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24 May, 2017 by Jaci
Paul has been very helpful with our legal needs that involve some day to day HR matters - complex leaves, disciplinary actions and noncompete agreements.
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23 May, 2017 by Anonymous
We hire Mr. Rajkowski to defend our insured's on a regular basis. He provides them with prompt excellent representation. He does an excellent job of communicating. The feedback from our insureds is consistently positive. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing litigation representation.
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22 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Paul is excellent to work with. He knows the file, is always accessible and prepared. We have worked on may cases over the years. In particular we mediated a case involving serious injuries, complex coverage and liability aspects. The result was good for everyone and settled the case.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jelly
He has been working with my son while incarcerated and has been a great attorney in helping my son get the best outcome with his charges. Thanks Glen!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Melissa
Glen we just wanted to take a moment and thank you for everything you did for our sons case. Thank you for all the hard work and getting everything moving in the right way. We have been through alot and you are the one that really got things moving. Also thank you for believing in us we really do appreciate that. You are a amazing attorney God bless you.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Kevin has done work for me and also for my family in the past. He is easy to work with and has a real understanding of the law. I would recommend Kevin to anyone who needs legal help. When you have Kevin as your attorney, you also have a friend.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Kevin Gray was excellent to work with. He managed my case efficiently and effectively. I had a lawsuit started against me in Hennepin County which I believed did not have any merit. Kevin contacted the opposing counsel and was able to convince them not to pursue the matter and the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. Kevin was very responsive to my communications and kept me advised as his discussions with the other side progressed. He did an excellent job of explaining to me my rights and the defenses to the claim that were avaialbe to me. I found Mr. Gray very easy to work with and very responsive to my inquiries. I was very pleased with the result and would strongly recommmend Mr. Gray.
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23 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
When I stopped answering my phone and the only mail I was receiving was a reminder of collection I knew I had a problem and I couldn't see how I was going to fix it. My first meeting with Mr. Calvert was just to see if he had any good ideas on how I could recover on my own. He was very kind, but to the point. Times are tough, jobs are hard to come by and even if I worked 100+ hours a week I would not be able to pay off this debt in 15 years. I did meet with a couple of the other attorneys in town, but they didn't seem to have the extra thing that Calvert law office has, frank honesty. The other law offices told me what I wanted to hear in the moment, knowing they were going to have to do something else later, but would sell that to me when the time came. As much as I wanted to hear what they were saying and believe it. I also wanted to know the cold hard facts of my situation and how I could fix it and make sure it never happens again. That is what I found working with Sam Calvert. He had a plan, he had the skills and he sincerely wanted to help me through the bankruptcy process. Throughout the experience I felt well informed, comfortable with the decisions being made and well represented. I trusted him and his staff to take good care of me every step of the way. Since my bankruptcy I have continued to have Mr. Calvert represent and assist me in other legal matters. I have recommend him to friends, clients and associates who have found themselves in deep financial crisis and in need of some of the best legal advice in town.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Robert deters
Alex stepped in when my main attorney was swamped with other work. He did an amazing job and I would highly recommend him in this amazing firm for any matter. He is very down to earth and easy to talk to. Thanks Alex!
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13 Aug, 2024 by The windigo
I had spoken with Alexander about a small misdemeanor case. He provided a plethora of free information as I was not able to afford hiring him. Very well spoken and cares that you know what you are dealing with.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Clayton boyd
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Jesse seib
I never envisioned a time where I would need a lawyer..... I happened upon this firm and what I thought was going to be a quick process to set up a trust and estate plan ended up being a lengthy battle with unforeseen hurdles. A stressful time became overwhelming and I was lucky to have landed with Dawson Quick and his team. Being available, knowledgeable and understanding were exactly what was needed and probably not saying enough for helping me and my family navigate this process. I am a father and a salesman always looking for a way to maximize my dollar. The final payment was manageable and in my opinion worth every cent. Highly recommend this place to anyone having any apprehensions or concerns about a lawyer and firm that you can trust.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Marie hallin
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29 Sep, 2022 by Perlita vindel-calix
Friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough attorneys.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Jesse seib
I never envisioned a time where I would need a lawyer..... I happened upon this firm and what I thought was going to be a quick process to set up a trust and estate plan ended up being a lengthy battle with unforeseen hurdles. A stressful time became overwhelming and I was lucky to have landed with Dawson Quick and his team. Being available, knowledgeable and understanding were exactly what was needed and probably not saying enough for helping me and my family navigate this process. I am a father and a salesman always looking for a way to maximize my dollar. The final payment was manageable and in my opinion worth every cent. Highly recommend this place to anyone having any apprehensions or concerns about a lawyer and firm that you can trust.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Marie hallin
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29 Sep, 2022 by Perlita vindel-calix
Friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough attorneys.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dan stark
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike nearly my entire life and I can confidently say he is one of the most loyal and reliable people I know. I can't say enough how much his friendship has meant over the years. He's been there for support through all the ups and downs as well as a dependable voice for advice and sharing good times together. I have no doubt that our friendship is emblematic of the values and dedication he brings to his law firm and clients.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mona wigen
We are forever grateful to Hall Law and all of their staff. From the moment meeting Mike I knew we had made the right choice. We worked with Kate and Pamela. Great communication, response time, follow up and attention to detail. We HIGHLY recommend Hall Law. Mona H and Neal H
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09 Sep, 2024 by Erik beckler
Mike Hall has been gracious with his time and expertise even though he didn't take my case. He's helped me twince understand varrious aspects of what I should look out for.
