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13 Jan, 2025 by Scott benjamin
I highly recommend Tim Sardone for your real estate transactions! We were warned that the schedule to complete our home purchase was very optimistic and that it would be difficult for the title work to be finished in this time frame. Tim not only made sure it was on time…it was early. He kept us informed throughout the process and quickly answered all of our questions. And when we sold our old house, he again kept us informed and made sure the sale closed on time. And we were never searching for answers because he anticipated our questions. You can’t go wrong with Tim!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Marianne benjamin
Tim Sardone did a great job representing us for the purchase of our new home as well as the selling of our home of 33 years. He ensured that all the title work was done well before scheduled closing dates. He fully explained the process and we had no surprises. We are happy to recommend Tim as an attorney for any real estate transactions.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Sammy smith
I am giving Mr. Willman a five star rating if I could give more I would. My self personally has not had Mr. Willman but I know someone who has! And this certainly individual gave Mr. Willman a run for his money. If you know you know. I have always learned it's never a good idea to work against your attorney... But more less let them guide you through your case. And not call the shots that will not work out in your favor.. My hat comes off to Mr. Willman he stood his ground and no matter what maintained perfessional through it all. He worked so hard for this individual and did everything he could possibly could do. But people know sometimes life doesn't go as planned.. Job well done if I ever need Mr. Willman I will for sure reach out to him no questions being asked he is a beast in the court room...
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29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher
Had a terrible experience with a different Lawyer and Larry came in and handle business like a total professional. Don't think I would have had a better out come if Larry didn't take over
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14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
As I reflect on my life and all the trial and tribulations that my family and I endured, there has been one constant staple and that is Mr. Lawrence Baker. Larry cared for our family as if we were part of his. Both my husband and I went through divorces prior to be married to one another. Our family faced many losses of loved ones and had to deal with the unfortunate battles within surrogate court. When I went out on a limb to stand up to my employer thru the Human Rights Division, Larry came out on that limb with me. Through it all, Larry never waivered, he remained diligent as our counsel and remained loyal as a friend. In the 22+ years that our family and Mr. Baker have teamed together to secure our family's future, I can firmly state there is no one better to go into battle with than Mr. Baker. Integrity, pure honesty, diginity, loyal, compassionate, etc. The Griffin family is honored that Mr. Baker welcomed us as clients.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Chelsea
Larry was exactly the person I needed to help navigate me through my divorce, he looked out for me in ways I never expected him to and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Ramona bryant
When my husband and I found ourselves in the hardest situation, Mr Schwartz immediately advised us on the best solution to our problem
He is very good at his job working with us on time line that worked best for us. His knowledge and experience brought us through. He deserves 10 stars and another Big Thanks for all his help.
Have a wonderful New Year Mr Schwartz
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22 Dec, 2024 by Steven
Robert was awesome throughout my financial issues, made me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend him.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Ramon towner
Excellent service, Bob made the complete process easy since this is a stressful situation.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Tony b
Steve was a true professional. I highly recommend this firm!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Ross johnson
24 Sep, 2021 by Lynn szatkowski
Ross Cammarata and his paralegal staff are excellent. I've personally used them for my home closings. In addition, I've been referring them to my real estate clients since 2006 and they've never let myself or my clients down. Stellar!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Scott benjamin
I highly recommend Tim Sardone for your real estate transactions! We were warned that the schedule to complete our home purchase was very optimistic and that it would be difficult for the title work to be finished in this time frame. Tim not only made sure it was on time…it was early. He kept us informed throughout the process and quickly answered all of our questions. And when we sold our old house, he again kept us informed and made sure the sale closed on time. And we were never searching for answers because he anticipated our questions. You can’t go wrong with Tim!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Marianne benjamin
Tim Sardone did a great job representing us for the purchase of our new home as well as the selling of our home of 33 years. He ensured that all the title work was done well before scheduled closing dates. He fully explained the process and we had no surprises. We are happy to recommend Tim as an attorney for any real estate transactions.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Sammy smith
I am giving Mr. Willman a five star rating if I could give more I would. My self personally has not had Mr. Willman but I know someone who has! And this certainly individual gave Mr. Willman a run for his money. If you know you know. I have always learned it's never a good idea to work against your attorney... But more less let them guide you through your case. And not call the shots that will not work out in your favor.. My hat comes off to Mr. Willman he stood his ground and no matter what maintained perfessional through it all. He worked so hard for this individual and did everything he could possibly could do. But people know sometimes life doesn't go as planned.. Job well done if I ever need Mr. Willman I will for sure reach out to him no questions being asked he is a beast in the court room...
