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18 Mar, 2020 by Michael
Jeffrey Johnson acted on my behalf.He listened to my concerns and addressed each one.He took the time necessary to review my case, gave me multiple options.I am very satisfied with my representation in family court.My ex wife is difficult to say the least,Mr.Johnson made me feel confident I have a fighting chance in court....
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19 Jan, 2020 by Rosemarie
Mr. Johnson was well qualified and I appreciate all he did for me. He is excellent at his job. He answered all my questions and was always there for me. I would recommend him to anybody and would definitely use him again.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
My husband and I retained Ms. Caffrey to represent us with regards to the selling of my deceased mother's house. We didn't know the first thing about selling the house from Mom's estate. Ms. Caffrey took control of everything and gave us peace of mind through the whole ordeal. Thank you Ms. Caffrey for your kindness, patience and expertise.
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05 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Caffrey really helped our family with regards to both selling and purchasing our homes. She was extremely knowledgable and kept us informed throughout the entire process. Our friends told us that it would be a nightmare as they went through it last year with a different attorney but we found the whole process to be a smooth transition thanks to Ms. Caffrey. There were no surprises and we were made to understand everything each step of the way. We have recommended Ms. Caffrey to our friends and they were extremely satisfied as well!!
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14 Jun, 2022 by Olivia
Overall an amazing and effective lawyer. She is highly intelligent, dedicated, and is courteous.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Yasmeya
I have been a client of Kimberly’s since 2003 and she’s has always been very knowledgeable and dedicated to her work. She is very time effective and professional. She wants what’s best for her clients. She is highly intelligent!
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23 Feb, 2011 by Nicolas
she is a no nonsense, practical and extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter. She gave me advise on the spur of the top of her head, she was familiar with case law and rattled of several specific situations. We had been to another big name big priced hot shot attorney that was recommended to us for this matter. They really answered nothing in our first consult, it took three separate meetings to establish a plan. I was using Ms. Zawisny (through a recommendation) as a second opinion because I was told of her expertise. Well let me tell you, what she expalined more in the initial consultation than the other lawyers did in 3 meetings. She did waste my time saying that she had to do some research, she knew what she was talking about and that was obvious. the level of comfort with her handling my work is worth every dollar.Nicko
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25 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
I used her in corporate matter, and once I did I was so satisfied that I have been using her services for the past five years.
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16 May, 2020 by Dean
Our attorney with whom we've worked for more than 35 years retired and recommended Kevin McConnell. Navigating a "long distance" Closing of NYC Coop was no small task especially since the buyer included a Title Company. Kevin and his support team kept things moving along, always ensuring our interests were protected, while making certain reasonableness was the cornerstone of negotiating some rather convoluted issues as a result of the covid situation. Fees are well within the norm and considering the high quality of counsel more than fair.
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11 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
She is not your typical lawyer she caring, truly concern and with compassion. She will always be my lawyer.
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23 May, 2018 by Mai
Kelly is one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. She is very professional and is consistently on top of her work. Kelly takes the time to make sure her work is phenomenal. I recommend her for everyone.
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11 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I used Mark Piazza for several evictions. His knowledge of landlord tenant law is fantastic. He was aggressive and tough. I am proud to tell people he is my attorney.
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05 Oct, 2012 by Ralph
Nichole Elizabeth Lee is a well rounded lawyer, very knowledgable specializing in landlord/ tenant disputes, showed a great deal of confidence in the courtroom.She was very responsive keeping me informed regarding relevant facts related to my case such as court dates and documents. She displayed a great deal of promptness, returning my phone calls and answering all my emails in a reasonable amount of time and in a professional manner! She was trustworthy, reliable and assertive dedicating her time to my case which resulted in a positive outcome. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent landlord/tenant attorney!
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24 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Very professional, responsive, sharp and pleasant to deal with.
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06 Sep, 2010 by Craig brockman
Mr, McKenna closed my house some years back. He is without the a doubu the most trustworthy attorney that I have EVER come in contact with, and ithas been an honor knowing him as well!
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Bob Farrell is an excellent lawyer. He helped us to start up our small business, reviewed our lease, and made corrections where he deemed fit----with our best interest in mind. He is extremely knowledgeable and we immediately trusted him. I recommend him to anyone that asks for a good lawyer.
