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12 Apr, 2016 by Cameron elliott
My experience with Chris has only been positive, I am a small business owner who needs reviewing of documents and some drafting of license agreements and help negotiating contracts. Chris understands the concerns of small business people like myself, he is the most reasonable and client-oriented lawyer I have ever worked with.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Linda
Christopher gave me an initial consultation in regards to a credit collection litigation and, even though I wasn't able to pay him for this, I find that his approach is sincere and he seems like he is really trying to help others who need legal advice. I, for instance, got an instant reply after calling his voice mail and he told me to come in for a free consultation. After he understood my situation, he confronted me with options and insisted that I didn't need an attorney because the costs would overbear the amount of the lawsuit if it is settled. So, I find that he gave straightforward advice and I thank him for being truthful.
To summarize, Christopher is a lawyer who would tell his/her client whether that client really needs his service or not. If not, then he would tell that client so. I find his help very satisfactory and I highly recommend him, so don't be afraid to call. His initial consultation is free.
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18 Dec, 2012 by Kevin
I have worked with Chris Villasenor for over 5 years, and he continues to impress me. Chris is the rare type of lawyer who wants to help his clients as opposed to extracting the greatest amount of money from them. He has handled several business contracts for me, and provided me with invaluable legal advice that has kept me out of trouble. He has even gone out of his way, helping me on a weekend, to complete a contract that I requested last-minute. If you are looking for an honest, helpful lawyer who listen to you and solves your problems, talk to Chris.
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05 May, 2017 by K & a
Jason has been our attorney for over 10 years and nearly a doze matters large and small he has not steered us wrong. In every matter, we came out on top or at least made a fair deal. Jason is very knowledgeable and when I have a question, he answers it clearly and provides several scenarios to consider. Jason is very smart and knows the law, he can be your go to when making a decision, or your ally when you have a case that needs pressed. One call to Jason Saccuzzo and you will know where you stand from a legal standpoint, and will have an attorney in your corner that knows their $%. If you are considering an attorney, Jason...call Jason.
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07 Oct, 2016 by Dennis
At least 18 of my copyrights were appropriated by a competitor. Jason handled my case beautifully, and we were far more successful than I had hoped. In addition to a larger recovery than I expected, we got a permanent injunction and a consent decree with a finding of willful infringement. Jason remained in constant communication throughout the litigation and fees were more than reasonable. I am completely satisfied.
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06 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Saccuzzo is one of the sharpest guys I've ever met. I was in desperate need of a lawyer when I found out I was taken by a con-man in a business deal. Mr. Saccuzzo went right to work helping me. Think of great chess players, that's Mr. Saccuzzo practicing law. He's thinking 10 steps ahead and has great experience to draw from. He new every trick the other person would pull and how to counter it. I can't say enough. I've used his help on a few cases and always have had great results. This is the guy you want working for you and not the guy against you. 5+ stars!
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18 Jun, 2012 by William
I was injured in a car accident on April of 2011. I found George Najjar online randomly and boy was I glad that I did! George did everything he told me he would do for me and my case. He kept me informed with ALL matters of my case, as new information came in. George was always very professional and made me understand all aspects of how bodily injury cases are handled. I was NEVER mislead in any shape or form by him. George went above and beyond for me, on my case and got me the money that I deserved. I highly recommend George for any bodily injury case! The bottom line is George is a genuine guy, who will not beat around the bush with you. Thank you George for everything you did for me with my case and G-LUCK with your LAW FIRM! Best regards, William L.
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21 Nov, 2011 by Bob from michigan
HE DID AN AWESOME JOB AT TRIAL, HE STOMPPED THE OTHER TWO LAWYERS. VERY ARTICULATE AND HONEST, AND WAS GENUINLEY CONCERNED FOR OUR WELL BEING.
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30 Oct, 2010 by Lisa
Mr. Najjar is an excellent attorney. He has helped me successfully handle real estate matters, an auto matter, a trust issue, and he currently handles all legal matters for my business. He also handled a criminal case for a family member. He is very thorough, reasonably priced, and will not waste your time. His understanding of the law is exceptional. I highly recommend him.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Constantine D.Buzunis for his timely,in depth and excellent advice.His legal expertise is without reproach.I cannot thank him enough for his help during my difficult life circumstances.
