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05 Oct, 2024 by Ryan n (neerphoria)
Thomas is a genuinely kind person. He cares about helping you and you can feel it in his voice. I had at least 30 questions when I got on the phone with him. He helped me stop, identify the important issues, and feel prepared. Highly recommend his services.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Karen brown
I spoke with Mr. Kelly about an odd situation. He was very attentive to what I needed and was quite upfront and honest with me. I would recommend him highly!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Al coate
Top notch professional, with sound advice and excellent service. I highly recommend Thomas Kelly.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Ryan n (neerphoria)
Thomas is a genuinely kind person. He cares about helping you and you can feel it in his voice. I had at least 30 questions when I got on the phone with him. He helped me stop, identify the important issues, and feel prepared. Highly recommend his services.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Karen brown
I spoke with Mr. Kelly about an odd situation. He was very attentive to what I needed and was quite upfront and honest with me. I would recommend him highly!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Al coate
Top notch professional, with sound advice and excellent service. I highly recommend Thomas Kelly.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
After three years of struggling with the aftermath of my divorce, I decided to seek professional advice. Robert was recommended to me so I made the appointment. Within minutes with Robert I could see a better future and a remedy to my financial problems as I had old debt and a weak credit score. I filed chapter 7 less than six months ago. Today my debt is gone and my credit score increased 72 points to the fair range. Robert listens and is knowledgeable. I thank him for my new life!
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04 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I had the best experience with Robert's services and I'm glad I have chosen him among a total of four very good lawyers I visited. He exceeded all my expectations. Robert is extremely professional, knowledgeable and friendly and his attributes translated the positive outcome of my case. He went an extra mile to win my business and I did appreciated that. He kept in touch throughout the whole process which gave the assurance I was in the right hands. All was done very smoothly and in a timely manner. He's also part of a vast network of lawyers in all areas of the law so, if you are looking for a lawyer, whatever the case might be, Robert Bialkin is the one to be called upon. Highly recommended.
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27 Jul, 2014 by Jan and patricia hunter
"When we went to Robert we had already been looking for an attorney for several weeks to help us with our bankruptcy. We even had one hour-long interview with another attorney in town who asked us a ton of questions but then ran out of time just as we wanted to ask him questions about the procedure. We left with more questions than answers and an uncomfortable feeling about his skills. Then we saw Robert Bialkin's website which was upbeat, professional and specific as to procedure, so we met with him. He was the opposite of the first attorney and gave us quick, complete answers to all our questions and the time to explain our needs. He had such a pleasant "bedside manner" that when we left our very first meeting we went out to breakfast to celebrate finding someone we were confident could do the job! And just as Robert promised, things went quickly, smoothly and painlessly and we're now back on track, on the road to financial recovery. Highly recommended!
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05 Oct, 2024 by Ryan n (neerphoria)
Thomas is a genuinely kind person. He cares about helping you and you can feel it in his voice. I had at least 30 questions when I got on the phone with him. He helped me stop, identify the important issues, and feel prepared. Highly recommend his services.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Karen brown
I spoke with Mr. Kelly about an odd situation. He was very attentive to what I needed and was quite upfront and honest with me. I would recommend him highly!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Al coate
Top notch professional, with sound advice and excellent service. I highly recommend Thomas Kelly.
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27 Oct, 2021 by Jeni hough
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22 Jul, 2021 by Colleen heinrich
Always professional, supportive and knowledgable. Thank you for your time in helping to sort out all the chaos making it smooth and painless...
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08 Jun, 2021 by Aris pologeorgis
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13 Jun, 2023 by Matt mcleod
I was referred by a family friend and had nothing but excellent service and legal representation from this law firm. Always responsive to my questions within days for several years! if you need their legal services you won’t be disappointed.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Kathy oakander
Working with Ryan was comforting and flawless. It was a very difficult time in our lives, but Ryan and staff were professional and walked us through, step by step. The office was quick with calls or emails, when we had questions. Thank you, Hindley Law! Highly recommend!
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21 Aug, 2019 by Pamela corley
The Law offices of Hindley & Henderson handled my bankruptcy with compassion for a person who made poor choices. I would highly recommend them. They walk you through every step and answer all questions that you have about the process. Tabitha was very patient with me when I called to often with stupid questions.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Alma guzman
Christian Fierro is an excellent lawyer I highly recommend him . He is very honest and caring for his clients and takes situations seriously. He is one call away to help you out. Anyone thats I know thats in need of a lawyer I direct them to Christian.