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13 Aug, 2014 by Tory
Mr. Corash helped set the foundation for my company with employee agreements, handbooks and general business structure over four years ago. Mr. Corash has helped with contract negotiations which, in hindsight, allowed for better business decisions to be made for the general good of the company. I always was nervous my lack of business experience or not having a business degree would be a detriment to my business. Mr. Corash's experience has allowed me the confidence and knowledge to continue to build an expanding and profitable business.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Joseph Magnotti is an excellent lawyer. When I needed someone to fight for me he took this on for me when I was about to give up.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Teresa t
John parnese is one of the best he is very knowledgeable and. Professional he is very experienced in Realestate law and has. Done many deals for my clients and they were all very happy his office is run very professional with his secretary Annmarie who is on top of all his deals and is very pleasant to work with I highly recommend them
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23 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent attorney extremely knowledgeable very personal I have recommended him to many people who need an attorney so far noone has been disappointed.
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07 Oct, 2014 by James
Al is a true professional. Past dealings with other lawyers was nowhere near as pleasant and affordable. He was with me every step of the way and always a phone call away. Very reliable
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26 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Ruffini helped me in a very critical point of my life. I had just found out I was going through a divorce and well, quite frankly, was upset at it. I said somethings to my wife, which could have been, and actually were construed in a very bad way. I was arrested in Richmond and New York counties on Felonies. Mr. Ruffini went on the offensive and reached out to both ADA's assigned to each case. In a week of marathon phone calls, he negotiated a deal for me which got me absolutley no jail, no probabtion, the felonies reduced to misdemeanors and a fine. Most importantly he walked me through this very troubling time right next to me. He is a top notch attorney that I would recommend to my Mother if she needed a lawyer.
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26 Jan, 2013 by Andy
When I needed to have a Will drawn up, Angela was very helpful in explaining the entire legal process involved. She gave me clear and easy to follow instructions and answered all of my questions so that my Will could be completed as requested and without delay.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Lorraine caccese
In the past year I have had need of a lawyer. I engaged Mr. Pappas for a personal injury case. I found him to be very proficient, timely and competent and above all, a person I could count in to give ne all the help I needed. I would recommend him highly to anyone. ... Lorraine C.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Pauline
I needed a ZONING EXHIBIT III:DESC. & OWNRSHP.STMNTto file plans to make my home Handicap Accessable. Thomas knew what I needed and got it to me in a few days...
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17 Mar, 2017 by Maria
Rosa is a professional, caring and competent attorney. She is reliable and responsive. She is highly recommended.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Tkopa
She took the patience and time to thoroughly review my case. The results were perfect and would use her and firm again
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19 Apr, 2015 by John
You always hear horror stories about lawyers. This man made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was there every step of the way . He went above and beyond wrapping things up well ahead of any estimates never failed to return calls and his advice and counsel were priceless
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05 Mar, 2014 by Tomas richard
We talked to several attorneys in the NYC area but felt the most comfortable with Donna Oliva. She is very professional, patient, has great communication skills, and she promptly responded to all of our calls and emails. We never felt we were just another one of her clients. Although she handled a number of matters for us simultaneously, she rarely had to refresh her memory about the specific details of any matter, since her attention to detail and recollection are superb. Her legal knowledge, research and writing skills also are excellent, as well, and she is extremely persistent when following up on things with other lawyers. I would highly recommend Ms. Oliva to anyone.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Dr. darlene williams
Judy Difranco was an amazing support during my process. She was helpful, professional and responsive. Handling family matters during grief and loss is extremely difficult. Judy made this process smooth and concise. She made sure I had all the information I needed to move forward with ease. I truly appreciate her assistance. Best regards, Darlene Williams
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11 Jul, 2024 by Surendra attaluri
Excellent service, any day and time quick response. It’s my luck to have Hansen & Rosasco team for my case and they are very professional.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Bennjamin pride
Judy A DiFranco is an excellent para legal she treated me like family kept me updated through out the process she went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of you need to higher more people like her Miss DiFranco is a wonderful person
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15 Oct, 2024 by Linda winkler
Expert in real estate law and related matters, Vincent Gallo is a seasoned professional and a personable individual. He knows his stuff, knows Staten Island, and knows who to deal with when closing on a house. The office was always prompt in keeping me informed of details about what I needed to do. I was well prepared for the steps leading to the closing. Mr. Gallo also had recommendations for matters related to taxes on the deal. It was a relatively stress-free process and I was grateful for the help and support of Vincent J. Gallo Law Offices.
