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09 Oct, 2024 by Mindee calabrese
09 Oct, 2024 by Gerald smith
Very efficient and professional. They kept me current throughout the entire process. Client friendly and promptly returned my calls when I had any questions or concerns.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Flatfoot duck
08 Jul, 2024 by Raven whitener
Drafahl law firm did a fantastic job in getting me the results I deserved for my case. When things seemed to hit a wall Nolan continued to push through until we got the win we were looking for. I’m more than satisfied with how everything worked out. Not to mention Nolan really has a great personality that truly makes you feel like he’s there for you and your best interest. I’m very grateful to have had such a positive experience.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Mario
08 Jul, 2024 by Felicia
From my first contact the process was easy and well explained. Questions were always answered without me feeling like I was a bother. They were genuinely concerned about me receiving proper care and healing from the car accident. I never felt rushed. I would strongly recommend Nolan & his team.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Raven whitener
Drafahl law firm did a fantastic job in getting me the results I deserved for my case. When things seemed to hit a wall Nolan continued to push through until we got the win we were looking for. I’m more than satisfied with how everything worked out. Not to mention Nolan really has a great personality that truly makes you feel like he’s there for you and your best interest. I’m very grateful to have had such a positive experience.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Mario
08 Jul, 2024 by Felicia
From my first contact the process was easy and well explained. Questions were always answered without me feeling like I was a bother. They were genuinely concerned about me receiving proper care and healing from the car accident. I never felt rushed. I would strongly recommend Nolan & his team.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Sandra page
Our group has engaged UGBB for multiple types of legal assistance. Law/regulation interpretation. Dealing with tax matters. Employment issues. The lawyers there have a board band of experience, and we like that they already have background on our agency. Information they collected over many years of service to us. Plus, Tonia, the office manager is a hoot! Consider this firm if you are looking for excellent legal representation – and nice people!
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09 May, 2024 by Patti j
After looking for months for an attorney to help us with a serious issue with new furniture we purchased my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Christian Misner. He was very kind , caring and really wants to help us. He is so knowledgeable and knew exactly what our next steps should be. We are now on our way to getting the help we need to solve our issues. We can’t thank Mr. Misner enough.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Matthew donahue
09 Oct, 2024 by Mindee calabrese
09 Oct, 2024 by Gerald smith
Very efficient and professional. They kept me current throughout the entire process. Client friendly and promptly returned my calls when I had any questions or concerns.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Flatfoot duck
09 Oct, 2024 by Mindee calabrese
09 Oct, 2024 by Gerald smith
Very efficient and professional. They kept me current throughout the entire process. Client friendly and promptly returned my calls when I had any questions or concerns.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Flatfoot duck
05 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra clemens
David and his team are Incredible! They handled my case in a timely and professional manner! I’ve known him for many years and he is a stand-up human! A great father and family man who holds himself to an extremely high standard! It’s great to know ethical, honest attorneys who care about their clients!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Vicki kraemer
The Injury Council has represented not only myself but for two of my kids. The assistance that we received from David, Jake, and Felicia was outstanding. The response time was super fast if I had any questions; I was Kept informed and updated through the process.
I can say, with no hesitation that this is the firm you need to represent you. Thank you for going above and beyond.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Patti green
05 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra clemens
David and his team are Incredible! They handled my case in a timely and professional manner! I’ve known him for many years and he is a stand-up human! A great father and family man who holds himself to an extremely high standard! It’s great to know ethical, honest attorneys who care about their clients!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Vicki kraemer
The Injury Council has represented not only myself but for two of my kids. The assistance that we received from David, Jake, and Felicia was outstanding. The response time was super fast if I had any questions; I was Kept informed and updated through the process.
I can say, with no hesitation that this is the firm you need to represent you. Thank you for going above and beyond.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Patti green
05 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra clemens
David and his team are Incredible! They handled my case in a timely and professional manner! I’ve known him for many years and he is a stand-up human! A great father and family man who holds himself to an extremely high standard! It’s great to know ethical, honest attorneys who care about their clients!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Vicki kraemer
The Injury Council has represented not only myself but for two of my kids. The assistance that we received from David, Jake, and Felicia was outstanding. The response time was super fast if I had any questions; I was Kept informed and updated through the process.
