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10 Dec, 2022 by Anthony
Chris was great from start to finish. He explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely cared. Would hire Chris again in the future if I needed an attorney again!
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01 Dec, 2022 by Michael
As part of an estate, I faced legal challenges regarding Real Estate matters. I contacted Mr. Szewczyk, Esq. and he responded immediately to learn about the situation He took the case and was professional, patient and knowledgeable throughout the process. His legal and professional advice allowed me to resolve my situation quickly and efficiently despite multiple challenges arising during the process.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Anne
Chris was exceptionally responsive and helpful during a stressful time. My elderly mother is struggling with a problematic tenant to the point of it impacting her health. I made the initial inquiry on a holiday weekend and Chris responded outside of ordinary business hours. He carved out time to talk with her immediately, and helped calm and clear her mind for an upcoming hearing. His expertise is matched by his personable nature. He was straight-forward, super-knowledgeable and now the family knows where we will turn for any future legal issue. Excellent! Thank you Chris!
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04 Oct, 2022 by Andrew
My siblings and I inherited family mineral rights to 120 acres in western PA in 2016. We really didn't know what to do with it or how to value them. We did get an unsolicited offer in late 2021 which wasn't bad, but we felt we needed to "shop" these rights but didn't know where to start. I found Mr. Saunders through an online search and am glad we did. Once he got our basic information, he was easy to work with, always followed through and used his network of contacts in the field to get us 35% more for our mineral rights than we would have been able to obtain on our own. The sale went through without a hitch. All in all, a good experience and we would highly recommend Stephen Saunders without hesitation
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30 Sep, 2022 by Ted
Im a retired attorney. My sisters and I needed an attorney to negotiate our gas lease. We didn't want to be deeply involved but obviously wanted a professional result. We were VERY happy with Mr. Saunder's work. In all probability, we will continúe to employ him in the future
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23 Dec, 2014 by Pat
Attorney Saunders, revue my deed and told me I do not get sub surface rights, when grantor dies. It was the intent and understanding of the grantor and grantee, that the sub surface rights would pass to me at grantors passing. However that was not the way the deed was written. It took almost two years to get the correct language in the corrective deed. This was NOT Atty. Saunders fault. I am very glad Atty. Saunders, alerted me of the incorrect wording on my deed. I would recommend Atty. Saunders, with your oil, gas and deed issues.
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06 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Listened to my concerns closely. I had a very complicated situation with my small business regarding back taxes as well as sale of assets. They helped my walk through the situation beautifully. I could not recommend better!
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31 Jan, 2017 by Barbara
Michelle helped us with several gas and oil related matters as well as personal issues We were extremely happy with the results and felt she handled these matters professionally and promptly. We would highly recommend this law firm and will continue to use them in our future.
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06 Mar, 2021 by Iris pagan
Very professional
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Todd O'Malley has been more than an attorney. His care level is top shelf. This firm has went above our expectations personally and legally. He was upfront with us on all levels and we feel he was and has been the very best choice for us. Our case has been hard and long and he still continues to reach the goals.
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27 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Jerry Weinberger is highly professional, meticulous, well versed, savvy, well liked and super intelligent. If he were in a big market, he would be able to charge several times his price. Jerry has a spectacular, and judicious mind.
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24 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
excellent lawyer that describes everything to you in a language you can understand. very informative and kept me up to date with all that was going on. Very happy with this attorney, he fights for what is right and will not sell you out in the political arena of Lackawanna County.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Cab boyer
Polite , courteous and prompt responses
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21 Feb, 2023 by John rz
The office was easy to find and there was plenty of parking. The staff were very professional and friendly. Lawyers were very knowledgable and explained scenarios concerning our case.
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13 Apr, 2022 by Rachael frutchey
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13 Jun, 2023 by Cab boyer
Polite , courteous and prompt responses
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21 Feb, 2023 by John rz
The office was easy to find and there was plenty of parking. The staff were very professional and friendly. Lawyers were very knowledgable and explained scenarios concerning our case.