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13 Oct, 2024 by Michael parisi
Mr Vincent J Gallo -5 Star Attorney. Forget the bedside manners. when you have a complex or even a minor issue with a home or business purchase or sale that could take months or even up to a year in litigation you want the lawyer who drives and delivers results. Mr Gallo is in that limited group of elite lawyers that gets results and keeps more of your money in your pocket by cutting to the core of the issue.  For me personally, a prior lawyer made countless errors on a prior deed which could have cost me time and money -6 months or longer I was told and anywhere from 25k to 50k in cost. Mr. Gallo resolved the issue and delivered to me the sale of my property with clean title in 2 weeks for a respectable amount.  Thank you Mr. Gallo.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Sameh masoud
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18 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas rodriguez
I recently worked with John on the sale of my investment property, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Here’s why: Responsiveness: John was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. Whenever I had questions or needed updates, he promptly addressed them. Communication was seamless. Smooth Closing: The closing process was the smoothest I’ve ever attended. John ensured that all the necessary paperwork was in order, and the final numbers were accurate and complete. It made the whole transaction stress-free. Patience and Understanding: I appreciate John’s patience. Despite some delays caused by the buyer missing the contracted closing date, he remained calm and understanding. His professionalism was commendable. Transparent Pricing: John’s team provides reasonable pricing, and their proposal clearly outlined all possible charges. No surprises—just transparency. In summary, I highly recommend John’s services. I’ll definitely continue working with him for future real estate needs. Thank you, John!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Xenia abbey
This firm was efficient and accomodating. The team was great with quick turnaround times and moving the flow of communication in closing my home sale. Thank you for being attentive and supportive!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Rory blake
We had an exceptional experience with Merlino & Gonzalez. They managed to turn our closing around faster than anyone else we spoke to, demonstrating impressive efficiency. Their meticulous attention to detail kept us from purchasing a house with severe issues, which we greatly appreciated. Additionally, their fast response times and professional manners made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their services!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas rodriguez
I recently worked with John on the sale of my investment property, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Here’s why: Responsiveness: John was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. Whenever I had questions or needed updates, he promptly addressed them. Communication was seamless. Smooth Closing: The closing process was the smoothest I’ve ever attended. John ensured that all the necessary paperwork was in order, and the final numbers were accurate and complete. It made the whole transaction stress-free. Patience and Understanding: I appreciate John’s patience. Despite some delays caused by the buyer missing the contracted closing date, he remained calm and understanding. His professionalism was commendable. Transparent Pricing: John’s team provides reasonable pricing, and their proposal clearly outlined all possible charges. No surprises—just transparency. In summary, I highly recommend John’s services. I’ll definitely continue working with him for future real estate needs. Thank you, John!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Xenia abbey
This firm was efficient and accomodating. The team was great with quick turnaround times and moving the flow of communication in closing my home sale. Thank you for being attentive and supportive!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Rory blake
We had an exceptional experience with Merlino & Gonzalez. They managed to turn our closing around faster than anyone else we spoke to, demonstrating impressive efficiency. Their meticulous attention to detail kept us from purchasing a house with severe issues, which we greatly appreciated. Additionally, their fast response times and professional manners made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their services!
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08 May, 2023 by James
Michael Heittmann represented me in a civil case winning me more than $500,000 . Great work
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16 Feb, 2021 by Edwin
In the fall of 2020 I made an offer on a house my wife and I wanted to start our family in, so in good faith we put 20k down as our deposit and went through with the process. Unbeknownst to us there were sewer easements running through the front and rear of the property; we only found out this information about a week before our closing date. When our contract lawyer brought this to our attention he advised us that he put a clause in the contract so we would be able to squash the deal and retain our deposit. When push came to shove the seller didn’t want to give our money back. It was at this time we were advised by our contract lawyer to seek a litigator, so we asked him for a referral. That’s when Michael Heitmann came into our lives. Even with the impending holidays he was able to keep us involved in the ever changing situations. I work a 7-3 job on a construction site so my availability during the day is almost nonexistent Michael went as far as to take my call after hours to ease my concerns about the case. Within a few short weeks after retaining Mr Heitmann with minimal concession we got our money back.. I’m grateful for all your work.. thank you
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12 Dec, 2018 by Sarah
He was recommended for his real estate and contracting experience. He also communicates with you and breaks down all the legal terms to you. His assistant Davis Williams always on point and very polite. If your looking for a great lawyer he is the man! And most of all very honest. He was very helpful in my case. Thank you Michael Heitmann
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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