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21 Nov, 2024 by Liam sexton
There’s not another attorney I could recommend more than Nick Cvietkovich. He and his entire office are so on top of every aspect in your case. I found myself in an unfortunate set of circumstances shortly after moving to the bay area and was looking at a good bit of trouble because of it.
I met with at least a dozen attorneys who all either downplayed the severity of the situation or sugar coated our conversation, and I never left any of those offices feeling confident in them representing me. Until I found Nick. He met with me and took detailed notes of my arrest and I could see the wheels turning already on how he was going to approach it. He rattled off ideas he was already having and most importantly he shot me straight. No sugarcoating. No false promises. He told me how serious it could be, but not to worry because he’d be able to handle it.
For the six month period of waiting for my first court date I’m sure my incessant questions over text and phone calls would have annoyed many attorneys. Not Nick, he answered them clearly and quickly. When I initially agreed to have him represent me I gave him a very clear outline of how I needed this process to conclude in order for me to move forward with my life. He took that to heart and made it his mission to get me those results in the end.
Nick was able to get most charges dropped and an ideal plea on one of the charges. Thanks to the Nick and his associates I can now move on and put this behind me.
So if you find yourself in a similar pinch look no further than Nick. Do what he tells you to do, and trust in what he says.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Iokepa duvauchelle
Jason and his team made the process very easy for me and my wife. He is very accessible, and he takes care of business. I really appreciated his professionalism, especially with difficult and personal issues like finances. I highly recommend his services!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Nicole brunet
I highly recommend attorney Daniel Lofgren who is knowledgeable, responsive and professional. His expertise in assisting me with obtaining a restraining order was very appreciated and valuable.
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16 May, 2023 by John bui
My house recently got sold by foreclosure. My house is about $1.3 mil however it got sold $537,000. I want to find is any wrongful foreclosure. Was it letting public know the day it went out for auction or any bits? Please return my call for more informative.
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10 Oct, 2018 by Keith
I have hired Ben Levinson (Ben) for over twenty years. During that time, the cases he assisted with ranged from foreclosure issues, bankruptcy issues, real estate in many forms including eviction assistance, to concerns related to notes and loans. Scarcely a year has gone by when I have not had some issue or cause of litigation which required his assistance.
His knowledge of the fields above has been quite exceptional. His sheer depth of experience has meant I not only felt comfortable with him in every way, but have recommended him to others, as well as regard him as the man "I go to" first of all. In addition, many of my colleagues in the real estate areas above also consider him the "go to man" nowadays. I doubt if there are many attorneys with his combination of experience and book knowledge combined.
I have seen Ben in many different circumstances, and dealt with numerous other attorneys both as a client and adversary. Ben's years of business provides an extensive list of contacts which Ben readily offers to you if needed. This can be very useful where a case is remote from him and minimizes costs by using a local man. I can say he shows no restraint in minimizing exposure to other, cost-saving persons.
Such experience also gives a client the inside information on the type of judges at hand, the best practical way to handle a case, and the strength of an opponent both in terms of the case, and his representation. This class of insight can only come from a long period in the field, and direct interaction with the actors in that field. Ben has both.
As regards his knowledge of the business, I have seen first-hand his vast knowledge applied in what I know have been really exotic cases to my advantage. I have seen him run rings around other, lesser attorneys who literally lack his understanding and insight. I will add his recognition by the bench also does not harm the client where a judge has to choose between attorney BS and Levinson savoir-faire.
With such observations, one would expect a fee that is high. I can state I have found Ben to be quite reasonable. I pay attorneys from $350 per hour to $1,500 per hour. Ben is in the reasonable portion of that range. Furthermore, since your payments as a client are the product of the hourly rate and number of hours, he has not to my knowledge ever added to the hours portion to enhance his bills - in fact quite the contrary. Ben has frequently undercharged for what I was expecting and also given free advice. I wish that were true of all attorneys!
Ben has an office that is not large. As such, if your case is huge, an idea may be to have him lead the case, with one of the major "big-name" offices providing back-up. You will only save using this approach, I can guarantee that. I have used a similar approach on three occasions.
