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09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
29 Mar, 2024 by George ajami
23 Dec, 2022 by Lucille demartini
Harold helped us with our will and was able to answer all our questions. His staff is great.They are helpful and friendly.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Jessica d'amico
Christopher handled the sale of our townhome. He made the experience so easy and pleasant. One of the most stressful things you will do, and he answered all our questions before we even paid him a retainer. We will recommend him to all of our friends and family. If we still lived in Staten Island, we would use him for all of our estate needs. Best call we made.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
Read more
12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
09 Sep, 2024 by Ernie saccone
Wish I had adelola from the beginning of my divorce. Ive never had confidence in a lawyer as I did with adelola.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
27 Aug, 2024 by David awad
Took the time to help me even when he knew he couldn't take my case.
very appreciative.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Chris liu
06 Aug, 2024 by Beth hartstone
Pasquale Calcagno was a pleasure to have as my attorney. He answered my questions and explained everything so I had a complete understanding of all. Respectful, knowledgeable and caring attorney who truly looks out in the best interest of his clients.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anwar nakeeb
We had such a smooth experience with Christopher. He handled everything with ease and efficiency from A to Z. He got us through the process of buying a house stress free which is not an easy thing to do.
Thank you again!!!
Definitely recommend him for all my friends and family who are in the process of buying.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Aj crisci
Mr. Dai was incredibly kind and professional through out the entire process. He helped me in a personal injury case where he displayed his resiliency and professionalism at all times. Thank you again Chris! You’re the man
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02 Jun, 2024 by Michael vitrano
Christopher Dai helped me close on my first home in April of this year. I switched my services to Chris at the recommendation of Martino Realty after having a poor experience with another attorney. I couldn't have received a better recommendation or worked with a better attorney for my first home transaction.
When I chose to hire Chris, I was mid transaction on a home that would not have met my needs. Prior to hiring him, he spent a full 30 minutes, free of charge, talking me through the problems with the prospective property, clearly explaining violations, street widening, and other issues. He ultimately helped me understand that the initial home would have been a poor investment for me.
When I found another home, I hired Chris. He kept me well-informed through the whole, which I appreciated as a first-time buyer. He helped me understand the purchase contract, some potential concerns with the home, and helped me devise a strategy to negotiate those concerns with the seller.
When it was time to close, Chris made several accommodations to help me close on a speedy timeline. I felt well-informed and confident through the closing. We closed in just over 40 days from contract signing.
I highly recommend Chris’s services to anyone in the process of purchasing a home, and I’ll be certain to contact Chris the next time I need legal assistance with a real estate purchase.
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25 May, 2023 by G m
27 Feb, 2020 by Brad w
Great reputable attorney
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04 Apr, 2019 by Theresa
Marissa Jones was my closing attorney for my house. My closing went very smoothly. Marissa was always there for me, she address my questions and concerns always returned my phone calls and emails. Marissa also helped me with other legal advice.Marissa is amazing she goes above and beyond she is very professional and caring. Marissa guided me through very stressful situations with love and understanding. I highly recommend Marissa Jones for all your legal needs Thanks again for all your help. Yes I will be calling you soon . Theresa
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28 Sep, 2024 by Phyllis
We were looking for an attorney for the sale of our home. Ted Cotter was recommended to us by a family friend. We were very pleased from start to finish. Ted addressed all my concerns in a timely manner and we didn't have any worries or surprises. Excellent service.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Carmen
We were incredibly lucky to have Ted and his team's help with the purchase of our apartment in NYC. It was our first time purchasing property in NY, and Ted and Christine were exceptional at helping us every step of the way. Ted was clutch in our closing to resolve an issue were the seller had not provided ample information, and he was always available to answer questions. It was a pleasure working with Ted and his team, and we would use his services again for all future needs.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Joseph
I had an excellent experience with Ted Cotter and all of the supporting staff at DiVernieri, DiVernieri & Cotter while purchasing a house in Maspeth, Queens during the summer of 2023. They provided assistance at each stage of the process and made themselves available whenever I had questions. Ted and team conducted themselves consistently with professionalism and promptness. In particular, the team excelled with document review. As a first time home-buyer, I was concerned with grasping the breadth of paperwork, nuances of compliance, and financial terminology, but the team walked me through the materials until I was confident. This team has an extensive understanding of NYC real estate and contextualized my purchase within sale trends and regional value. I definitely endorse this team.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Pasquale
Pete Weinman has been in our corner since day 1. We have worked together on several closings and he has proven himself to be the best attorney I have come to know and trust. 5 stars underrate this attorney and his practice.
