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23 Jun, 2024 by Savannah halsey
Zero stars. I don't know what makes him decide to do his job with clients but he definitely didn't do it with my wife and I. He emailed saying he failed at representing us after doing nothing but taking my money, Waist of 3000$. If you don't want to do your job every day then don't do this kind of work because your actions affects can ruin lives.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Joann waldo
Jamie represented me in a business boundary dispute. Jamie worked very hard and researched information about dispute. Jamie settled the problem without going to court. Jamie is very professional. I recommend Jamie as your attorney.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Danielle linneus
Didn’t represent me well. Made mistakes in my case that had to be fixed with another firm. Do NOT recommend. Caused me extra stress during a difficult time and financial burdens. I’d give them zero stars if that was an option.
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17 Sep, 2023 by Paul long
I worked with Becki and her team to close a business transaction for a mutual customer. Becki did a great job closing a not so easy deal. I would absolutly recomend them. Great job McNeice Wheeler!
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14 Jun, 2023 by Karsten chart
24 Jan, 2023 by Hj johnny
17 Sep, 2024 by Dan kerns
Not local in Spokane was the first lie. Then they send a disqualified lawyer to my deposition. Yes you heard that right. Tami law license was suspended and they sent her anyways. Washington State Bar association complaint will be filed soon. Avoid these Mormon ambulance chasers. They do not care about you only the settlement money. Park Gordon law didn't receive a dime from settlement because they know they were wrong! Do not trust these guys
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06 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly lunning
Tenacious! Bill Gilbert is exactly what you would want, when you are looking for an attorney to defend and protect you, in maybe one of the most vulnerable and critical times in your life. He means what he says, and says what he means. You absolutely can take him at face value when he says he will take care of you. Bill doesn’t have it in him to let the fight go if he believes someone has been wronged and deserves defense and compensation, this is where you will experience his tenacity. What sets Bill Gilbert apart from all the rest, is the fact he has an immense about of empathy and compassion for his clients. He takes in every consideration of your experience and supports you accordingly. There is a reason why he is accomplished and comes with so many accreditations. Attorney Bill Gilbert stands apart from all the rest!
Kimberly Lunning, LMHC, MHP, SUPD
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31 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer charpentier
Bill Gilbert and his staff are genuinely caring, professional and tenacious on behalf of their clients. Gilbert Law Firm has been instrumental in helping my oldest son resolve his legal issues and I have recommended their services to two other families who have greatly benefited from Gilbert’s legal expertise.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Randy moore
Great customer service and I was provided invaluable information to help me be successful.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kathy king [diskin es]
We spoke with Jonas Hemenway, Attorney at Law, regarding elder care for my mom. He guided us through the process, gave us suggestions, and was eager to support us in the next steps. We would highly recommend Gravis Law for your legal needs.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bonnie j markham
Gravis Law got the job done! As a consumer with no knowledge of the law I was concerned about having honest representation with values and integrity. I was worried for nothing. The staff at Gravis Law in Boise were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and represented us thoroughly.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Rob schoenberger
Great local attorney! His team was very helpful. We had our completed POA's completed very quickly. Will definitely use this group again.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Shannon francis
Easy, reasonable and has all you need!!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Joe l
07 Jul, 2024 by Fredrick jordan - 10q1sfab
Accusations of racism should, for the most part, be taken seriously. However, far too often the race card is pulled by folks who either shed responsibility for their own actions or subscribe to the thought of always being a victim. I do not know the person who posted the racism post about Pat and the only judgment I can make is based on my experience.
I am an African American man, and Pat represented me in a year long case and treated my family and me great. Dawn tolerated my numeroius emails and phone calls (usuahly 3 or 4 a day). She showed tremendouse patience and alwas showed compassion as I navigated the process. The things described in the previous post is FAR from the experience I had with Pat and Dawn. I have referred several people, and I will always use him in the future.
Unfortunatly, the internet allows anyone to post anything about anybody- without the burden of providing proof of his or her accusations. Patt Fannin and Dawn White handled my case perfectly and provided nothing but great service to my family and this African American man- I love the way I was treated. THANK YOU PAT AND DAWN!