I can say, with no hesitation that this is the firm you need to represent you. Thank you for going above and beyond.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Patti green
05 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra clemens
David and his team are Incredible! They handled my case in a timely and professional manner! I’ve known him for many years and he is a stand-up human! A great father and family man who holds himself to an extremely high standard! It’s great to know ethical, honest attorneys who care about their clients!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Vicki kraemer
The Injury Council has represented not only myself but for two of my kids. The assistance that we received from David, Jake, and Felicia was outstanding. The response time was super fast if I had any questions; I was Kept informed and updated through the process.
I can say, with no hesitation that this is the firm you need to represent you. Thank you for going above and beyond.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Patti green
19 Sep, 2024 by Steph swiney
We worked with Matt on a collection that we were getting sued for. He was extremely helpful and helped us get the case resolved! If you need help call Matt!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Chris nicholas
I had Matt, on my case. My credit was all messed up within 10 months. He fixed that issue and a hefty settlement with the credit bureaus thank you Matt, for your assistance I would recommend him highly
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26 Aug, 2024 by Management team
10/10 I recommend. Process was smooth and most of all he achieved the results I was looking for. Thanks again!!!
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23 Mar, 2024 by Glenda
Jim Schleiffarth, is our Estate Lawyer. Jim set up our Trust & Will. Jim is very professional, efficient and easy to work with. He was very knowledgeable with the legal aspect of the Trust and very helpful with finding the correct verbiage to use for our individual situation. Jim also took time to offer different scenarios that fit our needs. We were very happy with him and would recommend his services to family and friends!
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01 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
They were professional, polite, and were focused on helping me fit my unique estate planning needs. They explained why they recommended one avenue of asset transfer over another instead of simply recommending a more expensive route, and they explained why they thought one option was better than another for achieving my personal goals. Also, they were very straight forward with their pricing, and did not change any surprise fees after the fact and explained their pricing very honestly.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Denise
Jim was very professional and engaging to our needs. Very satisfied and happy to refer.
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12 Mar, 2014 by Rich
Chris Barclay has served as our family's attorney for nearly 30 years. Over the last 20 years as my personal attorney, Chris has provided outstanding estate planning and legal counsel for family and personal trusts, wills, ILITS, POAs. Prior to becoming my personal attorney, Chris served my grandfather in a similar capacity, however he was involved in a wider variety of contract, real estate, tax, and business law.
Chris is a trusted and valued advisor to my family and I look forward to Chris continuing in this role on behalf of our children in the future. His consistency, dependability, availability, and quality of advice are just a few of the reasons why Chris will continue to serve as our legal counsel.
I appreciate his conservative approach to estate and tax planning as I know that all of our legal documents and strategies will withstand legal tests and protect our interests for the long term.
Chris is very disciplined in how he documents his effortization against our needs and I have found him to be affordable in terms of giving our family access to his extensive experience in areas that matters to us.
One more point, because estate and tax laws are constantly changing, I appreciate how Chris works hard to stay on top of the laws, how to protect our interests, as well as differences by state. What gives me great confidence in his value is that we are not constantly changing our strategies and tactics based on the latest tax court rulings and the like which helps me sleep at night knowing that our wishes and intentions are well articulated in our legal documents.
I strongly recommend Chris to anyone seeking a highly capable attorney that knows how to integrate your family's interests into legal documents that protect your wealth and execute your intentions in all matters relating to estate planning.
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22 Feb, 2014 by Dave
I have worked with Chris on both my own personal matters and those of several of my clients. Chris has always been able to respond quickly to the issues requiring attention and my referrals have always resulted in a positive response from the client being referred. There is no better indication of my confidence in Chris than my continued willingness to refer business to him.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Clark
Chris has handled both family law and business law issues for me and done and excellent job. He is always very responsive and explains things at your level. His greatest asset is applying common sense to a legal matters. Chris provides his clients options and recommendations taking into account cost and probably of success factors.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Brian
I am extremely grateful I was referred to Laura to represent me during my divorce. She is very knowledgable and confident in her field. Laura fought hard for my rights as a father and to remain present in my child’s life, which was not an easy task. Laura’s experience was evident from the start, she never wavered and, more importantly, was able to be a calming presence throughout all the ups and downs during my divorce process. Laura was always accessible and responsive anytime I needed her. She has assembled an outstanding team who shared her dedication and attention to my details. We dealt with several unreasonable requests and Laura confidently made them fade away until reaching the conclusion of just being fair with my parenting and financial rights. I feel extremely lucky that she was introduced to me and thankful she was my advocate during this grueling period in my life. In a climate such divorce/family law, I was concerned I would be spending unnecessary time and money, but I never had an ounce of those feelings working with Laura. Working with her will make that point very clear, just as I knew she was invested in my best interests. Laura’s involvement did not end with my Judgment as she has continued to support my needs for post-divorce matters. I would not hesitate to recommend Laura and the Stobie Law Firm to family, friends or strangers in need of an excellent family attorney who will fight for everything that is sacred to them.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Lindsay
Laura worked on my divorce case and she did an amazing job! I highly recommend Laura and her staff to anyone who is going through a "nasty" divorce. My ex wanted to pay minimal support and zero maintenance, but due to Laura's hard work and perseverance, I had a very, very favorable outcome!
