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14 Oct, 2024 by Brendon
Robert guided us through a Commercial Real Estate purchase and beyond. He was generous with his time even though we we were flat rate, and was impressively easy to get ahold of. Our purchase was far from turn-key, but Robert was there every step of the way.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jenn
Bob was the perfect guy to help me get my new S-Corp set up. He handled all the paperwork (filings, company structure) efficiently and fielded my questions with patience. He really knows his stuff and he follows through.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently worked with Robert W Olson on the purchase of a business, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. He was incredibly detail-oriented, writing a thorough contract that covered every possible aspect of the transaction. I waited over a year to ensure everything was in order, and I can confidently say that everything was handled perfectly. The entire process went smoothly, and his professionalism was evident at every step. I highly recommend Robert to anyone in need of expert legal assistance.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Brandon jimenez (the host)
No free consultations.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Alban sauret
I cannot say enough about the incredible support and assistance I received from Charles "Chip" Oxton. From the moment I reached out to him, he exhibited exceptional expertise, professionalism, and compassion in handling my custody. He ensured that my child's well-being was at the forefront of all our proceedings.
I believe that what sets Chip apart is not just his exceptional legal skills but his remarkable qualities as a human being. He genuinely cares about his clients, which really mattered to me during an emotionally draining time. He was always honest and direct, even when it meant having difficult conversations.
In addition to Chip, I had very nice interactions with other lawyers and assistants at his office. Feeling safe about being at a lawyer's office is reassuring in challenging times.
In summary, if you find yourself in need of an attorney who has great legal skills but who is also an amazing person, I strongly recommend Chip! He had an immense impact on my life during one of the most challenging times I've ever faced.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Nelly risdon
When my husband passed away it was a shock. A friend realized that I was going to need a lawyer. I called Charles office in a panic and spoke with Beth. Without hesitation Charles was on the phone with me and after only 10 minutes he knew exactly what to do. He showed up for me! For 3 years, he and the team were my voice. It was a complicated, frustrating fight to the finish. Through the entirety of the pandemic, with court cases being pushed and dealing with multiple lawyers on the other side, Charles and team kept me calm, walked me through everything step by step. They made sure to answer every question, take every meeting and most importantly heard every word I said. Even when I was completely freaking out. Charles was my muscle.
Professional, trustworthy, knowledgeable about the law. Charles and team are also compassionate, but tough when it comes to fighting for what is right.
During the toughest time in my entire life, Charles and team were there for me. I could not have gotten through this without them.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Cristi is not a thoughtful attorney. I sought some legal help from her and she gave me advice all the while knowing she had a conflict of interest. The legal advice she gave me was clearly in favor of the opposing party and I should report her to the Bar. I would give her no stars if it was possible.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Kelly marsh
For over a decade, I've had the privilege of working with Cristi Michelon Vasquez, witnessing firsthand her unmatched expertise in realms like real estate, trust, probate, and conservatorship. What truly distinguishes her boutique firm is the unwavering commitment to clarity and a straightforward legal approach, ensuring that clients always feel informed and at ease. Working directly with Cristi and her highly competent paralegal, Risa, adds an element of personal touch and understanding that's rare in the legal world. Every interaction has been characterized by transparency, professionalism, and genuine care for the client's well-being. For anyone in search of unparalleled, client-focused legal service, Cristi Michelon Vasquez is the gold standard.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Roberta
My Mother passed on December 25th 2020. Property was in a Family Trust in which one sibling still remained in the home and refused to leave. When all attorneys said no its too risky and they didnt want get involved with a Family Trust situation or failed to evict my sister during COVID Moratorium Cristi was the only that said yes I can do this. She is confident by nature, intelligent and courageous to say the least. She didn't just evict my Sister successfully but was our Families way of communicating because at this point the whole family wanted to contest my Father's Trust that was in effect for 25 years. As difficult as the situation became She remained calm but most of all compassionate for the loss of my Mother and the divided family we've became. She gave me peace of mind when all I could do is cry in what I thought was a hopeless situation. I could not pay her enough for the peace I have now; her work and dedication is simply priceless.
