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04 Sep, 2024 by Rick hinton
29 Aug, 2024 by Mitch hartshorn
Great group of Attorneys!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Bryan arthur
I contacted them following my slip and fall accident downtown. The expertise of their legal staff reversed the tide in my case, and their devoted care throughout the procedure was genuinely commendable. They fought hard for my appropriate recompense, which was fully deserved.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Rick hinton
29 Aug, 2024 by Mitch hartshorn
Great group of Attorneys!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Bryan arthur
I contacted them following my slip and fall accident downtown. The expertise of their legal staff reversed the tide in my case, and their devoted care throughout the procedure was genuinely commendable. They fought hard for my appropriate recompense, which was fully deserved.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Sahil desai
Chip tieder was very professional and handled my case with efficiency
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19 Sep, 2024 by Dairys arias
I wanted to thank Cindy and express a deep appreciation to her. Your meticulous attention to detail and strategic approach ensured that my case was handled smoothly and without complications. I trusted her ability from start to finish and his professionalism really stood out. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for top-notch legal representation.thanks
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26 Aug, 2024 by Ofelia pérez santos
Muy buen bufete.Cindy en particular es muy atenta y especial con sus clientes. Y su equipo muy eficiente todos. Los recomiendo al 100%
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10 Aug, 2024 by Amber morrissey
Professional and kind! Thank you for spending your valuable time and knowledge to assist others during trying times in their lives!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Dr dr
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had the pleasure of working with Jack for my recent legal matter, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, Jack displayed exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. They were always available to answer my questions and provided clear, concise explanations of complex legal issues. Their strategic approach and attention to detail were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome in my case. I highly recommend Jack to anyone in need of expert legal assistance.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Arleene sean bowles
Mr. Pillsbury was a breath of fresh air when it comes to legal matters. He was straight forward; knowledgeable; and easily explained the judicial processes. Mr. Pillsbury spoke with empathy to my concerns & gave me the best & worst scenario outcomes in my traffic citation case. Thank you for keeping your legal fees reasonable. My experience with Guardline Law was exceptional.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Lois stein (michael's mom and daniel weiskopf, mike's brother
My son Officer Michael Weiskopf of the St. Petersburg Police Department went in to the hospital with Covid 8/1/21 and his wife would not let us have any contact with Michael. She would not let us text him, call him, face-time him or visit him. She told the nursing staff not to give us any information on my son's condition. If we wanted any updates, we would have to go through her. She was giving us erroneous information and that is when we found our Guardian Angel Matt. Matt worked miracles and we were then able to get correct information on my son's condition from a reliable source. He also helped us get an object in my name that Mike's wife didn't want to give us, even though it was her husband's wishes that his brother have this object. My son's wife never told us that my son died and that there was a funeral planned by the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Matt is one of a kind. He is compassionate, kind, caring, sensitive and is a super Professional. He knows his craft and he gets things done. If I lived in Florida, he would become my trusted Attorney. I can't say enough wonderful things about Matt. G-d Bless you Matt for all that you have done for us.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Holly
Weidner Law showed me the upmost respect while assisting me with the process of probate. From beginning to end, Weidner Law was extremely attentive, always returned my phone calls and emails. I would recommend Weidner Law to all my family and friends! Awesome Law firm & staff!
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18 Jun, 2019 by Carla
I did a lot of research before hiring an attorney to assist me with the probate process. I ultimately chose Matt because I liked his website. He has plenty of videos that explain “legalese” for people like me who have no idea what it all means and he seemed really involved (something that a lot of attorneys aren’t). It turned out that Mr. Weidner was as involved as he seemed and he didn’t hesitate to answer any one of my million and one questions about what was happening during my daughter’s probate. Even though she had planned out her estate before her death and put everything in order and I had agreed to be her estate executive I have to admit to not having any idea what to do. I had agreed to the role because she asked me to, but luckily I came across Mr. Weidner and he made the whole thing seem much easier than the other lawyers I talked to.
In the end probate went well. Actually, it was draining and devastating but the process itself was easier than I thought it was going to be which was one burden lifted. When things have settled down for us in our new life without my daughter, I plan to go back to Mr. Weidner to talk to him about my own estate planning. Now that I’m raising my grandchildren, I have a lot of changes to make and I’m hoping Mr. Weidner can make it as easy as he did our probate.
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07 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
We recently moved to St. Pete and were in need of a good, professional and inclusive attorney to completely rewrite all of our legal documents. Kira Doyle and her great staff were all and more than we had hoped. The documents were thorough and covered all the mandates for the State of Florida.