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17 Sep, 2023 by Richard
Laura was one of my attorneys in my Divorce Case, Her knowledge, practicality, and logic used during the procedure was amazing. during a divorce case things can get very emotional. Especially if there are children involved. Because of that, I feel like most people even despite their best efforts let emotions control the decisions or actions during the case. Laura along with my other attorneys were able to keep me on track, keep me grounded in my thought process and I truly feel like she was fighting for what I wanted and what was important for me and my child as well. I would absolutely recommend Laura to anyone going through this situation. I would not be where I am today with out her.
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03 Feb, 2016 by Daniel
Mark Temkin has been my attorney for 30 years, and has wisely guided me in protecting my family’s interests, my assets and all the legal vicissitudes of modern life. I remember him meeting me on a Sunday afternoon, and conferencing at night when situations demanded immediate responses; he willingly answered the call. Mark has exceptional expertise across a number of fields - estate planning (he was instrumental in writing the new Missouri statute on Qualified Spousal Trusts), asset protection, real estate, and general corporate law. I have always appreciated his ability to anticipate the consequences of various scenarios and to plan accordingly. Other lawyers have remarked that his work is exemplary, and some have asked permission to call him "just to pick his brain.” It’s important that you trust your lawyer, and I trust Mark with my life and the lives of my loved ones. He is of the highest integrity, ethical standing, and honesty. Mark Temkin is completely dedicated to the benefit of his clients, and having him on your side makes a big difference.
Daniel Phillips, M.D.
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03 Feb, 2016 by Daniel
Mark Temkin has been my attorney for 30 years, and has wisely guided me in protecting my family’s interests, my assets and all the legal vicissitudes of modern life. I remember him meeting me on a Sunday afternoon, and conferencing at night when situations demanded immediate responses; he willingly answered the call. Mark has exceptional expertise across a number of fields - estate planning (he was instrumental in writing the new Missouri statute on Qualified Spousal Trusts), asset protection, real estate, and general corporate law. I have always appreciated his ability to anticipate the consequences of various scenarios and to plan accordingly. Other lawyers have remarked that his work is exemplary, and some have asked permission to call him "just to pick his brain.” It’s important that you trust your lawyer, and I trust Mark with my life and the lives of my loved ones. He is of the highest integrity, ethical standing, and honesty. Mark Temkin is completely dedicated to the benefit of his clients, and having him on your side makes a big difference.
Daniel Phillips, M.D.
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27 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Mark is a highly experienced and competent business lawyer. He keeps legal and business issues in balance. I have worked with outside counsel for 40 years, and he is among the elite.
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07 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeff is a great lawyer to retain. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I had a client that looked to sue my company for unsubstantiated reasons and had not paid me a fee. Mr Wax attending court hearings on several occasions, was able to substantiate to the courts that my business performed a valuable service and in fact was owed its fees. My business was rewarded a favorable judgement. Thank You Mr. Wax for all of help in my business matter.
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07 Jul, 2016 by David
I had a few landlord-tenant issues that I hired Jeff to help with. Throughout the process he was quick to respond and communicate with me. He worked very efficiently to deliver the result I was looking for and solved the problem. I would not hesitate to seek his service in the future or recommend others use him.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Mitch
Jeff handled a non profit matter involving a government assessment. Jeff was professional and completed the work in an effective and competent manner, achieving the desired outcome for our organization. I recommend Jeff without reservation.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Galit
I highly recommend Marc Jacob! I had a commercial real estate dispute and Marc successfully negotiated with the landlord on my behalf, and achieved a very favorable outcome! Also, he always responded immediately to emails and texts! It was a pleasure dealing with him!
