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10 Nov, 2015 by Kent
I have retained Elisabeth Eisner to work with corporate finance and information technology issues for an academic health sciences center. Her work product is superb. She covers all the bases in her documentation and thinks of creative solutions. She consistently advocates for her client's interests and is great at keeping us informed of developments in negotiations. I have worked with attorneys for 36 years and Elisabeth Eisner is the best business attorney with whom I've ever worked.
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13 Sep, 2013 by Lillian
If you need a caring lawyer with Strong defensive skills on your behalf ...Mr. Bloom is your man. He is determined, clever, insightful, informed and does not let up in defending you. Yet great client interaction ...one feels he cares and can do the job. I highly recommend him
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08 Jan, 2015 by Carmen m.
I found Mehran to really fight for his clients and provide professional and intelligent representation. He was highly knowledgeable and aggressive in making sure our transaction went smoothly.
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28 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Rarely do you state a lawyer is a great person, but Erik is exactly that. I have know him since the beginning of his legal career and he has always impressed me with his knowledge and thoroughness. Yet he is also practical and can bring the law into the real world of business. He understands that the legal solution is not always the best business solution. He does not bring his ego into your business. I would typify him as your good legal friend whom has some well thought out advice.
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13 May, 2015 by Lesley
Attorney Nalan is so down to earth. I was referred to him by a friend who had previous retained his services. He assisted me throughout the entire process of my personal injury case, and always kept me updated on any changes and appointments. He is extremely nice and works hard on your case. I am very happy with my settlement and glad I decided to hire Mr. Nalan. You will not regret having him represent you!!
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25 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a complex dispute that Matt helped me resolve. Despite the nature of the issue, I always knew what was going on because of excellent communication. I know many lawyers would not have responded so quickly or thoroughly to my questions or shown the same understanding for my concerns. Highly recommend.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Dr t.phan
I had a conversation with Mr. Rios. He spent time talking with me. I found that he is honest and knowledgeable. He did not pressure me to hire him. He did not ask me retain him, thus, to get my retainer fee. One did, took my retainer fee and disappeared. There are so many crooked attorneys, Mr. Rios is NOT that kind. I highly recommend him
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12 Jun, 2015 by Gerardo
Edward is one of the greatest, trustworthy, widely known attorneys in San Diego. I go to him for all business advice. Always an outstanding opinion about what could or should be done about a situation or problem. The advice and guidance has helped me tons! A very knowledgeable person.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Bonnie mackinnon
Patrick handled a case I had recently. I was impressed by his ability to craft a strong legal strategy, and how effective his work was in quashing the plaintiff's attorney's case almost immediately. Patrick saved me a lot of time and money. He was easy to talk to, and got the job done. I was very happy with Patrick and recommend him enthusiastically to anyone needing decisive, assertive legal expertise.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Bill
Miranda took over a case, picked up the pieces and prevailed at trial. She is honest, thorough and extremely hard working and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Kenneth
I had a difficult case. My insurance company hired him. I had never been sued before. He went out of his way to keep me informed and resolved my case without having to pay any money. He made a very stressful time in my life bearable. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an experienced, intelligent and kind attorney.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Raine
I highly recommend Chris Roberts. He is a very reliable and trustworthy lawyer. I really appreciate how he helped me through my bankruptcy case. He treated me not just as a client, but as a human being. Bankruptcy was such a bitter pill to swallow, but he showed me all of the options that I had...all of the pros and cons of what I would want to do and how it can affect me. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel because of Chris' guidance. He is very knowledgeable and always kept me informed. He knew I was scared about the whole process, but he made sure that I was aware of what could happen and what I needed to do (e.g. what to do with the paperwork, court appearance, etc.). I felt Chris' concern for me as a human being. I was actually scared of contacting a lawyer because I was afraid of being treated like I don't know anything. But I am thankful that Chris listened to my concerns and answered my questions without making me feel like I should've known the answer already (like how other lawyers are). Overall, I think Chris is someone who has concern and care for his clients, which I believe is important when you want to have someone as a lawyer. He knows his material, and he is very helpful and approachable along the way.
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19 Jun, 2013 by David
Will Hurley was referred to me regarding a Judgement issue. He quickly examined the paper trail and provided an assessment of the most efficient and cost effective way to resolve my legal matter. After some brief negotiations, Will was able to get a settlement agreement; The matter was wrapped up and paid within 60 days. Will has been referred to several associates with similar positive outcomes. Definitely happy to have Mr. Hurley on my side should I need him for my business in the future!
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18 Aug, 2021 by Ann
Mr. Peterson is very skilled and knowledgeable in his area of practice, which includes different aspects of civil litigation. My issue involved banking litigation and he knew all the ins and outs. I highly recommend him. His office is very organized, they communicate very well and run a professional operation.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Larry did an excellent job of handling several complex commercial real estate transactions for me, including purchase and sale, leasing and financing. His knowledge and experience have proven invaluable.