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24 Aug, 2015 by Marty
Mr. Buzunis is a joy to work with. He goes slow enough to ensure one understands what is being said and all of the options and is very quick to return calls, e-mails etc... I will be using him for many years to come!
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08 Dec, 2011 by John
Dino was by our side through every step of a stressful and lengthy process. More importantly Because of his approachable and personable demeanor Dino is a family friend and confidant. We could not ask for better representation.
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06 Apr, 2020 by Joe
Sophie took my case with short notice and came through with an excellent plan, careful coaching and a thoroughly convincing presentation. With her help, I won my unemployment reversal, and I could not have done so without her. She listened carefully to my situation, formulated our strategy and provided me the guidance I needed to bring about a reversal of my claim.
She outlined a series of carefully directed questions to layout a clear path of the events, the path that the judge could follow to make the determination in my favor. She reached out to me promptly with her plan and coached me repeatedly and reassuringly. She was calming and thoughtful when I was suffering from serious anxiety. Sophie is the kind of professional I would recommend to anyone looking for excellence, character and integrity.
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08 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Sophie was very professional and reliable.
She takes the time to really get to know the situation before taking action. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has needs someone that listens and utilizes the information to assist them in successfully winning a case.
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26 Feb, 2020 by Leah
Ms Geguchadze only had 10 days to review my case prior to my hearing. Within that time she was able to formulate a great plan of attack. She gave me excellent coaching on how to properly respond to the questions. During the hearing she was prepared, calm & collected, and able to think on her feet. Very responsive to all my emails and phone calls. Great experience working with her. I was very worried about my unemployment claim not having a good chance but with her hard work we were able to win. I would not have had victory without her.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Kathy stewart
Rick has represented me in eviction cases for 20 years and is awesome. Professional, informs you of what is going on and has won all of my cases.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Allen
Mr Alter stepped in to help my mother and I in a situation where we were ran over by a bad landlord and that big corporate eviction law firm that has the worst reputation in Southern California.
From the beginning Mr Alter heard us out and though he was never retained he helped us without charging us when he felt it was appropriate to do so.
Mr Alter is a peace maker and a man of the highest moral integrity.
If more lawyers had his integrity the world would be a better place.
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13 Feb, 2014 by Nancy
I have used Richard Alter for evictions for 25 years and NEVER lost a case. His prices are reasonable. He is smart and practical and likable.
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19 Dec, 2024 by R mazur
While on DBA, Craig Benner has protected me from an injury while contracting. I recommend Benner Law Firm, with exceptional experience professionally. The entire team is qualified experienced, knowledgable, responsive, and truly care about achieving the best outcome for my case. They kept me informed every step and procedure, which made the entire process as smooth as possible.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Perica stojanovski
06 Nov, 2024 by Martin gjurkovski
The best people for your DBA claim!
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05 Mar, 2014 by Alison
Patrick helped me with a neighbor dispute and he was very helpful. Although my case didn't have the outcome I was hoping for, Patrick did everything he could to help me with the dispute to the best extent possible given my limited resources. I would highly recommend Patrick as an Attorney.
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28 May, 2010 by David
Patrick Tira has helped me in so many ways from helping me setup my corporation to helping me find a great accountant. He always gets back to me promptly whenever I have any questions or need some quick advice. I have and will continue to encourage everyone I know to work with Patrick Tira. He is by far the best advisor I could have ever asked for!
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19 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Excellent experience working with Mrs. Hexom, and her knowledge beyond my case was impressive. She was professional and worked hard with care.
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14 Apr, 2011 by Jennifer mueller
Mandy Hexom Tamillo is an outstanding attorney. She is incredibly hard-working, had a keen eye for detail, is caring and does everything possible to win the case. She does her due diligence, she is knowledgable about many areas of the law and I trust her as my attorney any time I need one. She has successfully won two cases for me on two completely different subjects.
