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01 Jul, 2024 by David egan
Joel Gerber is awesome to work with. He's been our closing attorney for two home purchases and is on top of everything. Our most recent purchase involved a highly ineffective seller agent and her vindictive client. Joel was nothing short of exceptional in this difficult circumstance and provided sound and honest guidance to us. I highly recommend Joel.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Maria solesbee
Joel and his staff are some of the best in town! They go above and beyond to answer all questions and are extremely professional. My clients have always been very pleased by their services. Not to forget the candy bar, such a treat! Literally!
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17 Apr, 2024 by Jenn ford
Thank you for always taking such great care of my clients and myself and making our transactions such a smooth process. Your staff is amazing and it is always such a pleasure working with your office.
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31 May, 2024 by Ramona atkinson
Professional , nice office
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25 Mar, 2024 by John powell
I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for the work that Oliver Maner LLP did regarding the legal action taken against me. This action involved a high-profile case, with national news coverage. Mr. Pat O'Connor and the other talented attorneys of the firm addressed the case filed against me in a professional manner with constant follow-up. The team was very thoughtful and expressed a deep concern concerning the situation I was facing. The team made me feel comfortable, explaining the legal demands and responses required. The expertise offered by Mr. O'Connor and his associates is among the best I have ever worked with. I have been involved in the legal system since 1983, working in public safety. Mr. O'Connor takes time to explain the course of action, outcomes, and avenues to address the situation. The follow-up on questions and timely reporting of action helped to alleviate the normal stress filled period. I would, without hesitation, recommend the services of Oliver Maner LLP and Mr. Pat O'Connor and the other attorneys at the firm.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Wendy bowers
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02 Apr, 2024 by Shehzad muhamed
Contacted and spoke to Rebecca Sczepanski a month ago regarding work about ERISA law. Initial communication was good, but I have not heard or received any updates for a month now. Zero follow-up about progress of work just a simple “I’ll get back to you”. I ended up having to contact other sources to get my questions answered. I’ve terminated work with this firm after getting no legal advice at all and only exchange of a handful of emails. Do not recommend.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Darren goldberg
Terrible experience with inexperienced lawyers. I orginally called this firm to possibly handle my claim for probate and possible litigation. I spoke to David Burkoff who did listen to my case which involved my brothers fraudulent actions. David did seem interested and asked questions to see if he was competent in supposedly the line of expertise they handle. The next day i get an email stating in short that there was no conflict of interest but said that he would be too expensive and then he proceeded to pawn me off on one of their inexperienced lawyer Gracie Shepherd Saas. David said that this was an area she could handle and proceeds to give me her contact info to see if this was a case she could proceed with. I left a message with Gracie the same day as she was copied in the email. I didn't here back from her so i wrote an email and four days later we spoke. When we spoke i gave her an outline for of my case for approx 20-25 minutes. At the end she didnt ask any questions and the only thing she wanted was a copy of my parents will and trust. I asked why she needed this because this was Not pertinent info she needed right away. She didn’t answer me. I gave her what she needed and she said she would get back to me right away. Well, she never got back to me. I also left David a message three days ago and Never heard back from them. They completely ghosted me. I can see that Gracies inexperience and unprofessional manner by ghosting me will greatly impact this unprofessional law firm. I just wonder how many other people they haven't followed up with. I'm assuming they only want easy, straight forward cases that don't require and skills other than just having a law degree. I would definitely pass on this inexperienced law firm that doesn't have the decency to even return calls nor show any professionalism.
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04 Dec, 2022 by Lee vining (the roof guy)
Give them a call
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02 Apr, 2024 by Shehzad muhamed
Contacted and spoke to Rebecca Sczepanski a month ago regarding work about ERISA law. Initial communication was good, but I have not heard or received any updates for a month now. Zero follow-up about progress of work just a simple “I’ll get back to you”. I ended up having to contact other sources to get my questions answered. I’ve terminated work with this firm after getting no legal advice at all and only exchange of a handful of emails. Do not recommend.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Darren goldberg
Terrible experience with inexperienced lawyers. I orginally called this firm to possibly handle my claim for probate and possible litigation. I spoke to David Burkoff who did listen to my case which involved my brothers fraudulent actions. David did seem interested and asked questions to see if he was competent in supposedly the line of expertise they handle. The next day i get an email stating in short that there was no conflict of interest but said that he would be too expensive and then he proceeded to pawn me off on one of their inexperienced lawyer Gracie Shepherd Saas. David said that this was an area she could handle and proceeds to give me her contact info to see if this was a case she could proceed with. I left a message with Gracie the same day as she was copied in the email. I didn't here back from her so i wrote an email and four days later we spoke. When we spoke i gave her an outline for of my case for approx 20-25 minutes. At the end she didnt ask any questions and the only thing she wanted was a copy of my parents will and trust. I asked why she needed this because this was Not pertinent info she needed right away. She didn’t answer me. I gave her what she needed and she said she would get back to me right away. Well, she never got back to me. I also left David a message three days ago and Never heard back from them. They completely ghosted me. I can see that Gracies inexperience and unprofessional manner by ghosting me will greatly impact this unprofessional law firm. I just wonder how many other people they haven't followed up with. I'm assuming they only want easy, straight forward cases that don't require and skills other than just having a law degree. I would definitely pass on this inexperienced law firm that doesn't have the decency to even return calls nor show any professionalism.