In all interactions I have found Ben to be honest, forthright, and to the point. A valuable asset when the clock is ticking. He is accessible easily and answers his calls in a timely fashion. This may seem trite, but can be a major problem in getting cases started or questions answered. The contrast between Ben and other attorneys I am trying to deal with makes life so much more easy which is why I choose to deal with him when I can.
In short, Ben is both a real professional, who knows his field, and does not inflate charges. A real find, at lease for me, in his world.
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29 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ben and he let me know that I don't need a bankruptcy lawyer anymore and can continue to pursue my eviction case. I appreciate his honesty and professionalism and would recommend him!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Michelle perez
I had the privilege of working with San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys, and I couldn't be happier with their service. Deon and Kevin, the attorneys on my case, were brilliant. They fought tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome. I highly recommend their expertise!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Steve edwards
SJPIA was fantastic after my car accident. Deon and his team were professional, kept me updated, and secured a great settlement. Highly recommend!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Stacey montgomery
I had the pleasure of hiring these guys, and it was a fantastic experience. Their attorneys, Deon and Kevin, are true professionals who genuinely care about their clients' well-being. They made a challenging process much smoother.
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26 Jan, 2025 by Jay pe
06 Dec, 2024 by S h
Our case was complicated. The landlord used a weird, never-before-seen trick and left us completely off-guard. Abid handled it very well. At first, I was skeptical of small law offices, believing only big-name firms could get the best offers. Abid proved me wrong. As most cases eventually settle out of court, the most critical skill is negotiation. This is where Abid shines. He was a strong negotiator, and we received far more than expected. The fees are very reasonable. Had we hired a big-name firm, as I originally intended, the fees would have eaten up much of our settlement. Couldn't be happier with the resolution.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Anju vriksha
26 Jan, 2025 by Jay pe
06 Dec, 2024 by S h
Our case was complicated. The landlord used a weird, never-before-seen trick and left us completely off-guard. Abid handled it very well. At first, I was skeptical of small law offices, believing only big-name firms could get the best offers. Abid proved me wrong. As most cases eventually settle out of court, the most critical skill is negotiation. This is where Abid shines. He was a strong negotiator, and we received far more than expected. The fees are very reasonable. Had we hired a big-name firm, as I originally intended, the fees would have eaten up much of our settlement. Couldn't be happier with the resolution.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Anju vriksha
17 Jan, 2024 by James lane
Lawyers that do law things.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany kilpatrick-winter
07 Jun, 2023 by Hoa .l
perfect 4 vip who just wanna sign the papers, the best lawyers will take care of everything!
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30 May, 2024 by Brian cain
25 Jan, 2023 by Robert bush
My mother is terminally ill and I wanted to ask Rich some questions regarding her Living Trust and Will. Rich was very prompt, patient, and articulate during this process. If I had to hire him for future work as my representative, I wouldn't hesitate. Thank you Rich
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06 Oct, 2022 by Nik bhatt
We have been clients of Rich Dayton's for many years. He has a lot of great ideas, and has produced excellent estate plans for us. We happened to meet with another estate planning lawyer, and the experience made us appreciate Rich that much more! You won't regret working with him.
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29 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I have called him few times and left many messages to him but he never called me back. Even though, I was referred to him by another lawyer.
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22 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Peter was our counsel on several construction defect/water intrusion & damage matters on multi-family apartments in Northern California. He was very knowledgeable, professional at all times during our association. He kept me informed on progress during the legal process, often without my prompting. He was patient and articulate, and able to explain legal nuances in laymen terms. He outlined legal options, alternatives, and the consequences of each decision along the way. He provided excellent coaching during deposition preparation. Beyond that he was pleasant, unpretentious, and easy to work with. I highly recommend Peter for construction issues and would use him again.
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16 Oct, 2009 by Dan
Peter has consistently performed above our expectations for our firm and our clients. In many cases Peter provides expert advice without a charge. We will continue to recommend Peter to our customers and use his expertise within our agency.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Stay away from hiring him. He is a vexatious litigant and goes after and sues his clients, neighbours, and acquaintances for meritless reasons only for financial gain, harassment, annoyance, and as a weapon. He rarely gets repeat clients and referrals due to this. Review his court records before contacting him. He has also been disciplined by State Bar.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Katy
Mr. Dresser helped me in a high conflict family law case. His superb litigation skills and detailed to attention got me a favorable outcome - he located a piece of information that indicated the other party is lying.