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13 Jan, 2025 by Scott benjamin
I highly recommend Tim Sardone for your real estate transactions! We were warned that the schedule to complete our home purchase was very optimistic and that it would be difficult for the title work to be finished in this time frame. Tim not only made sure it was on time…it was early. He kept us informed throughout the process and quickly answered all of our questions. And when we sold our old house, he again kept us informed and made sure the sale closed on time. And we were never searching for answers because he anticipated our questions. You can’t go wrong with Tim!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Marianne benjamin
Tim Sardone did a great job representing us for the purchase of our new home as well as the selling of our home of 33 years. He ensured that all the title work was done well before scheduled closing dates. He fully explained the process and we had no surprises. We are happy to recommend Tim as an attorney for any real estate transactions.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Sammy smith
I am giving Mr. Willman a five star rating if I could give more I would. My self personally has not had Mr. Willman but I know someone who has! And this certainly individual gave Mr. Willman a run for his money. If you know you know. I have always learned it's never a good idea to work against your attorney... But more less let them guide you through your case. And not call the shots that will not work out in your favor.. My hat comes off to Mr. Willman he stood his ground and no matter what maintained perfessional through it all. He worked so hard for this individual and did everything he could possibly could do. But people know sometimes life doesn't go as planned.. Job well done if I ever need Mr. Willman I will for sure reach out to him no questions being asked he is a beast in the court room...
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04 May, 2024 by Sean neary
I have had the privilege over the last 15 years of knowing Mr Johnson's got my back. No matter what I get into he is there to help me get out of the pile I have created. So if you are in need of a truly good attorney, Mr Johnson is your guy!
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16 Apr, 2024 by John baccoli
Our experience, since becoming clients of Attorney Christopher Johnson, has been excellent. Christopher first handled my case where I was involved in an automobile accident while on a business trip, out in Seattle. This happened over 20 years ago. The rental car was totaled, and though I suffered only minor injuries. Mr. Johnson was able to get me a settlement from the owner of the truck that was responsible for the damage to at least three cars, all of which were stopped on a highway off-ramp, due to construction and lane reduction. Luckily (at least for me), I was 2nd in line, and didn’t receive the full brunt of the initial collision, but the force was hard enough to push my car into the van in front of me. The people in the van had the nerve to sue me, and Christopher was able to get that lawsuit thrown out of court. Since then, Mr. Johnson has advised us on many other legal and financial matters, both major and minor, and we consider him to be a good friend as he is always looking out for our best interests. I highly recommend engaging Attorney Christopher Johnson for your legal matters.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Alan brant
Chris was so helpful when I had accident He took care of everything. Calling and checking on me. Taking care of any questions we may have had. So glad we had Chris to help us thru this process I have recommended Chris to several people and would do so again
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27 Jun, 2018 by Lewis
Gave excellent guidance through the hole process. I had never been through this process before. Phil made me feel very comfortable because of the way he shared his vast knowledge. He was timely with everything the he said he would do.