They were completely welcoming to my wife and me. Kira Doyle and her staff treated us "just like every other couple," respectfully and graciously. As we come from a different state where this is NOT often the case, this environment was a relief.
Additionally, the documents and the process by which they are written, approved and finalized was professional and efficient. Kira and her staff were easily available to answer our questions and sent updates and their own questions frequently.
This attorney and this office staff earned 5+stars in our book! We will return to them for any additional legal needs we may encounter in the future. We already have the free three-year review of the documents in hand.
The office is beautiful and the formality of finalizing our final documents almost a ceremony . They made us feel important. We are very happy with the final documents, the way in which they and we were handled and the parting gift was PERFECT!
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19 Nov, 2020 by Amy
Kira Doyle drafted estate planning documents for me. As I am a new Florida resident, Attorney Doyle went over carefully & thoroughly Florida's legal requirements, and she also provided written explanations that were very helpful. My documents were prepared very quickly at an extremely reasonable fee. I highly recommend this office.
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23 Oct, 2020 by Carson
Very, Very, Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
My husband and I have experienced the sad reality of loved ones passing away. We knew we did not want to leave our loved ones stressed and wondering what to do when we're at the end of life and they may be grieving. Kira Doyle and her team absolutely guided us every step of the way without any snag.
We were so relieved as well to learn so much on how to protect ourselves so that when we pass away, our family is not caught up in a lot of probate, legal, arguments, and tax matters. We're so impressed by the top-notch expertise! Value value value.
The whole experience was very caring, careful, and concierge, and we were completely comfortable with the process. This high level of professionalism really reassured us well to complete a task that could be stressful. But it was not -- wow!
We can't thank you all enough. Thank you!
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28 Feb, 2024 by Pete stackow
Extremely helpful, focused, and results-driven. Highly recommend!
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08 Mar, 2023 by Mark grande
Rick is a very good attorney he handled my pops will and .PO.A.
I highly recommend his services
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08 Mar, 2023 by Peter motzenbecker
18 May, 2018 by Audrey
Phil is a remarkable attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He got me through my first car accident and I am truly grateful.
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11 Aug, 2017 by Paul
Recently our family was in need of immediate legal assistance. It also happened to be 450pm on a Friday, so we weren't expecting much help until the following week. We called Phil and explained our issue. Phil jumped on the problem immediately, and worked late into the night ON A FRIDAY to help us get the paperwork we needed done. We couldn't have asked for more dedication and hard work. Thank you Phil. I would recommend him to any of my friends or family who are in need of legal assistance.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Anthony
After getting nowhere with two local Florida attorneys, I was referred to Philip Weylie.
He looked after everything we needed to research, draft and prepare the final documents. He knew exactly what was required by Canadian snowbirds who spend time in Florida.
Without hesitation, I rate the service provided at a 10.
I've already referred others to Mr. Weylie and I don't make such recommendations lightly.
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31 May, 2024 by Caroline
Mr. Coburn was so kind and incredibly helpful with my situation. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for expertise in the law.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Coburn for some simple legal advise regarding real estate. I had at least 3 issues where I may need to hire an attorney. He took the time to listen to all my concerns and explained what he could help me with and what he couldn't help me with. He gave me some great advise, and was extremely patient, courteous, kind, honest and a great help to me. He let me know, I don't need to hire him just yet, but advised me on if a certain something didn't happen in a timely manner, that I could hire him with an easy open and shut case - pretty much based on what the law and statute requires. He took his time with me. Did not rush me at all - and I had a lot of questions! He was great! and I assure you, if my situation doesn't pan out like it should and I need to hire an attorney, I will be calling him immediately. I loved his honesty and him being real with me. Some lawyers just want your money and would gladly take you for a ride just to get it. He clearly let me know, what was worth chasing after with a lawsuit and what wasn't. I really appreciate his time and the knowledge he shared with me. I will hire him if needed, and I highly recommend to anyone who needs an attorney with his expertise to hire him.
Thanks for your help Guy!! Sincerely!!
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03 Apr, 2018 by Nerissa
He responded very quickly to my message. He was honest about rather or not he could help me and offerred very helpful advise.
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04 Aug, 2020 by Theresa
I would highly recommend Ms. Codding for any real estate law needs you may have. I had a complicated and unusual situation and Ms. Codding’s outside the box thinking saved me a great deal of time and money in resolving my situation. In addition, she and her staff were very efficient and kept me informed every step of the way. Furthermore, she was really willing to go above and beyond to help me with my issue. I would not hesitate to hire her again. Excellent lawyer!
