Filter by

star star star star star
09 Dec, 2023 by Shaquana
At the height of the pandemic I was a newly admitted lawyer attempting to navigate my new profession on my own in my own law firm. Attorney Geddings and I were opposing counsel but even then he helped me which most wouldn't have done . Since then he's been a constant source of knowledge, assistance , and a pure friend . There aren't too many areas of law that he is not familiar with and he is always willing to help. I would not be half the lawyer I am without him!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 May, 2019 by Brenda
Paid lawyer $5000 to get land subdivided and taxes reimbursed. After 3 year neither request was completed. New lawyer came on board and completed same job within 30 days. Have yet to be refunded money. Please be careful have all documentation to show.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired Parker to settle a construction dispute. She gave hourly fee and retainer if it went to court. After a initial contact with the contractor’s lawyer, she promptly disappeared from contact. Calls and emails went unanswered and office contacts with receptionist resulted in no information or contact. After 7-10 days, she contacted us, said she had taken a fall and injured herself. We made an offer to settle the case though her to the contactor. After an email several days later saying the contractor did not accept, we asked if she was willing to go to court. No response. Days latter, we tried to contact again with same question. Next response that came two days later was she would be willing to refer us to another lawyer as she had hoped it could be settled without litigation. Why tell us retainer fee for court if she was not going to court over the case?
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 May, 2015 by Ketan
In my 25 plus years I have not seen yet...... a lawyer & her law firm like this.....Miss Sandra Parker you are one of the Best of Best I have seen...........my request to all to experience Her service.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Dec, 2018 by Keith johnson
Good
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
10 Jun, 2024 by Dl b
I had the unfortunate displeasure of dealing with this unsavory law office and specifically with Ryan McCabe. My issue was in connection with an HOA financial matter. McCabe was totally unpleasant and treated me like I was so far beneath him. I'm not surprised because in my opinion they are bottom feeder attorneys as the legal representation for local HOA's. I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for any of them. I'm sure they will respond with a disclaimer that they have no idea who I am, so they can deflect the truth. Anyone that's dealt with them knows exactly what I'm talking about. I don't recommend doing business here.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 May, 2024 by Ms. brick
I have been trying to contact this firm for a week now regarding my HOA dues. I was unaware my auto payment didn’t not go through. I was as well dealing with a very close loss and was in a hospice house for three months. I have called left messages and messages on their website, I also called the HOA company and they are saying they can’t call this Law Office to find out the disconnect or get someone. I’m very confused, disappointed and frustrated with this situation!! I have been sent to your office via HOA. I have tried to contact your office regarding so responding to say I am not a client shows how much research you’re willing to do. Response in 48hr is a joke I’ve left 3 messages and a reply on the contact us web part of your website.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2024 by C2u l8r
This company will not return phone calls or email correspondence. I do not recommend this company to work with. My attorney WILL be contacting them for a response. (If I could have scored less than 1 Star, I would!)
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2024 by John reit
Joe worked tirelessly to get me out of a very difficult situation with the IRS due to a nasty divorce. I highly recommend him. He negotiated on my behalf, knew just who to call, and billed me at a very fair rate. Thank you Joe!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Jun, 2021 by B walsh
Paid good money to Joe, had an appeal date he gave me the. Build up. Then never even showed up for the appeal. Broke my heart...
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
25 Mar, 2022 by H em
Attorney Johnson is thorough & professional. I highly recommend him. Also, I appreciate Becky as well!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Sep, 2020 by Allyson herndon
Very Helpful with What I needed to get Fixed. Got Everything Done in a Timely Manner. Very Nice, Helpful and Friendly Staff.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2019 by Betty blanton
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
28 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
If you want your case to stay months untouched, emails go months without responses, lots of promises that your case will be worked on and you’ll get draft by the end of the week, then 4 months later nothing gets achieved and you get an email saying I can’t work on your case hire this attorney. Stay away!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Kuykendall was able to ‘arm’ me with answers to probable questions. He also guided me on what to research to provide receipts for Amazon and VA medical shipments. I was able to go to court Pro Se confident that I could get the case dismissed. I won’t know for a week if I succeeded. But, I got my day in court and defeated the opposing attorneys case. He was stunned. No attorney that I could have hired to go to court for me would have had my 20 years of knowledge about the case. Excellent advice. I highly recommend his services!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I could not disagree more with the several reviews on this site. I was referred to Jeffrey, and found his assistance invaluable. He has a strong understanding of the law in his practice areas, and is skilled in interpreting it for clients, to their best interests. His commitment to a just outcome is apparent, and his work to that end is admirable. I recommend him without hesitation -- he has a heart for law, and it is apparent.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 May, 2024 by Anonymous
She hasn't even been able to answer a complaint for divorce. Let alone her family matters are in the way of her job and now suspended? I've been trying to get divorced for 2 years and her nor her firm have been able to respond with an answer. Unprofessional to say the least.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
08 Jun, 2022 by Kimberly
First meeting for divorce she made me wait 30 minutes then fell asleep several times during consultation that I paid 350 for. She admitted it was due to personal issue with son’s school. No respect for me or my situation. I was left by my husband of 32 years and her response was to tighten the belt. I would love to see her tighten her belt. I switched lawyers after having to borrow more money. She lives up to all the bad adages about lawyers.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Nov, 2017 by Ann
Jane Randall and her office help me close on my house in record time. 24 days. Even with some last minute problems found on the deed she was able to make it happen on schedule. She was amazing!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Baghdady is unprofessional and a coward. He’ll waste your time and schedule an appointment and then doesn’t show up. Why not just say you can’t or don’t want to take the case?