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08 Jan, 2013 by Eric
Marc Jacob of the Jacob Law Firm, LLC has been my real estate and business
attorney for over a year and a half now, and I have had many attorneys over
the years. Since becoming involved with my business, he has guided me to
avoid potentially disastrous deals, helped review and simultaneously pursue
multiple potential real estate financing arrangements, and has both
confidently and competently negotiated with much larger law firms and bank
executives. After a long, arduous negotiations process, he was also able to
close a very complicated, time sensitive and contentious deal remotely,
while out of the state on vacation! He works effectively with me, my staff
and with all the various professionals who were key elements to finally
getting a critical deal done. I look forward to continuing to work with
Marc Jacob and his associates at the Jacob Law Firm on other future business
and personal matters. He has proven himself capable, honest and loyal. I
consider him a trusted advisor and a friend.
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09 Dec, 2012 by Jonathan
Marc has been a huge asset to my business. From our initial consultation it was clear Marc was the type of attorney I needed - someone who knew the real estate business inside and out, and able to add value in every aspect. From establishing entities to transactional work to litigation, Marc has always been patient, accessible, insight and clear. I feel very fortunate to have found him and recommend him without hesitation.
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29 Jun, 2016 by Doug
I have relied on Kenneth Heinz's knowledge and legal
resources to give me and my city (City Of Country Club Hills Mo.) good and sound legal advice for the last 7 years
he has helped our city come back from having our city being mismanaged to getting back on the right track even thou times that he had to work in less than ideal conditions. He has always been knowledgeable and very helpful.
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13 Jun, 2016 by Ron
Six years after my home was built I hired a outdoor sprinkler company to install there system. One week latter I discovered that a finished section of my basement was flooded.
I met with the insurance company that covered this company and showed them the damage. At that time the insurance company inspector told me that the damage was not there fault. He said that the company that built my home was at fault.
By now I had a local plumber dig up the area that the system connected to my water source found the leak and had the pictures to prove that the system was not properly installed and was leaking into my foundation wall causing the flooding.
I hired Ken Heinz. After a series of phone calls and letters Ken got the insurance company to pay for the entire cost of redoing my basement...new carpet, drywall, wood trim and paint.
I along with my entire family have used Ken for wills,trusts and real estate transactions.
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24 May, 2016 by Jim
Ken Heinz has been the City Attorney for Richmond Heights since the mid 90's. During this time I was elected to the Council and elected Mayor. The Council and I relied on Mr. Heinz for all legal issues with the city, legislative and litigious. His research was always thorough and ensured that the city was on solid legal footing. Ken helped me organize my personal papers and make my wishes known for my family. I also had a dispute that required me to sue to recover funds owed to me. Ken was able to recover everything and in a timely manner. In short I trust Ken Heinz with all things legal and have not been disappointed.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Marshall
My client was sued in southern Illinois and I retained Josh as local counsel. Josh did a great job of helping us navigate through local procedures and customs. He was very knowledgeable about the law and court practices, and was invaluable to have "on the ground" in St. Louis.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Ken
I have sought Josh’s counsel on a number of items over the past 10 years. They have included employment matters, contracts, and business combinations to name a few. Without exception, I have found Josh Avigad to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but particularly practical when it comes to the application of the law. Avigad seeks to find ways to mitigate risk and resolve issues so that the wheels of business can keep turning. He will simplify your legal alternatives with an eye toward the achieving the desired end result as expeditiously as possible.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Todd
My company was involved in a contract dispute. A vendor was attempting to collect for a service that was sold based on false performance claims. Being a more experienced attorney, Josh was able to capitalize on a number of technical errors by the opposing counsel. One such error the counselor made was with respect to introducing a witness, effectively resulting in his dismissal. He also identified--and subsequently had thrown out by the judge--provisions in the contract which proved unenforceable in Missouri, effectively eroding their case and resulting in the case's dismissal. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
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24 Sep, 2018 by Lori
On two separate and unrelated real estate issues Mr Disabato was able to quickly resolve title issues and deed filings. Living out of state it could have been a disaster hiring an attorney sight unseen but I was very, very fortunate and pleased with his representation. I would use him again in a heartbeat and highly recommend him.