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19 Dec, 2010 by Alan
Myself and my clients have worked with Mr. Winton on numerous occasions over the last 8 years. The most lengthy and time consuming case was a specific performance suit in a residential real estate transaction of $1,5 Million in which I was pursuing my commission, and my client, the purchase of the home. For well over a year Mr. Winton was readily available and always returned calls promptly. His knowledge of the process and relevant law was invaluable. The case ultimately settled in such a fashion that was pretty much exactly as desired by our side.
As a local Real Estate Broker I have always appreciated his expertise and prompt responses to my calls. He has helped numerous clients and friends of mine over the last 10 years with nothing but positive results and opinions shared with me. I highly recommend him...often.
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08 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Steve handled my case extremely well. He kept me very well informed at all times, and was very responsive. I was particularly impressed with his skills dealing with difficult personalities and his abilities to cut through the issues and get everyone to an acceptable conclusion. I would highly recommend him.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Carole senese
I contacted Kara for an issue that wasn't her field of practice, but she immediately gave excellent referrals. Kara has greatly helped others I've referred to her. She did what other attorneys didn't do. Kara is very professional, thorough, and pleasant to deal with. She is very helpful and responds in a timely manner. Kara is definitely an attorney you want to contact.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Elizabeth
I went to Kara for advice with a family matter. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking for someone to trust and advice in legal matters. Kara is professional, precise, very knowledgeable and understanding. She has the client's interest at first and tries to help you until the very end of your situation.
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21 Sep, 2017 by Silvertree builders
Stephanie Smith provided clarity and very useful working steps in our process of successfully subdividing our property into multi- parcels. I liked her approach to working with the government agencies.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Colette
Stephanie Smith is professional, knowledgeable and very pleasant. She went above and beyond our need for legal representation and I can't thank her enough for her patience with me.
Colette Bert / CEO
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05 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer on numerous complex, civil litigation matters. Jennifer is organized, thorough and tough. She worked tirelessly on behalf of our organization with an eye towards resolving our cases as efficiently as possible.
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05 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer on numerous complex, civil litigation matters. Jennifer is organized, thorough and tough. She worked tirelessly on behalf of our organization with an eye towards resolving our cases as efficiently as possible.
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24 Sep, 2016 by Vincent
Dan is a fantastic trial lawyer. I worked with him on a 2 week jury trial an had a very successful outcome for our client due to Dan's critical thinking and great litigation skills. He is honest, ethical and a zealous advocate.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Dan recently represented me in a partnership dispute that eventually ended with a jury verdict in my favor. He did an outstanding job at trial with almost all major issues being decided by either the judge or the jury in my favor. After the verdict was entered, we had a chance to talk with most of the jurors, and they almost all expressed comments that were consistent with my opinion of Dan's performance.
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10 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Brian Holm and Holm Law Group have wildly exceeded my expectations. I hired Brian for help with a business partnership dispute and he managed to turn the case entirely in my favor and make me whole again. The process involved years of tons of litigation, depositions, motions and everything else, but Brian Holm made the entire process as easy as a situation like this can be. Brian Holm is someone you can trust to do the right thing. I am extremely pleased with his services and would never even consider doing business with another attorney. He has the experience and expertise to see you through any complicated business matter there is. A+++++++++++
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28 Apr, 2014 by Doug
I used Brian Holm for a business matter and have been extremely impressed and happy with his services. Brian has a firm grasp of the law and was good with his time in helping me. He was extremely organized and went above and beyond what was expected. I have since referred him to others.
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05 May, 2017 by Craig v. castanos cpa
Our office has worked with Mike for a number of years. I have used him for both my personal and business accounts and have referred a number of clients to him. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and very professional. I have found that he serves his clients with the personal intention and timely response that other firms generally provide only to their largest clients. His fees are reasonable and competitive. A number of my clients have called to thank me for referring Mike and his quality services.
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04 May, 2017 by Edgar
Mike walked us through the entire process and was readily available when needed. His team thoroughly researched out situation and defended us vigorously. For anyone wanted a first class lawyer with a first class team I would highly recommend Mike Battin and his firm.