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
01 Jan, 2010 by Christieprkns
we have used Rolf Baghdady four times and he has ALWAYS done an outstanding job.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
05 Dec, 2009 by Ellen
Mr Baghdady charges for the stupidest items. Items that He should already have knowledge of. What attorney charges to think of a question or situtation from his client. Or he states that he knows busines law and real estate and charges 15000 to research. Better yet what out for the other side offering a settlement and he doesnt tell you about. He is not worth what he charges and needs to go back to law school.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I felt like I was not important. I felt like the victim the entire time and never felt safe that I was going to be represented well. I have a soon to be ex- that continues to harrass me , stalk me and defamate my character to all that will listen. Because I am not rich, I guess the thought is that I am not worthy of 100% of work and someone with Go to , to get the task at hand done. I originally came to this firm with a divorce case of.." At fault under Habitual Drunkness" and now almost a year later I have been made to wait and told that it would cost me 10,000 to push this . I was thrown the line, Can you even pay your balance? When paid the balance I still sit , being given the execuse..." I tried calling his lawyer and they won't return my call."
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional. She called me back after receiving my voice message, although I left detailed information who I was and why I called in my message also she responded to my profile on LegalMatch as I was looking for an attorney, she was extremely rude, hung up on me after shouting questions at me, when I said my kids are not minors and not disabled she rudely hung up on me. I texted her back calling her unprofessional and she responded with "F... off!..."
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional. She called me back after receiving my voice message, although I left detailed information who I was and why I called in my message also she responded to my profile on LegalMatch as I was looking for an attorney, she was extremely rude, hung up on me after shouting questions at me, when I said my kids are not minors and not disabled she rudely hung up on me. I texted her back calling her unprofessional and she responded with "F... off!..."
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
She was hired without reference for a basic will. Her communication was terse and sparse. She was even unfriendly- to paying clients. Her emails barely had a signature, more like texting. No bedside manner whatsoever, no timeline, even nasty about a typo. Do not use her.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2018 by Lisa
My father died in 2014 and his wife did a 180 stating that there was no will because she is greedy and manipulative. We were told that Attorney Thomas was the best, so we retained him. His performance or lack thee of we abysmal. He never reached out about the progress, we had to call him and then when he returned our calls days later, he never had any answers, only more questions. He never even bothered to contact the probate office to tell them he was representing my sister and I. I had enough and I wrote to the bar association and demanded a refund of our money. Attorney's are very expensive, in return, the least they could do is provide services that are worth their costs. He cost us a lot of time and it was very discouraging.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2015 by Peter
I used John for my divorce. He was unresponsive and did not protect my interests at all. He allowed the other attorney to bully him in the court room. He did not protest anything the other attorney said even though we had proof to the contrary. He did not do his due diligence in my case and it cost me big time.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Bought a new home and builder recommended using this law firm for my closing. Closing was delayed due to incompetence of law firm. Can't recommend to anyone.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Had a dispute with a lender over a contract closed by Harvey and Vallini. Tried to get help simply in the form of advice. They were very unhelpful and in fact rude to me. Actually dodged my calls and emails. Will never use them again for my real estate transactions.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
This lawyer caused unnecessary antagonism between myself and the party I was negotiating with. She intentionally was hostile in her communications thus created a breakdown in our negotiations and prolonged the entire situation. This cost me more in attorney fees than I received in my payouts! Her actions were not professional nor were they helpful in my situations. I would never recommend her to any one. She was spiteful and out to run up her fees.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
22 Oct, 2018 by Bfb
if you are a male going through divorce, do not hire this firm. he racked up the bill and then forced, forced me to settle the morning of the court date when I wanted a hearing.. run dont walk away from this firm!!! this firm is not interested in the best interest of the kids! only money!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