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16 May, 2020 by Mary
It was a pleasure to work with Jennifer Codding and her team. Comunication was frequent and timely. She prepared a sales contract and coordinated a real estate closing for me. Our meetings were always on time and pleasant, and I never felt rushed or confused. Jennifer is very personable as well as professional, and I never miss a chance to recommend her services to others in need of legal help. I only wish I had been introduced to Jennifer earlier as my experience was so very different from my many previous real estate transactions. She's a gem!
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16 May, 2020 by John
Jennifer performed every step of assisting me with LLC formation quickly and completely. Every time I had a question, she responded within a day (usually, within minutes). When I had an issue that my CPA should have been able to answer (but didn't), she promptly provided the guidance I needed. I have full confidence in her abilities and will seek her council again if the need arises. I recommend her highly.
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21 Feb, 2015 by Sarena
Jason was incredibly knowledgeable with my case and quick to take action. I was always kept informed with all the details of my case and Jason took the time to explain everything to me. Jason was extremely aggressive in my defense and very detail oriented with his responses. Jason and his entire staff have been professional throughout my entire case and very attentive. I have referred several people to Jason and will continue to do so. Jason Kral won my case and I am so grateful! Thank you so much Jason!
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08 Dec, 2014 by Deborah
Jason helped my husband and I through the process of a deed in lieu negotiation on a rental property we had. The process was long and tedious, and he was always there to answer our questions and calm our nerves. He kept us informed, helped us with preparing all the papers necessary for the banks, dealt with the bank's legal department and attended court sessions. As I said, he was there every step and helped us through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
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04 Nov, 2014 by Wesley h.
These guys rock! They fight for what's right! It's been a tough fight but stuck with us. At the end of it all "Jason knocked them out" thank you guys for all that you have done! Words can't express the gratitude we feel. Would I recommend? With out question or hesitation..
Again Thank You..
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31 Mar, 2016 by Shaheen
Mr. Delrahim is professional and courteous, with an extensive knowledge of financial litigation and bankruptcy. He is very highly skilled in his representation and takes time to understand each client's issues.
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25 Feb, 2013 by Moshe
When faced with financial troubles, trying to decide what was the best for me between debt consolidation or bankruptcy, David guided me in the right direction. David is very knowledgeable, resourceful, professional, friendly, can listen and give an excellent advice. David response time is almost immediately, everything is online, documents are scanned and emailed, everything is in one place. As I said, don't judge a book by its cover, David might be a young attorney, however, I see a bright future for him. Definitely recommend!
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18 Oct, 2012 by Lei
He represented me in a recent case. He is extremely professional. Very responsive. He works very hard and makes sure that he delivers everything client needs. I watched the video how he represented me. He is just awesome! Cannot be any happier. Will highly recommend him.
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29 Apr, 2016 by Alyshia
Initially, I required her services to review a very murky contract my business was locked in. (Which I now know that am able to legally leave. They are now bending over backwards to keep me) She got back with me quickly, and the matter did not drag on for weeks. As my business is growing quickly, I've realized that I needed contracts to keep my trade secrets just that. She's the best person for the job. Now I am a repeat client.
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12 Mar, 2016 by Nakia
Attorney Tamara Felton-Howard is one of the most professional attorneys I've ever encountered. She not only conducted business with compassion in reference to my family law case but she did not compromise professionalism. At no time was she unavailable or failed to return a call. She was available for an emergency hearing at almost no notice at all. I still thank her at every chance I get from a case more than 10 years ago. Her confidence in the courtroom eased my anxiety more than anything. Wonderful experience from a difficult time in my life.
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10 Mar, 2016 by Larry n jr.
Tamara Felton Howard is a very professional, very caring, and an all around awesome attorney. She was very knowledgeable of what she was doing and handled the entire case like a Pro. If I or any one in my family ever need an attorney in our lives again, you can believe she will be the First and ONLY attorney I call
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31 Oct, 2016 by Hannah
Joelle Schultz is a very competent and excellent attorney who conducts herself with professionalism at all times. She maintains a high standard of work ethic and is always easy to contact. Joelle thinks outside the box and is quick on her feet to provide the best solution for her clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Joelle for any commercial legal services.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Fred slater
Joelle Schultz has been since the 1st day of consultation very helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. She takes the time to listen and displays concern while understanding all related issues. I plan to use Joelle in future for all our legal needs.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Mario
Used her for quite some time and few different cases and each and every time she goes over and beyond. From the communication to the follow up emails she never leaves you in the dark she tells you step by step what she is doing and what you are paying for unlike most attorneys Joelle actually cares about the client instead of just the money.