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12 Mar, 2018 by R. hunter
We hired Mr. Disabato and his brother for a lawsuit surrounding real estate that had been going on for 1 full year with an attorney. They met with me and were frank and to the point. They put me at ease by explaining every aspect of the process. They listened and heard my concerns and gave realistic possibilities. Within 3 months the case that had been dragged out by another attorney for 1 full year had ended with a huge victory. You will not be disappointed with their high skill set and professionalism. Complete WIN_WIN_WIN!! Thank You
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08 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Lucy is an excellent attorney - responsive and practical approach to business issues. Would hire her again and recommend her to others seeking business litigation and commercial dispute advice
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12 Jan, 2016 by Joe
My company was fortunate to have Lucy Unger on our side. She is smart, strong and professional, and will not be pushed around. Her commitment to our case was complete and unwavering, and she got the results we badly needed. Don't let her nice side fool you, Lucy will fight for you as if she was fighting for herself.
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23 Jul, 2023 by K. a.
Grant Mabie is EVERYTHING a you need if you're looking to resolve a legal hiccup. He didn't try to oversell himself because he KNOWS what he's talking about. He didn't try to "sell" me either. He spoke to me in a down to earth manner and provided practical advice allowing me to make an informed decision. I wouldn't hesitate to call him again if I need representation in the future.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Pablo
Nathan was a pleasure to deal with during my Chapter 7. He answered all my emails promptly and thoroughly. I highly recommend him.
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23 Jun, 2020 by George usleber
Everyone I dealt with at Hesse Martone was extremely professional. My Company was caught up in a Withdrawal Liability suit and they worked hard on our behalf to minimize the losses. Also want to emphasize how fair they were on there billing practices.
Top notch firm!
George ........
Chicago, Il.
Chicago, Il.
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14 Dec, 2017 by Kenny felty
23 Jul, 2023 by K. a.
Grant Mabie is EVERYTHING a you need if you're looking to resolve a legal hiccup. He didn't try to oversell himself because he KNOWS what he's talking about. He didn't try to "sell" me either. He spoke to me in a down to earth manner and provided practical advice allowing me to make an informed decision. I wouldn't hesitate to call him again if I need representation in the future.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Richie
I'm in real estate sales and Brad is always available at the drop of a hat if I have any questions on a particular contract/form that might have loose wording or language. He's helped me out with surveys and potential title issues as well on some of my deals. I've known him for a long time and can trust him with anything that I or my clients might need consulting on.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Alanna
Tom has been my lawyer for many years and is always compassionate and timely with his representation. Tom recently helped my husband and I with resolving a complex case, he was diligent in getting the issue resolved for us. He did not hesitate to help us when we were struggling and did an excellent job representing us. We highly recommend him as he has never let us down and does fantastic work.
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04 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Carnes did a great job on my case after two other lawyers told me they couldn't help me. He was up-front about what he could do for me, and charged me a reasonable fee.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Annemarie gamache
Working with the Watts Group was a great experience! They were very professional and provided thoughtful insight on what to expect during the legal process and my case. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would definitely work with them again.
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08 Nov, 2015 by Nataly
Paul is knowledgeable, intelligent, and he took our case very seriously. He always kept us abreast of the status and was honest and concerned throughout. If there were more stars to give, I would gladly give them. I'm thankful I chose his services and highly recommend him.
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07 Feb, 2013 by Mark
Very bright, hardworking and responsive. Would highly recommend Sean to anyone needing assisitance in the real estate or tax area.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Shawn
I have had Greg represent me and my company on several different occasions. He is great dealing with the giants of my industry, BJH, insurance companies, medical billers, employee rights, etc. He knowledge and eagerness to not just win but to do the right thing are paramount to what he does and what we as a company stand for. I would highly recommend Greg for whatever legal need you may have. If, on the slight chance he cannot help you, you can help you find someone who can.
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12 Nov, 2015 by John
Simply put, Tom is the best in the business! He always goes above and beyond to ensure his client gets the best possible outcome in their business negotiations, contract drafting, or business incorporation. I've used Tom on dozens of cases, and can rest easy knowing that Tom will deliver nothing but the best results! He's one of the most resemble and knowledgeable attorneys' I've ever worked with. I highly recommend Tom Niemann!
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24 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
He worked quickly and effectively to create a new limited liability company that I needed for my new business. I highly recommend Patrick for starting a new company.
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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.
