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08 Nov, 2023 by Mark
I looked for a lawyer to handle my will, trust and estate planning. I found Sean and took a shot. I'll just say that my experience has led me to speak publicly about him, something I rarely do unless I'm very impressed. Sean is impressive. He is responsive, easy to talk to, and explains everything very clearly. He made what I felt was a complicated process seem simple. I've dealt with a few lawyers over the course of time but none possessed all of the positive attributes I would place on Sean. If you're looking for a lawyer, look no further! You won't be disappointed.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Gregg
My wife and I worked with Sean preparing new Wills, Life Insurance Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies. We found Sean to be extremely knowledgeable and professional. He took his time explaining all of the various provisions in the documents and answered all of our questions. While we hope we don't need the documents for many years, we take comfort knowing that we are well protected and can count on Sean for future guidance. We highly recommend Sean Rankin and Ventura, Miesowitz, Keough & Warner PC.
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17 May, 2016 by Michael
As expats, we needed to take care of our wills/estate in case something happened to us while in the US. Sean took his time explaining all the details, pro & cons in a way that we could understand and make an informed decision wrt. our estate and kids. We would definitely use him again in the future.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Pav
I'm so grateful for Harry and team for their help with the purchase of my home in chatham. When I was referred to Harry by my trusted real estate agent, I already knew I was in good hand. Harry was super attentive, compassionate and understanding. Although it was an extraordinarily busy time (amidst covid induced housing market high), Harry was incredibly patient helping address all my questions and concerns. Harry and team made sure that all clients are their top priority and at the KO firm, you don't feel like just another transaction at all. I couldn't ask for a better attorney. If you're looking for an attorney for your real estate needs, Harry is your guy!
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13 Nov, 2019 by Yoshi
We hired the Ko Firm for the purchase of our home and couldn't be happier with the experience. Harry Ko and Tom Szieber guided us every step of the way through the tricky closing process, and made sure that they were always there for us when we ran into an issue or had a question. Harry's wealth of experience in residential and commercial real estate was reassuring as it was impressive. He was able to anticipate and warn us of all of the gotchas and pitfalls well before we came across them. He tackled some of the trickier negotiation points with ease and prepared us early with advice that proved to be a big help further along in the process. This was huge for us, as this was our first time buying a house and had no prior experience whatsoever. Equally impressive was the teamwork and coordination between Harry and Tom, as well as Legal Assistants Sarah and Barbara. Whenever we emailed or called anyone at the Ko Firm, they always seemed to all be on the exact same page. What stood out to me, however, was the incredibly friendly and down-to-earth manner of everyone at the Firm. I really felt that everyone had our best interests in mind and that they were looking out for us. It's not at all what you would expect from a typical lawyer. As someone who previously worked at an AmLaw 100 firm, I can tell you that this balance of experience, professionalism, and empathy is extremely rare in this industry. I would recommend the Ko Firm wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a real estate attorney in this area. At the very least, if we ever run into a need for legal services or advice, Harry and his team will be the first ones to get my call.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
James A. Woller has been our personal attorney for several decades. Over that time, he has expertly handled a wide range of matters for us and our extended family. Mr. Woller possesses a deep knowledge of many areas of the law, business savvy and pragmatism, thoroughness and attention to detail, and consistently produces a high-quality work product. Perhaps most important are Mr. Woller’s personal qualities of responsiveness, trustworthiness, integrity, patience and an unfailingly calm and supportive manner in his many dealings with us and our extended family.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Dwayne
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional legal representation provided by Jordan Dascal. After facing reluctance from other lawyers who deemed my case unworthy, Mr. Dascal not only accepted it but went above and beyond to secure a favorable outcome. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, I was able to recover $25,000—an outcome I never thought possible. Mr. Dascal's commitment to his clients and his relentless work ethic are truly commendable. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you so much for everything!
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24 Jan, 2022 by Cj
Jordan Dascal was referred to us as someone who could represent us well in a legal proceeding with our previous Landlord. We just finished our case and are extremely grateful for his counsel. He was always professional, articulate and had a deep background on specific NJ law and legal points that were applicable to our case. He was available for any questions, listened to our concerns, and helped us feel comfortable and confident with the path we were pursuing. On day of trial/mediation, he handled everything, and successfully navigated the conversation and negotiations to our desired outcomes. We would feel comfortable recommending him and utilizing his services in the future.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Emh
My problem began with what I thought was a good decision. Shortly after, I received a devastating news about that decision. I was at the verge of losing hope about any recovery. I contacted several lawyers and the only one that gave me confidence and was willing to work with me was Attorney Jordan Dascal. Not only did he return my call in a timely fashion, but he was also very knowledgeable about the situation. After reviewing the circumstances, he assured me of a good outcome and recommended a fair financial agreement. Now that we are in the final stages, I can highly suggest Jordan as someone who not only looked out for my interest, but kept me involved in the process, answered all my texts and emails promptly- even during ungodly hour. It made me feel that my case really mattered to him. I hope I never have to, but if I need a lawyer again, I will not hesitate to call Jordan.
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10 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Not a good experience doing business with Susan Taylor. In my opinion, she is not rational and is unwilling to listen well. We also have 2 friends that live in her town that also agree to avoid this woman
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19 May, 2017 by Alyssa
Susan assisted us in the purchase of our home in Chatham NJ. As first time home-buyers the process seemed really daunting, and there's no way things would have gone so smoothly without an attorney as good as Susan. Susan was always quick to respond, thorough and clear about everything going on, and she provided good suggestions as to proposed revisions to the standard NJ real estate contract that protected us well. Our close was so smooth, and there were no surprises or hidden costs. I believe she did a great job advocating for us and our interests in the transaction. I will not hesitate to recommend her to my friends and family.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We worked with Susan last fall on a real estate transaction. Overall, we were not entirely satisfied with the experience. To sum things up, there were a few delays during our transaction and Susan was not aggressive enough to advocate on our behalf. As a result there were some financial implications on our end that never should have happed and we were ultimately dissatisfied.
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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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