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12 May, 2016 by Richard
Our dream of having an legal entity that could represent Youth Rugby in Rochester became a reality ,largely because of the quality legal representation provide by Mr Hurwitz. He walk us through all off the steps of first becoming a Corp. ,then getting us tax exempt status and finally getting us listed as a NYS charity. He diligently walked us through what was almost a 9 month process keeping us informed of progress and making sure we completed all of the necessary filings in a timely fashion. In short we will use Mr Hurwitz for all of our future legal needs
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11 May, 2016 by Omar
Hired Philip for a DWI, he had the best price of anyone I talked to. He's knowledgeable, punctual and showed genuine concern for my outcome. I moved out of state shortly after I was given the ticket and Philip helped tremendously with finding out of state programs, answering my questions and working with the court to keep the necessary trips back to New York to a minimum.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Mark hammond
Peter Rogers provided excellent representation for my personal injury case. Peter and his associates at Lacy Katzen, treated us with respect and kindness. Peter is very professional and has a record of success including my case.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Torii eley
Clair from this law firm was very rude and I don’t understand how she is working in law firm her communicating with her. Client is very disrespectful. I could barely get a word out because all she wanted to do was hear her voice. I was trying to get a breakdown and understanding of my payments and she wasn’t trying to hear anything that I had to say which I find is very rude and discriminating of my work situation and what I’m able to afford and payments at this time I do not recommend this law firm at all
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14 Aug, 2024 by Deborah cayetano
Professional, clear about the details, and respectful as an Elder Lawyer
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17 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Ken for any bankruptcy proceedings. Let's be honest, bankruptcy is not fun and it is not a procedure you want to be involved in. But if after your free consultation with Ken, he feels it is your best solution, you can't find a better lawyer to handle the case for you. He treated me with respect; he laid out exactly what was required from me; he maintained constant communication with me; and his experience of being a Trustee ensured that my I was completely prepared for our meeting with the appointed Trustee. I never felt like he just rubber stamped my case - in fact he made several significant recommendations and changes to my case as the formal information gathering process progressed which resulted in significant savings for me. He never stopped working towards my best interests - you can't ask for anything more!
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29 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Ken is very knowledgeable and thorough. We had constant communication through the whole process and my case was well prepared. This was evidenced by attending the Trustee meeting and seeing other cases questioned. He gave expertise advise and made the process very smooth. I would highly recommend Ken.
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
We cannot say enough about Mr. Ken Gordon. He had handled a very complicated bankruptcy case for us. He is a very professional attorney in addition to being a very kind man. Once he accepted our case he was in constant communication with us. He never made us feel as though we were asking too many questions. In addition to going through bankruptcy we were-and still are-going through many personal and health issues. Mr. Gordon took the time and patience with us to speak to us by any means-email or phone-whatever it took for him to reach us. Mr. Gordon is quite the gentleman and we would highly recommend him.
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31 Jan, 2018 by Queen
In late 2017 I filed chapter 13 bankruptcy. Ms. Nobile was awesome, because I followed all her instructions to the letter. Because I did it saved me time, additional fees and a possible court postponement.
I witnessed another person in my first hearing with the same situation I had, their lawyer did not informed them correctly subsequently causing the person to face a postponement and extra fees - I am soooo thankful I listened to Ms. Nobile. She knew exactly what she was doing. Now mind you I challenged her on some things but shut my mouth and did as I was told and the proceeding went without a hitch.
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25 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Nobile was a very knowledgeable attorney with AWESOME advise. No nonsense, honest and direct...she is a great attorney to have on your side. Always on time, returned phone calls, answered questions and gave me more than I ever expected. She won our case and never lost her cool or raised her voice...(the other lawyer did). She earned her fee and then some. Thank you Michelle, all your work is GREATLY appreciated.
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30 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Michelle is very caring and dedicated! Her communication is excellent, she always took the time to explain things to me and got back to me promptly! She is very skilled and knowledgeable. I recommend her to anyone who needs an excellent, reasonable lawyer!!!!!!!!!!!!
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27 May, 2018 by Anonymous
There is nothing more reassuring than having a good lawyer on your side! Larry Schwind represented me in my divorce, he guided me through a tumultuous buy-out of my home from my ex-husband, & he prepared my Will, Power of Attorney & Health Care Proxy. He is fair and provides expert legal guidance in a calm, matter-of-fact manner, and he knows the law. He is extremely accessible, and answers phone calls and emails personally in timely manner; and he works with a great paralegal, Tammy Baker. You are in good hands with this team!
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07 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Larry was extremely responsive, organized and thorough. Helped talk me "off the ledge" a couple of times. Managed a ridiculously, crazy separation and divorce. Would highly recommend his services.
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30 Jan, 2018 by John
Larry was upfront with what to expect, efficient with his time and available when I needed him.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Christina
Deborah is an amazing lawyer and I would recommend her to anyone who is going through divorce. She did an exceptional job in handling my divorce at a rapid pace. She was very affordable as well. She knew my biggest gripe was to make the divorce be as speedy as possible, while still holding my ground as to what assets should be granted as mine. She granted my wish of a speedy, but efficient divorce, and I am proud to say my divorce took 3 months to be completed from start to finish. If I ever have a legal matter, Deborah will be the first person I call. She is the best!