Roberta Martinez
Executor
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27 Jan, 2024 by H alise
Christine Adams was wonderful to work with. She is reliable, pleasant, knowledgeable, thorough, and puts you at ease by explaining everything in detail. She kept me updated throughout the entire process and got better results than I ever would have imagined. I always felt as though she was looking out for my best interest. She and her team were professional, kind, courteous and responsive. Highly recommend!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Maida zheng
Christine and her team are amazing. I was incredibly nervous and uncertain about what I should do regarding my situation. She gave me the strength and confidence to do what’s right by me and my family. I can’t thank her enough. She’s top class. Always responsive. Very smart. Empathetic. She fights for you and I would recommend her to anyone dealing with employment issues.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Samantha morse
I had the pleasure of working with Christina and her team. I appreciate the step by step process. Communication was phenomenal. Very prompt. She was willing to work with me, also guided me in many ways throughout the process. And of course she’s a badass so I give her 5 stars!! Wouldn’t have chose anyone else if I could have.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Miguel
Complete waste of time. I was referred to their office by legal aid, tried to set up a consultation with the information I was given, NO help whatsoever. We were then asked to seek services outside of their office...
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19 Apr, 2024 by Perla lozano
Hola muy buenas tardes tengan todos , estas líneas son para agradecer a los abogados de David Chesley se los recomiendo muy eficaces en su trabajo muy responsables y sobre todo muy amables , recomendados 100 por ciento muy agradecida con. Su servicio y gracias
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15 Apr, 2024 by Ramiro mendoza
David Chesley best in town if u want a great attorney he’s the guy if y have any criminal history he’ll help u out in a matter of seconds always their when u need him he’s got the answer to all your questions especially he will figure out a payment plan for u guaranteed he’ll go all the way in for and make ur life easier help u step by step on what and how u should handle stuff he’s has the light to your darkness hole
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20 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Hard working, cunning, detail-oriented and authoritative attorney whose demand letters are the stuff of local legend. Guaranteed to become one of Santa Barbara's SuperAttorneys.
Mike defended me against an unscrupulous landlord whose rent I paid on time... but for whom that was not enough. The landlord decided he was entitled to intimacy from me, and the usual dark events occurred. Few Santa Barbara attorneys (most of whom are landlords themselves) respond to this type of situation. I'm glad I retained Mr. Brelje. He stood for me unusually strongly and effectively against this cunning, unscrupulous straw-hatted elderly lecherous landlord and his lawyer, and protected me, and on top of that got me an unexpected and sizable settlement.
Mike Brelje is confident, knowledgeable about the law and other subjects, and thorough; he's a smart, bright young advocate and JD star who knows T/LL law in and out, sides with his client, and upholds the law exceptionally fearlessly.
In my opinion, the lawyer who represents both T and LL will know the most about how to defend both against either. Mike Brelje exemplifies this thoroughly. A better Santa Barbara lawyer cannot be had; and that might be why Mr. Brelje is almost always booked deep months ahead. Smart clients know he's that good.
If your landlord decides he or she is entitled to sleep with you (and make no mistake, Santa Barbara County is filled with this type), don't waste any time with the others. Call Mike Brelje, pay him his retainer, then sit back and watch the fireworks.
I don't regret it an instant.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Ben and lela
If you are in the market for an aggressive, knowledgeable, organized, integrity based real estate attorney, we would highly recommend Attorney G. Michael Brelje.
Our previously hired attorneys took our money and took our case nowhere. Attorney Brelje listened to our claim, evaluated the strong merits of our case, and presented us with an honest description of the “legal reality” of our case, before we paid a dime. With much needed integrity based legal analysis, we moved forward, comfortable that we were proceeding with realistic expectations, and not just dumping money into a legal abyss.
Attorney Brelje, delivered us a victory at mediation, negotiating a favorable monetary settlement. More importantly, strong strategy/presentation also helped us avoid potential years of mazing through the slow legal process, life on hold, as we would have to pursue our strong and (expensive) winnable case (while legal expenses mount).
The attorney, G. Michael Brelje (Mike), and the firm, “Rogers Sheffield & Campbell LLP”, is unbeatable if they take your case. We will not do another real estate transaction without them. Attorney G. Michael Brelje was wise, honest, thorough, professional, accurate and compassionate. His assistance was priceless, worth every penny!
