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03 Jan, 2018 by Paul
Michael Spar is an outstanding lawyer. He possesses and encyclopedic understanding of the law enhanced by exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Mr Spars stellar legal credentials, a graduate of Harvard Law School, and broad based experience in both corporate and personal matters is central to his proven track record of success. I have sought Mr. Spars legal counsel on numerous matters and would not hesitate offering a recommendation to anyone seeking sound, ethical legal advice from an individual who is devoted to the interests of his clients.
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01 Jan, 2018 by Brian
My wife and I hired Mike Spar to represent us as we purchased our first house in November 2017. Mike guided us throughout the entire process, letting us know exactly what to expect at each step and addressing all of our questions/concerns. He was extremely responsive via phone and email, responding to queries immediately (often within 5 minutes). Overall, we were very pleased with the level of service provided by Mr. Spar.
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09 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mike takes a practical approach to problems; he is a straight-shooter who has been able to assist me and my company with a broad range of business issues. I have particularly appreciated his candor in admitting what is outside his range of experience/expertise.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Elizabeth
Mr. Kaplan was easy to schedule a no charge consultation and during the consultation he provided very clear advice to me and we agreed upon his fee. He prepared the documents quickly and answered several follow-up questions. I have given his number to several friends and they all rave about how nice he is and easy to work with.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Alissa wells
FEBRUARY 2024 A colleague of mine recommended Diamond & Diamond to me, and I thank God she did. My case turned out way more complicated than we all expected it to be, and should have been, and yet was anything but an open and shut case. I know I would not have made it through this process without Diamond & Diamond's guidance, leadership, intelligence, knowledge, kindness, and at times when needed, ferocity. I still remember my first call with Richard. He reads people extremely well. I have a very quirky personality, and he accepted me, helped me get to the point of things and did not judge me whatsoever. He was quick to action, making sure I was doing the same. I knew I was in the very best hands with him. He thinks outside the box, and has a vast knowledge of the law and every angle that comes along with it. He's really just incredible. The person who I worked the closest to and spoke to the most would have to be Jon (Richard's son); another lawyer at the firm. There were days where I called Jon about five times, and each time he answered the phone he was always respectful, responsive, and never made me feel like a burden. Jon did an obscene amount of work on my behalf; working tirelessly and endlessly for me to make sure that everything was exactly how I wanted/needed it to be. He was always honest and upfront with me. Additionally, he would always ask me before he acted upon anything, as well as explaining why he would be doing said action in the first place. He is ridiculously intelligent, determined, and memorizes just about everything. He knew my case better than I did! I was anxious majority of the time, and he would notice immediately, and say to me, "It's OK, you're okay." That phrase meant more to me than he could ever know. Every time we had to show up for court in person, I would see him, and I knew everything was going to be OK. Angela, a senior paralegal at the firm is a SAINT. She is patient, kind, understanding, extremely smart, and always knows the right thing to say. Every time I would call and hear her voice on the phone, I instantly felt calmer. She is truly the best. As a young woman in her 30's who found herself in an awful situation, I felt safe with Jon and Richard. They do not take advantage, they get to know YOU, the person behind the divorce, and only want what's best for you. They are not afraid of anything or anyone, accept challenges willingly with dignity, morality, and a "bring it" type of attitude. Diamond & Diamond was more than I could have ever asked for, and I will be eternally grateful. With a giant air hug, huge smile and endless gratitude, -A. AUGUST 2024 A follow up to my previous post-divorce review: Diamond & Diamond continues to be the honorable and upstanding firm they have always proven themselves to be. Even though my divorce is final and my case is technically closed, some unexpected issues arose. They could have easily nickel and dimed me; many firms would have. Instead, their continued assistance was completely fair and reasonable. A huge thank you to Jon and Richard for continuing to make me feel safe and protected. As previously stated, I remain eternally grateful. -A
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31 Jan, 2024 by Ed dworkin
Our daughter hired Diamond and Diamond to represent her in a divorce settlement. This was a very fortunate decision. They worked for her as though they were part of the family. Their expertise, thoroughness and execution was first rate. We recommend Diamond and Diamond without reservation.
