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10 May, 2010 by Vanessa
My initial experience with the San Francisco eviction process was horrible (time consuming, frustrating, stressful and expensive) until I found Shauna Matlin. I was in the 5th month of an eviction case that should have taken less than 6 weeks. The attorney I hired had filed several requests for judgments, reconsiderations, and continuances that had little to no chance of winning and did not make any sense in my situation. It finally dawned on me that something was wrong and I needed to shop for a new attorney in San Francisco.
I spoke to a few attorneys before selecting Shauna Matlin. During our first conversation on the phone she had no reservations reviewing information about my case from the San Francisco Court website to provide me a better assessment of what was happening and why I was not winning any judgments. Shauna explained to me in detail the current issues and what she could and could not do. It was clear by our conversation; she knew San Francisco eviction law, the requirements to get an eviction and had the savvy to work the system.
Shauna took my case that had a number of issues and negotiated a settlement within 3 weeks that resulted in an eviction one week after the settlement. Shauna Matlin is amazing!!!
I can not say enough about Shauna Matlin, I will definitely be using her for all my tenant related issues.
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11 Sep, 2014 by Carole
I hired Mr. Salvatore about two weeks ago to help with a tenant who has become verbally abusive. He is knowledgable, fast with his responses, and understanding about how I as an older woman feel about suffering from verbal abuse in my home.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
About 3 years ago, my husband and I had the misfortune of moving to an apartment in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. Our new landlord seemed nice enough. What he failed to disclose upon our moving in was a raging bedbug and roach infestation, among other things.
If you are an excellent tenant and you have a landlord that repeatedly fails to repair the inhabitable conditions within your unit, attys McDonald Greenstein get results. It was a fellow tenant that provided me with Mr. Greenstein's information. Never in a million years did I envision a time when I would need to resort to this type of action.
My only comments regarding this firm and the overall process of this type of case would have to do with the amount of time it took to actually get the ball rolling. The length of time from my first meeting with Ken and my deposition was about 2 years. In my initial meeting with Ken, he estimated a year.
A small complaint for such good results.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Arcelia gomez
Thanks, Lisa for you compassion and help. You are a real advocate for communities that are fighting unlawful evictions. God bless and thanks for the support.
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02 Apr, 2013 by Jean
Every time Mr. Schatz has taken a case for me, it has been resolved in my favor without ever going to court. What more could one ask for?
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09 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
It was an ugly case, but Ms. Carranza held my hand through the process and responded to all my concerns immediately. She put in the time and attention. We settled the case well below what they were asking for thanks to her knowledge of the case and the law. I'm lucky she was on my side looking out for me.
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13 May, 2014 by Is
Lee handled a juggernaut of a business dissolution case for us a few years ago and his unwavering faith in our claim helped us achieve the results we wanted. Lee is excellent at client contact and kept in close contact throughout our case. We still have lunch every few months to this day.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Aisling
Alex is a fantastic attorney. Alex demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism and diligence with every matter he handles. Alex is hugely knowledgeable and experienced in his field of practice. I highly endorse this attorney, without reservation.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Trevor potter
I needed help resolving a serious Car-Bicycle accident case and Shaana and her team delivered knowledge, expertise, patience, guidance and ultimately an outcome that left me and my family very pleased. "Big Firm" expertise with "Small Firm" care and accessibility.
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10 May, 2022 by Steven h
I never wanted to be crushed in between a utility bed truck and my work trailer but guess what, life happens..
It was a rough few months dealing with insurance companies and doctors.
I never dealt with anything like this before!
I was at my wits and realized I needed help.
After meeting with Shaana personally I knew I was in good hands. Not only as a lawyer, but as a friend. Every step of the way she and her team made sure that I was not only comfortable but made sure I was taken care of in my best interest.
I plan to call again if needed and I highly recommend Shaana Rahman Law.
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17 Sep, 2020 by Jeremy pasternak
My firm represents employees exclusively and Ms. Rahman's firm is one of just a couple of firms to which we refer clients who have been injured. Over the years, we have referred many clients to her, and have received nothing but stellar feedback about her work. I will enthusiastically continue to refer cases to Ms. Rahman.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Camila banfi
10 Jul, 2020 by Ben mcallister
#1 place to work for a reason
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02 Jan, 2019 by Monica marks
11 Nov, 2021 by Angelle ford
12 Jan, 2018 by Jason jackson
She is so awesome. Excellent counsel. Very thourough, very detailed and experienced in defense. Highly recommended. Erin Crane is 1 of the best in her profession.
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07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
30 May, 2024 by Nick nassim
28 Feb, 2022 by Samuel torres
13 Jul, 2023 by Saravanakumar natarajan
16 Jul, 2020 by Todd bailey
06 Nov, 2016 by Jessie knapstein
Beautiful view. Helpful employees
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28 Aug, 2024 by Alex
Dear Mr. Goodell,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did for me and my family. Hiring you was hands down one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.
When I found myself in the midst of a highly complex real estate matter involving millions of dollars in family assets, I was determined to find the best attorney to help me win my case. After searching throughout the entire state of California, your name kept coming up among prominent attorneys in the field. I heard nothing but praise for your talent, and I was immediately impressed when I met with you.
After hiring you, my legal issues turned around 100% Your work was truly magnificent, and I cannot thank you enough. You are a people's champion and one of the good guys. I am not only proud to have had you as my attorney, but also as a friend.
Thank you again for everything.
Sincerely,
Papa George
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28 Feb, 2022 by Samuel torres
28 Feb, 2022 by Samuel torres
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
13 Jul, 2023 by Saravanakumar natarajan
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
28 Feb, 2022 by Samuel torres
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
15 Jun, 2019 by Tammy buhler
Honest...real nice lady...
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06 Nov, 2016 by Jessie knapstein
Beautiful view. Helpful employees
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30 Sep, 2024 by Paul
Josephine Alioto and her team at Veen Firm did a wonderful job. She immediately tuned into all the details of my case, while she and her associate Jessica Ng Othon were very thorough with everything. What they put forth showed me that they invested a lot of time and and effort into their work. In the end, through mediation, Josephine got me a very decent settlement.
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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.