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06 Jun, 2022 by Gregory
This Lawyer had my case for over a year then dumped my case... But that's not the worst part .. the insurance company made a offer to settle and he never discussed this with me.. I only found out thru his paralegal that they wanted to settle... I had to get new lawyer and settle the case 10 months later for only a fraction of what the original settlement offer was.... Thanks Pat you really screwed me..... Also if your a minority stay away from this lawyer.....He plays the have and have nots game on what he feels you deserve.... He will catch and kill your case .. I see exactly who and what you are Pat... Stay away from this lawyer... I had to file a complaint against him with the state board
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03 Sep, 2019 by Jaime
A friend of mine referred me to Pat after my son had been in a serious accident. I had waited on the insurance company for just under a year and they wouldn't even return our calls. I contacted Pat and to help my son and the case was settled within months. I feel like my sons claim got the attention it needed. Pat was knowledgable and very helpful, he explained things along the way which was what my son and I needed. I feel like my sons best interest was important to him. I am so grateful to have been referred to him and would recommend him in the future. Thank you Pat & Dawn!!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Alec wright
Let me start off with this. If you want someone to stick with you for the long term layman law firm is the place to go. I got in a car accident almost 2 years ago; And with Covid it made trying to do anything a pain. It caused back ups and struggles that made the process so much longer. Yet Layman law firm stuck with me answered every single one of my calls, help me with any questions I had and was all around super friendly. When you go there you know they’re on your side backing you up. They didn’t j stick me with one lawyer and say “figure it out” no they put together a team that made sure I was in the loop as well as trying to get me my top $. Layman law firm is full of warriors who will fight for your rights and make sure you have every tool in your pocket to win. Thank you so much layman law you guys are some of the nicest, honest, most hard working people I know.
Sincerely, Alec
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15 Jul, 2021 by Melissa church
Fantastic staff, super personalized, Awesomely priced professional, just amazing people!!!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Valerie mais
28 Mar, 2018 by Cr
We were extremely disappointed by the bad experience and poor performance with this law firm.
Watch your bill: We were charged for a simple form drawn which contained many errors and inaccurate information. This was troubling to us because we provided very detailed information thru the initial consultation and thru email. There was definitely a lack of focus on their part. Initially, we had to repeatedly fill out the service agreement form because the wrong form was sent to us 2 or 3 times (we were charged for those too).
Lack of communication: They didn't make any effort to contact us to let us know where they were at. We were told repeatedly that we would receive the claim form to review the same day or the next day but this went on for 3 1/2 weeks. We had to call or email asking for status. We finally requested a refund on our deposit because they didn't follow through with what they were saying. After asking for a refund, instead of returning it, they sent us a big bill.
We feel that Mr. Miller’s office is billing us for sloppy and inaccurate work that is completely unusable and has wasted enough of our time.
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05 Oct, 2015 by Ron
My Employee Assistance Program put me in touch with Allen for a Phone consultation regarding a real estate transaction my daughter is involved with. His advice was very helpful. I must say also that his paralegal, Andrea and support staff were very friendly and helpful as well. It is nice to know when it comes to legal matters, there are such great people out there to provide their expert assistance. RLE.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Mike k.
I'm in-house counsel for a 195 unit franchise of a major national restaurant chain. We have stores located all over the country, including in Seattle. Our dispute arose when a local municipality unilaterally untapped the water meter for one of our stores, and then re-tapped into its own supply. It then turned around and charged us a $35,000.00 tapping fee. We retained Allen to manage the dispute, hoping to obtain a reduction in the tapping fee, without resorting to litigation, and without any disruption to our business.
Allen adeptly managed our negotiations. He successfully obtained the city's commitment to refrain from shutting off our water, giving us the time and space to confer with the city's representatives. Thanks to Allen's guidance, we obtained a significant reduction in the water tapping fee -- without having to file a lawsuit, and, most importantly, while preserving an amicable relationship with the local city officials. I highly recommend Allen's services.
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07 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Unlawfull detainer action. Attorney unprepared and unable to get before judge. No resolution.
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26 Jan, 2019 by Joe
We own rentals, and had a situation with a tenant who failed to pay rent, and was not abiding by the rental agreement. We consulted with Thomas McGarry, and he thoroughly explained the legalities of our situation. He quickly drew up a plan of action and followed through promptly with legal representation. We were able to move forward with our lives and get closure with the situation. He truly took a burden off our shoulders! Highly recommend his services, and would not hesitate to call him when needed!!! Thank You Thomas McGarry!