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28 Mar, 2022 by Jon
Mr. Fierro was the only attorney in the Sonoma County area that spoke directly with me regarding a landlord-tenant dispute. All other law offices screened my case and found it to be too small to deal with. I could not even get an email response from a few. Because he took the time to speak with me, my family now has heat in our home after not having it for 10 months. Being educated on your rights as a tenant goes a long way when you are having a discussion with your landlord. It is not just his knowledge and experience but also the empathy he has for his clients. I would overwhelmingly recommend him to anyone seeking mediation with a landlord-tenant issue.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Brandon
I just looked up Chris's information to pass on to a friend and this site came up. I used Chris Fierro a number of years ago in a landlord-tenant case. Chris was very professional and did an excellent job handling our matter.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Jyc kadlec-rivera
Trustworthy, thorough, easy to work with, and with very reasonable fees.
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27 May, 2015 by Ian
I cannot recommend Jeremy enough. I was recently involved in a very stressful and convoluted real estate/civil matter. If it wasn't for Jeremy, it would have ended very badly for me. He is one of the most professional, courteous and overall capable people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. If I am ever in need of legal representation again, Jeremy will be the absolute only person I will contact. I cannot stress enough what an outstanding attorney Jeremy Olsan is.
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03 May, 2012 by Timothy
I serve of the Board of Directors for the North Bay Association of Realtors and Jeremy serves as our chief legal counsel. Jeremy has also spoken to my office about legal issues arising out of real estate transactions. Jeremy is one of the most thorough and thoughtful attorneys I have met. He returns call within 24hrs and takes time to really listen to the concerns and outline possible remedies. I have referred Jeremy to some of my best clients, an indication of how much I trust his work
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18 Feb, 2016 by Janet
We not only know John Borba on a Professional level but have been friends with John for many many years. We would never hesitate to recommend John or have him represent us in any legal matter. We have had great experiences with him on several occasions, recently he helped our friends settle an elder abuse case within their family. John also helped us with a wedding venue for our sons wedding that was withholding a deposit from us when we hadn't even signed a contract. We never would of reached a successful conclusion without the professional representation he and his firm provided. If you want piece of mind a phone call is worth so much more!
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09 Jan, 2016 by Jeanette
Mr. Borba has handled various legal matters for me over the past 15 years; Family Trust, Business Incorporation, and a very difficult, but successful, Personal Injury Auto Accident case in which I suffered a serious shoulder injury due to the fault of the other driver involved. At all times he comported himself in a courteous and respectful manner. He is pragmatic and deliberately thorough in demeanor but possesses razor sharp legal acuity, a nimble mind, and keen intuition he can call upon to aggressively defend and represent his clients when necessary. These attributes, coupled with a sterling reputation, make him my one and only choice for legal representation or advice.
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06 May, 2015 by Colleen m.
Legal matters are never comfortable, but having John Borba as our legal representative for two generations for our family business, John brings a sense of compassion for his clients, but never less than extremely knowledgeable and aggressive with his legal acumen. John having served in Sonoma County for many years, I know his reputation is highly regarded by both client and other legal counsel and is held in high esteem. I would offer John as my highest recommendation for anyone needing his specialized legal services, as we have often done without regrets.
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04 Jul, 2020 by Robert
I was referred to Allan Cory from another real estate attorney. What a great referral that was! I had an option to buy a piece of property that went very bad. I had threats from the property owner and thier attorney. I emailed Allan the contract along with some emails. We talked only about the facts and he used he knowledge and expertise to defend me and actually turned the tide in 2 days! where I was in control. He had a settlement within a day which I was very happy with. Without him I had a nightmare brewing and could have gotten really screwed. His Bill for his service was More than FAIR!! He’s my new attorney for all my real estate and small business needs! Thanks again Allan! Robert
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21 Mar, 2013 by Alan
We used Allan to sell my mother in laws house in Petaluma. He made the process easy to understand was very helpful. We recommend him fully.
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14 Jul, 2012 by Elizabeth
Allan is an extremely smart, well-informed, highly responsive and effective attorney. He specializes in real estate law, and I have used him for issues involving foreclosures, bankruptcy, real estate notes, contracts, etc. I am a real estate broker, and have referred him to a number of clients who have found him to be an aggressive and sympathetic advocate for them. He is also a real estate broker, and brings practical "boots on the ground" experience to his practice, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of all facets of real estate law, as well as bankruptcy. I highly recommend him to anyone who is having an issue that they believe needs to be escalated to level of an attorney. I have never had a client not be impressed by his knowledge, his honest assessment of their situation and his lack of bulltootie.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Stephen deornellas (buddy)
Excellent attorney. Professional, honest, and customer focused
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19 Jul, 2023 by Cindy mayer
Great attorney very kind and patient with my 91 year old dad!
