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23 Aug, 2024 by Mr. b _
The team was very communicative throughout the whole process and ensured we had a good understanding at each step of the way.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Athena chriss
I highly recommend Reese. He was very quick to respond and really easy to work with.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Justice davidson
To anyone who lives in Oakland county or the Detroit area and finds themselves needed legal counsel, I want to tell you about my experience with The Private Firm and particularly with Mr. Reese Serra ESQ. My husband, who is a veteran and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, in a way that impairs his ability to process fears as well as his ability to remember the outcome of past legal issues etc... Well he found himself in an episode whereby he was unsure if he had successfully completed his past obligation while in another state, as well as paid a large fine. My husband Mark simply could not process the fear and worry that could arise out of failure to meet any legal judgement, such as a warrant which could be in the system. He does not keep records as he should, so it triggered a week-long episode of fear and sleeplessness. We tried to call the relevant jurisdictions but they would not give us any information which made matters worse. I suggested he call an attorney and by chance the first call was to Mr. Serra. This man understood the situation and took the time to use his means as an attorney to run a multi-state records search. He was able to clear up my husbands concerns in a way that was compassionate and did so gratis! In other words he had a little free time and gave it up just to help a veteran who suffers from a service related trauma. He only asked that we review our experience online. He did so, only after he gave us his valuable time. He said he was happy to help and wished us well. I can only say that an attorney who would help a man in distress and on the spur of the moment is the kind of Attorney you would want representing you when the fear of the law and its imperfect nature has you in its grip. We look forward to sending him something to express our gratitude.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Incredibly informational (I got all my preliminarily questions answered for free), kind, respectful, professional, knowledgeable, thorough to answer all of my questions, not at all a rushed conversation, felt very at ease and comfortable explaining my tough situation, will 100000% contact for any future legal issues or questions and wish I had used his services in my other legal matters. Though I’m In a difficult situation right now, I actually look forward to the possibility of court knowing Jeff would represent
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07 Mar, 2019 by Christine
I hired Jeff Franklin about 3 years ago. He has resolved custody, divorce, and a legal case for me. He is very knowledgeable. Very respectful and polite to both parties. Every circumstance is different but if your doing the right thing all the time then he will make sure you get what you rightfully deserve. I.E. I have full custody of my son, divorce was a breeze, and got out of a bind with the law almost as soon as I hired him(I had a different attorney at first and was in some trouble for a while til I hired Jeff). He does great work and fast for how slow the courts can be. If I ever needed a attorney again, I would hired him again. I highly recommend Jeff Franklin!
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30 Aug, 2017 by Douglas
Consulted with this attorney regarding an extremely difficult and unusual situation. He was caring, kind and understanding with all parties involved. He was clearly knowledgeable about the law and the surrounding court systems. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
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03 Dec, 2010 by Bill
in 1997 i had a commercial land lord tennant case and i lost by default since i was under the impression that i was being represented by another attorney. Jamal not only set aside the default, which kept me in the premises so that I could operate my business, but he took a creative approach that resulted in me receiving a settlement worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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08 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Hamood won a Multi-Million Dollar case for me and my family in a case that other lawyers, including big law firms, would not even consider taking. As for any ethical issues, I have, and do, trust him with millions of dollars on a daily basis.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Collin
At probably the lowest and toughest point in my life Rick Urbis was there for me. I needed representation in a state I did not live in and was lucky enough to find solid and knowledgable representation with Rick. I recommend him highly.
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21 Feb, 2012 by Laurie
Mr. Urbis is extremely professional, willing to do whatever it takes to do his job. He has been my attorney for several years now, and I would HIGHLY recommend him to ANYONE! Mr. Urbis went above and beyond what was expected of him, just to help me!
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22 Oct, 2015 by John
Excellent Attorney- willing to take on a hard/difficult case that took 3 plus years to win a 7 figure settlement. I found this attorney to be very straight forward and did exactly what she said she would do .
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20 Jun, 2024 by Marisa landry
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27 May, 2024 by Furqan memon
Called and emailed with a request to setup a time for consultation for a real estate matter but was never responded to UPDATE: Paul reached out to me shortly after the review and was able to get me the information I needed with a clear understanding of how to move forward regarding my matter. I would recommend reaching out to him if you have any legal needs regarding real estate.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Gail young
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07 Aug, 2024 by Dayna montoya
I used Rochester Law to open probate from Canada for my father who passed away in Michigan. In such a difficult time of grief, I was able to count on Rochester Law. Chris, Bella, and Alia are knowledgeable professionals that always ensured I was informed every step of the way. They were very understanding an did an excellent job explaining everything to me in a way that I could clearly understand. On the behalf of Rochester Law, I would highly recommend them to anyone.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Shark man
We were fortunate to have selected Rochester Law to work through the labyrinth reality of probate. Everyone we worked with was professional, and guided us through our only experience with this process. As I live in another state, all the documentation was managed through the courts seamlessly, with no hiccups.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Dave bilbrey
We had wills created by an online service a long time age. We thought that we were covered. Not so. We learned that in spite of our wills, our estate would still go to probate. When we learned about that, it was unacceptable. A living trust was the answer to the problem. We researched a lot of trust attorneys. Surprising, many did not have good reviews. Most did a lot of other law, including divorce, criminal, law suits, and real estate. We needed someone dedicated to wills and trusts. After a lot of research, we decided to engage Chris and Rochester Law Center. It was a great decision. I know that Attorneys are referred to as professionals by default, that’s not always the case. Chris and his team are real professionals and did a great job preparing our living trust. They were so completely organized and efficient that it was remarkable. In our opinion, engaging Chris and the Rochester Law Center is a very smart move if you need estate planning. Dave and Mary B.