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20 Jul, 2019 by Paloma
I started my own business and hired Elidia to write my Terms and Conditions. She knocked it out of the park! She was efficient and helpful throughout the entire process. She also told me to add a couple of things that I hadn't thought about! THIS is why you hire a lawyer! Elidia had me covered. She mentioned some other cases in my industry that went to court and their rulings, so we added guidelines and protections in my terms so that I wouldn't run into the same issue. I'd hire her again in a heartbeat.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Sara
I’ve worked with Elidia for the past eight years and from the very beginning of our professional relationship she has been an incredible resource in a variety of legal and regulatory areas. She has helped us decipher the multitude of city, state and federal laws, rules and regulations we are expected to comply with, including, but not limited to environmental, employment and property law. She can always be relied on to provide clear, timely and concise answers to whatever questions we ask and she follows up promptly to ensure all parties have the correct information. She presents material in an intelligent, thoughtful and detailed manner and has always provided us with exceptional support and guidance. She is smart, organized and dedicated. It has been a sincere pleasure to work with Elidia and I highly recommend her.
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29 Nov, 2014 by Bill
I first met Shelly when she performed some work for a non-profit HIE related organization and was so impressed with her work that my firm hired her to work through some HIE Business Associate Agreements. She is very knowledgeable in healthcare law and specifically in the HIE arena.
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21 Nov, 2014 by Gwenmarie
Ms. Brown has been a important part of the San Diego Health Connect Organization, our local health information exchange. She has writing contract that reflect complicated operational relationships between local hospitals, government agencies and health providers. She is thorough and thoughtful in her work. Ms. Brown is a very effective negotiator.
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18 Feb, 2025 by Sal d'elia
I cannot say enough great things about Keith Stone and his team! From the very beginning, Keith was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome in my case. He took the time to explain everything in detail, always kept me informed, and made sure I felt supported throughout the entire process.
His expertise in personal injury law is truly impressive, and he was relentless in negotiating to ensure I received the compensation I deserved. His attention to detail and commitment to his clients set him apart from other attorneys.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about his clients, I highly recommend Keith Stone. He is an outstanding advocate, and I am incredibly grateful for his help!
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07 Feb, 2025 by Jimmy maldonado
First time having to use a lawyer.
He took care of everything and helped me understand what was happening.
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06 Feb, 2025 by G scott
Keith demonstrated exceptional professionalism and provided invaluable support during a challenging time. He and his team were incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to assist me. I truly appreciate their dedication and hard work.
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22 May, 2024 by Tamara k
I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with John Clune and the rest of the team at Guy Levy Law. This was my first time needing an injury lawyer (and hopefully my last) and I feel so lucky that I found John. I’ve seen so many family members and friends go through nightmare situations with attorneys and cases; I had the complete opposite experience. I was mauled by two Pit Bulls that left me severely injured and out of work. While enduring one of the most painful and stressful situations of my entire life, John made me feel like he was truly fighting for me every step of the way. His effort and skill as a lawyer helped me come out on top with my extraordinarily complicated case. I’m so grateful for him and the rest of the team.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Greg zurawel
Being represented by John Clune changed my life - do not take those words lightly. He was able to successfully argue my case in front of a jury which decided to award me 4 times what the insurance company was offering to settle. Truly, a life changing sum but he was also extremely professional and knowledgable throughout the entire process.
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27 May, 2021 by Gabriel ortiz
John and Guy Levy handled 2 cases in which I was involved. I was more than glad that they represented me, the outcome was very successful and the experience was one of the best nice and professional, so if anyone ever need a professional Law firm they are the best with all their team. Also, every time you go to their office they give you the best chocolate that you can't get anywhere else.
