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22 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Last year I had gotten into a bit of trouble. I had gotten a lift home after a party when we were pulled over. Drugs were found in the car and before I knew it I was being charged with possession. It was a mess and I didn't know what to do. I spoke with a few attorneys and none of them seemed to believe me. They all wanted exorbitant amounts of money and then advised me to take a plea. I was lucky enough to find Brenda. She was the first lawyer who truly listened to what I had to say and seemed to believe my story. Brenda did a great job and was very professional. She always let me know what was going on and never lost patience with me when I called her around the clock. Before I knew it she had gotten all the charges dismissed. I recommend her to everyone.
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22 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
I had several lawyers over my life for different reasons, and Jean has been the best so far. She is very professional and kind at the same time. She made a complicated process much easier for me to handle. She gave me a steep discount in the fees that she was charging, without me asking for it, after we had agreed on a higher amount, saying that I was an organized client and had all the required documentation at hand and thus she would need to spend less time working on my case.
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05 Dec, 2012 by Shenita lins
If you are looking for an exceptional bankruptcy attorney then I would reccommend Michael Dietz. He's is very meticulous and get's great results.
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05 Dec, 2012 by Shenita lins
If you are looking for an exceptional bankruptcy attorney then I would reccommend Michael Dietz. He's is very meticulous and get's great results.
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31 May, 2024 by Jeremiah wencl
Very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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06 May, 2024 by Jason fink
I would highly recommend Restovich Braun and Associates to anyone that needs expert criminal defense counsel. I was facing a 3rd Degree DUI charge that was the result of illegal expansion of a basic traffic stop by a young, inexperienced Highway Patrol officer. Dan McIntosh focused in on every detail and picked the officer apart at the Contested Omnibus Hearing. In turn all charges were dropped, and my license revocation was rescinded. I have multiple professional licenses with the State of Minnesota that were in jeopardy had I not won my case. DUI cases are winnable if you have the right representation. Dan McIntosh gets the job done!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Elly blanco
I am so happy I hired this firm. They are super responsive, diligent, knowledgeable, and kind. I got the outcome I wanted and couldn’t have been more grateful. Thank you all so much for the hard work.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Kate jirik
Partnering with LAOC for the Wills Clinic for Seniors was a great experience! Great staff that seem to go above and beyond to meet the needs they can. Kate Jirik, Elder Network
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20 Mar, 2023 by Michael
Nobhelp
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15 Feb, 2023 by Sean lloyd
Was hung up on and called back and sent to voice-mail evertime I called back don't waste your time here
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18 Oct, 2023 by Kate jirik
Partnering with LAOC for the Wills Clinic for Seniors was a great experience! Great staff that seem to go above and beyond to meet the needs they can. Kate Jirik, Elder Network
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20 Mar, 2023 by Michael
Nobhelp
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15 Feb, 2023 by Sean lloyd
Was hung up on and called back and sent to voice-mail evertime I called back don't waste your time here
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30 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Seven months into my custody battle (and a ridiculous $22K spent with little to show for it), Mr Rolsch started ignoring all communication. He then suddenly withdrew during a VERY critical time in my case, leaving me with no Atty or money. I am obviously not happy with his services and do not recommend him. His legal assistant however, is great!
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20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Steve to represent me in my child custody case. At the time I had no idea that he was the same attorney that represented my uncle in a divorce were my he lost almost everything. He also grew up with the opposing party in my custody case. I had thought that he was a genuine straight up attorney that was good at his job. I took out a loan for $3,000 and that was gone in no time but I thought to myself that custody cases are expensive and that is the way it has to be. Another $5,000 and I now owe him a thousand still. We never once made it to court and he was sitting there billing me for calls he never had to make to me in the first place because he knew my answer to settling. I smartened up and got another attorney to handle the rest of my case. I hope as many people as possible get a chance to read this before they hire him. I also plan on speaking to an attorney about taking him to court to be repaid the money that was spent on the services that he did not deliver on. To all I wish the best. God Bless You.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I'm not just a bitter former client I can justify my rating. Trustworthy, I had to call Mr rolsch to remind him of my court date in which we never ended up speaking with each other prior to that date. Responsive, Months went by without speaking with Mr rolsch and when I would try to call him the only response I would get was a $75 bill for listening to my voice mail but never did hear from him. Knowledgeable, he billed me for hours and hours of research for a dwi case. That is the bread and butter of any defense attorney, why would he need to spend that much time researching unless he was just padding the bill. He never did come up with even a remote defense plan even after I offered a few avenues which I still regret pursuing after speaking with other attorneys. Kept me informed, I was never even sure he would show up in court not to mention have anything to tell me about my case. BEWARE when I first spoke with Mr rolsch I explained to him that I could pay him only an agreed upon amount (already 2 times higher than everyone else) he said that was fine unless we had to go to trial. Six months after my case was over I received a bill for 3 times that amount. He ended up taking me to small claims for it. When I showed up for court I found that the entire courtroom was filled with his former clients with the same story. I was always told you pay for what you get and that's why I went with rolsch but there isn't one aspect of his business conduct I would recommend.
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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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