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26 May, 2013 by Jd
Jason has worked several cases for us. He is knowledgeable , accessible and diligent. When he sets a course you can count on him completing it.
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03 Mar, 2013 by Mike
Jason has represented me several times and provided advice & counseling many times. Jason is absolutely the guy that you want on your side. He defines partner and combined with his knowledge, skillsets and commitment I would want him on my side and not the opposing me. Our biggest challenge together was litigation that lasted over two years and resulted in a major victory for us of $500,000. The opposing side threw everything that they could and never hesitated to take the low road. A couple of times my anger & frustration motivated me to respond on the low road but Jason’s ethics kept me/us from going there - in retrospect I’m very glad for his guidance. I especially appreciate how Jason keeps me informed and consults with me. I have had other lawyers take the position that they’ll take care of everything and want me on the sidelines. That’s not my personality and the case is important to me; I want to stay involved. I want to win. Jason actually wants to collaborate wherein he brings his legal experience and expertise and I bring the knowledge of the case and of my industry. He will definitely change your odds of success.
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27 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I worked with Mr. Moyer several years ago on a defense case. I felt very confidant with his knowledge and actions on my behalf. He showed a genuine interest in my case but also in my person. He looked after me as I would expect a close friend to. I would not hesitate to call on him again if I needed his expertise.
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15 Jan, 2014 by Jeromy
Nelson took a case for me when other lawyers would not even look at it or return my calls (not enough money to be made for them). Nelson took it because he said it was the right thing to do, because I deserved justice. I am by nature skeptical of lawyers because I was a Deputy Sheriff and saw a lot of people taken advantage of. Nelson is a man of integrity and you cannot put a price on that.
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22 May, 2013 by Rosanne
Nelson and his firm showed extreme professionalism while they represented me in a contract dispute. He always remainded focus on the issue, and made sure he looked out for my best interest. I plan to use this firm and Nelson should I need legal guidance in the future
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08 Oct, 2012 by David
Mr. Varajao was a pleasure to work with. I have hired other attorneys in the past and have had unfortunate experiences (billing, lack of responsiveness, incompetency). But Mr. Varajao was the complete opposite. He was courteous and always professional. He truly understood what I wanted as the client and was able to put it into action. I felt, and still feel, that I could trust him as an attorney and as a person. He is a lawyer that I plan on hiring again. I would highly recommend that you put your legal issue in his hands.
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01 Nov, 2011 by Jeff
Mr. Bowen mediated a complicated and contentious lawsuit that I was involved in. After mediating for more than 5 hours, and almost giving up a couple of times, the case settled. Mr. Bowen was patient, persistent, and kept us focused on the important issues. He is a true professional and I highly recommend him as a mediator.
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15 Feb, 2010 by Sean
Attorney Bowen represented me 3 years ago when I was in a car accident, He did an amazing job and although I am sure he had many other cases treated me and my case as if I and my case were his most important. This is something you just don't seem find much of anymore. I recommended him to a friend of mine and now He's currently helping ahim with an insurance dispute. In my opinion, He's a great lawyer and I highly recommend him".
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14 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
Three years ago I was hit by a drunk driver. The insurance company was not helping me and just gave me the run around. Ken did a great job handling my case. It was such a relief to not have to worry about all the hospital bills and be able to focus on healing.
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5.0
3 Reviews
07 Sep, 2016 by Nicole
From the moment I walked into Jon Coats office and had my first consultation I knew I was in the right place. When you meet Jon it's like you've known him forever. I've referred friends and family since and we all agree. I was referred to Jon through a friend for my Forclosure which is a horrible thing to go through but Jon made it practically effortless on my part. He handles everything while answering all my questions and explaining the situation so clearly and patiently leaving no room for confusion never making our time feel rushed or "on the clock". I can't say enough good things about Jon coats. I will be calling and trusting him with any legal needs in the future absolutely.
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28 Jul, 2016 by Dave
I was on the verge of foreclosure when I contacted Jon. He had come highly recommended by my realtor. Jon reviewed my mortgage and the documents from the lean holder and recommended doing a short sale. He handled all communications and negotiations with the bank, keeping me informed at every stage. His professional knowledge and excellent advise lead to a successful closure. I again obtained Jon's service when I required advise on another matter. Again, his consultation was spot on. I highly recommend Jon and would use him again if the occasion should arise.