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09 Sep, 2011 by Paula
I have used Mr. Dresser for 4 cases (2 personal injury, 1 family law, and 1 legal malpractice suit and several consults since 1994. He has won every case for me that I brought to him. He is extremely thorough, methodical, and kept me informed on everything. He always gave me strength to get through tough depositions, and has helped me better understand the law as we proceeded in each case. He is very bright, if not exceptionally bright, and well educated. He has a kind and calming demeanor that really helped me when we had court. I will always use him for my attorney needs. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
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30 May, 2024 by Brian cain
25 Jan, 2023 by Robert bush
My mother is terminally ill and I wanted to ask Rich some questions regarding her Living Trust and Will. Rich was very prompt, patient, and articulate during this process. If I had to hire him for future work as my representative, I wouldn't hesitate. Thank you Rich
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06 Oct, 2022 by Nik bhatt
We have been clients of Rich Dayton's for many years. He has a lot of great ideas, and has produced excellent estate plans for us. We happened to meet with another estate planning lawyer, and the experience made us appreciate Rich that much more! You won't regret working with him.
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30 May, 2024 by Brian cain
25 Jan, 2023 by Robert bush
My mother is terminally ill and I wanted to ask Rich some questions regarding her Living Trust and Will. Rich was very prompt, patient, and articulate during this process. If I had to hire him for future work as my representative, I wouldn't hesitate. Thank you Rich
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06 Oct, 2022 by Nik bhatt
We have been clients of Rich Dayton's for many years. He has a lot of great ideas, and has produced excellent estate plans for us. We happened to meet with another estate planning lawyer, and the experience made us appreciate Rich that much more! You won't regret working with him.
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30 May, 2024 by Brian cain
25 Jan, 2023 by Robert bush
My mother is terminally ill and I wanted to ask Rich some questions regarding her Living Trust and Will. Rich was very prompt, patient, and articulate during this process. If I had to hire him for future work as my representative, I wouldn't hesitate. Thank you Rich
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06 Oct, 2022 by Nik bhatt
We have been clients of Rich Dayton's for many years. He has a lot of great ideas, and has produced excellent estate plans for us. We happened to meet with another estate planning lawyer, and the experience made us appreciate Rich that much more! You won't regret working with him.
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11 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Jack Easterbrook was the "primary attorney", representing me some years ago, as a small business owner, in a Commercial case (theft of customers by an ex-employee). Easterbrook billed me approximately $50,000+ in legal fees, though got my ex-employee to pay a settlement of $30,000. (Not worth my time and uncertainty of outcome. But, lesson learned).
But then the ex-employee filed a claim, that the $30,000 was not justified..(even though Easterbrook had purportedly won it for me in the settlement). Easterbrook advised not to worry about including a settlement of it, as part of the original aforementioned herein case. But instead to defend against it subsequently (case #2). Then as case #2 proceeded, and remembering well the time and cost of case #1, said would cost less in legal fees for case #2, than paying back the $30,000. I said if it looked like it was going to approach $30,000 in legal fees for case #2, to stop and I'd pay the $30,000 to settle. However, over the course of several months, Easterbrook utilized what I'd call a slow/flood method (monthly "slow" billings of $1K - $2K, while suggesting close to closure...then intra-month with no warning, a "flood" billing of $30K+). This resulted in another approximately $50,000 in legal fees to Easterbrook, and still my having to pay back the $30,000 to the employee.
Summary: The only winner here is Jack Easterbrook, double dipping for approximately $100,000 in legal fees. While Jack Easterbrook:
1) first took a case that he arguably should have known would cost more than could win.
2) not able to win a subsequent case, just to be able to keep for me, what he "won" in the first case.
PS
As it's been some years, Easterbrook may: a) feign not remembering my case,
b) write some generic non-response, like this is so against his core values, that it couldn't have happened.
c) Or, he'll combine a) & b), while having a paralegal post for him. Since he's unlikely to go on record, under his own. You know what that means.... he's hiding.