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20 Apr, 2016 by Michelle
Debbie was my lawyer for my purchase of a home. She helped identify some legal issues in the title of a house I was considering, and saved me from potential trouble down the road. I would recommend her!
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17 Mar, 2016 by Ashley
Debbie was our lawyer for our house closing. When things were abruptly pushed forward by the bank with little notice, Debbie was incredibly prompt and accommodating. She gladly did whatever we asked of her and went the extra mile. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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01 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Martin Philippone and the entire law office were extremely compassionate, friendly, informative and very genuine with the care they showed us. We always felt comfortable and had our questions answered completely.
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15 May, 2019 by Maureen
Martin continually kept me updated on the proceedings of the case. There were many times it was postponed and he always made sure I knew. He explained the issues and choices I had in a simple, clear way and ensured that I understood what was happening every step of the way.
Martin was able to balance the complex emotions of the case with the legal aspects of it. He was extremely sensitive and truly wanted the best outcome possible.
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07 Sep, 2016 by Christina
As first time homeowner's we contacted The Philippone Law Firm in regards to a notice we received in the mail. Martin's quick, courteous response eased our anxiety while resolving the matter in question. Having someone who we felt was "in our corner" made us confident we chose the right firm to represent our case.
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24 Nov, 2014 by Jim
My daughter hired Mr Ingersoll for a child custody issue. During that, she was arrested for a felon. Mr Ingersoll gave her his cell phone number and she had little to no problem reaching him. He has successfully managed her child custody and child support cases and was able to get her felony reduced to a single misdemeanor and she only got probation. His advice was solid and his relationship with the courts and prosecutors make him a strong litigator
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04 Feb, 2012 by Vince
Did an excellent job in a contractor default case. Knew the issues and strategies that resulted in a most favorable outcome. Looking forward to his representing me on a house closing.
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08 May, 2011 by Mary ann
I have worked with Mr. Ingersoll several times over the last 15 years. Tim has handled my business in a knowledgeable, timely manner. Tim always looked out for my best interest and I trust him to do his job. When Tim handled my divorce I was very ill. He was accommodating to my special needs, working around my schedule and holding conferences by phone when I was too ill to come into his office. Tim is very professional. He made a difficult divorce much easier by being calm with me but standing his legal ground and protecting my rights. He did the fighting for me. I will work with Tim until he retires. I have recommend him to my friends and family. I highly recommend Tim to anyone needing excellent legal counsel.
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25 Jul, 2014 by Tracey
We have used this lawyer for multiple homes over the years! At present he is helping our son and daughter in law who are fortunate to have his services. Toms honesty, expertise and scrutiny is admirable and we highly recommend him not only for your home needs but will and estate needs as well.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Cliff
Tom was great to work with. When I moved to Rochester from MA I needed an attorney to help me with my home purchase. During his review of the property he found a problem. Due to his diligence I was able to close on time and be assured that there were no problems with my property.
The following year I used Tom for my income tax. Instead of struggling with two different state tax systems I let Tom use his skills.
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03 Dec, 2012 by Daniel
David really understands the ins and outs of the bankruptcy laws and allowed me to get through this tough time with my dignity in tact and allowed me to put my family first
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10 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Dave knows his stuff and doesn't mind explaining so you'll understand. He worked quickly and effectively and I've been very very pleased.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Patrick depuy
My experience with Spencer Malone at McConville Considine Cooman & Morin has been nothing short of excellent thus far - he is extremely knowledgeable, reliable, down to earth and ready to help with any legal issues that arise. I would recommend Spencer and the firm to anyone I know seeking legal assistance!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Adam stephens
Spencer Malone has helped me with providing consultation and sound advice through some very challenging situations. I very much appreciate his professionalism and legal expertise. You can certainly trust Spencer with your Trust, POA's, Estate and Legal matters.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Lisa wasson
I am lucky to have met Spencer Malone through my BNI group and he has been a wealth of knowledge around estate planning. Both my husband and I own businesses and I had know idea on what was entailed for estate planning with both our businesses and personal end. I would recommend seeking out Spencer for any future estate planning whether it be a POA or anything more in depth.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Patrick depuy
My experience with Spencer Malone at McConville Considine Cooman & Morin has been nothing short of excellent thus far - he is extremely knowledgeable, reliable, down to earth and ready to help with any legal issues that arise. I would recommend Spencer and the firm to anyone I know seeking legal assistance!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Adam stephens
Spencer Malone has helped me with providing consultation and sound advice through some very challenging situations. I very much appreciate his professionalism and legal expertise. You can certainly trust Spencer with your Trust, POA's, Estate and Legal matters.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Lisa wasson
I am lucky to have met Spencer Malone through my BNI group and he has been a wealth of knowledge around estate planning. Both my husband and I own businesses and I had know idea on what was entailed for estate planning with both our businesses and personal end. I would recommend seeking out Spencer for any future estate planning whether it be a POA or anything more in depth.