A true pleasure to work with.
P. DeSanto
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14 Aug, 2024 by Ana rosa
This attorney has 5 stars on most of his reviews because he tells clients he will reduce your bill by $500.00, if you write a good review of him on google to get more business. Guess what? After your 5 star review has posted, he charges You, the Client, triple. Stay far away!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Destiny maluagna
I can not put into words how amazing mr.O’SHEA and his team was to me.They became almost like family to me and mine.He was never just in it for the money like others in his field. This man is one of a kind and it truly TRULY was a blessing to work with!
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29 Dec, 2021 by Filomena
We sold our home in NY on our own and Olga assisted us every step of the way. She was very knowledgeable, gave great advice and was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Olga is very personable and makes the whole process run smooth. Yelena in her office is always prompt to respond(they both are), detailed and they make a great team! Thank you so much!!
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16 Oct, 2021 by Marina dzhioeva
We have been selling our house for two years and when we met her we sold our house about a month later,very good and professional.
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16 Feb, 2020 by Alla s.
Olga is very knowledgeable and professional. She represented me in selling and purchasing my home. She had my best interest the entire time. She makes you feel as you are her most important client. I HIGHLY recommend her services. Thank you Olga !!!!!!
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30 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy
This is my second closing on a property and Victoria and her team are a pleasure to work with.Victoria always goes beyond to make sure that her clients are protected and everything is done the right way. Thank you for everything once again
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02 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Victoria Shteiman was our attorney in purchasing the house in Staten Island. She is a highly competent and dedicated attorney, with expertise in real estate matters.
Ms. Shteiman has always provided us with excellent service and helped us every step of the way through the entire transaction. I would highly recommend this Law Firm to all. Thanks, team!
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25 Jan, 2022 by Irina
I am very grateful for the help I always receive from Victoria and the crew. I'm dealing with the office for the past 10 years and there was no disappointment ever. Their service always exceeds my expectations. At any time I need them they are always available to help quickly with a high level of professionalism. Highly recommend them!
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29 Mar, 2024 by George ajami
23 Dec, 2022 by Lucille demartini
Harold helped us with our will and was able to answer all our questions. His staff is great.They are helpful and friendly.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Jessica d'amico
Christopher handled the sale of our townhome. He made the experience so easy and pleasant. One of the most stressful things you will do, and he answered all our questions before we even paid him a retainer. We will recommend him to all of our friends and family. If we still lived in Staten Island, we would use him for all of our estate needs. Best call we made.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Mary ann
Thank you Marc for helping us with the settlement company. You did a terrific job and always kept up in the loop as to what was happening. You were very professional and we would highly recommend you. You were not only effective but you were quick in getting this issue resolved. Thank you very much.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Neal
Marc is really a one of a kind attorney. He treats each and every case as if it is his own.
My company has been dealing with Marc since 2012 and we are very happy with his. He has handled our foreclosure defence, title work, real estate closings, and our corporate litigations.
You can tell that he is a hard working attorney, has he offen emails us after hours with new information and new ideas.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Marc handed a real estate matter for me. He did great work, was very responsive and really knows his stuff. Highly recommended.
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16 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Jeffrey helped me in resolving my query. He handled my issue very well and I am really satisfied and happy.
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08 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
He did an outstanding job explaining the nature in which I could go with my case. This is a great way of getting a second option. Highly recommended it!
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18 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
It was very helpfull
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26 Aug, 2015 by Dorothy
I had spoken to attorney Violetti with reference to a landlord/tenant dispute and subsequently retained his services. He seemed to be extremely knowledgeable in this field of law and took the time to discuss the various options at my disposal to expedite the process of an eviction proceeding in a timely manner. I was extremely impressed not only with his professionalism but also his empathy in affording me much needed assurance. Please note that this eviction was between an adult member of my immediate family, and as such was a delicate situation at best. Attorney Violetti appeared in Court with me and answered many pertinent questions before the Judge and helped alleviate much of the stress that I would have otherwise endured. Furthermore, inasmuch as I am a senior citizen and survive on a fixed income, Attorney Violetti had agreed before hand to grant me ample time to pay any and all legal fees arising from this legal proceeding. In concluding of this review, it is my utmost belief that Attorney Violetti should be granted a rating of ten based on the information as hereinabove mentioned.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Elaine
Mr. Violette is an excellent attorney. He has helped me with numerous issues regarding my home. His expertise proved to be an asset in my plight to sell my house. I have consulted with him on many issues regarding the law. He is personable and very knowledgeable.
