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29 Dec, 2024 by Paula millan
01 May, 2024 by Franky acevedo
What can I say, true professional with exceptional attention to detail. Jeffrey C. Stotter helped me with a legal matter with true professionalism. He walked me through each step of the process, and went above and beyond to keep me informed with all matter involving my case. He made me feel like family, not just his client. Excellent lawyer.
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01 May, 2024 by Sawyer chase
Jeffrey Stotter did me a major solid by representing me in a dui case last minute. He walked me through everything I needed to know. He was timely, punctual and gave me a good price. Good communication, straight to the point and had a lot of experience in the courtroom. He went above and beyond for me, I recommend him to anyone seeking legal help.
Thanks Jeffrey
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14 May, 2019 by Dorris
Brad helped get me through a sticky and difficult business sale. He looked after my interests, negotiated on my behalf skillfully. He also let me know when it was time to give a bit. All in all, the deal went through and I came out with a profit and feeling that I'd stood my ground and kept my sanity. Brad's sense of humor helped as well. Thank you, Brad.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Nick
Very helpful and well informed attorney.
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12 Feb, 2015 by Chuck
Brad really knew law and regulations but what surprised me is he really understood business too. Very sharp but humble guy. Pretty rare.
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28 May, 2023 by Bill
A few years ago I realized I didn’t own all of my driveway. I contacted Jordan for help. I felt I had a good case to at least obtain an easement for the portion of my driveway I had been using since I bought my home in 1987. An easement is an easement but with Jordan’s expertise I was able to negotiate a deal with the vested owner and obtain fee title for my driveway I’m for ever grateful to Jordan and would highly recommend him!!!
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25 Jul, 2018 by Troy
Jordan Ciliberto is an exceptionally competent attorney that I highly recommend. Like most professionals that are great at what they do, he implements strong attention to detail and a risk-adjusted approach to unforeseen circumstances. I've worked with Jordan on many occasions. In fact, over the last 5 years I've have benefited from his expertise, guidance, and services for Commercial Leasing, Easements, Land Use, Clouds on Title, TIC Agreements, LLC Operating Agreements, Trust & Estate support, Equity Exchanges, and Partnership Buyout/Restructuring. As a client, I really appreciate his tenacious dedication to excellence, deep knowledge, proven track-record of success, as well as his generational vibrancy. He is an excellent attorney, and an outstanding participant in our community who also happens to sit on a few different Boards. -TH
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13 Sep, 2016 by Kristen
My husband and I were very pleased with Jordan. He took the time to ask the right questions and discuss all our wishes in order to put together a thorough living trust. Everything was addressed to make sure our children will be well protected and taken care of if needed. It was also nice to put Healthcare Directive in place. Jordan is very approachable and professional, family friendly. Highly recommend him for estate planning!
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18 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Reed is an incredibly capable and thorough attorney. His attention to detail is amazing and his ability to explain complex legal terms and requirements is superb. He is easy to work with and asks all the right questions to provide appropriate counsel. He provided great advice and produced succinct work products when he helped us with land use questions and environmental review. I highly recommend Reed especially in areas of municipal law and land use.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Sue
My experience with Reed Gallogly came working for the City of Santa Barbara. He was with the City Attorney's Office and was instrumental in upholding all of my Municipal Code Enforcement cases against a well know slum lord. Reed was extremely professional in his behavior, attitude and his appearance. His presence in any room was one of confidence and calmness. He was always well-informed of my cases and thoroughly researched them before meeting with the defendant and his team of lawyers. I knew he was prepared to defend the City or myself if need be, and I considered him an extremely valuable colleague. I have yet to work with another attorney (both inside and outside the City) that I have as much confidence in and respect for as Mr. Reed Gallogly. He would be a tremendous asset to any team.
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13 Feb, 2015 by Gloria
Reed worked with me recently when I was dealing with an employee that was attempting to steal business from my insurance agency when he left to work at another brokerage firm. I was going to try and draft something myself but I was referred to Reed from a family friend and he jumped right in and took charge of the issue. He knew exactly what I needed to do and his fees was very reasonable to get the issue off my desk and into the proper hands. The action letter was drafted and sent to me for review and then sent out promptly to the party. After the issue was dealt with I didn't have any further issues with my prior employee and I sincerely appreciated Reed handling that issue for me. I would certainly work with him in the future for other legal needs, he was responsive and treated me very well in our interaction.