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05 May, 2024 by Rya brown
One of your attorneys was seated next to me in first class and was very rude. It was the 5/4/24 flight that was supposed to leave at 12:50p but was delayed for almost an hour. I had my headphones on while looking out the window. She tapped me abs asked me to turn MY HEADPHONES down because she could barely concentrate. She was typing on her laptop on the flight. I have severe anxiety about flying and music soothes my nerves. My headphones weren't that loud, and if she couldn't concentrate then maybe she should have completed whatever it was she had to do before flying and making another passenger uncomfortable for my entire flight. Not to mention she had all the of her bags in the overhead, so I had to store my items in a different location than the one where my seat was because she filled it up. I certainly hope I don't have to sit next to her on my flight home. I'm you can figure out so this woman was. I know she wore glasses and a mask so I couldn't see her face. She is definitely a member of your law firm because she was wearing a jacket with your insignia on it. That was really a shame how she goes she behaved. I paid for my first class seat so I should have been able to enjoy it accordingly.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Rundetroit !
They were able to point me in the right direction
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17 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy powers
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05 May, 2024 by Rya brown
One of your attorneys was seated next to me in first class and was very rude. It was the 5/4/24 flight that was supposed to leave at 12:50p but was delayed for almost an hour. I had my headphones on while looking out the window. She tapped me abs asked me to turn MY HEADPHONES down because she could barely concentrate. She was typing on her laptop on the flight. I have severe anxiety about flying and music soothes my nerves. My headphones weren't that loud, and if she couldn't concentrate then maybe she should have completed whatever it was she had to do before flying and making another passenger uncomfortable for my entire flight. Not to mention she had all the of her bags in the overhead, so I had to store my items in a different location than the one where my seat was because she filled it up. I certainly hope I don't have to sit next to her on my flight home. I'm you can figure out so this woman was. I know she wore glasses and a mask so I couldn't see her face. She is definitely a member of your law firm because she was wearing a jacket with your insignia on it. That was really a shame how she goes she behaved. I paid for my first class seat so I should have been able to enjoy it accordingly.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Rundetroit !
They were able to point me in the right direction
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17 Dec, 2022 by Jeremy powers
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03 Jan, 2024 by Alan kaliszewski
I have known Jim Hubert professionally for a few years now. The best way to describe his work is honest and experienced. I can't imagine finding better legal professionals.
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22 Nov, 2023 by E house
I would not trust any lawyer except for Mr.Randall Shepard who did a superb job winning my case!He is very knowledgeable,honest,friendly and compassionate!
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17 Nov, 2023 by Bruce
I have used Mr. Shepard in 3 different aspects of law and found him to be very knowledgeable and personable. His advise was precise and always with my best interest in the forefront. I found his rates to be reasonable. The staff in his office is always polite and accommodating. If I called and he wasn't available, I received a call back as soon as he was able to. I have recommended Mr. Shepard to members of my family and all have stated that their experience was just as pleasant as mine. I HIGHLYY recommend Mr. Shepard for all Family Law matters. Bruce Kremhelmer
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25 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer was great! He was extremely helpful with my case. He made sure I knew exactly what was going each step, made me feel confident about the outcome and was an excellent representative. I strongly recommended him, I have recommended him to all my family and friends. He worked so hard to protect mine and my family's interests.
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04 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Solomon regarding a general practice issue. He had no idea how to proceed. He called me on several times to discuss the issues and each time reviewed 2-3 points and talked for an average of 90 minutes. It was impossible to get him off the phone. Each time he freely admitted he did not know how to proceed with my case. He would not listen to my questions and several times yelled at me saying.' I am the attorney. What do you know?' I think his real concern was how much he was going to get paid. In the end I had paid him and never got anything for my money. I had to find another attorney . I wasted both time and money. He never gave me any of the files or information on my case back.
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26 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer took a small misunderstanding that could have been resolved quickly and turned it into a major issue that is still haunting me, by being stupid and not listening to me. He assumed I was guilty of a crime that my next lawyer found quickly was not cause by me, even told me that I was guilty! He is hard to deal with, arrogant, loud, and will yell at you for asking good questions, just to prove he is smarter than you. He often told me that he went to law school, and I didn't so I need to shut up. In the end he cost me thousands of dollars with no results and created a very bad situation that did not need to exist.
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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:

  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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