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23 Aug, 2015 by Tiffany
Tim is amazing to work with. He gets back to you quickly on any questions you may have. He is professional, yet makes you feel at ease in his company. I would work with him again and again.
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08 May, 2019 by Cas
Provided and executed sale of my home flawlessly. Very well experienced in Staten Island real estate sales.
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01 Aug, 2018 by Michael
Went with Mike based off a review from my parents who also used him for closing, he's a great lawyer. This was our first home purchase. Mike took the time to explain the entire closing process with us, warned us about possible pitfalls along the way, fixed up the contract so we were protected, and when everything still went wrong (through no fault of Mike) he was still able to pull us out of the mud and get us to closing.
If there is one thing I can recommend based on this experience, take this guy's advice to heart. He knows what he's talking about and is only trying to protect his clients.
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09 May, 2017 by Eduard
I have only good things to say about Michael, he helped my family with our first home purchase.
He went above and beyond his duties as the attorneys, we had some difficulties with the property and he ended up doing the work that sellers attorney was liable for just to speed up the process so I did not lose my rate lock.
He is extremely responsive, and also takes the time to break things down in plain English so you can fully understand what everything is.
All around a great lawyer I can fully recommend for any real estate purchase.
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07 Jun, 2015 by Mark
I have consulted with Joe several times as it pertains to my LLCs, and every time, he is very straightforward and thorough. He gives counsel in language that is understandable and is extremely respectful of my point of view, yet makes sure I am clear on the truth and consequences of every issue that we discuss. He is extremely knowledgeable as it pertains to all aspects of the business management, creating contracts that work, and protecting you and your business from common pitfalls. He is accessible & a true professional!
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01 May, 2015 by Joan
I hired Mr. Asterita to handle all of the legal aspects of my mother's estate upon her passing. I have found him to be reliable, thorough, timely, assessable, fair with his fees and reasonable in his approach to the issues. He listened to the concerns and requests particular to my family's situation and developed solid, reasonable approaches that covered all aspects of our needs. My family has been very satisfied with both the process and the results. Mr. Asterita's firm was able to handle the tax work as well, making a complicated process feel as seamless as possible on my end.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Anthony
Joe and his associates are all very professional and really know their stuff. He has helped my wife and I purchase 2 homes and both times he was readily accessible to answer all our questions and helped us close both deals with extreme ease and comfort. I would highly recommend Joe and his staff to all my friends and family!
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07 Nov, 2022 by Mary
Vincent Albunio is an excellent attorney who really goes above and beyond for his clients, I'd trust him with anything, do not hesitate to call him. I guarantee once you have used his service you too will look no further. He responds in an extreme timely matter, he is a very knowledge, trustworthy person. There is no other attorney that will work as hard for you. Perhaps the thing that impressed me most about Vincent was nothing was "sugar coated". He was very straight forward and told me what to expect each step of the way. Going thru the probate court as well as the sale of my home. From start to finish, Vincent kept me informed of each step and what the options were and what the risks were. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel. He's done an excellent job in not only fighting FOR me, but also PROTECTING my interests! I highly recommend him for any estate matter needs you might have.
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25 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Albunio did an excellent job in drawing up my husband’s and my will on very short notice. He also went to bat for us when we faced almost immediate inaccessibility to our coop, due to no provisions being made for handicapped persons while the building’s elevator would be replaced over three months. AND he did it pro bono! My thanks to him. I recommend him highly!
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15 Jan, 2016 by Angella
Mr. Albunio is an awesome lawyer for many reasons. First, he will not lie to you at all but will do the best he can for your case. Second, he keeps his clients in the loop at all times and lastly, his manner of treatment is out of this world. He was very compassionate about my condition and treated my husband and I with respect at every turn, never minimizing my feelings. I especially like that he was very knowledgeable about his field of work and explained it to us so thoroughly and was able to help us understand the complexity of our case in layman terms. His concern for us and for my case was extraordinary, especially coming from a person who has such a busy schedule. All I can say is that I refer him to everyone and anyone who may have a need for a lawyer and if he cannot help them, he refers them to someone who can. I find that my experience with Mr. Albunio was one that I will treasure for all of my days.