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20 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Jon Coats is as good a real estate attorney as I have dealt with.He does his own closings,is prepared,knowledgable,personable,and thorough.His response time to phone or email messages is unprecidented in my 30 odd year experience.
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12 Apr, 2018 by Kate
Collin prepared my 2017 tax returns for me and did a great job. I had some unusual circumstances and he handled them with attention and care. He was extremely responsive to my emails, including when I bombarded him with multiple emails late at night, always responding in less than 24 hours. He was patient, kind, and explained everything. Highly recommend!
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23 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and helpful attorney. Mr. Clark was always available to assist with any questions or concerns that I had. The personal service he provided throughout the entire legal process made everything much easier to handle. His tireless efforts resulted in a favorable ruling while keeping the trial from spilling over into the rest of my life. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an intelligent, successful attorney who puts his clients first and gets results.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Magda ratajski
27 Aug, 2019 by Comfort & care of tampa bay
On behalf of our team at Comfort & Care of Tampa Bay, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Terry for his exceptional service and commitment to our shared client for the past two years. Terry allowed us to handle his client's home health care needs. During this time, Terry consistently went above and beyond to ensure the well-being of his client at all times.
Terry was very devoted and made decisions to improve the quality of life for his client. We thank him for his compassion and consideration.
Terry was very accessible and always returned calls, texts, and emails. The way he handled communication was much appreciated.
Words can’t express the gratitude we have for Terry making this working relationship beneficial for all parties involved. If you or your loved ones are in need of an attorney to serve as power of attorney for your family’s affairs, we highly recommend Terry Salisbury. This attorney will ensure that you and your family’s wants are a top priority.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I never met a smarter or more helpful attorney! Stephen is as good as all of his recommendations say he is!
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29 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I can't say enough about how profesional and effective Stephen was in taking care of a real estate matter for me.
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26 May, 2016 by Anonymous
He was absolutely marvelous from beginning to end and made sure we didn't pay one dollar more than we had to. His closing agent, Tara was equally fantastic. Just a great group to work with. I highly recommend his office for anything real estate related.
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09 May, 2016 by Janet
Mr. Kelly was a great help to us with a Tenant issue in our rental home. He was very professional and acted as a liaison between us and the tenants. I would recommend him to anyone needing an attorney
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02 Jul, 2014 by Robert
I have unfortunately had to hire 3 lawyers in my lifetime so far due to criminal problems, by far Mr. Alexander is the most professional respectful knowledgeable and reliable attorney I have worked with. He kept me well informed of what options I had. And what the outcome of my case was most likely to be. He worked very hard on my cases and the fee was unbeatable ... I would recommend his counsel over anyone else's in the pinellas area ..
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04 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Oscar's knowledge, advice and approachability have allowed me to reach a viable and comfortable resolution. I would highly recommend him for any family law issues in which you need legal representation.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Cindygold1
I hired Carol Anne Johnson to take care of a pressing legal matter that had gone unresolved for far to long. My experience with Attorney Johnson was nothing short of EXCELLENT.
Within 6 weeks of the time I hired Attorney Johnson, she managed to get all necessary documents tracked down and filed withe the court, with a hearing set soon after.
The experience was painless...And, to her credit I came out with the result I was hoping for. Ms. Johnson is a thorough attorney that gets the job done in a no-nonsense brilliant fashion!
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09 May, 2020 by Lisa m mastromoro
Hired a attorney with Upright Law in January.
Case was assigned to Robert DeLeon
My case went well do to the fact that this lawyer was on top of everything and informed me on all that needed to be done.
I Highly recommend this attorney for all your financial needs.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Charlotte
Starlett Massey was extremely helpful in my family law situation. She kept me advised about everything that came up pertaining to my case. She is very patient and understanding. I would highly recommend her.
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19 Sep, 2019 by Holly
Five years ago we purchased a timeshare and have regretted it every day since. Many times we wondered if there was any way to terminate, but reluctantly continued paying and began to accept that we were probably stuck with it until the contract expired. After contacting Zetrouer Pulsifer, we worked with their team and we are now beyond happy to say that our contract has been terminated! We couldn't be happier with the outcome and the experience we had working with Zetrouer Pulsifer!
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22 May, 2015 by Robert
Mr. Byrne is very knowledgeable after my first meeting with him , I knew I did not have to worry. I felt great going to court with what he told me and what's outcome should be and iit Did!
Anyone needing a great dependable Lawyer Mr. Byrne is one lawyer not to pass up
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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.