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04 Dec, 2022 by Lee vining (the roof guy)
Give them a call
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10 Sep, 2018 by Alonzo
Hired as a contractual lawyer back in 2014. Have been consulting him ever since. Always available, sometimes even last minute and worked after hours. Lifesaver. Very professional, personable and knowledgeable. Already suggested to friend who had same experience.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Troy
We contacted Matthew to represent our neighborhood homeowners against the developers who were negligent in their repairs to our neighborhood. Matt was interested and said he would help. However after trying to email and call him for 2 weeks leaving messages with his secretary he never returned our calls. This was a time sensitive issues in which we needed something and instead of telling us he was not interested he ignored us. Not recommended.
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02 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Barr for a custody case. She ignored my emails and phone calls. She was unorganized, unprepared and incompetent. I was sent an email at 3pm on a Friday with the judge's decision and when I called her office because I had questions, she was gone on a boat ride and guess what she still has not returned my call as of today (Tuesday). Didnt tell me what other options i had or anything. She had me to submit documents that could not be submitted to the courts. The day before court she sends me documents to review which I did not have time to review due to me traveling to GA for court, she asked me to write down questions I wanted her to ask the plaintiff while they were testifying, and almost every document the plaintiffs lawyer submitted as an exhibit I did not know anything about but she made sure their lawyer got copies of mine. I was embarrassed to have her as my lawyer. It's so much more that I could share but i would reach my limit on this review. I'm disgusted, hurt, upset, livid, I'm just an emotional wreck. She just took my money, I could have represented my own self. When searching for an attorney in family law please do not waste your time or money with her. Now I have to put out more money for another lawyer because of her negligence. #worstlawyerever
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04 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
This was our second time to use her. Again forgot the reasons we were there. To protect a child. Didnt go our way. Father still has visitation over night. And judge Bass didnt care either. Wouldn't allow our lawyer to even talk. Listen only to Kelly Miller. Our second time around with her.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Karen Dove Barr to represent me in a divorce - made me all kinds of promises and didn't keep any! Told me ex could not get alimony under any circumstances, but Judge granted it and made it permanently. Dove Barr said I could get custody of my child, but judge gave me 2 days a month visitation, and Dove Barr was late for this important court date and was totally unprepared and not even sure of my name when called to testify! Because she demanded payment up front, I had little leverage, then she tried to charge me $5,000 MORE because she attended hearing that she knew about when I hired her! She is totally incompetent and has no clue what she is doing. Other attorneys eat her for lunch!
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08 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Mathew McCoy took our lawsuit and thoroughly bungled it. When he couldn't be bothered to clean up the mess he'd made of the details of a settlement offer, he passed it off to his most inexperienced associate, who decided he had more sympathy for our opponent than for us, and admitted to having had numerous DIRECT personal conversations with. Also, we had asked specifically for confidentiality on a particular point, which the associate completely ignored, and shared the info with the opposing attorney. Hiring this guy was a bigger mistake than hiring the people we ended up suing. It's telling that when we declined to pay our final bill, citing some of the above, they didn't protest much. Just sent an email" "never contact anyone at my firm again..." Not a problem... Perhaps these lawyers will work harder on a bigger case, or for a company, but if you're an individual, you can probably do a LOT better.
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18 Mar, 2014 by Madem or sir
This attorney has not inform me as representative of the claim's person name to do an investigation on the defendant and it's cause that is illegal to present a mailed letter with the wrong name to the correct address, This attorney has not even documented a complete introduction letter to give an appropriate reason of why the letter is sent . This attorney is a friend of an relative of mine giving her assistant to defend her criminal actions to me as a victim in the year of 1973. Not only that there is no date of the letter , this can give anyone that receives this letter a cardiac arrest .
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21 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
This man took my money, treated me like a child and thrn failed to get my divorce finalized or give me any real options. He never returned my phone calls and the experience overall left a bad taste in my mouth. I had a lot of faith in this attorney because my family had used his firm for many years. It looks like this was misplaced. We have severed ties. Find a more reputable attorney to handle your affairs.
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03 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
I interviewed Atty Harris concerning a the placement of a Georgia Power pole adjacent to my property, that would interfere with my planned circular driveway. He said that he could file a stop work injunction, if I would pay him a $500 retainer. I paid the retainer, left his office, and 10 minutes later he called me to say that he could not get the injunction. He would not refund the retainer.
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15 Jul, 2013 by William
I retained Mrs. Rehal to represent me in my Divorce proceedings. She took my money and withdrew from the case without warning the day before I was suppose to go to court. I filed a petition before the court to not let her drop my case and the Judge denied it. I had to hire another attorney, pay another retainer and other fees. Mrs. Rehal refused to answer any calls, letters, or inquiries as to why she dropped my case the day before my divorce proceedings were to begin. She did not return my money and she did not provide me with any legal services.
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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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