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07 Feb, 2018 by Dan
Great team. Alex and Fina stayed on top of things to complete all required paperwork for a sale of our house and there was a lot of extra paperwork. Good communication via phone and email. We are happy with their work and results. Thanks Alex & team!
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06 Dec, 2017 by Svetlana
Alexander Khenkin and his team did a wonderful job not only for me but also for my daughter too..He is providing professional , exceptional service .I would highly recommend this lawyer to everybody.
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11 Aug, 2017 by Veronika
I would like to say thank you very much for the outstanding service that was provided by Alexander Khenkin and his team.
We had a very complicated short sale case ongoing for two years. They were always available for us and tried to resolve any issues that we had. I highly recommended them. Thank you!
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27 Oct, 2016 by Barry
I can't say enough about Mr Gabor. I had an irs business problem where I ended up with a 90k lien on my home. Mr Gabor immediately put my mind at ease which allowed me to go back to my day to day living and not worry about it. Sure enough my faith in him was validated as he negotiated the amount down from 90k to 15K and got them to put me on a payment plan. Kudos to Mr Gabor & staff.
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16 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Richard Gabor is an unbeleivable attorney. He actually cares about his clients and gets the job done. My corporation had filed chapter 11 due to tax issues. The IRS was threatening to convert the case to a chapter 7 and basically put me out of business. Richard Gabor took over the case and has saved my business.
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01 Jun, 2011 by Dr. david
I went to Mr. Gabor owing $500K in income tax. He reviewed all my past returns and discovered some major differences in treatment. He amended 2009, finding a tax loss that I was able to carry back. When he completed the project, I did not owe any money, and I am also entitled to a refund of $200K. Great job!
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23 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Pavel assisted me and my roommate in getting out of our apartment that had recently flooded. My landlord was not responsive to my requests of fixing the affected area so Pavel was able to help me negotiate with the landlords and help me come to a resolution that I liked in getting me out of my lease.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Phung
Not knowing how the rental market works in a new State that our son decided to settle in, we cannot thank Pavel enough for his diligence, hard work and compassion for the situation that our son was in. Pavel successfully got our son out of a big mess and re-ignite his joy in making it on his own in the big City! Thank you from a very grateful parent!
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18 Mar, 2023 by Carolina
He postponed my court date and negotiated so I can continue driving. My children don’t have to take the bus! Thank you thank you thank you!
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12 Oct, 2015 by Bob
Peter was very diligent in both assessing my situation and determining a proper course of action. Also very prompt in returning phone calls, draft docs, etc. I would highly recommend him for his services.
Regards,
Bob
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19 Jan, 2015 by Erin
Peter was so very helpful and patient with me as I went through a painful divorce. He responded quickly and kindly to all of my questions.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Adrian
I was searching online for a lawyer to handle my uncontested divorce. I found Capofari law and clicked on the link. I called the number listed, in which Peter answered the phone. He knew what he was talking about and walked my (NOW) ex wife and I though all the proceedings. He got the paper work ready, called us in to sign and 7 months later i was divorced. He could not have made it more simple. He made it so easy compered to what other people said that they went though. He is very responsive when you have questions and is very hands on. I would refer anyone with in the New York area to use Peter Capofari in anything law related. He will guide you down the right path. Best experience i've had thus far.
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21 Feb, 2022 by Lisa
I went to her for help first week in Jan and she got my tenant out by 3rd week in Feb!!! Her staff was kind and took all my calls (there were many daily) never lost patients with me. They were extremely effective and resolved my issues. I cannot thank them enough!!!
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27 Nov, 2018 by Tisa myers
I first consulted with Elina in 2005 for a personal injury claim and found her to be honest and informative. She handled my case with expertise with we came to a favorable outcome. I have since used Elina for a variety of legalities for my business and her expert direction is something I have come to depend on.
It's hard to find an attorney these days who is both sharp and caring. You will find that with Elina's firm. She communicates billing and procedure every step of the way so there are no surprises and she is extremely fair.
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27 Nov, 2018 by Billy
My attorney has assisted me on many legal issues including:
Contract negotiations; civil lawsuits both as plaintiff and as defendant; and post divorce resolution matters. She has always been the ultimate professional. She has excellent knowledge and interpersonal skills. Her negotiations skills are superlative. This is why she has been my attorney since 2014. I can always count on her older sound legal advice.
