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31 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Barry is a good attorney. i didn't know what to do when i got in trouble over something i didn't do so i ask the judge for an attorney they picked Barry. he told me ask for a jury trial i did. than we went to court he fought for me and basically had the person changing her story . she lied on me but you know the Distant Attorney thought i was guilty they was trying their best to put me in jail or get money from me. Barry Helped me out a lot..cause of the girl changing her story and him asking her questions about me and her lying on stand.Jury came back Not Guilty i am so glad i didn't have to go to jail or pay for something i didn't do
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03 Jun, 2020 by Kent
I hired Angela to handle a legal dispute with a former business associate. She was great! She quickly absorbed all the facts and minutiae related to case and effectively used her experience and legal to develop a winning strategy. Her knowledge and confidence was a tremendous help in getting me through a tense and stressful situation. I was very pleased with her performance and the results.
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24 May, 2024 by Glen wetzel
Very friendly and gave sound council
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10 Apr, 2024 by Texoma commercial cleaning llc
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14 Feb, 2024 by Sabina wildes
I am very thankful and blessed to have their service, their charges are amazing l would recommend everyone, very professional. May God bless their work and expand their boundaries.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Shannon winkler
We hired Micah and he was quick and efficient to get everything taken care of. Easily accessible and answered all of our questions.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Linda listen
The worse attorney ever. All he did was take my money that’s exactly about all he did. He did not even try one bit. Please I’m telling by experience do not hire this man.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Tish stockslager
Excellent job for my sister.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Priscilla dallas
I can't recommend Jackie VanZant enough! I called Jackie about a situation that was complicated and had me very stressed out. Jackie was honest, explained the options I had, and absolutely had my back in my case! I appreciate that he was always there when questions came up and didn't hesitate to answer in terms that I understood. Jackie was there every step of the way to help make the right decisions and ultimately win my case. I will use Jackie for all of my future legal issues! Thank you VanZant Law!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Dave
Very busy man but definitely in great hands! If you want someone who is going to keep it real with you! This is the guy!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Donja flewallen
I couldn't have found a better representative for our situation. Mr. VanZant took a case most firms wouldn't touch and got us a substantial win considering the charges. His attention to details and ability to work with our financial situation gave us a second chance. Hands down the best attorney I'm Grayson county.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Charlie
First time Brock has represented me and hopefully not the last. I’ll call on him for future representation if needed.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Michael brezina
Brock is very professional and knowledgeable. He handle my estate affairs with expertise.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Bethany frazier
My family has used Brock for years and we are very grateful for his hard work and great counsel! As my husband and I are starting the adoption process, Brock has also been very helpful with planning and assisting with everything that we needed to do pre-adoption.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Rhonda corley
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14 Dec, 2022 by Sam owen
Gary Corley always had my back,great at what he does!!!
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11 Sep, 2022 by Ryan | monarch hospice
Have used Gary and Jared for multiple contracts. They are very through and make sure to breakdown everything to where its understandable and come up with creative ways to accomplish what is needed.
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16 Jan, 2024 by John
Worst lawyer I've ever seen or had by far. INCLUDEING HIS ASSISTANT. If I could give negative stars I would to the max. He has no motivation to help in any shape or form and trys to casually brush off and hide his true Intentions. I could write a novel of all the mistakes, and flat out ignorance he has had in all the court hearings I've had to attend. For starters Texas DAs try to give me 4 charges from another state that never has existed nor pressed charges on me before. I've never Evan as so little gotten a ticket or in any trouble in this other state. Using these false/fake charges as a "major leverage" to make my plea deal outrageous without negotiations. When having my family contact multiple county's out of state where I'm "supposedly charged" from, have no recollection or documentation of any of these alogations that Texas itself claims. Calvin Barker was tolled several times about these false charges did nothing to correct the misunderstanding. Evan when family would call to assist he would deny any involvement with them and ignore. Later trying to casually act like he fixed it. Later court hearings later Calvin Barker and his assistant tell me I will get time served and be released that day, and will return with a packet to sign and fill out from the DA. After lieing to me straight faced with no hesitation went and turned in this packet and informed me that it was a trial plea from judge packet and it basically made me get sentenced by the judges mercy with no chance of negotiating a reasonable plea sentence from the DA and trying to cover it up that he's taking whatever the easiest and quickest way to get a conviction to end my case and move to the next poor helpless soul too. knowing I was wanting to fight the case due to 4 major charges being added from thin air from another state(which is illegal to do)offering me several years in prison. After signing this "release packet" I go in front of judge and get sentenced 2 years. After briefly being able to speak to Calvin after, all he had to say was I thought you had a really good chance at getting timed served that's why we went trial by judge. Now that it's far to late, now he wants to say clearly what he should have said instead of tricking someone that their signing release papers. Evan after serving my sentence these 4 false charges still show on Texas paperwork, and the other state shows no record. Now making it very difficult to rightly fix my record if at all possible. Calvin Barker would seriously be the last lawyer I would Evan remotely consider represent me. I would honestly have 200k times better luck having no lawyer or my 8y.o. sister than having him covertly trick people for his own benefit.
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02 Jul, 2010 by Dan estrada
I have known Cal Barker for over 30 years as a client and a fellow attorney. His knowledge of real estate law is outstanding. I would highly recommend Cal Barker to any Texas lawyer as an expert in his field.
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16 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mike worked on a complex real estate matter for me. He was extremely knowledgeable on the subject and was able to obtain a great result. I would highly recommend Mike for any real estate law matters.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mike Dunn was my criminal attorney, and his advice was for me to stay in jail because he thought I would be no billed. I was indicted after waiting 90 days in a horrible tiny jail. He visited me once, and never returned my loved ones' phone calls. He gave ng not a bit of advice prior to court, and I was sat down with the DA to make an agreement. Everything the DA asked me, I'd look to Mike Dunn to see what I should say or do. He literally shrugged. He sat and chit chatted with his brother who was also I the room. I ended up with a horrible plea agreement (10 years probation with a YEAR of "rehab" in a christian facility that was for battered women- NOT rehab) I had already done a total of 6 months on this state jail felony. I asked him how I could just get time served. His reply was "get your probation revoked and then ask for it". Now I'm trying to go to nursing school and because this idiot didn't even try to get my charge adjutified, I am no longer able to become a nurse which is my passion. My conviction was over 10 years ago, but that does not matter.
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28 Feb, 2016 by Kristi
Horrible lawyer. Doesnt return calls, he knows the law but hes lazy and doesnt really care about yout case. He tried to get me to take a plea deal of 5yrs felony probation when i said lets go to trial the DA offered me a deal dropping my felony( first ever) to a misdameanor with 1 year probation which in Texas everyone is entitled to have their first felony dropped to a misd. But me being my first time in court he made me think he was a good lawyer only to find out later he didnt do anything i was entitled that anyways he was a horrible lawyer.
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Joe is personable, knowledgeable and very confident. He has helped me and several friends get out of sticky situations. You can tell that the prosecutors like working with him. His rates are very reasonable and fair.
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09 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Bryan represented me a little over 10 years ago. The case was extremely difficult and time consuming. There were many ups and downs, but his team was able to discover information damaging to the opposition. You get what you pay for and I paid a lot to win and win is what he did. I have to remain anonymous, but this is a real review.
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30 May, 2018 by Gary
Had an initial phone conversation outlining the issue I was having. He asked me to send him via email as much documentation as I could put together. I sent it over and never heard back.
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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.