01 Jun, 2022 by A. s.
Ms. Patel of Burr Forman was the outside counsel of our lender The legal documents that were sent to attorneys contained multiple errors, some conflicting errors in the same document. I am the buyer and sole signer of a commercial property, three incorrect versions of my name, including the wrong spellings and a totally different surname in same document. I have worked with many attorneys in different fields, never seen such errors How did they not get caught before getting sent out? There was also an issue with documents being delivered on a timely basis, even bring sent the morning of the closing. When my attorneys contacted her about the errors, they were told she was too busy to fix them. Our attorneys had to make the corrections. What should have been 20 - 30 mins turned out to be almost 3 hours. Simply unacceptable. I will never work with any party that requires working with Burr Forman and Ms. Patel.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
09 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Disappointing to say the least. Being on the board of a HOA and dealing w Att Roy prior on HOA matters I was highly disappointed and felt mislead. Att Roy in his ad indicates free 1st meeting consultation on Real Estate. I called, the person on the phone took my information, the question I had, verify update needed on partnership in SC. I then asked if there was a charged due to ad and was prepared to pay if there was work to be done after "free" meeting. The lady placed me on hold, returned and said it would be $150-200 to just talk w me!! Sad when he was receiving money from HOA he had time! Would I hire????NO!! If he treats, judges people on the phone, I'm sure he isnt a strong lawyer. I have worked in the courts in NC for over 30 years and things really must be different in SC.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Crooked lawyer wouldn’t even begin to describe the type of representation that I received. He couldn’t even hide the fact that he was brought and immediately sided with the other side. There is one area where he fair at least; he lies for his incompetent staff. He lies so much that he doesn’t even know what the truth is. Highly untrustworthy, incompetent, and unprofessional. If you are looking for an ambulance chaser, this is your guy. I highly recommend that you stay away from this fraud!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2022 by Client
Steven Epps was hired to resolve an issue. We are really disappointed by Steven Epp's terrible representation. While he considers himself to be religious, this man clearly has poor moral character.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
11 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
He closed for both the seller and the buyer on the same house on subsequent days. He put a lien on the property for the seller and did not file it until after the buyer closed. It took me over a year to straighten out my husband's estate. A complaint was filed and I was advised that he was disciplined.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 May, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired this attorney to help us with family issues. Instead of calming things down, this attorney sadly made matters much worse than if we did nothing at all. A family member ask him to change our will. It was very complicated and lengthy, so we excepted that he was looking out for our best interests and signed it. When other family members read the will it was not at all what we requested. We had to retain another attorney to resolve all issues.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 Apr, 2015 by Lucy
Ms. Saraniti is a very detail oriented attorney who performs collections for our organization. Ms. Saraniti has been able to collect a significant amount of funds that had moved to collections for our Homeowners' Associations allowing the HOAs to minimize their bad debt each year. We are pleased to work with her as we know her involvement in Community Association Institute keeps her on top of any legislative concerns and case law precedents. In turn, this enables us to be on the forefront of HOA collections.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Cam hasn’t delivered what we paid him for, even after 1-year. Hot tempered and “fired” us when we asked for an update. Extremely unprofessional.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Nov, 2018 by Michelle
Rutherford Smith was my deceased Father's Estate Attorney. My Dad died 3 years ago, Smith allowed Probate to close, then has kept the proceeds from the sale of Dad's home. That was in June!!!! So he is a thief, as well as incompetent and lazy!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2013 by Michelle
I have been trying to get back my funds that should have been paid to the state of South Carolina for out of state capital gain on sale of property. When I submitted my tax refund request I found out the funds were never submitted to the state. The sale was done in April 2012....now I have contacted them for the funds. No return of calls...I call daily... When he answered (twice). Always some story of why funds are not returned. Last week funds were promised by Friday. Yep not happening. Stay way
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
30 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired her to defend a local charge. She actually pursued the judge to increase the sentence. She will not represent a male fairly, and now she's a judge
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
08 Jan, 2015 by Laura
Doesn't have a clue about anything ! I hired him to handle a simple divorce where everything was all ready sorted out after a 1 year marriage. 4 years later I still can not get my maiden name back, because of their errors and they want more money, and I have never gotten an itemized bill for the almost $3000.00 he has already gotten. I call constantly trying to get them to do what they should have already done and and they never return calls. Like Isaid never will I use them and never will I give them a recommendation !!!!!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
10 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Totally misleading, unprofessional attorney. He was quite nice up until it was time to settle and he was lost. After a negative judgement he became nasty and refused to explain or even talk to me about the outcome.. Never use him!!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Derek Gilbert to handle a new residential purchase. Gilbert law firm delayed my closing from a Thursday to a Monday due to capacity issues/being under staffed. When confronted about the bind the delay had on me, the customer, Gilbert Law firm would not accept responsibility nor would they make any attempt to accommodate the closing on the date specified in the contract. The delay impacted me personally and financially. Do not hire this firm if you expect service and professional behavior.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
17 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Kelly Pope Black was once a sitting judge. I went before her for a divorce because my husband was abusive. I was not allowed to talk about the abuse because my husband never showed up to court, so I couldn’t tell her he broke my back. She accused me of walking funny and I had to accept it. She told me I was lying about not using drugs and made me take two ten panel drug tests and told me if she didn’t know the people she sent me to personally, she’d think I faked the results. I was called mentally ill and had my custody of my son split between myself and my mother. I was in the beginning stages of realizing I had ptsd. It was incorrectly categorized as depression at first. I have memory loss because of the ptsd. I’d forgotten an incident of my past, blissfully, because I forget so little of the abuse, that Kelly pope black accused me of lying about. She sent me to jail for two weeks to obtain my divorce. Because of her, I lost faith in the justice system. It took me TEN YEARS to get up the courage to start getting my life back together after coming before her. I was insanely affected by this woman and she was removed of her judgeship due to her temperament and the way she treated people. I’m horrified she’s still allowed to practice law.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top