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05 Sep, 2021 by Staci
Ryan Hanley was amazing. He communicates legal terms clearly and your rights as a client. He goes above and beyond with advising you on the pros and cons of your case. He has your back in and out of the court room. Highly recommend Ryan Handley and his legal team at LASSD. Thank you Ryan for preserving my rights and representing me in my landlord/tenant eviction case during COVID.
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12 May, 2016 by Allen
Sean represented my company in various debt and equity financings, acquisitions, general corporate matters and ultimately the sale of the company. Sean brings a unique blend of high intelligence and common sense to any matter. I highly recommend Sean.
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30 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
I was impressed with his soft spoken and thoughtful manner. He understands the law well and also understands people.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Hasso is one of the hardest working attorneys I have met. She has taken my family law case and has made a positive impact for my children and I. She cares, works hard, honest, doesn't cut corners, positive etc.
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01 Dec, 2018 by Alex s.
Wesley knows his way around real estate, titles, and Turbodium. He helped connect me with some really good people in the California Market. Thanks!
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24 Mar, 2020 by Alex
Mr. Bailey surpasses those expectations of your typical attorney. He not only cares for a job well done, but more importantly, he cares for you as a person. Always available and quick to respond, respectful and extremely diligent. He took the time to get to know me, he guided and helped plan. He saw things before they happened. When we hit a fork in the road there was a path that would’ve drained my pockets, and there was a path that kept my best interest in mind. He advised me towards the path that no longer needed his services, that’s everything you need to know about his character.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Kevin & phuong nguyen
Michele is a great lawyer that will protect her client fiercely in court, she love to share her knowledge of the law with her clients but more importantly she is a caring lawyer. Michele is the type of lawyer that does not shy away from a challenge. I know this first hand because of what we went through with one of our eviction case. 2 days before a trial our lawyer bailed out on us due to fee disputes and common direction of the case, this lawyer was from the top law firm in San Diego. We had two days to find a replacement lawyer and was in panic mode facing a well known opposition. We talked to Michele and she took on the challenge, went to trial defending us with very limited information because the previous lawyer did not send back the complete case work on time. Michele argued and defended us zealously throughout the trial and when it was finally over, she was still in protection mode and making sure our interest is looked after. I can't speak highly enough about Michele as a lawyer and after many unfortunate lawyer experiences we will retain her service indefinitely as long as she continue to practice law.
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06 Nov, 2014 by Bill
Chris is one of the best lawyers that I have ever worked with. Chris handled many cases involving litigation for Commercial Properties that I managed and he was always one step ahead of the lawyers representing the other side. I will continue to use Chris any chance that I get!
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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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01 Jul, 2017 by Debra an
I hired Attorney Mcgahey to help me with patenting an invention. He was very knowledgeable and understanding. He took the time to make sure I knew every aspect of what I needed to know, so I could make the right decisions, as they arose. He was very easy to talk to and never hesitated to answer any and all of my questions along the way through the process. He is a rare gem among all attornies. I would would definitely recommend Attorney Harry McGahey. He has helped me through the years with other areas of law too.
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18 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Hovey’s expertise in the area of Real Estate law is outstanding. I have a complicated matter that requires a deep understanding of tenant/landlord contracts that for the average person will appear overwhelming and intimidating. I consulted with Mr. Hovey on these matters and he was able to provide guidance on how to navigate through these complex situations to protect my rights. Well versed, timely and patient. Surpassed expectations.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Lucy
I was a client of David's in Dec 2014-Jan 2015. He helped with a real estate issue that involved someone buying a property I was selling. David was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, considerate - great to work with!
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27 Apr, 2015 by Billie
I had some tenant issues, Mr. James was able to answer all my questions over the phone. Very knowledgeable and kind, generous with his time. Mr. James saved me from having to pay a large retainer which I can't afford at this time, and helped protect my family. Highly recommend and will use his services if needed in the future.
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23 Apr, 2013 by Lori
This is a wonderful and trusted atty, who helped me with all my trust needs, revised when needed, I would recommend him to anyone. He is upstanding, always delivered on time, and gave me the best advice. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a trust set up.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
our case was a very complicated securities litigation matter where Scott was our defense council. His ability to articulate the weaknesses in the plaintiffs case while maintaining a professional openness to create an opportunity to settle the case was exactly what we were looking for and had never seen in previous litigation while utilizing other defense attorneys'
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

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

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

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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