her and sought council elsewhere.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer will eat up your retainer fees so fast and charge enormous fees,some you'll question the validity of cost and the lack of court preparation and neglecting your case. My advice is to investigate this attorney further and don't hire her!
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12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Everything below is based on my personal experience, information, and belief: Never sign a settlement agreement with this attorney or allow your attorney to sign one on your behalf. He and his client never followed their own agreement, based on information and belief. It was a family dispute and the attorney knew it. His client made false allegations in a civil complaint and he knew it, based on information and belief, because he even threatened to have the court case sealed if we went through with the civil suit (rather than settle). There's another word for that, I believe... and it's likely accurate. He shouldn't be allowed to practice law if he can't honor a simple agreement.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Sathish
DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR 1 STAR TOO BUT THAT IS THE LEAST ONE CAN RATE! Mr. John Trexler – Very unprofessional! Does not care for client's time and urgency. Worst experience ever! I reached out to Mr. John Trexler's office multiple times and spoke to front desk and requested to take a message for me and as they informed me that the only way to reach out to him was to leave a voicemail. So, I indeed left a voicemail. Also, called the next 3 days to follow up and left a voicemail couple of times since 10/14 and until date waiting for help and yesterday, I get a response that he never got my voicemails and also by email he informed me that he is not available for next 2 weeks and finally today he has asked me to seek help from a different lawyer. Of course, he offered to setup a conference call on 10/25 and 10/26 to talk but when I requested to have a quick call as those dates are too far out, he did not even care reply. Instead in the last email he claims that I did not avail that opportunity, however I was waiting for him to accommodate my request to advance the appointment date and help out. My tenant vacated abruptly without paying rent and damaging the house. The issue is this lawyer is subscribed to MetLife (not many handling tenant problem cases) through my employer and there are not many that handle rental tenant issues. It is unfortunate that these type of unrespectful attorneys get a chance to participate in employer sponsored programs and able to capture huge customer base with great ratings online and when approached disrespect clients by not even having the basic courtesy to return a client's phone call. Avoid this stubborn attorney and he does not deserve to be rated highly. Possibly it is all rigged and he is writing his own reviews. I will look for another helpful attorney. Thanks.
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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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