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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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07 Feb, 2016 by Robert case
I will hire on 2/8/16. Stay tuned...
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02 Oct, 2014 by Rich
I was in urgent need of an attorney to file a summons and complaint on my behalf in order for me to receive some unclaimed funds that I was entitled to being held in the Superior Court of Contra Costa County.
Paul was referred to me by a friend. I contacted Paul, he was on vacation but still handled my case that I consider over and above the call of duty. We communicated telephonically, by email and by fax and my lawsuit was submitted on time.. I left the country for a month and Paul continued to act on my behalf with the Court. When I returned Paul had it all in place for me to sign a Release and to receive the entire amount of unclaimed funds that I was entitled to.
I highly recommend Paul. He is knowledgeable, dependable and cost effective.
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01 Feb, 2012 by Anthony
Paul was a very knowledgeable attorney when he handled my manufactured home lawsuit. He is a man who puts his all into supporting and helping his clients with all sorts of useful information and directions to proceed in. He methodically investigates all existing material and info.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Tj
April and her team are among the best employment attorneys in the Bay Area. I would highly recommend her services to any business that needs quality advice and defense.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Michelle
I have referred numerous clients to the Chauvel & Glatt LLP for Estate Planning, Probate reconciliation, establishing a business and creating employer guidelines/handbooks. The quick response from the team, highest level of service and personal connection that April Glatt and her experienced responsive team delivers is top notch.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Pam zaragoza
April Glatt is exceptional in her field. Driven, thorough, has clients best interests in mind. Very detailed. She is fierce and you will win if you hire her to be your attorney. She has a great track record in many fields but I know her thru real estate transactions. I refer her, trust her and have seen great results with my clients that I have referred to her. She is passionate about her work and her clients. I highly recommend her. Your solution and outcome will be a success.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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03 Aug, 2015 by Ryan
I consulted with Alex about a real estate deal I had in mind. He was very prompt and apprised me of different issues I hadn't thought of.
Alex has also helped me and my mother by explaining and interpreting a trust document in which my mom is successor trustee. We spoke over the phone and I appreciate his ability to cut through the legalese. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood his responses.
I feel good knowing I have someone to go to for my legal issues.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Valerie
I called Alex Biddle as a referral from my nephew since my family was looking for an attorney to review of my parents Living Trust. At the time, we were very anxious to get this done as soon as possible. Alex was very prompt at returning my call and immediately set up a time to give him copies of the trust. However, the next day my family instructed me to hold off on the review. He was very understanding of my request even though he had already spent several hours of his time. Despite my willingness to pay him, he waived his fees and also spend time scanning the lengthy documents back. When my family decides to have the trust reviewed, I will not hesitate to use his services again. It was a pleasure to work with Alex even though it was short lived. He showed his promptness and professionalism to my needs. I will have no problem recommend his services to any of my family and friends that need estate planning assistance.
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11 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Kathleen was very helpful during a very new experience. She helped me understand what was happening during my claim and kept me informed of all of my options. She did her homework and was completely prepared. Kathleen made a very stressful time less terrible. I would recommend Kathleen Panek and her firm, Knapp and Viola, to anyone who needs a guiding light through an unfortunate time.
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03 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Kathleen was very knowledgeable and great to work with.She took her time answering all my questions and kept me informed on everthing that was going on.I highly recommend her.She is the best and I promise you will not be dissapointed.
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02 Dec, 2024 by George p
Great experience with a knowledgeable and professional team. Works hard on your case and is excellent at communicating. Thank you for your help.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Tricia mcvey
If you’re in need of counsel, I highly recommend Ali and his team. Excellent communication and efficiency.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Miguel hernandez
We had a very good experience with Steve Franco. The outcome of our case was better than expected.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Karin
Desmond Tuck is who you want on your side. He helped me with a very complicated issue with many twists and turns. Mr. Tuck was always available when needed, was conscientious, thorough, and could write a response, suggestion, or letter incredibly fast when speed was required. He is an excellentattorney and knows what to do for his client’s best outcome.
Desmond Tuck was highly recommended to me many years ago, and I highly recommend him to you.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Mike
In a day and age when qualified, ethical, experienced, fairly-priced, communicative attorneys are as rare as a Sumatran rhino, along comes Desmond Tuck. I have been working with Mr. Tuck for over 20 years on various issues, most notably matters involving real estate. Without delving into details, I can safely say that you will be unlikely to find anyone better if you tried. He knows the law, but he also knows how to make it work to your advantage. Most importantly, he will never tell you what you want to hear just so you hire him. If you want a lawyer to sugar-coat and tell you things to make you feel nice (when they are undeserved), he is not the one for you. If, on the other hand, you want to receive help that is based on reality and in the context of our disastrously dysfunctional California legal system, Mr. Tuck is the only one I would count on. Knowing how to navigate the system in a logical, rationale, and informed manner is one of his biggest (of many) strengths. As far as trust is concerned, I know that is a concern of many when it comes to lawyers in general. So, imagine a world where you were 100% sure your lawyer was expertly looking out for your best interest without doing it all just to keep the meter running. Sound too good to be true? You haven’t called Mr. Tuck yet. After all this time being his client, I trust him more than some in my own family. So, there you have it: trustworthy, ethical, experienced, extremely competent, informed, and fair in every way. He redeems all those “other” lawyers…you know who they are.