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13 Apr, 2022 by Rachael frutchey
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09 Jul, 2024 by Sean clark
Matt Perry is top notch!
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05 Jun, 2024 by Michael lambert
I've been a client of O'Malley & Perry Law for many years in different types of legal situations. Mike and Matt Perry are brilliant attorneys - they get results!! I wouldn't want to be on the opposing side - but as your representatives they are the nicest people you'd want to meet. I can't recommend them enough!
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30 May, 2024 by Eric d.
Ann was excellent. She helped us research property records to resolve a dispute with a neighbor. Kind, courteous, and professional!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Catherine berardelli
Please DO Not have John Mascelli represent you! Extremely greedy!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Cathy berardelli
John Masselli received $7,200 for representing me. He then sent me a bill for $426.00 stating I owe him for a ride to Wilkes-Barre. He never told me he was charging me. Some attorney's are extremely greedy. Becareful who represents you.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tyler peregrin
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29 Jul, 2024 by Catherine berardelli
Please DO Not have John Mascelli represent you! Extremely greedy!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Cathy berardelli
John Masselli received $7,200 for representing me. He then sent me a bill for $426.00 stating I owe him for a ride to Wilkes-Barre. He never told me he was charging me. Some attorney's are extremely greedy. Becareful who represents you.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tyler peregrin
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29 Jul, 2024 by Catherine berardelli
Please DO Not have John Mascelli represent you! Extremely greedy!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Cathy berardelli
John Masselli received $7,200 for representing me. He then sent me a bill for $426.00 stating I owe him for a ride to Wilkes-Barre. He never told me he was charging me. Some attorney's are extremely greedy. Becareful who represents you.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tyler peregrin
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29 Jul, 2024 by Catherine berardelli
Please DO Not have John Mascelli represent you! Extremely greedy!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Cathy berardelli
John Masselli received $7,200 for representing me. He then sent me a bill for $426.00 stating I owe him for a ride to Wilkes-Barre. He never told me he was charging me. Some attorney's are extremely greedy. Becareful who represents you.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tyler peregrin
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29 Jul, 2024 by Catherine berardelli
Please DO Not have John Mascelli represent you! Extremely greedy!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Cathy berardelli
John Masselli received $7,200 for representing me. He then sent me a bill for $426.00 stating I owe him for a ride to Wilkes-Barre. He never told me he was charging me. Some attorney's are extremely greedy. Becareful who represents you.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tyler peregrin
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25 Sep, 2024 by Honest john
Going back a number of years ago my wife and I consulted with Marjorie about possibly filing a bankruptcy. At the consultation Marjorie happily Accepted a check for A retainer of over a $1000 from us. The only reason we had that money was from a tax return. Shortly after we decided not to go through with the bankruptcy and asked for the refund. Let me add, There were no papers filled out and no paperwork filed for a bankruptcy. No work on her part was rendered at any time. Her assistant acted as if she knew nothing about it so I provided them with a copy of the cashed check. I followed up with the assistant/secretary many times leaving voicemail messages and talking to them directly over the phone. I was always given the run around that they had to discuss it with Marjorie. They literally had a copy of the cash check that they cashed. What more would they possibly need to prove they owed it to us. After over a year of getting the run around and being ignored we finally gave up. She took the money, Never provided any services for it And refused to acknowledge us. She is a piece of garbage in my eyes and not worth the space she takes up or the money she steals. Literally taking Over a $1000 from someone who is SO down and out that they are considering bankruptcy. What a despicable human being. After looking through the reviews it appears that we were not the only victims.
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28 Aug, 2023 by Karen pasqualicchio
Just met with her for an estate. She was very good and gave us a step by step plan.