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17 Jun, 2017 by Greg
Angela has been a fantastic partner for our legal needs, we have nothing but good things to say about working with her. In particular she helped us set up our initial legal structure and was key in working through our supplier agreements. Highly recommend working with Angela -
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04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
We've worked with Angela for almost a decade as an outside general counsel for our solar company. She's done everything from develop transactional agreement for our commercial and residential install projects to helping us get paid when things haven't gone so well with subs. I truly cannot say enough great things about Angela. She has an impeccable work ethic and is pleasant to talk to unlike like most lawyers.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Louis
There are several lawyers who claim to specialize in vertical industries or segments of the law but few bring true passion to their specialty. I had the opportunity to work both as Angela's colleague in the solar industry where she led legal affairs and as a lawyer for our our Cleantech marketing services firm. She is the consummate legal professional and brings passion to the work she does to elevate the cleantech industry. I'd recommend Estriatus Law without hesitation.
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02 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Our group hired Ryan when a government organization near our homes announced a project that had not gone through the proper CEQA and Coastal Development Permit environmental reviews. Ryan succeeded in preserving the public's right to be heard and in getting the organization to conform to the laws to which they should have conformed all along. The briefs, declarations and letters he wrote on our behalf were strong and thorough. Throughout the process, Ryan was always accessible, responsive, professional and fair in his billings. He was also very understanding of our lack of knowledge of the complicated CEQA and coastal laws and processes and he was always patient in explaining them to us. If we ever have another need for an environmental, land use or government agency attorney, we will call Ryan Moroney immediately.
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08 May, 2014 by Gillian
Ryan Moroney handled the case for the group Save Our Big Trees for which I am the spokesperson. The case was against the city of Santa Cruz for its weakening of its Heritage Tree Ordinance without any environmental review. Mr. Moroney was a pleasure to work with. Always available, prompt to return emails and phone calls, clear in his explanations and knowledgable on the issues. He wrote a brilliant brief and response. His passion for protecting the environment was evident throughout our interactions. I would highly recommend him without any reservations.
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30 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
When an environmentally sensitive habitat on and adjacent to our property was damaged by an unpermitted project, we needed help finding the most cost-effective path to obtain restoration and protection from continuing damage. Ryan helped us understand our alternatives, seek public records, draft a petition, complete discovery, prepare for trial and, after we received a favorable decision in trial, work out terms of a settlement agreement. Attorneys from other firms working on our case thought he did great work, too. He is knowledgeable, friendly, hardworking, confident and honest. I would not hesitate to work with him in the future.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Robert
David represented us in a real estate dispute. We had never experienced a dispute like this before. David took the time to explain the process at the beginning so we knew what to expect. He gathered all the facts documents we had and told us what else we needed to obtain.
He was very patient and thorough and clearly laid out our options.
He was honest and direct about both the positive and negative possible
outcomes. We were well prepared before so we could be confident as
we went forward.
David's strength is not only in his knowledge of the Law but in his accounting background. He was able to quickly make necessary adjustments and clearly explain to all so we could reach a fair
settlement.
In the end, we were able to prevail and were pleased with the outcome.
We are glad to recommend David to others and plan to work with
him in future real estate transactions.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
David's knowledge of civil procedure, his very deep experience, his kindness and understanding, his engagement of my family and I as co-plaintiffs as his clients with excellent strategy and clear, candid and open communication made a life-changing fraud and financial elder abuse case bearable, giving us a sense of fairness and closure.
This was a complex case with a bizarre cross-complaint that threatened to erase and make worse the original causes of action, but David (and his firm) steadfastly "boxed in" the defendant with brilliant strategies and pleadings that eventually overwhelmed the lies and deceit with truth and justice. The court agreed and we won our judgement.
I highly recommend David R. Beck for even the most complex real estate fraud litigation cases, as he is fully equipped to take it all the way to "win." Given the difficulty of our circumstances, David did everything he could to patiently explain each step, carefully consulted with us whenever there was a strategic fork in the road and took each important step all the way to the finish line with real results. Thank you, David!