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09 Jan, 2020 by Emily
Michael Brelje is great! He answered all of our questions succinctly, was clearly an expert on the field, and directly because of him we achieved the results we wanted. Definitely recommend!
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21 Nov, 2014 by Denise
Specifically, Mark assisted me when my house burned down.
Mark has an excellent grasp of the whole legal process as well as the nuts and bolts of Construction/Real Estate/Insurance. He communicates extremely well with all parties involved, and does not waste time, moving on quickly to resolve the issues. He has a real talent for taking a complicated problem and solving it, with a respect for everyone.
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19 Aug, 2014 by Linda
Mark Coffin was very personable & extremely helpful and efficient. He gave us lots of time in the interview process & explained completely how we could proceed & what he recommended would work best. We took all his advise & the outcome was in our favor. We are so happy with the entire process & would definitely recommend Mark to our friends.
Sincerely, Linda & Robert
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07 Jan, 2013 by Marcia
Mark provided excellent legal services but more importantly helped keep my stress level at a minimim. He was always available and provided detailed answers to not only the legal questions but the process I was going through. As this was my first construction claim ever in 22 years, Mark helped navigate the waters with creative processes that brought the situation and issues to light faster which allowed us to resolve the claim quicker.
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16 Oct, 2019 by Thomas
Joe took on the City of Santa Barbara for me and won a complex property rights case.
His integrity, case management and trial skills are unmatched. The best advocate a person could have.
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Joe helped us with a complicated storm water runoff case. A condition that was created by a development over 10 years ago has caused floods and landslides across many properties in our neighborhood.
Several neighbors including ourselves have tried to approach the developer and the City for ten years to find a solution to the problem.
The damages were significant and it seemed that our property values were decreased by this issue.
After no other lawyer would even consider taking on this difficult problem Joe Liebman was recommended to us.
He took over the case and resolved all issues with amazing confidence, grace and a calm authority that was exemplary.
Joe inspired us with his professionalism while he successfully negotiated a satisfying settlement for us and our neighbors.
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Joe is an amazing lawyer and a brilliant negotiator. I can not recommend him more highly. I hope I never need him again - but if i do, I have full faith in his abilities and will not hesitate to call him. He was our lawyer during a very complicated landslide case and he came through for us in a big way. He's the best.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Kelly
Attorney Scafide represented me in a residential real estate matter, and spared me considerable headache and expense when a tenant turned out to have questionable finances and intentions. Thanks to a well written contract and excellent, clear advice, what could have been a nightmare was a relatively painless matter to resolve. I recommend his services without reservation.
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15 Nov, 2013 by Chris
Mr. Scafide represented me in a commercial real estate matter. He was so effective that, at times, I actually felt sorry for the other side. Attorney Scafide is brilliant, resourceful, creative, and was completely honest about every aspect of a case, including what I could expect as a realistic outcome. His billing was fair --his hourly rate is not low, but he is a bargain given the excellent quality of service.
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01 Jun, 2013 by Bill in santa barbara
If you're looking for an honest and professional attorney who bills ethically contact him. Mr. Scafide is the best lawyer I know and have used many.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Hillary
Drew Simons just got me through an awful, tangled real estate lease case...as quickly as possible, careful to ensure it got settled rather than escalate. On top of that, he was kind, he CARED. Can't say enough good things about this lawyer.
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22 Sep, 2010 by George
I have gone through a lot of personal tragedy the last three years, Andrew has been there for me when many friends have not. I have always felt very comfortable seeking and relying on his legal advice.
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22 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Drew has always provided excellent advice for us on starting our business helping franchise and eventually merging with another Corporation.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Kj
When life threw us a curve ball we were so fortunate to have the lawyers at Thyne Taylor Fox and Howard represent us.
It’s never an easy decision to choose legal counsel but from our first meeting I knew that we were fortunate to find them and have them represent our case.
Lacy Taylor and Brant Berglund were exceptional in understanding our situation.
As were John Thyne and Justin Fox.