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22 Feb, 2023 by Madison & selena
A++++++++
I hired Bill and his firm for my NY sale and NJ purchase. Excellent!!! I had issues with my title that included old mortgages that were missing paperwork, open permits and he was able to help me solve all this!!! I am forever grateful to him and my purchase was a breeze! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Very informative, patient and took the time to explain everything to us.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Andrew
William Golding is a way above average attorney. he genuinely cares about his clients and guided me through one of the most difficult times of my life. i would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal consultation
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27 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I was a first time home buyer and Mr. Golding was very reassuring and took the time to explain everything to me. Best of all any questions or concerns i had he was always reachable.
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09 Sep, 2016 by Ken
Found Robert via Hyatt/MetLaw referral and are very satisfied with results. Robert helped me with a power-of-attorney setup, selling of a condo investment property and purchase of a primary home in last 6 month all of which were professionally executed. Extremely responsive to any of my questions and good at follow-up with the various bankers, brokers, and other attorneys involved. Recommend without reservation.
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28 Mar, 2016 by Rosemarie
Bob always got back to us every time we called. He was diligent in doing everything right for us I would recommend Bob to anyone who needed a real estate lawyer
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02 Mar, 2016 by Teresa
After selling our home and quickly purchasing another, Robert Cohen and his team made the experience pleasant, non-stressful and pain free. Mr. Cohen and his team take pride in their work. He makes sure his clients come first and he is always available. I could not ask for a better attorney and team. All parts of each deal were taken care of in the most effective, clear, courteous and professional manner. I highly recommend Robert Cohen to anyone for all areas of law he provides.
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02 Mar, 2015 by William
To make a long story short as possible,I recently was arrested for criminal possession of a illegal handgun in the home,which at one time was a misdemeanor, but not any longer, I was charged with a felony, and that DA offered me one year in jail,with no probation, or five years probation and a felony charge,which would stay on my record for a life,i was busted dead to rights, and the DA did not want to reduce the charges that i mentioned,because.the cards were stacked against me, and seemed like no way out of this mess that I got myself into, after taken his advice and got letters from some professionals, which I cannot mention, and after at least five court appearances, he somehow got that DA to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor and only three years probation, and at a very reasonable fee,much cheaper then all the other lawyers here on Staten Island,he seemed to know his way around the court very well, and seemed to be very well-liked and everyone knew him.I hope to never need him again,LOL but if God forbid I ever get myself in trouble again, he'd be the first person I would call.
PS. Whenever I called him with any questions and he could not pick up the phone, he would call me back promptly, I felt like he was a friend not just a lawyer, you can't beat that.
I hope this review helps
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28 Jan, 2015 by Richard
Im going to be frank . I was seeking an affordable criminal defense lawyer in Staten island to handle my case and no luck . Every lawyer seemed like they hired me before i hired them. When i came across Mr. Capofari he had a differernt demeanor about him. He was honest about my status , punctual upon appointments, and always kept me informed with any updates pertaining to my case. This man not only delivers what he promises but follows thru and then some. Paul Capofari is the attorney you seek if you expect honesty , effieciency and seamless closure. He told me like all attorneys told me " no lawyer can promise anything , they would just be lying" . Trust and believe Paul Capofari will deliver paramount results !
Thanks Mr. Cap !
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28 Feb, 2014 by Jpf
This man is an effective, intelligent, and responsive attorney. His is easy to speak to and answers his phone and responds to his clients concerns immediately and patiently. He is so knowledgeable and concerned for his client. He is worth every penny of his fee which actually is affordable. If you need an attorney to help you in a legal matter contact Mr. Capofari first! No joke.
I was blessed to have him take care of my legal matter.
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17 Mar, 2015 by Michael
I've now had the opportunity to seek Mr. Cirincione's legal services on two occasions, with starting a new business. On the first occasion, I sought his legal advice to protect certain aspects of what I created for my business. When I found a place to open my business, Russell helped me negotiate and understand my lease agreement. Mr. Cirincione was extremely helpful. He was very easy to reach if i ever had a question. He broke things down so that I could easily understand what was going on, and what I needed to do. I would highly recommend Russell Cirincione.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Stephen
Had a great experience with Russell. He kept a very professional relationship throughout our tenure. Always followed up and kept communication lines open.
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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:
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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.