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07 May, 2024 by Collin hannigan
Really good team at King. My situation sucked but they fought for me and delivered.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tiana malave
Great staff and business and Great experience! Very well done work start to finish. Highly recommend!
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30 Oct, 2023 by K h
Best I've worked with after other companies were quick to give me the run around. Would recommend them to anyone in need.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Ellie
Tim Morgan has been my attorney since October 2009. He has successfully handled several real estate transactions for me. Throughout these transactions Tim kept me informed and advised me of legal steps necessary to prevent any complications. I highly recommend Tim Morgan.
Tim Morgan’s Key strengths: Very professional, high-level of integrity, excellent interpersonal and communication skills , detail oriented, organized, solution oriented, always willing to help and make time for you. --- Ellie, Los Gatos, CA
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16 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Leo gave me a call back, a day or two after I left him a voice message requesting his assistance for a consultation. In just 10 minutes, he gave me better advice than any other attorney I had consulted. He was quick to look up the municipal code ordinances I cited, helped me understand the law, and gave me clear options on what my best/worst case scenarios were. He helped me in 10 minutes, make a clear decision on a matter that was consuming me for two weeks. He didn't request money for the consult, and didn't push me to go to court. He advised me towards making a smart decision for my wallet and my mental health. Thanks Leo.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Jim in santa cruz
I retained Mr. Mendivil to represent me in a landlord/tenant dispute. I found him to be knowledgeable, focused, and empathetic to my concerns. He reviewed the pertinent documents, assessed the facts and asked relevant questions before succinctly explaining my options. At my request, he prioritized my options and made recommendations
I followed his guidance and the result was extremely favorable; in addition, he was conscious of time and billable hours and minimized costs to me.
I have found Mr. Mendivil to be an excellent attorney. He is even-tempered, approachable, and easy to work with. His ethics are beyond reproach and yet still he has a "will to win". I am delighted with all aspects of the professional service and representation I received from Creighton and I recommend him unconditionally.
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19 Sep, 2015 by Kaila buerger
Nicole was an amazing help to me. I am dealing with a small claims toward a business in California and she was able to give me lots of good information on what kind of case I have, and what to do to prepare for my court hearing. She told me that she would be there with any questions that I may have. I feel very supported knowing that she is there to give me her professional legal advice. I would recommend Nicole because she is there to help in the best capacity, and responded extremely quickly to me. Thank you Nicole.
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26 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I worked with Caleb at Baskin and Grant for a debt collection case in 2011. He kept me informed throughout the process, explained all avenues and possible outcomes and ultimately settled the issue in a way that was amenable to both parties. He, and others at the firm, approached the issue with great care, confidentiality and integrity.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Nancy ellis
Through diligence, competency and a high degree of professionalism, Brenna untangled a very complicated, but highly impactful, legal document of mine and delivered a carefully detailed and accurate replacement. Every aspect of the original document was examined. No question was left unanswered. The new document is exactly right in communicating my intentions regarding the issues involved. With a great deal of relief and confidence, I compliment Brenna and her team that delivered a complete and dependable product. And, I must add, each communication was timely and very pleasantly delivered. I would unequivocally recommend Fine Point Law. Not only do I have a rock solid document, but, through their clear explanations for each element of it, I know and understand all of it thoroughly.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Jenny. silber butah
After recently completing a challenging divorce, I found myself somewhat resistant to designing a new trust. Brenna and Molly were so welcoming and patient with my stuck parts! I appreciate their knowledge and ease with the process, and realized that I looked forward to working through my doubts and worries with regard to the after death details. I am relieved that my loved ones will have an organized system through which they can carry out my wishes when I am gone. I highly recommend this law practice!
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22 Jan, 2024 by Kim guiley
What an amazing experience! My husband and I had been putting off the task of setting up our will and trust, but we finally made it happen and Brenna made the entire process SO easy. Things like this have a tendency to feel really daunting, but Fine Point has clearly honed their system and each step was completely manageable. I can't express the relief I feel knowing that everything was set up the RIGHT way, that our children have a clear and legal safety net if anything happens to us, and that we can meet with the Fine Point team to make updates if and when we need to. Can't recommend Brenna highly enough!