Brant was exceptionally attentive and extremely knowledgeable of the law.
He was dedicated, focused and fought for restitution and resolution of our case.
Resulting in a very good outcome.
I sincerely will never forget his professionalism and kindness.
The firm works exceptionally hard for their clients and I am so appreciative and grateful for that.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Brant, was able to understand our case and represented it well to the judge in mediation. His preparation and background research was evident as our case moved forward. We were very pleased with his representation.
We would recommend Brant for legal service and the firm he represents.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Grace
Brant Burglund and Lacy L. Taylor represented me in a workplace matter and I was beyond impressed with the whole experience. Their team is responsive, detailed, and a pleasure to work with while going through a difficult experience. Brant provided excellent advice and brought an incredible wealth of knowledge to the table. I believe I ended up with a positive outcome based on having Brant and his firm as my representation!
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14 Jan, 2015 by Kent
John has represented us several times in the last few years with the utmost professionalism. He has made himself readily available, which is a very reassuring while going through legal issues. He has been a calming influence and voice of reason while we were facing adverse situations. His legal expertise and extensive personal relationships within the legal community has been a valuable asset and helped us to gain favorable outcomes in our unforeseen litigation. Being a business owner you are vulnerable to "exposure" in this environment we live in today and it is calming to know I have a great attorney on my side at all times.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
John Thyne assisted me in a complex civil case. His knowledge of the law and procedure is superb. His recommendations were spot on, and I am glad I took his advice. I enjoyed working with John and his team of highly experienced professionals, and will continue to recommend his services. Thank you, John for all you've done for me.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Michelle
I love John because not only is he a strong and charismatic attorney but has a wide area of expertise and knowledge allowing him to help me across the board on my legal issues.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Rick
We were in need of help with our mortgage lender during a rough time. Betty negotiated a loan modification with our lender to put us back on track. Betty was very professional and courteous with us but yet firm and relentless with our lender. I would recommend Betty to everyone.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Carol
Betty came highly recommended by a friend. She stepped in and took over communication with our mortgage holder and successfully got us our loan modification. We were getting no results. She did! A lawyer that listens, cares and works tirelessly to meet her clients needs. The best!
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28 Sep, 2016 by Pam
My husband and I hired Rebecca to create a Family Trust for us. She was very thorough in leading us through this process. She asked questions and took notes. She asked us to fill out paperwork and send her copies of documents which we gladly did. The whole experience was very professional and pleasant. We highly recommend Rebecca because of her skills as a lawyer and knowledge of California Estate laws.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Patty pottenger
Rebecca is a wonderful lawyer that is patient, listens and makes you feel very comfortable with your personal planning. I will be recommending her to my friends.
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19 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms Woodwark answered my questions in a timely and efficient manner on a legal matter that I need solid advice on. Very personable and knowledgable.
Highly recommend her.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Rob
My mom was in assisted living, and needed to have a new Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive. The existing ones were over 10 years old, and given her dementia, I had to legally be able to handle my mom's affairs. I initially had trouble finding an attorney who would do this, but after Lorraine and I met through LinkedIn, she agreed to do the Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive. She did both the long and short form Powers of Attorney, to make sure my mom and I would be well covered for any situation. Her fee was extremely reasonable, considering the time she spent preparing all of the documents, and the travel time for the round trip to and from the assisted living facility, which was 60 miles each way. Lorraine treated my mom like her own mother during the time spent signing the documents at the assisted living facility. Her patience and kindness towards my mom was heart warming to say the least. I had occasions where either the long or short form Power of Attorney had to be submitted to the insurance company or to the bank on my mom's behalf, and there were never any issues. Lorraine was fantastic in every way, and I very highly recommend her to anyone.
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29 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Dana Longo and his staff are very knowledgeable, helpful, respectful, and relatable. I would definitely recommend his legal services.