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01 May, 2017 by Nilesh gheewala
Competent
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12 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I have used the team of Borba, Frizzell Kerns for personal and professional reasons. I find them professional and understanding. They helped me set up my LLC for my new business and also helped out when we had a problem with a neighbor. I find them compassionate and helpful and would recommend them to anyone, which I have done on more then one occasion :)
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06 May, 2015 by Rob
Borba, Frizzell Kerns has provided impeccable service. Their knowledge of business and employment law has served my company well. The firm as a whole has been extremely responsive. I would wholeheartedly recommend them as they provide a wide range of legal services.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Joe was highly recommended when I was doing the legwork for a friend in need of an attorney. Not only did he return my call right away, he did so even though he had taken time off for the birth of his child. He was very knowledgeable and skillful, clearly answered every question we had and was such a comfort that he was the first call I made when my son caught his own case not long after. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, we weren't able to hire Joe for my son but I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone and everyone. At the worst time in my family's life, Joe treated us with empathy and compassion while being realistic and straightforward about our options.
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22 Oct, 2012 by Chai
Words can not explain how lucky I was to have found a criminal attorney as good as Joe Rogoway. A situation led to my fiance, my roommate, and myself facing numerous aggrivated felony charges. Joe was my only hope against these aggrivated felony charges. My immigration status in the US was in jeopardy of Deportation, and whole life and future were now at the mercy of the criminal justice system. Joe was extremely educated and experienced with every one of my felony allegations, spanning from felony cultivation, felony possession with intent to distribute and felony possession of a stolen firearm, along with others. He was sensitive to my situation, and even assisted my co-defendants in finding suitable representation. Joe communicated with my immigration attorneys and very professionally navigated the whole fleet through our legal process. Joe was not only successful in getting me the best possible outcome (which most people didn't believe was possible in my situation), but also played the role of my therapist. Joe always found a way to be there for me and communicated with everyone from my attorneys to my family. Over all I truly believe Joe Rogoway is the BEST criminal defense attorney in CA, was underpaid for everything he did for me, and anyone facing criminal charges would be lucky to retain his services.
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10 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Have used this lawyer for real estate matters over 25 years and has consistently been efficient, caring, and knowledgeable. He doesn't waste your money--very good value and pays attention to your needs. He is a problem solver. Highly recommended. He has seen us through a number of sticky real estate questions.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Nena zamora
I'm very happy and pleased with jenni klose...she does her job and explains everything... very understanding and sincer...even does extra for her clients....she is a super star in my eyes...
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
We have used Charles Cochran 3 times over the past 15 years and each time he has provided us with effective and knowledgeable assistance. The first time was a case brought against us as a contracting company by an unhappy client. The claims were unreasonable. Usually in this situation there is some sort of compromise, no matter how unfounded the claims. Charlie made everything go away. The second time we were sued by the owner of a company whose board we served on. Again totally unreasonable claims and we won our jury trial case and the counter suit we filed with a substantial amount of money, the largest award in Sonoma County at the time. Thirdly, when we had difficulties with a Landlord/ tenant situation we again turned to Charlie and again he provided us knowledgeable and effective assistance.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Stacey swanson
Honest and caring people.
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30 May, 2014 by Tanya
Kevin you are an awesome Lawyer and you did a great Job on my families case! I would recommend you to anybody who needs a lawyer! Thank You! Tanya W.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Stacey swanson
Honest and caring people.
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31 Jan, 2012 by Gail
Had a through knowledge of mechanic liens and resulting civil suits. But best of all? Excellent communication skills; she has the ability to translate proceedings to my level so I could clearly understand everything that was going on as well as what to expect. Between her suggestions and our open discussions, I was able make informed decisions.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Stacey swanson
Honest and caring people.