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24 Jul, 2013 by Karel
Tim was our first dealing with the legal system. From our first meeting to the last court date Tim pretty much called it from the beginning. His ability to know/read the law, know the case law that supported it and write it out so all parties knew exactly where the stood is to be commended. He was always upfront, able to take my calls and offer insight at anytime. His professionalism guided us thru the courts, deadlines, and helped our family thru some very frustrating and difficult times. My hats off to Tim Boldt .
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30 Jun, 2014 by Dennis
We hired Mindy for her expertise in environmental law. She has exceeded our expectations, not only from a professional aspect, but as an attorney that understands dealing / handling a group. Always available when needed, and willing to go that extra step, where others may not. This is one attorney that does not shy away from a tough case. Sincere & honest representation from day one!
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24 Sep, 2013 by Tom
Mike represented me in my divorce and subsequent custody matters. He is an amazing advocate for his clients rights in a system that otherwise only cares about due process. He is a trusted advisor and worked with me, not for me. I trust his judgement and have realized favorable outcomes where I have seen others not fare as well. mike is very compassionate and empathetic. He has my total confidence.
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17 Nov, 2015 by William
As CEO of a major nonprofit organization, I have consulted with Mr. McFadden on many occasions to ensure that my organization is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Mr. McFadden always gives me well planned legal advise along with potential benefits, he also spell out consequences of non-action. As a result of my confidence in his experience and consultation, I have engaged his firm for my personal planning.
Over the years, I have developed the utmost respect and confidence in his counsel. I seek him out whenever I am in need of legal advise.
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05 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
He gave excellent advice and seemed genuinely interested in the details of my case. Mr Stewart asked a lot of questions and listened to my concerns. He even called on a Saturday from his cell phone, I highly recommend.
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13 Feb, 2015 by Rick
Deborah Schaal has represented our firm in many bankruptcy matters in Rochester NY. She is a bankruptcy specialist and expert. She is thorough, detailed, very knowledgeable and does an excellent job for our firm.
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01 Jun, 2020 by John
Mr. DiMarco assisted me on title and closing issues with an apartment building last year in Arizona. His team found an issue with an encroaching wall from a neighboring property that the title company missed. They helped me through the rest of the closing process and were on top of everything.
Mr. DiMarco was extremely professional and knowledgeable. I first sought him out when I found out he is a preferred attorney for one of the largest owners of Mobile Home Parks in the country, and I can see why. Looking forward to working with him again.
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21 Dec, 2009 by Alison
Mr. Anthony Dentino and his paralegal, Carol provided outstanding service to my husband and I during our house buying process. I highly recommend them!
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10 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
We hired Ed and BSK to handle a wrongful death case for our family. Ed was accessible, open to our input and a voice of reason through a protracted case which ended up being intertwined with a horribly managed criminal prosecution. Ed was there for us at every step to balance our objectives of seeking justice and holding other parties accountable in whatever manner we could. I never once felt that Ed's interests were anything other than aligned with my families.
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20 Sep, 2013 by Sumitha
I have been working with Bob over the last 6 years and i am extremely satisfied with his indepth knowledge of corporate laws. He is the first person I would always go to for any clarifications in corporate matters and he would always have a solution for me. He is very knowledgeable and will analyze any issue very thoroughly to avoid any ambiguity later. I would recommend Bob Zogas to any client.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Mike
Mike is can’t-help-himself honest, someone who actually listens, sees the big picture quickly and envisions settlements that are fair to all. Chances are if there is an
opposing counsel, Mike knows him/her and their past work.
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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.