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12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
After speaking attorneys in Santa Barbara, a friend recommended that I call and speak with Raymond Pulverman; I called him and without knowing my situation, he was extremely informative and took his time to speak with me. He was very patient and I felt extremely comfortable with him from the beginning. In comparison to my other consultations, it was a no brainer, and I can say with full confidence that he is one of the best, most knowledgeable attorneys I have met. Always able to get ahold of, kept me updated constantly, gave me insight and thorough explanations- I always felt like I was in good hands. Extremely thankful for the recommendation to contact him. Thanks again Raymond
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29 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
This lawyer expressed real concern for my situation, keeps up on the latest breaking cases in his field and brings forth a wealth of information to answer and help resolve puzzling issues. He responded to my questions within 24 hours by phone or email. I highly recommend Eric Burkhardt, even tho his price is steep, it is my opinion that you get what you pay for when entrusting counsel on those most important decisions we face in life. Thanks for reading! Worth every penny!!
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10 May, 2024 by Patricia
If you have any real estate issues to clear up on your property, you are in excellent hands with Lorraine. She helped clear up a complicated error on a deed of trust until it was recorded correctly. I highly recommend her.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Jeremy
Scott assisted me in a lawsuit stemming from a remodel of my home. There were construction defect and improper invoicing issues. It was complicated, and Scott took the time to figure out and organize all the information. Working with Scott was a good experience and he proved to be highly effective. We reached an outcome I was happy with. I highly reccomend Scott.
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12 Jul, 2016 by Rashunda howard
03 Jun, 2015 by Sean cooney
29 Aug, 2022 by Kima cain
Our Attorneys for over 10 years. Highly recommend!
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07 Feb, 2023 by B bbb
I highly recommend Scott.
He helped me immensely in a complicated real estate situation.
It was easily resolved because of Scott's expertise.
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07 Feb, 2023 by B bbb
I highly recommend Scott.
He helped me immensely in a complicated real estate situation.
It was easily resolved because of Scott's expertise.
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13 Oct, 2024 by Erin leighland
We are so grateful for the legal assistance of NordstrandBlack. Doug is not only professional, he truly cares about his clients. When entering our case we felt overwhelmed, but after my first phone call with Doug, I felt relief. From that day forward we felt supported throughout the legal process and Doug remained patient and available every step of the way. He is knowledgeable, hard-working, and reliable and was always responsive and available. It is rare to find attorneys who are kind, compassionate AND good at what they do- this is what we experienced with NordstrandBlack. We highly recommend NordstrandBlack and I assure you- you will be in good hands!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Veronica lopez
NordstrandBlack represented my husband in a personal injury case this past year.
Doug and Matt were very thorough, diligent and made the process very easy.
Their communication, status updates on the case, and overall professionalism was excellent!
We without a doubt, will recommend them to any of our family or friends in need of a personal injury lawyer.
Thank you guys, we appreciate you!!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Jeff lederman
Bob was handled our case for my daughter who was injured in a car accident. We were basically satisfied with the work, however based on how Bob explained his fee structure to us, we felt that we were lied to and cheated. We tried to have an honest discussion with Bob-it didn't go very well. It is our opinion that we caught Bob in a lie when he told us his assistant Wendy was in the conference room when he explained the fee structure percentage. My family is positive Wendy was not there- so obviously why Wendy would not confirm to us that she was present. We are hopeful that Bob will have the professional integrity and make this right.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Sheri headley
We are incredibly grateful for lan Morse for his compassion, competence and unwavering support. lan guided us through the complexities of the legal system with dedication and skill, fighting tirelessly to ensure our family received a just outcome. What truly stood out was his ability to go above and beyond, even when it was inconvenient for him. His kindness never wavered, and the results he achieved were nothing less than miraculous. lan's professionalism and clear communication made our challenging situation so much easier to navigate.
We are beyond thankful that we chose him to represent us. If you are looking for a seasoned professional that truly cares and delivers exceptional results, we wholeheartedly recommend lan Morse's service.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Lr
08 Jun, 2023 by Lui sanchez
I cannot express enough gratitude towards Ian Morse for their exemplary work on my DUI case. From the moment I met Ian, I was quite hesitant, thought he was going to be like other attorneys who don’t really care much but he treated me with respect and compassion, and his extensive knowledge of the law and the intricacies of my case were invaluable.