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02 Oct, 2024 by David miller
The worst divorce lawyers you can hire. does nothing to defend you and is only there to facilitate the divorce. I can tell you that you’ll most likely lose assets if you hire this lawyer, so please stay away.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Bridget
Anthony represented me in a criminal matter recently. I was terrified because I had never been in any kind of trouble before so I had no idea what to expect. He handled my case with a level of professional compassion that I honestly wasn't expecting. He made sure I understood everything and did his due diligence in defending me in court. The way he spoke of my lack of criminal record and how the mitigating circumstances in my case were enough to warrant a sentence that I was so unbelievably grateful for. He did an outstanding job, and I feel very lucky that he was appointed to me.
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13 Nov, 2022 by Ibrahim khatib
Don’t go to her she’ll take your money and do nothing about your case. She is a bad immigrant lawyer. She doesn’t answer phone when you trying to call her or respond to email. She is a scammer. I regret to go to her.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Saeed hassan
Not communicating his customer, not answering your calls,
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23 Nov, 2023 by John fernandes
Great
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08 Nov, 2023 by Devin lund
Ended up taking the first plea agreement. I feel like he didn't really try. I tried to call after sentencing with a question and he never returned my call, not sure if the receptionist never gave him the message or he just never called.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Saeed hassan
Not communicating his customer, not answering your calls,
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23 Nov, 2023 by John fernandes
Great
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08 Nov, 2023 by Devin lund
Ended up taking the first plea agreement. I feel like he didn't really try. I tried to call after sentencing with a question and he never returned my call, not sure if the receptionist never gave him the message or he just never called.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
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25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
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25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
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25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
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25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
Read more Google Maps
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25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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star star star star star
06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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star star star star star
06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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star star star star star
06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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star star star star star
30 Jul, 2024 by Chris
Be careful with these guys. They will rack up astronomical fees going on one wild goose chase after another promising you the world and then demand you take a deal or they will drop you. This place is the definition of sleezy
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 May, 2024 by Lifeback law firm
We are a law firm that has been in existence since 1972. We hired Rinke Noonan. If you ask us if we would hire this firm again, the answer is no. They recommended a contract provision which, in part, has kept the firm in litigation for over 3 years. We hired a partner of Rinke Noonan to represent us with claims against another business; and they soon after gave us an associate attorney instead. Shame on you Rinke Noonan.
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star star star star star
06 May, 2024 by Bob bennett
The best legal team I could hope to work with. Very responsive to all my questions and concerns.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Joyce stein
I met with Jackie to discuss estate planning, things went well. Mission accomplished!
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jennie hamilton
I was so impressed by this firms response to a bad experience I had initially, unrelated to their competency or skill as lawyers, by the genuine and sincere apology I recieved by staff involved and CEO Sheila Engelmeier. They went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported and heard and assisted me quite generously with their valuable time and attention time and attention with intial consultation guidance. I would strongly recommend this firm in any legal matter.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Poor Communication skills with clients. Not empathetic towards people and a rather icy, cold personality and demeanor. Treats people poorly. In it for the money. Was horrible as a Stearns County Attorney also. Time to retire.
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16 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
confident, professional, gets the job done. I am very impressed with this law office. I was extremely happy with the results.
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06 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Tried to file bankruptcy with this attorney - It took from Early March to the end of June and then he sent it all back with no reasonable explanation and no references for me to continue this process. Had to start over with another attorney. He did not even call me to explain himself.
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12 Jan, 2016 by Kathy mowat scholl
Ken Bayliss represented us in a civil matter (our new-home contractor and architect designed and built a house that was out of code and had numerous defects) in 2013. We had to fire Mr. Bayliss midway through our case - a difficult and costly thing to do - but we felt we had no choice. We believed he would do a good job based on his impressive resume, but in reality he was not very astute at the practice of law. He never seemed to have a full grasp of the situation that we were in which put us in an ongoing defensive mode - a costly position to be in. He had many opportunities to reach out, on our behalf, to the other parties long before any lawsuits were filed, but he missed the ball. Had he been more forthright about our situation and more savvy as a lawyer, we may have been able to avoid a lawsuit altogether, but since he told us to sit tight and wait, we got served with a lawsuit. He made a huge mistake when he "accidentally" forwarded, via email, a large file of our private documents to an opposing attorney who had no legal right to see them. It was a huge mistake, but when we called him out on it, he only gave excuses rather than admit his error. Mr. Bayliss charged us $250+ per hour and told us that his hourly fees were much lower than most Minnesota attorneys (really!?!) Well, for that kind of money, I expect something more than boilerplate representation. I expect a strong advocate, someone who will negotiate on my behalf. Bottom line: Hiring Mr. Bayliss was a serious waste of time and money.
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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:

  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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