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28 Sep, 2010 by Jhr james roberts
Martin has represented me for for over 25 years and has done a great job including several court trial litigations and numerous other adversarial legal matters. Without Martin's aggressive and well planned representation I would not have collected many righteous real estate brokerage commissions due me. Thanks for a great ride Martin, JHR
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30 Apr, 2015 by Anthony
Mr Reeve-Wilson is well qualified in the field of personal injury and represented my family in a car accident. He did a outstanding job and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a compassionate attorney that will actually return your calls and really seems to care about your well being. These types of lawyers are hard to find. 5 stars!
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24 Nov, 2024 by Alex murillo
Lo mejor en abogados lo recomiendo #1
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25 Oct, 2024 by Saul rose
02 Apr, 2024 by Maria diaz
Matt is an exceptional attorney, took care of my legal needs in the best possible way. He was always available. I felt secure and I knew he was taking care of my needs. I can certainly recommend him to anyone who needs his services. You will not be disappointed. My case was successful and with a positive outcome sooner than expected. Thank you Matt for all your wonderful and efficient service!
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30 Mar, 2022 by Lennieblue
We've been using Chad for many years for both personal and for business and for legal needs. He's honest and we've been very happy with him.
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21 Oct, 2020 by Cam bjorgan
I have had the fortune of Chad working on my taxes for at least 25 years. He was incredible dealing with the IRS, when they made a horrific mistake on my taxes years ago... reassuring me along the way , that it would be ok. And it was! Chad has given me great legal advice dealing with trusts and business matters. He is highly professional, listens to and addresses your concerns. I have recommended him to many, who have benefited from his expertise!!!
Thank you Chad!
Cam Bjorgan
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28 Jul, 2020 by Amanda patton
I am so grateful for the outstanding customer service I received from Brette Evans and her staff. I was so scared to even consider taking on this process but from the very moment I spoke to Brette about my situation, she made me feel at ease and informed about the whole process. David was also helpful when it came to answering my many questions and concerns about this process. Even in the midst of COVID shutdowns, Brette and her team were incredibly responsive and compassionate about my needs and budget. Brette made me feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way. I highly recommend contacting Brette and her wonderful team if you are scared and on the fence about your options.
UPDATE 4/2021: It’s been over a year since Brette helped me file and I’m doing really well. My credit has shot back up into the 700’s because I followed through with the post-case recommendations that Brette suggested. I got a credit card with a small limit and I use it a few times a month to buy food. I make sure to pay it off at the end of the month, and this method has helped me rebuild my credit. I am so grateful that I made the decision to work with Brette on this. What a relief it has been to get a second chance.
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07 Apr, 2023 by Charlie randall muller (capitola charlie)
He got me off on a murder charge.. thank you Jesus!
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03 Feb, 2020 by Ron packard, jr.
Kind man. Respectful.
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29 May, 2017 by Garrett gordon
13 Jul, 2023 by Sara porter
I'm just interested in know ing if they give pro bono services and or special services in family law ....civil rights ,child advcate ....do you accept payment plans
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06 May, 2021 by Charles bennett
Very help full right off the bat friendly and supportive
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13 Dec, 2020 by Elayne higbee
16 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Pamela advised me on general litigation issues with a case and then I asked her to take the case over. Although her knowledge was initially limited in the specific area of litigation involved, she had made no representation of expertise in the area. I chose her because I trusted her, she is intelligent, and calm. I also had a personal recommendation. She came up to speed nicely and was able to get the case settled with a difficult opponent. Thanks Pamela!
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21 Jun, 2024 by Allison w
Ms. Grant displayed a dismissive attitude throughout the consultation with her communication style unfortunately not conveying a willingness to help. Because of her unprofessionalism, I felt attacked in trying to get answers to our family matters.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Joanna claassen
Kayla Grant helped our family through a complicated estate situation. She is professional, thorough, kind, and wonderful with people. I highly recommend her and I’m relieved that we have had her skill to help us through.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Zach
She was half an hour late, rude, presumptive, and dismissive. Also, my Dad did have dementia which Ms. Grant was informed as she changed my Dad’s will just before he died. Disrespectful to my family and unethical.