Ian was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process, which helped alleviate any anxiety I had. His attention to detail and strategic approach ultimately led to a positive outcome for me, and I am forever grateful for their dedication and hard work. I highly recommend Attorney Ian Morse to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Grant lee
Josh is great
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07 Jan, 2021 by Chris l
Whenever you think about retaining a criminal defense attorney review their track record first and whether they have successfully defended their clients. In Josh’s case, in the major criminal cases he has defended, he hasn’t defended one client successfully in trial. Instead, what you’ll see is his clients pleading to often unfavorable terms—making the DA’s job that much easier while earning attorney fees.
In 2010 Josh unsuccessfully ran for District Attorney. Following his lost he was subsequently fired from his position as a result of his behavior. This is all public record. Josh still remains in close contact with the same prosecutors who supported him during his election run; some whom he should be opposing in representing you his client. All of this remains an inherit conflict of interest.
Recommend considering criminal defense attorneys who have a successfully track record of going to bat for the clients.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Camperjd camperdreborn
O'Brien is one of the best attorneys that I've seen in action. She cares for people!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Anita
I hired Marc to represent me on a land use issue for a proposed residential development project in my neighborhood. The goal was to reduce the size and impact of the project. Marc expertly navigated all the twists and turns during the process, which ultimately resulted in the project plans being completely withdrawn from the City.
Marc is knowledgable, thoughtful, diplomatic and trustworthy. He educated me, kept me updated, and was very responsive to all my questions. His work included everything from boots on the ground site visits to the drafting and filing of numerous legal documents and representation at multiple hearings.
Marc really cares about his work and the environment, and lives his life aligned with his values. He’s personable and knows just when to add a touch of wit and humor while providing steadfast advocacy and support. He’s down-to-earth while flying at a very high level.
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16 Mar, 2019 by Gerorge
In what could’ve been a tense situation involving pesticide overspray, Marc turned the situation into a negotiation which resulted in a good solution for both parties.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
We recently found ourselves needing legal counsel and guidance regarding a proposed macro-cell telecom antennae installation very near our family home in a quiet residential area of our city. From the beginning, Marc clearly shared with us the limited scope of our possible avenues of battle with this corporate giant. He carefully and concisely explained the federal legislation in place "protecting" the corporation from our Appeal effort in which we attempted to find a more appropriate site for their proposed installation.
Prior to retaining his services as counsel we had contacted several well respected local lawyers and each of them recommended Marc as the best person for the job. As a result of Marc's expertise and knowledge we were able to gather community support to join us in our effort, as well. With Marc's many years of experience as an environmental lawyer in both CA and CO he understood our problem and guided us to an acceptable alternative resolution to our dilemma.
We highly recommend Marc Chytilo to persons who may be in need of his environmentally sensitive, skillful and trustworthy counsel.
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05 Jun, 2019 by Custodia
Paul Burns is a virtuoso and an extraordinary Real Estate Attorney that secured my case without a doubt. I knew Paul's COMPREHENSIVE skills would make me feel safe. Paul is a FAIR and DEDICATED attorney that has NATURAL SKILLS and with out to say his PROFESIONALISM in court is very calming and motivating with such a high HONOR. I have the outermost CONFIDENCE and TRUST in Paul and the drive that WON my case. I would hire him again in a heart beat!! I ABSOLUTLEY recommend everyone to Paul Burns!!
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25 Apr, 2017 by Heather
Paul Burns is a brilliantly gifted attorney. He analyzed and questioned every possible detail of our case; the judge agreed with his legal arguments, and ruled in our favor. Paul is quick, intuitive, focused and dedicated. I trust him 100% and would hire him again.
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12 Mar, 2018 by Julie
Bart Merrill represent my Collection company for several years. We never lost a case because of him. We had some very unusual cases come in, yet he was always able to help on everyone of them. I recommend Barton Merrill to anyone who wants to get the best results possible for their case.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Juan
I needed an attorney specializing in Construction Law and The Law Offices of Barton Merrill was recommended to me. Without Barton Merrill my business would have been in big financial trouble. I contacted him regarding a brewing legal need and he immediately returned my call and spent 30 minutes sharing his thoughts. He is responsive and insightful and I am pleased to have a legal resource for my company’s legal needs.
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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.