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25 Sep, 2015 by Ryan
Jack Easterbrook and his team at Strategy Law have done a great job for us documenting complex loan transactions, including deals with unusual collateral; ESOP owned companies, as well as matters involving multiple related parties and guarantors. We count on them for high quality and timely legal work and they are able to handle it for us. Jack and his team make it a point to be extremely accessible to us which can make all of the difference in the world in successfully closing a banking transaction. We also appreciate that Jack and his team are there for us with thoughtful advice about issues that come up in the course of putting together and structuring loan proposals and various ways to interpret certain bank related legal documents.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Tony is a very caring lawyer. He puts himself in his client's situation and tries to help them as much as he can. I feel that he listen to me and work with me and put all his effort into our case.
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27 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Anthony Delas was such a horrible Attorney to deal with and here is why. Besides taking 2 years rather than 6 months to go through my bankruptcy process he always kept me in the dark of what was going on and what I should expect. He would always give me a days notice for meetings or important appointments which would get in trouble at work. His emails are very hard to understand and he would always have me resend attachments because he would "lose" them. I wouldn't recommend this attorney. He was such a headache to work with and made this process even more stressful. I honestly felt like he wasn't on my side. I was already very stressed and upset that I had to go bankrupt and he made the experience even worst.
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to her free consultation and was blown away by all the information she gave me so I decided to hire her with no doubt that she will do a great job. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I've handed her all the related documents and summarized my case so she can be fully prepared but I was shocked how she came in without reading / learning about my case.
I was very nervous at the hearing so I listened to her advice but all she did was to take the easy way out for her, ignoring the best interest in me. It seemed like she didn't wanna put effort in protecting me or fighting for my benefit at all. Probably because she wasn't prepare at all. Even the opponent party said, " You should speak up, that's what you are here for "
She came unprepared, her legal knowledge is very limited and she made many mistakes. I was shocked when I read the legal document she created after the court. I needed to point out many of her mistakes. My case included simple calculations and she has an MBA but couldn't get the easiest math correct. I wish I never hired her.
I told my friend who's going through her divorce now that I regret hiring her then she happened to know her. She told me that Lucy's response on avvo was so fast, she was thinking of hiring her too but her emails were not responding to the questions she asked so she ended up not hiring her.
I checked her profile prior to hiring and felt I was very mislead of the " Rising star " award. I don't know how they give out awards but do NOT be mislead by that because it didn't apply in my case. The receivers is the worst performer in court.
She did such a lousy job. I never write reviews but decided to post here to save another me.
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13 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Lucy handled my family case from beginning to end, took all the pressure off me, all I had to do was answer her questions when she needed information PLUS she was always available to answer any of my questions especially during the first few days. 100% would REFER and RECOMMEND her.
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17 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Travis took my complicated divorce case and fought diligently for a ruling that favored my side. I am an executive high income earner with four children and a wife who was from Asia. Additionally, I had a C Corp and several rental properties which added to the complexity. After nearly two years, forensic accountants, etc., it was completed. I’m happy with the turn out. Thank you Travis!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
AVOID AVOID AVOID. If you are looking to waste your money without any results then Travis Whitfield is for you.
I have been dealing with my divorce, child custody, and child support issues for over a year now. Travis and his team got involved and screwed that all up. Everything has been delayed due to him fumbling with the case. He paid little to no attention to the case and passed it along to multiple associates and paralegals to WASTE your money.
Throughout my case, most of the time when they sent over documents for me to review and sign, I always had them correct one thing or another, they were hardly ever accurate. Yet, they still billed me to correct THEIR mistakes. There is a long laundry list with this law firm.
If I can help at least 1 person avoid this law firm; I have done my job. You don't want to add to your problems during your hard times looking for a capable lawyer. Don't waste your time and money with this law firm.
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06 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I got a recommendation to check this lawyer for my divorce by a friend I say whose judgment I could trust. He asked what I wanted.
I said I want to make it as amicable as possible, I want what is fair, I want my peace, my freedom and most of all I want my kids to go through this as smoothly as possible. As long as I have my health, peace of mind, stable job and an option for my children to go to (their mom as I have learned exhibit strong narcisisstic traits which finally explained everything that troubled me all those years). His other question relevant : Do you think your wife is going to make this very difficult for you? My response was " Absolutely 100% she did not have to make threats that she is going to make it like hell for me, I knew"
He convinced me with these words:
I will fight for what is right for you and her
I do not tolerate using the children as leverage
I am not one who try to squeeze the other party unfairly
We move with the children welfare always the priority.