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03 Dec, 2018 by Patricia
I had a tenant who was involved in a very serious problem and I knew I needed legal advice (beyond the customary landlord references) to terminate the lease. Desmond researched the issue and explained my options in what could have been a lengthy & complicated process. Luckily, it resolved itself without our participation and with his expert advice, it was brought to a conclusion.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Lori goff
14 Dec, 2024 by Eric nikolaus
I was feeling intimidated by a complex family law matter, but I felt more confident because of the lawyer's cool-headed and logical approach. They assisted me in making well-informed judgments by clearly outlining all of my options. I'm really appreciative of their assistance, and the result surpassed my expectations!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Ricky gallow
Idiart law group has a great experienced team! They were very helpful and effective in addressing my needs and bringing about a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Idiart to anyone seeking legal representation. 👍
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15 Sep, 2009 by Aaron
Ken has been my attorney for over 10 years for various legal matters (estate planning, real estate law, etc...). In addition, Ken has completed the living trust for my family and several of my in laws including my mother. He did an excellent job; I referred him to all of my closest in-laws and family members.
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13 Sep, 2009 by Nicky
Very helpful and informative; went out of his way to help us build a trust while we were dealing with a failing parent; was able to sort out a 29-year old inheritance issue - including a change of tactics that sped up the process and reduced his fee; highly recommended.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kai-man lee
I hired Matt Metzger in a bankruptcy case where I was the creditor. He usually works on the behalf of the debtor. The debtor cheated myself and 49 other creditors, then fled to bankruptcy court to escape her debt. So this was a different case for Matt who normally works for the other side, but could be an advantage since he would know their usual strategy.
Matt is an energetic, hard working, and innovative attorney. To say that he is a multitasker underestimates all that's going on in his head. He is good at looking for and finding "out of the box" solutions to legal problems. His persistence and diligent hard work ultimately pays off. I only had one issue with Matt, he wanted me to settle at a sum that I felt was insulting and ridiculous so I refused. The debtor ultimately came up to my sum and we settled. I would recommend Matt to anyone who needs legal assistance in the realm of bankruptcy. I don't think you will find a better or harder working attorney. BTW, he appears to have a solo practice, unusual these days but seems to fit his lifestyle.
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10 May, 2023 by David michlin
Having skillfully led the navigation of a complex legal challenge we were facing, I can say from direct experience that Mr. Metzger has consistently proven himself to be an extensively seasoned, highly effective, and genuinely caring lawyer.
Matt generously applied his expertise to our case with rare focus, unwavering execution, and incredible client loyalty.
While Belvedere Legal needs no further 5-star client testimonies to find its diverse law services as being ranked among the finest in the San Francisco (a simple Google search will confirm the firm’s bonafides and peer recognition), ultimately it was Matt's direct "hand-on" approach to client and case management that earned our trust and made all the difference.
In our search for top-tier legal counsel we reached out to 11 leading Bay Area firms to find the right fit, but wish we’d have called Belvedere Legal first. Within the first five minutes (of an entire half hour initial discovery call - free of charge), we knew we had found the capacity, expertise, and professional care we were looking for.
If you're facing challenges which require unquestionably top counsel, Matt at Belvedere is a smart first call and the only law firm we’ll be using from here on out.
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bryan bent
Matt’s calming presence with my case through some very anxious times, was a godsend! His vast knowledge and experience steered me through my different steps of my legal preceding. When things got tough, he knew exactly what to do and say. I will be forever indebted to him.
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02 Dec, 2024 by George p
Great experience with a knowledgeable and professional team. Works hard on your case and is excellent at communicating. Thank you for your help.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Tricia mcvey
If you’re in need of counsel, I highly recommend Ali and his team. Excellent communication and efficiency.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Miguel hernandez
We had a very good experience with Steve Franco. The outcome of our case was better than expected.
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02 Dec, 2024 by George p
Great experience with a knowledgeable and professional team. Works hard on your case and is excellent at communicating. Thank you for your help.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Tricia mcvey
If you’re in need of counsel, I highly recommend Ali and his team. Excellent communication and efficiency.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Miguel hernandez
We had a very good experience with Steve Franco. The outcome of our case was better than expected.
