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27 Sep, 2023 by Cristina
Catherine was phenomenal. I came to her feeling completely defeated and hopeless. My former attorney was a nightmare. Unprepared, unwilling to listen, and completely took advantage of me are only a few of the adjectives I could use to describe him.
Catherine immediately heard my case and was confident. She listened and acknowledged my concerns. She even asked for my feedback with things. She took what was one of the worst times in my life and completely guided me through it. She promised me she would get this resolved and in my favor quickly. Needless to say, she came totally prepared for meditation and defended me against my ex husband and his counsel. She would not budge on our demands. She had proof to validate all our points. If you are looking for a divorce attorney who is also knowledgeable in real estate law, do not hesitate to contact her. Thank you for helping me move on with my life
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28 May, 2019 by Julie
Catherine was referred to me by a friend and even though she was 45 min from me, I was so glad to have her and worth every minute and penny. (Which was beyond reasonable too.) I just bought my 1st house and needed a real estate attorney. I knew next to nothing about the process of what it takes to actually close on a house, but Catherine answered all of my 100 questions I had and was good at explaining it. She is beyond professional and knowledgeable, very sweet, but also doesn’t mess around and fights hard, which you don’t usually find all 4 of these qualities together. Never once did I ever even have a problem reaching her, (try that with another attorney!), and her paralegal, Sharon, is awesome as well! She also knew most of the answers to my questions and kept me in the loop every single step of the way. Catherine totally had my back when it came to the contract, putting in what was needed to benefit me and also explaining it [again] each step of the way. Honestly, I can’t thank her enough, but would refer her to anybody needing an attorney for real estate, family law or matrimonial. I will 100% use her again!!
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14 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Catherine Dominici is a shark. She goes over and beyond for her clients. When there is a problem, she does not back down or waiver. It does not matter how long she has to battle; she gets it done. Catherine was my attorney in a child custody battle. Sadly, my ex was in no position to be a parent to my 3 children. It was a very unsafe and unhealthy environment for them. Long story short, Catherine got the job done. I have sole custody of my children without visitation.(which sounds terrible but in this situation anything else would of been unacceptable). She was on my side, well my childrens side 100%. She truly cared for the well being of my children. I have never met an attorney with so much dedication and compassion such as hers. She was always there for us. She was very reasonable with her costs and her office staff was just as amazing as she was. Whenever anyone asks me if I know a lawyer that I can recommend, there is only one and that is Catherine. She is truly one in a million.
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21 May, 2020 by Anonymous
My wife and me were first-time home buyers looking for a real estate lawyer. We reached out to several lawyers in the Stony Brook area. Daniel was by far the most engaged, responsive, and personable, so we decided to hire him. He really helped us along the process and was always available by phone. The closing was a fast and painless affair.
In addition, Daniel is an in-network provider for the MetLaw/Hyatt Legal plan. I had heard horror stories that lawyers use those plans to rope you in and then get you to pay for all kinds of additional services that your plan doesn't cover, but that wasn't an issue at all with Daniel.
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01 Dec, 2014 by Barry
Found Mr. Cronin to be all that I was looking for in an Attorney! My ratings indicate my how my issues were addressed, processed and concluded, in a most efficient manner. I was impressed with his willingness to satisfy a client! This is not the general attitude I have found dealing with other Attorneys.
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21 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Pleasantly surprised at the responsiveness and affability of Mr. Cronin. Especially compared to other attys. I've dealt with in the past.
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10 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Maria is extremely helpful, kind, smart and truly looks out for the best interest of her client. What sets her apart is that she will tell you if you're expecting too much from her or the court system. It's a difficult thing to find a lawyer who is honest but Maria definitely is and that's one of the greatest things about her. My husband and I have recommended Maria to multiple people who have always come back thanking us for such a great recommendation. She makes herself available at anytime to discuss your case and remembers even minor details. She also will explain anything you ask, even if it's the hundredth times she's explained it. Anyone who hires Maria is in good hands.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Kenny moore
09 Dec, 2021 by Majo murillo
01 May, 2021 by Jason kaufman
I met Michael many years ago. He found my mom outside of the court room in Suffolk County. He did a great job representing me as well as explaining the process as things unfolded. I’ve already recommended him to a friend and he was able to help him a great deal. I’ll definitely be recommending him to other friends in the future!
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16 Jan, 2024 by Dwayne alexander
Robert Grundfast is one of the most unprofessional lawyer's I've ever experienced. He does not keep in touch with his clients and makes them feel like there case isn't "serious enough " to provide the service that he took an oath to provide. He could care less about his clients or what they've been through . His disregard during my case was unprofessional and so atrocious I had to report him to the Attorney General's office and grievance committee. He doesn't ask his clients anything to know how he can actually help them but instead does the bare minimum. He literally is ONE OF THE WORSTE ADVOCATES IVE EVER EXPERIENCED and clients cannot trust him to advocate for THEM instead of the court to the best of his ability. If you are assigned Robert Grundfast from the court might as well go ahead and ask for a different attorney...don't waist your time 👎🏾👎🏾🛑🚫
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15 Mar, 2021 by Pearle vision bohemia
Robert is a very accomplished Atorney...well versed as it pertains to all issues legal...and he has become a friend... thank you for all your hard work in handling my legal issues...I highly recommend Robert!!! He’s a good guy and he gets results!!!!😊
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02 May, 2020 by Suzyq mariel
I was really impressed. Rob was recommended by a friend because I was about to lose my license due to speeding ticket bc I had too many points on my license. Rob got the ticket knocked down to a parking ticket! Thanks so much
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10 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Mr Katims to represent us during a real estate transaction through a recommendation of a family member that had used him for real estate transactions and estate planning. Throughout the process, he failed to communicate effectively with us, the seller's attorney, and the HOA and their lawyers. He worked very slow and at times claimed to have done things (like reaching out to the HOA) when he really hadn't. All in all, he delayed the closing by about a month due to how inept he was at following up with the other people involved in the transaction. He was not prepared to attend the closing, which meant we needed to go to a nearby bank to secure checks to make payments that he had failed to disclose to us, and it was incredibly apparent that he dropped the ball because the seller's attorney had printed out emails that he had responded to agreeing to this. He would schedule us to come into his office when a simple email or phone call would have sufficed, which felt like a waste of our time and a disregard for the value of our time. He required an undue amount of prompting and follow up on our part to do any work, which was exacerbated by the fact that he regularly took off from work without notifying his clients, he doesn't have any paralegal help, and his receptionists don't seem to communicate with each other well or with him. He continuously missed small details, such as repeatedly sending documents to the wrong address or email address and he needed us to notice issues because he simply missed them. Lastly, he would regularly give questionable advice, such as advising us to schedule our final walkthrough a week ahead of the closing date. Save yourself the headache and find a different, more professional and capable lawyer.
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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.