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05 Mar, 2023 by Eric t
Marjorie is an amazing Attorney and person. She's very direct and forthcoming with her thoughts and ideas and doesn't pull any punches. I appreciate all that's she's done for my friends and my family, and consider her a dear friend.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Amanda smith
Since you don't return phone calls how do we fire you.. my bf has trail in less then a month you never return our calls and you have never went to the jail to see him
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30 Dec, 2023 by Amanda szarka
He is a lair and does even try to help. He stated ro my husband, who at the time was incarcerated, that I wasn't in the courtroom, but I was there the whole time. Then he asked if my husband would take drug court.. he did no back history because if he did, he would've known he is a state inmate, and therefore, he was not eligible for drug court. He then got a continuance for what he said the next week. When, in was another month out. If you value your time and freedom, you're better off defending yourself than to go with this guy.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Rich andrews
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05 Jun, 2024 by Amanda smith
Since you don't return phone calls how do we fire you.. my bf has trail in less then a month you never return our calls and you have never went to the jail to see him
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30 Dec, 2023 by Amanda szarka
He is a lair and does even try to help. He stated ro my husband, who at the time was incarcerated, that I wasn't in the courtroom, but I was there the whole time. Then he asked if my husband would take drug court.. he did no back history because if he did, he would've known he is a state inmate, and therefore, he was not eligible for drug court. He then got a continuance for what he said the next week. When, in was another month out. If you value your time and freedom, you're better off defending yourself than to go with this guy.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Rich andrews
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21 Jul, 2023 by Kelly
Was truly disappointed in regards to how he handled things with my husband’s federal white collar case. His lack of knowledge of the changes with the First Steps Act of 2018. Making me feel that my concerns were not priority, and not explaining why they should or shouldn’t be.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Diane
Ernie Preate is in my experience the best prosecutor Lackawanna county ever had. He put Joseph Aulisio in jail for life. He was very professional and made sure he took Mr. Allison off the streets for life. My family is very happy and stands by him for every thing he has done for us.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Jennifer
Upon consulting Mr. Preate regarding allegations made against my 11 year old son - he eased all my worries and gave our family the confidence we needed to proceed accordingly. We hired him and breathed a sigh of relief knowing we had him on our side. The case is still on going however every step of the way he has proven to be the perfect fit for our case. He has shown us that he is willing to fight for my son just as hard (if not harder) than I ever could. Extremely intelligent and a straight shooter. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a good criminal defense attorney.
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17 Sep, 2022 by Nevaeh rosencrance
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04 Mar, 2020 by Debraann debra
Be very careful with this attorney! Make sure you check with other attorneys in the area for the cost of a case similar to yours. He definitely over charges! He must think he is still in Philadelphia. Reels you in with big talk and after you sign on he “implores” you to take a plea deal even if your innocent. Then has the nerve to get mad at you when you refuse the plea. What’s the point in paying thousands of dollars for a lawyer to fight your case for you if he is just going to beg you to take a plea deal. Seriously you can do that for free. We did go to trial! He did not present all of our evidence and was still found not guilty. And he wanted me to take a plea deal where I was looking at many many years in prison. All I can say is WOW! Hope this helps. Good luck!
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26 Jul, 2019 by Art machler
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25 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr Mazzoni is not someone that I would do business with for the following reasons. The man did not do any preparation for the meeting that I drove an hour and a half to and proceeded to give me indirect answers to any of my questions. He repeated himself on numerous points and went off topic with many tangents. He was not up front with any fees nor took the time to explain what process was involved . Having a concern of my time and resources, I wanted a legitimate estimate and I would never trust someone who was tight lipped on that from the start. Get someone who wants to invest the time in your case because this man will just give you a song and a dance.
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06 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
When I walked in there was no receptionist and waited. Mr Sposto was in the phone and finally came out but forgot I had an appointment, I waited more. Then finally during my consultation (which he charged $75 and on the phone was told free) he told me I don't have a "smoking gun" to sue the former owner of our home and left. It made no sense because I had so much proof. I went to a different attorney. He said I had a case and we went to court and won! I was so disappointed I wasted my time and $75 with Ernie Sposto.
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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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