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05 Jan, 2024 by Chris robertson
I selected Wirtz Law to assist me with a series of problems I was having with my BMW. They worked with me over the course of 22 months to get a solid resolution to the issues with my vehicle. All in all they were easy to work with, and I appreciate their time and results. If I were ever in a similar situation I would definitely reach out to them again. I advise others to do the same as they were the most reputable of the law firms I connected.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Alfred atallah
Wirtz Law and my attorney Daniel Inscore provided top notch representation in a Lemon Law matter. They kept me readily informed throughout the entire process, and I was lucky to have Mr. Inscore and his team representing my interest and getting me the best possible result. I highly recommend Wirtz Law and Mr. Incscore.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Cole
Had a good experience with Wirtz. Jessica Underwood got us a great settlement from Kia Motors of America.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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22 Jun, 2024 by Christopher mecham
Initially, we were impressed with Milda's highly-rated reviews. Her office is part of the MetLife Legal network that is offered through our employer benefits, which made it more affordable for us. She made the whole process easy and was very thorough. Milda is very professional. We will definitely refer friends to her for Trusts, Wills, Advance Directive, and complete Estate Planning needs.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Sahba mehdinejad gargari
12 Jan, 2025 by Elena velasquez
My time working with Michelle was a wonderful experience. She handled my case quickly & effectively. I will be going back to her if I ever need legal aid again.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Charlie galaviz
I had an excellent experience working with Michelle. She was incredibly responsive and always available when I needed her. I could call or text her anytime. Unlike other firms where you have to deal with multiple attorneys or receptionists, I truly valued having her as my single point of contact throughout the entire process.
From start to finish, Michelle was dedicated, professional, and effective. She fought hard to secure a great settlement for me, and her communication skills were outstanding. I always felt informed and in the loop during every step of the process.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who provides personalized attention, truly takes the time to understand her clients, and delivers excellent results, I highly recommend Michelle. I couldn’t be happier with her representation!
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04 Jan, 2025 by Elise velasquez
Michelle Gershen was the biggest helping hand to my family and I, solving and guiding us step by step through a case that had brought so much change to my life. She is clear and bright with her plans, comforting and reassuring with her words and most importantly will try her very best to go over and beyond with what she knows a client deserves based on their situation. I would recommend her for anybody in need of a trustworthy and hard working attorney who gets the job done in a swift and amazing way, making sure you understand and agree with the process every point of the way.
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14 Aug, 2019 by Changgeun
Bob is not your average attorney. He is genuinely concerned with the clients' situations. I have known him for more than 15 years with mutual clients etc. He is real.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Shaun
I have known and worked with Mr. Aljabi for over ten years. He is an excellent business/corporate attorney and I recommend him to anyone in need of competent, thorough representation. He has handled many cases successfully that I have referred to him throughout Southern California.
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04 May, 2015 by Christina
Cynthia is a well respected and knowledgeable attorney who exudes civility inside and outside of he courtroom. I highly recommend her.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Nicholas has helped my family and I get our deposit back and some. We had a slumlord who kept our deposit illegally in bad faith. He successfully communicated with the landlord and negotiated an agreeable amount between both of us. We were in a terrible financial place from the move, and Nick worked with us throughout our case to help us to the best of his ability. He is an honest and straightforward attorney. I would definitely recommend Nick as an attorney.
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08 Jul, 2021 by David
I came to her with an immigration/real estate matter that I thought was hopeless!!! Within 1 month she had solved the problem and everything was done!!! I can't believe it - I'm in shock it was so easy for her!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
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08 Apr, 2018 by Catherine rocco
We wanted a Christian lawyer and that's how we found Jenifer Swanson. We needed a lawyer to file my Mother's Probate. What inspired us about Jenifer is that she prayed before our consultation. We explained the matter of having no Trust and Jenifer went step by step the instructions and proper procedures needed for this consuming process. Her professional expertise was Truly a Blessing. We are Thankful for everything Jenifer did for us in the Probate. The filing of the documents for court, her updated emails and phone calls were greatly appreciated. I highly encourage anyone looking for an honest, Christian lawyer to handle a Trust or Probate issue.
Swanson Law Offices is the Right Choice.
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14 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Robert Marks is hard working, professional, and highly successful. He uses an approach of aggressive representation to always delivery results with net monetary benefit to clients. I give my highest reccomendation for Robert.
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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.