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28 May, 2018 by Roy
Tom gave an excellent Residential Landlord-Tenant Law class at the local community college that was detailed, meaty and useful with enough examples to make it digestible. He provided a copy of the Revised Code of Washington statutes and converted general concepts to specific, detailed requirements rather than vague generalities. It was very useful. Upon subsequent consultation, we changed several aspects of our operation and intend to hire him if testy problems arise.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Rob schoenberger
Great local attorney! His team was very helpful. We had our completed POA's completed very quickly. Will definitely use this group again.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Shannon francis
Easy, reasonable and has all you need!!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Joe l
25 Aug, 2024 by C j
Dallas, Erek and his team were excellent. I had a case that was a misdemeanor and they had it reduced to a simple traffic infraction. That's almost unheard of. In fact, it saved my career. I believe 1% of cases like mine reach a Neg 2, so this is a huge win. If you're looking for a team of exceptional attorneys then Cooney Law is going to be your best option.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Kyle osborn
Some of the most deceitful and dishonest and anti-God Liberal attornies I have ever met. Who represent everything that is wrong with America. Completely lied in court, allowed their clients to give false testimonies repeatedly against a good Christian Father and real honorable man. If you are Republican or Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist… keep on shopping, they honor very few of the 10 Commandments or Precepts.
Interesting that you think you won something. So to represent liars and perjurers, and help to take away the opposing party’s children, and their gun rights… that’s you winning Cooney? You have “won” something? What is it? Maybe you win a one-way ticket to Hell for intentionally hurting a Man of faith who works for Jesus Christ. Looks like, you didn’t win ALL the cases. 😆
(3) of your trolls couldn’t put Humpty dumpty back together… You have law degrees? I hope she did not pay you for this? She never will now. I would’ve fired you yesterday for sure. She admitted to committing a felony gun violation in her written Testimony and FOUR of you didn’t see that! 😂👌🏼 Oh yah, good work Cooney!
Was that last attorney driving down the road while he represented her in court?! Zoom is so cool right? That was crazy. Taking a Court Zoom Call while driving, super professional. I am sure he represented her to the best of his ability. LMfAO 🤣
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09 Jul, 2024 by Rupert winslow
This office deserves all 5 stars, if not more. If there is a problem that you need solved in court, the amount of knowledge about litigation and the next steps of law and what to come is never an issue with this office. They take action and make everything look easy. I would personally like to leave a 5 star for attorney Meagan Bennett and her paralegal. very knowledgeable and a great team. THANK YOU!
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19 Feb, 2024 by Sherrie hass
Love quest
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21 Sep, 2023 by Mike murua
Steve and his staff are amazing. I have been using Steve for the past 15 years with multiple closings.
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11 Jul, 2023 by Cindy hamilton
Attorney Raczykowsky is exemplary in her work. Highly recommended.
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19 Feb, 2024 by Sherrie hass
Love quest
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21 Sep, 2023 by Mike murua
Steve and his staff are amazing. I have been using Steve for the past 15 years with multiple closings.
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11 Jul, 2023 by Cindy hamilton
Attorney Raczykowsky is exemplary in her work. Highly recommended.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Mike roth
Whoever answers the phone is very rude, she cut me off while speaking. Not a good way to establish a business relationship. Good luck in the future.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Sarah stephens
Highly recommend this lawyer. Absolutely love working with Kirk and team!
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01 Dec, 2022 by Karl patureau
Terry answers and routes people needing help to the right legal and other resources competently. Even though she communicates in a Yankee dialect that reminds me of someone from the Northeast. She might be a local, who knows.
We needed help with a senior and Terry thought of all the right directions to take.
I have confidence this law firm has what it takes to help you.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Mike roth
Whoever answers the phone is very rude, she cut me off while speaking. Not a good way to establish a business relationship. Good luck in the future.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Sarah stephens
Highly recommend this lawyer. Absolutely love working with Kirk and team!
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01 Dec, 2022 by Karl patureau
Terry answers and routes people needing help to the right legal and other resources competently. Even though she communicates in a Yankee dialect that reminds me of someone from the Northeast. She might be a local, who knows.
We needed help with a senior and Terry thought of all the right directions to take.
I have confidence this law firm has what it takes to help you.
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18 Apr, 2024 by K
0 stars if I could. Go elsewhere
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13 Jun, 2023 by Mike roth
Whoever answers the phone is very rude, she cut me off while speaking. Not a good way to establish a business relationship. Good luck in the future.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Sarah stephens
Highly recommend this lawyer. Absolutely love working with Kirk and team!