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12 Jan, 2023 by Michael daskalakis
I called looking for the free consultation their website did not tell me what location they're in she said you're calling you need to call the district attorney and hung up on me
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24 Jul, 2018 by Troy
Words cannot express how much I appreciate Bill’s diligent analysis, hard work, and unbiased approach toward the challenge at-hand. It is ultimately my dream to become a small time and respected local developer, and it was clear from the first meeting that Bill validated the tenacity and fortitude I had for my vision despite any potential generation difference I may have had as a client. His legal competence, deep understanding of CA Subdivision Map Act laws and Zoning Regulations, gave me the support I needed to get my Application approved in the face of many people that told me NO. I believe that Mr. Seligman’s experience as Counsel for municipalities, enables him to provide a risk-adjusted assessment and instill reasonable expectations of the process by communicating the interests from both sides of the table. I would highly recommend Bill and most definitely call on him again for analysis and legal services related to parcel legality and any other related entitlement work. Thanks -TH
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27 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Seligmann has practical expertise in this area that allowed him to resolve the issues quickly and at low cost. On top of that, he's a good person.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Stay away from Brian and his shady practices!!!
My MIL who is a 65 was living in an apartment with black mold in the valley ( property management company was Golden Bee)and since the property management company failed to do their part to safely remove the mold, my MIL and her roommate searched for a contingency attorney based on low funds.She hired Brian Heit with Adept Legal Counsel PC- his old law firm is Heit Law Group. It was months of back and forth with the property management company, they moved out 7 months ago, and finally last month Mercury Insurance issued compensation and sent the check to Brian at Adept. The issue now is Brian said he sent the checks to my MIL and her roommate but claims they were returned back to his offices and when my MIL and roommate asked for more info like tracking info, etc he has halted all communication. Since then he has closed his Westlake office, disconnected his 2 phone numbers, and won’t answer emails or chats. I contacted him on social media and he blocked me after trying to find out how to obtain my MIL check. It’s like he took the $50,000 and walked off. My MIL is not sure what to do at this point. Mercury won’t reissue a check, I’ve tried to contact him on all social media platforms with no results. I looked at reviews for his old firm in Miami - Heit Law Group P.C. And it seems he has a history of scamming those who cannot pay up front. Filed a complaint to the CA Bar as well. My MIL and room mate were supposed to receive 16k each and Brian Heit was supposed to receive 18k. He now has all of it with no resolution. He has offices supposedly in Covina and Santa Cruz?
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08 May, 2016 by Aja
Brian Morgan Heit really saved me in a really bad situation. I was robbed while traveling and extorted with my credit cards. The credit card company tried to stick me with all the fraud charges of over $7000 dollars. After Mr. Heit contacted the credit card company they reopened the case Mr. Heit and he did not stop following thru with the case until the case was closed in my favor. I would highly recommend Mr. Heit and his firm they are very professional and personal. Thank you so much Brian Morgan Hiet you really saved me.
Aloha Aja Oxman
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28 Apr, 2016 by Jessica
Brian Heit has been helpful on a number of legal issues for me: business purchase and new business consulting, commercial property management, employee relations, family law and several contract reviews. Some of the issues were very stressful and emotional for me. He did a great job of easing my anxieties with his knowledge of the law, but he also did it in a way that shared his depth of knowledge yet still explained everything in "non-legal terms" that felt accessible. He is reliable, honest and a good listener. He also did a great job of explaining different options to me. So far, everything he has worked an has been resolved to my liking.
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17 Apr, 2021 by Marcia
This lawyer helped us during a very difficult time. She is excellent, easy to talk to, understanding and knowlegeable. I would use her again. We are grateful.
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15 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms Powell is an attorney for Senior Legal of Santa Cruz County, CA. I am a senior citizen of Santa Cruz County, CA. This last year, a 30 something woman, threatened to shoot me, and release an attack pit bull dog, to kill my chihuahuas and to attack me. I turned to senior legal to help me get a restraining order, Melia Powell just simply wouldn't help me. Eventually this same young woman, emboldened by the lack of consequences, also threatened another neighbor in the same way, that neighbor did get a 5 year restraining order to protect herself from this dangerous 30 something woman.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