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02 Dec, 2024 by George p
Great experience with a knowledgeable and professional team. Works hard on your case and is excellent at communicating. Thank you for your help.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Tricia mcvey
If you’re in need of counsel, I highly recommend Ali and his team. Excellent communication and efficiency.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Miguel hernandez
We had a very good experience with Steve Franco. The outcome of our case was better than expected.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Nimesh kumar patel
Service center online
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08 Oct, 2024 by Senthil nathan
"It was a great experience working with Alagiri Law firm. I had worked with them for my EB1A I-140 process. The legal team is knowledgeable in this EB1A I-140 process and their smart work and dedication made all the difference, the attention to detail and thoroughness were invaluable. Alagiri Law firm’s teamwork has made a significant difference in my family's future. I highly recommend Alagiri Law Firm. Thanks to Priya and Team"
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04 Oct, 2024 by Krishna g pai
I had the pleasure of working with Priya Alagiri and her team at Alagiri Law, including Basit, April, Shelmith, and everyone else involved in my EB1A application. From the start, Priya and her team provided me with excellent guidance and kept me informed of any updates or changes throughout the process.
They were meticulous in ensuring that all necessary documentation was included and worked closely with me to gather and vet the documentation needed to strengthen my case. I would like to extend a special thank you to Basit and April for their exceptional work on my case. Basit was diligent in managing my case and made sure that every detail was taken care of, while April was always responsive to my questions and concerns, providing me with the answers I needed.
Thanks to the efforts of the entire team at Alagiri Law, my EB1A application was successful. If you are looking for a skilled and dedicated immigration attorney, I highly recommend the Alagiri Law Firm.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Meme pepe
Simply the best. Got my alleged dui reduced to a speeding ticket and also won the dmv hearing (underage)! Better call Saul?? Better call Mark!!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Jewlz kiid
27 Sep, 2023 by Avinash
Very communicative and expert, he tried to get the best possible outcome.
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19 Nov, 2022 by Manu gujrati
Richard is exceptional — a fast worker, a stickler for detail, a legal nerd like no other and supremely practical. I was stuck in a protracted divorce proceeding in which my ex (from a short lived marriage) was insisting on going to trial. Richard talked her and her lawyer off the cliff. In a heroic twist of events, he got them to agree to a reasonable settlement. Acting against his own financial incentives, he saved me tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Divorce is a very emotional, expensive journey. You want a strategic thinker who can reduce the pain of it all. That’s Richard. Hire him. You chose the wrong partner. Now choose the right lawyer.
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02 Dec, 2020 by Emil varona
Richard is an excellent attorney. He's very professional, courteous, and responsive. He's also a decent human being, which is not always the case with family law attorneys.
If your case is in San Mateo county, you should consider hiring Richard.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Mohammad super
Overcharging. Not working on your case
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01 Jul, 2024 by Nader sadegh
Be careful, this place is a Scam. They will over charge you and they promise they going to win the case and they will leave you in the middle of the case. So shady business.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Pamela sandhu
Mr. Assad Stephan is an excellent attorney that I have trusted with my clients and my own family. He has a wealth of knowledge of property law, provides expert contract reviews and advice and is the attorney you can trust if you have a legal dispute. I highly recommend Allen Stephan and Baker for property related legal services.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Mohammad super
Overcharging. Not working on your case
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01 Jul, 2024 by Nader sadegh
Be careful, this place is a Scam. They will over charge you and they promise they going to win the case and they will leave you in the middle of the case. So shady business.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Pamela sandhu
Mr. Assad Stephan is an excellent attorney that I have trusted with my clients and my own family. He has a wealth of knowledge of property law, provides expert contract reviews and advice and is the attorney you can trust if you have a legal dispute. I highly recommend Allen Stephan and Baker for property related legal services.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Jasmine sandoval
I had a consultation with Melissa Fox, and she was very knowledgeable. She answered all of my questions, and provided me with valuable advice. Melissa is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney. I will definitely be retaining her legal services in the future. Thank you!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Theresa rich
I cannot speak highly enough of the excellent experience I've had with ADZ Law; Melissa Fox, in particular. Her approach is empathetic, candid, comprehensive, and direct. She offered balanced perspectives and guidance, and I recommend her to anyone experiencing issues related to harassment, intimidation, and domestic violence in all its forms. I'm grateful I had Melissa to help me navigate a painful and frightening experience with compassion and clarity, and I'll continue to seek her counsel.
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28 May, 2024 by Kim renae paulson
12 Apr, 2024 by Emilie gatfield
Had a single appointment with Marvin Firestone while looking for a medication management doctor. It wasn't a good fit, but discovered once I found a good fit that Dr Firestone had entered a "compact" in the CURES database. That prevents other doctors from prescribing my medication until the compact expires.
According to my new doctor, that's not something most doctors do regularly. Usually it's reserved for patients suspected of abusing medications. Maybe Dr Firestone, as a JD as well as MD, just does this automatically, but if so, it should have been removed as soon as I called to say I was going to keep looking.
I am neither amused, nor impressed.
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01 Mar, 2023 by James tappan
Can share goals,expectations & efficiiecy.with goal ofin6 e gratinh
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06 Oct, 2022 by Kelly sharrar, m.d.
EXCELLENT! Powerhouse attorney who is a skilled litigator, very knowledgeable, personable and very professional. I could not have been any better represented. You cannot go wrong with Firestone!
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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:
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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.