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22 Feb, 2024 by Mskim58
i was involved in an auto accident, I found his firm to be very thourgh and thoughtful. He knows his business and is very responsive to keeping in touch.
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27 Sep, 2021 by Scott
Extremely unprofessional if you ask a question he doesn’t want to answer. Tried to hire him for his services. Feel like he doesn’t want money. Taking my case somewhere else. Advise you do the same.
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07 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Whipple and his competent staff helped us through the complicated probate process. They explained what was happening and what would happen later and made it less of a mystery. They did their best to implement our wishes in the distribution of the estate. We have nothing but thanks for them and their integrity. We would not hesitate to use their services in the future.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Matthew dunn
By far the best decision I have ever made. My divorce of 2 years was finalized 3 months after hiring Spencer. His approach, accountability and guidance are unmatched. He saved me 100’s of thousands of dollars and ended what was becoming one of the most stressful ordeals of my life. I HIGHLY recommend this business.
Thank you again Joanna & Spencer.
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22 Nov, 2022 by J w
Spencer is very knowledgeable of the law, the judges ruling patterns, and HE CARES about the kids. He’s an aggressive attorney that will fight hard for what is right and he will not be afraid to call his clients out if they are being unreasonable. Spencer took on my case when nobody else would because it was a mess. When watching his first court hearing, I knew within 30 seconds we were going to win. He went in strong, had studied my case thoroughly going back 7 years. He remembered pertinent details and he represented my son in that court room that day. He did an incredible job.
Joanne, his right hand is just as incredible. She remembers details, she’s prompt to respond and overall just above and beyond professional.
I highly recommend this duo for high conflict custody situations. They will handle your case with care, integrity, and exceptional knowledge.
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16 Oct, 2022 by Edward faydo
They came highly recommended and performed as such.
Perfectly executed representation at a time of need helps people to move on, and Harrington Law Office does it with ease.
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18 Apr, 2024 by K
0 stars if I could. Go elsewhere
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael a. mckay
Excellent work. Very pleased with the outcome!
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09 Sep, 2018 by Richard graham
27 Jun, 2024 by Jason cooley
I have been working with Lukins & Annis now for two years, and I must say that all the staff I have interacted with are truly professional. David Webster and his team helped me navigate the probate arena, while Charles Hausberg and Zaine M. Yzaguirre have been stellar in helping me with my litigation. Their expertise and advice is well above the price they charge, and I cannot recommend this law firm enough; you will not be disappointed.
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18 Apr, 2024 by K
0 stars if I could. Go elsewhere
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael a. mckay
Excellent work. Very pleased with the outcome!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Jason cooley
I have been working with Lukins & Annis now for two years, and I must say that all the staff I have interacted with are truly professional. David Webster and his team helped me navigate the probate arena, while Charles Hausberg and Zaine M. Yzaguirre have been stellar in helping me with my litigation. Their expertise and advice is well above the price they charge, and I cannot recommend this law firm enough; you will not be disappointed.
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18 Apr, 2024 by K
0 stars if I could. Go elsewhere
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael a. mckay
Excellent work. Very pleased with the outcome!
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15 Feb, 2014 by Sheena. carector
I had a very messy case in another jurisdiction and he was fantastic kept me informed the whole time I have no complaints he's a fantastic guy with a great since of humor and went the extra mile for me as a client :)
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20 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Wall is very arrogant. He also did not get back to me regarding my case, where I was injured, because he didn't think I "got hurt bad enough" for us all to profit.
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20 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
I had a small legal issue, which I needed some help on almost immediately. Richard was incredibly helpful and accessible. Response was surprisingly fast and thorough. So I can definitely recommend!
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19 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Rodriguez is a really great attorney. He was always returned my calls and explained my case to me so that I could understand everything. We had a good outcome. I would hire him again if needed. Hopefully I don't need to though hahaha.
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19 Jan, 2016 by Peggy
If you need legal assistance, please give Marco a call!!!! He is a wonderful lawyer. I was having some legal problems and he got me out of trouble. He is totally professional, caring and compassionate, and doesn't charge an arm and a leg, yet gets the job done. I highly recommend him!!!!! He is wonderful!!!!!
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01 May, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired him for child support and alimny issues. I met with him one time, paid him $1000 and he did nothing for me. I called him 20-30 times never to recieve a call back. He left me one voice message without actually calling stating that he had been out of town and would call me the following day....that was 2 months ago. He is unreliable has no concept of communication and cannot be trusted. I would not recommend him.