I said I am in. This was me filing for a divorce I tried all I can to work out for 20 years only to realize 18 years that nothing will ever change.
The promises not one of it were ever even came close to even get a jumpstart.
the best words he made were after the first court day in which I was shell shocked he did not do or say anything to advance or make known our contentions. The very first court day a few minutes before we even were called in to the courtroom I knew then that I made a very big mistake. As we were preparing all that I would say what about my, what about the, and what not. His one and best answer amongst was maybe we can add that in the next court day this is just the start!
When the proposals came and I so much had disagreement to some claims that were so absurd as we went along each proposal. Some I had no idea whatsoever how to proceed I asked what can you say, what legal advice can you give me. The best answer he has made was " well I do not know you are the one who has to decide what you want to do with it I am just putting note to make sure that we represent exactly what you want and how you wanted. One other answer he made was I do not deal with those financial stuff. It is not my line of specialty. So I asked maybe he can give me recommendations who to contact after all he has more than 2 decades at least of doing his job. But no he referred me to his secretary. First secretary left a few months after . I have a pending heart surgery. My job security is non existent, there is an active deliberate operation to try to get rid of me. My lawyer knew this so I am lagging with my payment of his services which is just about the only thing they are good in communicating with me. Now he is asking to be relieved from being his representative due to an irreparable relationship and an outstanding service fee. There never was an representation nor there ever was a relationship. I know nothing about law but I have common sense and I am in customer service. I am actively looking for a new lawyer that can simply just represent me for what is legally fair for me, the wife and the kids.
I did not know I hired a paralegal.
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05 Sep, 2018 by Sheila pickering
Someone using Tak Chang's phone number called me on 9/5/18 threatening to take my money out of my bank account unless I called them back. I googled the number and found that Mr Tak Chang was deceased and his law office was closed. Someone is using his identity to scam people. I haven't lived in California in over 40 yrs and nowhere near San Jose.
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17 Jan, 2018 by Donny ko
28 Jun, 2018 by Rick
I hired Drew to do some work with my startup as we were considering potential M&A offers - he was very responsive and helpful throughout the process. We had an issue come up with a contract on Sunday morning and he hopped on a call with me Sunday afternoon to discuss.
One thing to consider when hiring an attorney is the size of the firm, will you work directly with your point of contact or are you getting handed off to an associate? I worked with Drew from start to finish and appreciated his level of hands-on, personal service.
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04 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Drew to set up my corporation professionally when I could have done it online for a few hundred dollars. After paying over $7,000 to have this set up by him, I am left with cleanup to do because he made mistakes. Similar to the other reviewer, his math was incorrect on my company stock options agreements, so those contracts are invalid. He also did not provide me with any stock certificates, so I cannot execute said agreements either. I asked him to fix these agreements, and he never responded. If I used on online service, I would have received a corporate package with certificates, templates, a company seal, etc. I did not receive any of this through him.
I also paid him to correct my company name, and he only corrected it in Delaware, so now my corporation has 2 names! He said it does not matter. He became very rude when I asked him to fix this and refused.
As a business owner it's extremely important to appreciate your clients, since without them, the business could not operate. I ended up regretting that I hired Drew and felt totally unappreciated as a paying client.
My review of Drew's service is not all negative. He did a good job on some documents, but overall I cannot recommend him because he made some crucial errors, became rude and did not complete the work I paid for.
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22 Dec, 2016 by Sanjaya maniktala
Seemed OK at first. I hired him. After that a nightmare ensued. He got into a private correspondence with a prospective business partner and wrote all the paperwork to suit him it seemed (his consultancy contract etc)....even the founder stock split was compltely wrong, giving him 18.5% of the company instead of the 15% he was supposed to get. Luckliy I did the msth and discovered it. When confronted, Drew pleaded the fifth, (no repl) and just sent me a bill for the $1500 I spent on him from my personal credit card. Also gave me horrendous advice which could have got a prospective consultant on H1B visa deported. Never a sorry, I heard not one ooops (I am sorry) from this guy. Good luck...
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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.
