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06 Aug, 2021 by Sepideh
I found David Rubalcava through searching online. When I called him, I right away trusted him and realized that he would be able to take care of my job. He is smart, honest, professional, and nice, all at the same time which made working with him easy. I cannot stress enough how professional, knowledgeable, and detailed oriented he is. I want my lawyer to have laser focused attention on details and his is just beyond amazing. Now I have peace of mind in my life as a result of the work he did for me. I am so grateful that I found him online. If needed again, I would only work with him and would only refer him to all friends and family.
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06 Mar, 2020 by Scott
We were leaving the country and had a tight time line. David was professional and the process went smoothly. He kept us updated until the work was completed. We would definitely recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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22 May, 2019 by Victor
Attorney David Rubalcava, responded to my inquiry about preparing a family living trust within one day. By next day I submitted information necessary to him to prepare trust documents. Our living trust was completed a day later. Mr Rubalcava came by our house to sign the and notarize the documents. Very pleased with his efficiency in meeting a very tight deadline we had to complete all trust documents; and has given us peace of mind that our family living trust in now in place
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14 Jul, 2011 by Matt
Sean Kading is everything you are looking for in a professional attorney. Sean not only knows and understands the details of his industry, but he also knows the key people within his industry, allowing for a very quick and smooth transaction. This also made working with Sean the absolute right choice. Sean had compassion for my wife and I, understanding our difficult situation, yet he dealt with us firmly when needed, in order to get the job done right the first time. I have already recommended Sean to close friends and family with the utmost confidence that they will receive the same outstanding service that we received from Sean and his staff. If you're looking for an attorney that yields positive results, search no further, you've found him. When it comes to referring a bankruptcy attorney, there is only one name and number that I hand out, and that is The Law Offices of Sean A. Kading.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Jeff starling
Highly recommend Martucci and associates for ur family and real estate law. they are attentive, understanding and very knowledgeable
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06 Feb, 2023 by Russell wallace
I recently had the unfortunate experience of working with David Martucci from Martucci & Associates, a law firm in Orange County, CA. My ex-spouses attorney, David Martucci, not only provided false documents and presented fraudulent false statements under oath in court, but also repeatedly refused to meet and confer with me over 10 times, showed up to court unprepared, and failed to file important trial documents. To make matters even worse, David produced a written transcript of a video and changed the facts from the video to say that I owned 100% of a company that I only owned 1% of despite having personal knowledge and documentation showing my true ownership only being 1%. This was a baseless and misleading representation that caused significant harm a d long term damages to my case. David also presented a Profit & Loss Statement from a company that I was working for and lied to the court saying that it was my company when in fact I am just a W2 employee with zero ownership. His lies have greatly impacted the outcome of my hearing. He has no problem presenting false evidence in court if it benefits his client. I also witnessed David leaving in the same car as my ex-wife after court. Seems a little weird if you ask me. I would caution others to carefully consider their options before retaining this law firm. While I understand that every case is unique, my personal experience left me with a lack of confidence in the legal system. Honesty, competence, professionalism, and a strong commitment to their clients' best interests are critical in the legal system, and I did not feel that these values were upheld with David martucci from Martucci & Associates. To make matters worse, the firm's website looks completely unprofessional, as if it was created by a child. It is important to note that this review is not intended to harm the reputation of the law office or the individual attorney. Instead, it is meant as a warning to others to thoroughly research their options and choose a legal representative who operates with honesty, competence, professionalism, and who accurately represents the facts in court.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Kevin kenney
David spent generous time with me. Very competent. Tony was great in accessing my case. He followed up timely....so did David. Very personable and caring.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Shemeka jones luez
Spencer Law Firm is excellent! Their staff is really committed to their clients, professional, and kind. They made a difficult legal procedure seem doable by offering straightforward instructions. Throughout, I felt appreciated and encouraged. I heartily recommend their experience to anybody looking for a trustworthy lawyer.
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30 May, 2024 by Sara neuman
Jeffrey Spencer represented me in a personal injury case. Mr Spencer demonstrated expertise and dedication throughout my case, securing a favorable outcome for me.i would highly recommend him for anyone needing legal services.
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30 May, 2024 by Coldcase general
Mr. Spencer is simply the best, he closed out a class action lawsuit that he took on 5 years ago for me and my family. This man took his time and educated me and my girlfriend and remained honest and sincere through everything. He told us everything he did and most of all didn’t judge us. I was just so happy to be heard and seen and Mr Spencer made us feel like we are important no matter what , and the place that we sued was closed down and I was happy beyond happy they had no business operating the place as such and taking people money. Ultimately I literally can’t express how much The Spencer law Firm has helped me and my family out more than 100 thank you’s, Hands down the best lawyer and law firm I’ve ever had.
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What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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