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28 Feb, 2024 by David marino
After doing okay business with him for years. He took on a new matter knowing exactly what I was asking for including filing a complaint. He ran up a bill for $900 (which was paid) to essentially make a demand letter and then waited almost a month after I instructed him to file the complaint to tell me he wasn't going to do the work. Might be time to actually retire Rob.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Awesten miller
15 Dec, 2023 by Walker storrer
As a landlord, Rob has been incredibly helpful through several issues with tenants. He knows the nuance of the law and helps put my mind at ease.
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23 May, 2019 by Anonymous
This guy was incredibly unprofessional. He began by asking my age and then asking if I get menopausal, moody... like his wife (he also used a few swear words to describe his wife). He was extremely unprofessional, rude, condescending and arrogant. He kept talking about himself and how good he was, then would ask me a question about my case, then interrupt me mid sentence and begin talking about himself again. His conversation was incoherent, random, and uninformed. Finally, when he began outright criticizing me I just hung up on him. I would never trust him to work for me.
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09 Jun, 2014 by Adam
He overcharged, charged for phone calls about his dating life and did not have organized trial notebooks. He talked bad about all of his old clients as well. I heard all kinds of stuff I probably should not have.
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31 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Hired him for my moldy house. Overcharged me and charged me for work he didn't do. Very unprofessional and unreliable attorney. He likes to talk about himself and is very egotistic. He even asked my wife out too. I ended up firing this attorney and found someone much better & professional who got the job done in less time.
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21 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
For several years I used this attorney and found that he always charged top dollar and provided average work. It came to light when I hird another attorney to do some business deals that how found out how I had paid way to much. In addition several of Brian's deals had to be redone do to poor work all at my expense.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I have known Brian Hipperson for over 15 years and he has acted as my counsel multiple times. He is always honest, trustworthy, straighforward, knowledgeable, of extremely high personal moral standards and an overall very kind gentleman. I would highly recommend him for real estate closings, contract issues, wills or trusts or any general law issues you may have.
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05 Oct, 2012 by Robert
been dealing with him as a client for 2 years. He was initially responsive and eagerly took my money. After filing the cases though he stopped returning calls and even failed to take defaults or meet deadlines, stopped returning calls, or mail to turn the files over to another attorney.
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27 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
I have called and emailed this attorney but he never responds. He should at least call to say he is busy and cannot help me.
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22 Sep, 2011 by Tabrina
It was my first time renting my home and it was my first time evicting a tenant. James was very helpful informative and got them out A.S.A.P. he walked through the steps with me and had court dates set up immediately. Never canceled on me or moved dates. He had the renters out with me having the upper hand not the tenant, all in 28 days. He not only helped us with all that he gave us information to what not to do in the future he gave us numbers to call and places we can go to check out our new renters. We are very grateful to him very caring and being very genuine and sincere.
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16 Nov, 2014 by Lee
Joe hogan closed on a real estate deal for me and did not even do a disclosure statement.
I got sued because of it and lost A LOT of money thanks to him!
Would sue him but can't find an attorney that will sue another attorney!
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31 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
This attorney took days to return phone calls. Would not meet in person before court to get the details of the case. Gave me bad advice that resulted in financial loss. Made promises regarding representation that he was not willing to keep. I would recommend you seek representation from any other attorney...save your money.
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11 Feb, 2022 by John
Could find no way( after taking aprox. $5,000) to defend Hollis v Garwall "We see no way to win this" . We own "Hollis" land and what it took to stop the commercial business was, filing for an injunction and a motion for Summery Judgment. Period. Do not use this person.
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04 Jul, 2021 by Brad
Dalton was assigned to me by David Crouse, whose firm I had hired for my divorce. He came to the first hearing unprepared and expressed to me his embarrassment at his performance. He then quit the firm with my second hearing coming up. It was on a Wednesday and I called the firm daily to try and talk to him and was told he was simply not in each time I called, until the Monday before the hearing, when I was told he had quit and that David Crouse would be handling my hearing. David spent his time at the hearing rambling about his own career, demonstrating that Dalton failed to brief anyone at the firm on my case. David later told me that Dalton "was not cut out for family law." Maybe he is cut out for what he's doing now, but I would worry about him quitting without telling anyone.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