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24 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Richard Nelson has served as counsel regarding current contracts and leases I have requested his legal advice and expertise on. As a positive, Richard does not emulate the typical attorney profile. He is genuine and trustworthy, complimented by being one of the most skilled, analytical, and brilliant attorneys I have ever worked with. He worked passionately to remove the barriers to success in negotiating my contract, working promptly to help me clarify my position. He was extremely communicative throughout the process. He stood true to his focus and remained goal oriented thoughout my negotiations, upholding our position with fervor and clarifying points for further discussion in my best interest. If you are in search of an attorney who will keep the best interest of his clients as a first priority, I would highly recommend Richard Nelson.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Cynthia edington
Thomas Jeffrey helped me immensely with my issue He was painstaking with his execution of my issues. He held my hand all the way through and I got the results I wanted. He was great.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Cj jay
Retaining Tom changed my life. I was in debt and being sued by several law firms representing various debtors. Tom was transparent, realistic, and extremely patient and understanding, he didn’t judge me and most importantly he was successful. We settled one case for less than half and then Tom fought another because Tom knew the law and guess what, TOM WON. Five+ years after retaining Tom my credit is 800+ and I’m financially sound.
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09 May, 2022 by Sharon eager
This review is 10 years overdue. Since Tom handled our bankruptcy, we have flourished. Filing for bankruptcy was one of the lowest points in our professional and personal lives. We were so ashamed. Our experience with Tom was excellent. His handling of the myriad of paperwork, appointments and the nuances of the bankruptcy system was amazing. He is also a very kind, compassionate person. His representation made the process less painful and we never felt judged - he is a great advocate. Thank you, Tom.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Jyc kadlec-rivera
Trustworthy, thorough, easy to work with, and with very reasonable fees.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Erika mendoza
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Christian Razo for the outstanding work he did in handling my husband’s immigration case. From the very beginning, Christian demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to our case. Christian Razo was always available to answer my questions, explain the complex process clearly, and provide invaluable guidance every step of the way. His attention to detail, thoroughness, and empathetic approach made a challenging experience much more manageable. I was particularly impressed with how Christian Razo went above and beyond to ensure that everything was done correctly and on time. Thanks to Christian Razo tireless efforts, our case was resolved smoothly and successfully. I highly recommend Kerosky & Gallelli Law Firm to anyone in need of immigration services. Their expertise and commitment truly set them apart.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Craig erickson
From our first phone meeting, Brian was able to answer all of our questions and help us feel at ease with the legal process. We had never needed to seek legal advise and we were unsure of how to proceed with our situation. Fortunately, Brian was a perfect fit and was very patient with us. If I ever have any legal questions in the future, I won't hesitate at all to call Brian and seek his services.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Lola johnson
Very thorough. Call backs were immediately made to us. He made our process very easy and understandable. I would definitely hire him again if needed.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sherry xu
Michael has been an incredible help with our child's education rights. His dedication and compassion have been invaluable. He went the extra mile by connecting us with a special education expert. We are grateful for his support and highly recommend his services.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anthony vasquez
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08 Jul, 2024 by Luana antunes
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05 Oct, 2024 by Ryan n (neerphoria)
Thomas is a genuinely kind person. He cares about helping you and you can feel it in his voice. I had at least 30 questions when I got on the phone with him. He helped me stop, identify the important issues, and feel prepared. Highly recommend his services.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Karen brown
I spoke with Mr. Kelly about an odd situation. He was very attentive to what I needed and was quite upfront and honest with me. I would recommend him highly!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Al coate
Top notch professional, with sound advice and excellent service. I highly recommend Thomas Kelly.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Veronica patino
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09 Jan, 2024 by Tina pappalardo
Brian is very knowledgeable, resourceful and very informative. He provided me all the information and helped me through the process. He submit it the bankruptcy case without any issues. He was caring and very helpful. It was a pleasure working with him through the emotionally difficult process.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Donna morosi
Brian Barbosa, Helped me through a very hard time. I Give him a five star rating and highly recommend his services!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Simon raya
Needed help with cyber and direct harassment for my online profile. Davin and his team are fantastic. I feel good that I have connected with them. I have also used Davin and Jeff in the past for suit to quiet title actions in the past. These gentleman can help with disputes and litigation. 5/5
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08 Apr, 2024 by Austin locke
Kim Marois is the best! She told me I was incapable of taking care of a pet. Now there are several and Chippy just had five kittens. They are 1/2 leopard and 1/2 tabby. They go purr 😸 all day long and bite everybody else and their pets, except me. Chippy's labor was extremely difficult, she took a 24 hour break but still accepted food. Well, it seems that my pets are weird but controllable. It would be my honor to offer one to Kim, only after teaching it to only piss on the floor. And other things. Because Kim is so great she deserves this. A nice kitten. 🐱
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08 Sep, 2019 by Stephen zang
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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