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01 May, 2023 by Gerald jacques
As a loving father, I can say that the best parenting decision I’ve made has been hiring the Diamond & Diamond Law firm to represent me. From the moment I retained their services, they were immediately on the case, obtaining the necessary documents and information while ensuring no stone was left unturned. I wish I had found them earlier, because they cleaned up the mess that was left from the carelessness of other attorneys. The Diamond Diamond Law firm were responsive, attentive, and detailed oriented. I could see that they actually read everything I have provided line by line in preparation for my hearing. My initial nervousness during the actual hearing date was quickly calmed when I witnessed the level of respect Richard had earned from colleges and court officials who were present. Richard’s brilliance was on full display in the courtroom, and he fought for my interests as a father. He made sure that no falsities went unanswered. The Diamond & Diamond Law firm gave me reasonable expectations for the outcome of my case and then proceeded to exceed them in every way. They were not cheap, but I know from hard experiences, that bad representation (especially in family court) can cost so so much more.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Christine heery
I have had the misfortune of needing many different types of lawyers in my life. The bright spot of that, is being able to recognize what a good attorney looks like, and Gene is absolutely phenomenal. I reached out to the main office regarding my legal situation and the admin/finance departments were always responsive, kind and professional. I felt the pricing was transparent, and fair. I was impressed with the level of communication, dedication and quality of service provided by this firm. Gene is an extremely knowledgeable, helpful and organized professional. His professional connections and legal acumen makes him an incredible attorney. Whenever I had questions Helen and Gene ensured I felt comfortable and was fully informed of each potential branch the case could take. I appreciated their grace with my limited knowledge in the inner workings of DCPP situations. I feel whole heartedly that hiring this form was the best choice I could have made. My case was resolved to my satisfaction, ahead of expected time frame. If you’re reading these reviews as I did prior to hiring this firm, please know this is the best decision.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Alt apo
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12 Feb, 2024 by Lewis
My experience with this law firm was is that if you have issues with D.C.C.P. Allison Williams is the attorney that you absolutely should get on your side especially, if you don't have close to a squeaky clean past and/or you do not walk a straight line. No matter what you did or what they said you did, the outcome will likely be a lot better if you get Allison on your case. An attorney in the Williams firm represented my wife in a D.C.C.P. case. The outcome in my wife's case was ok but now looking back after meeting Allison she should have paid more money for Allison instead of getting one of the other attorneys in the firm. Although I only spoke with Allison one time with my wife ,knowing the system very well and the past dealings I have had with other attorneys, I feel that Allison is the real deal and can be trusted. I would advise you to pay the extra money she charges for her service rather than getting one of the other attorneys in her firm that will not represent you like Allison will. I am hoping to get Allison to help me gain custody of my 7 year old daughter. I met other attorneys from big expensive firms, and I pick Allison over all of them.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Christine heery
I have had the misfortune of needing many different types of lawyers in my life. The bright spot of that, is being able to recognize what a good attorney looks like, and Gene is absolutely phenomenal. I reached out to the main office regarding my legal situation and the admin/finance departments were always responsive, kind and professional. I felt the pricing was transparent, and fair. I was impressed with the level of communication, dedication and quality of service provided by this firm. Gene is an extremely knowledgeable, helpful and organized professional. His professional connections and legal acumen makes him an incredible attorney. Whenever I had questions Helen and Gene ensured I felt comfortable and was fully informed of each potential branch the case could take. I appreciated their grace with my limited knowledge in the inner workings of DCPP situations. I feel whole heartedly that hiring this form was the best choice I could have made. My case was resolved to my satisfaction, ahead of expected time frame. If you’re reading these reviews as I did prior to hiring this firm, please know this is the best decision.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Alt apo
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12 Feb, 2024 by Lewis
My experience with this law firm was is that if you have issues with D.C.C.P. Allison Williams is the attorney that you absolutely should get on your side especially, if you don't have close to a squeaky clean past and/or you do not walk a straight line. No matter what you did or what they said you did, the outcome will likely be a lot better if you get Allison on your case. An attorney in the Williams firm represented my wife in a D.C.C.P. case. The outcome in my wife's case was ok but now looking back after meeting Allison she should have paid more money for Allison instead of getting one of the other attorneys in the firm. Although I only spoke with Allison one time with my wife ,knowing the system very well and the past dealings I have had with other attorneys, I feel that Allison is the real deal and can be trusted. I would advise you to pay the extra money she charges for her service rather than getting one of the other attorneys in her firm that will not represent you like Allison will. I am hoping to get Allison to help me gain custody of my 7 year old daughter. I met other attorneys from big expensive firms, and I pick Allison over all of them.
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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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