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04 May, 2018 by Adriaan
Robert helped me set up my LLC, create contracts, and navigate the Massachusetts legal system. He communicates quickly and knows his stuff. But aside from just delivering great legal services, he also provided crucial business advice. If you are looking for a business attorney, I highly recommend The Law Office Of Robert J McGovern
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09 Feb, 2017 by Jeffrey
Robert helped me to manage leasing and review best practices for a seasonal rental property. He also helped to consult on estate planning as I realized it was time to get a better understanding of what is necessary given some forthcoming life changes. I really appreciated his friendly and professional service and would highly recommend.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Erik
I worked with Mr. McGovern when my wife and I were about to purchase a home. Our condominium association has old and outdated bylaws with legal language that is difficult to read, and we felt that they could cause us problems were we to try to conduct a renovation project. Mr. McGovern was able to translate these documents in a way that gave us a better understanding of our rights as homeowners, and allowed us to proceed with confidence in our desired improvements. We very much felt that he was on our side throughout the entire process, and his easygoing manner set my wife and I at ease. I would recommend Mr. McGovern for any task in the legal sphere, due to his expertise at making the law easier for the average homeowner or business-owner to understand.
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09 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Adam a few months ago in regard to my property in Somerville that I was trying to expand and turn into condos. The process in Somerville seems to be to be difficult and confusing but Adam was very specific about how it would work and what I needed to get done. I hired Adam and I am very happy that I did. Adam was straight forward, organized and helpful in getting me a special permit to expand my building. I would recommend Atty. Dash to anyone looking for a talented Attorney.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Jill
Adam has been a wonderful resource for our business. He reviews contract issues with clients in an easy to understand manner. His responses are easy for the non-lawyer to understand and presents us with clear options when appropriate. His pricing is very fair and he is easy to work with .
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07 Dec, 2016 by Tal
Adam has been my lawyer since I moved to MA in 2005 and opened up a small clinic in the area. Adam guided me through the bureaucracy of opening a small business and to this day he deals with my ongoing incorporation needs; he reviewed all the rental agreements I have needed to sign throughout the years, and most importantly he has supported me in dealings with my clients through very complicated situations. I truly rely on his expertise and thoughtfulness and would highly recommend him to anyone.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Andrea
Frank is an exceptional lawyer. He also explains everything in layman's terms in detail. I highly recommend!!!!!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Dardeno provided legal assistance for the sale and purchase of our homes. He found that the home we wanted to purchase in SOMERVILLE had a fence placed in the middle of two properties that were previously owned by two brothers but the land was never sold or transferred so the land we would have been paying taxes on would be legally owned by the abutting neighbor as the city records were never changed and it would have been a nightmare for us. We bought a different house. Thank God he had the search done back over 50 years. Not sure I explained this correctly but I'm sure you understand.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
When we went to Mr. Dardeno, we were in a difficult real estate situation. Without going into too much detail, it was a no-win situation that involved dealing with a party that was less than trustworthy. Attorney Dardeno was tough but fair and, without question, made the best of a nearly unbearable situation. Not only would I strongly recommend him, I have recommended him to friends and co-workers - all of whom have had similarly positive experiences.
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16 Jan, 2018 by Robert
I consulted with Attorney Lagana on a number of civil and probate matters. I found her to be insightful, diligent, very knowledgeable about her practice areas, and well versed in procedure. I enthusiastically recommend anybody seeking representation to contact Attorney Lagana and would likewise recommend any attorney to consult with her or to refer clients to her. She is a hard working and tremendous advocate!
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22 Mar, 2017 by Erica
After contacting a few attorneys to represent me for a civil matter, attorney Christina Lagana was the clear choice for me. Christina was very professional, yet approachable and direct. In addition she was prompt in her correspondence, conscience of my time and money and put her confidence and expertise to work for me throughout the entire process. There are few lawyers I feel are determined to represent your best interests in the way Christina does. She always made the time to listen and answer any questions I had and included me in the entire decision making process along the way. She was an outstanding negotiator and tough when she needed to be. I am beyond please to have chosen her for my representation. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a great attorney!
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26 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
I have utlized both Robert H. Costello & his firm for many years on numerous relatively large real estate and complex business dealings. Their firm's attention to detail and interactive negotiating skills are, based on my experience with other attorneys, well above average......They have served me and my business verntures extremely well.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Ll2150
I highly recommend Chris Saccardi's services in landlord-tenant legal matters. We had tenants in our rental property in MA who made endless demands for repairs, got the housing inspector to issue a citation, and refused to pay the remaining rent on the lease (8 months). We were out-of-state landlords which made things more difficult. After going through two other attorneys, we hired Chris to handle our case. We decided to evict these tenants. At every step of the legal proceedings, Chris: - patiently and clearly explained the options in front of us, with pros and cons - described what he thought the other side could do in response to our actions, and things usually turned out the way he anticipated - dealt with the other side's attorney skillfully and gracefully - accommodated our schedules, responded promptly to our queries and gave us sound and wise legal advice - had an eye out for costs. We felt he always had our best interests at heart - was never patronizing or pushy Most importantly, Chris helped get the tenants out of our property before the end of the lease without the need for a trial.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Adam k.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Eden mervilus
Horrible customer service, I called and he just hanged up on my face.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Adam k.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Eden mervilus
Horrible customer service, I called and he just hanged up on my face.
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31 Jul, 2023 by Gary luongo
Attorney Ken Vining helped my friend with her Lease/Tenant questions and he added Legal and Professional advise..👍
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16 Mar, 2024 by Adam k.
Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Nov, 2023 by Eden mervilus
Horrible customer service, I called and he just hanged up on my face.
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star star star star star
31 Jul, 2023 by Gary luongo
Attorney Ken Vining helped my friend with her Lease/Tenant questions and he added Legal and Professional advise..👍
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16 Mar, 2024 by Adam k.
Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Nov, 2023 by Eden mervilus
Horrible customer service, I called and he just hanged up on my face.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2023 by Gary luongo
Attorney Ken Vining helped my friend with her Lease/Tenant questions and he added Legal and Professional advise..👍
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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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