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19 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Worked primarily with his partner, but had the misfortune of having Mr. Farahani be part of the deal. Obsequious at the initial client meeting. During the litigation, condescending and dismissive. When a mild difference of opinion arose, became petulant, dishonest, and ultimately, enraged. I've seldom encountered such a lack of professionalism anywhere in my professional life. Avoid.
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14 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
I was not impressed with his knowledge of the law regarding my situation and his lack of cooperation and willingness to work with me
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22 Sep, 2012 by L. petrey
Mr. Farahani is an excellent attorney who I strongly recommend. He was very responsive and provided thorough answers to all of my questions. He is very knowledgable , professional yet very personable. If you want an attorney who will be in your corner and fight for your rights, Mr Farahani is your man.
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21 May, 2021 by Anonymous
David seems like and probably is a decent guy outside of the profession...but made erros and 1) tried to charge me to fix an error for a fling that was rejected to not understanding local rules 2)Made a verbal deal with the opposing who took advantage of the deal not being in writing which resulted in my being deposed twice and NEVER LANDING A DEPOSITION FROM OPPOSING. The error was compounded with a last-minute attempt for a reprieve that the court rejected and blamed be for not having more diligent counsel..they would not move the schedule. I think people dealing with serious ($$$) cases and especially federal should do their research.
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23 Dec, 2018 by Rongwu
I rented a place for massage this February, but the premises, I found latter, was too bad -- the neighbors of this place constantly make much noise. I decided to end the lease, but my building owner didn't want to do so. I had to ask for help from David . In less than two months David told me that the lease is successfully terminated and we can just leave it behind. David is very professional in the stuff he does, therefore I highly recommend him.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
David, Richard, and the rest of his staff have been invaluable in assisting with numerous facets of my complicated legal issues. They seamlessly work to ensure my personal and business issues are addressed as professionally as possible. They speak to my other attorneys and business associates to gather not only the content, but also the context that can only be garnered personally. I owe them everything and sincerely appreciate their care! I recommend David Pierce, JD, Richard Stinstrom and his staff without reservation!
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07 Mar, 2022 by Cary
I've known Fred for many years, although we are not friends and I haven't spoken with him in decades. I represent non-profit landlords. Fred is one of a few attorneys I refer both landlords and tenants to for assistance. He is quite competent and ethical.
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11 Sep, 2017 by Jay
Mr Spinrad started representing myself and my firm in 1978., representing us in unlawful detainer actions where we sought possession of our apartments due to failure of the tenant to pay rent or for non rent related issues. Prior to that itime we had used other firms butwe weren't fully satisfied until Fred did our u.d.s. It is now 39 years later and he is still the first one I call. He is great. He returns calls, the clock does not start when i answer or he does. It has to be hard on him and his staff to get nasty calls from people being evicted and when they are writing reviews of an attorney who represents the other side. I will say one more thing- maybe two lol- Fred volunteered to teach a class every year to train my resident managers. Made my life easier. AND while i cant write about or comment on reviews I have read I am curious as to which buildings were given to someone who supposedly got them in a court settlement. There is no mention of this with State Bsr Association etc . Fred Spinrad is an amazing attorney, as are the newer attorneys in the office!!!!
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21 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
The only reason I haven't sued him for Abuse of Process is because I can't afford the retainer to secure legal representation which was intentionally created by his actions. He fraudulently filed a lawsuit against me, solely for the purpose of obtaining a default judgment in effort to destroy my credit and obtain monetary gains for his and his client's benefit. I was intentionally, never served either. I HAVE SOLID PROOF OF HIS WRONG DOING WHICH HEAVILY CONTRADICTED WHAT HIS CLIENT REPORTED TO ME WHILE TO TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS AFTER I BECAME AWARE OF IT, 10 MONTHS AFTER.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed in this firm. It took them close to three weeks to get back to me in regards to my potential case. They did not follow up with me and I ended up calling three times and wrote 4 emails all to no response. This was after on the 3rd day giving them a complete intake form of all the details pertaining to my potential case. By the third week I received a letter letting me know that they could not take my case, not a phone call or a explanation of the results. Very frustrating unprofessional firm.
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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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