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12 Oct, 2012 by Kevin
I met Harry in 1993, a few weeks before my son was born. At that time he had was a lawyer specializing in business and contract law for 6 or 7 years, and I was in the restaurant business. Since our meeting I've built a storage facility, another restaurant, an office complex, and a website hosting business. I consult with Harry anytime the situation is new, or the stakes are high.
The real test was a commercial tenant who signed a lease and became the tenant from "HE double toothpicks". The lease Harry wrote was rock solid. Every contingency the bad tenant brought up was covered in the lease. He knew without question what he had agreed to, signed it, and then tried to weasel out of it. The small cost of Harry's advice up-front saved me what might have been thousands without his expertise.
When I first got into business for myself I was advised "You always need a good accountant. A good accountant will tell you when you need a good attorney.” This has been some of the best advice I have received, and Harry is the best attorney I have worked with.
I am still in the website hosting business and enjoy it very much. On the rare occasion it's not so enjoyable I consult Harry. History has given me the confidence to be sure good business practices lead to the best possible result. Consulting Harry for your legal needs is a good business practice. I Highly recommend Harry Hackney.
Sincerely,
Kevin Robson, President
BusinessMasters.Net
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20 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Hackney is an outstanding attorney. I was being sued by several non-relatives who tried to take advantage of a dieing ex-spouse and then sued for assets of the deceased suggesting fraudulent use of a Power of Attorney and then wrongful use of the powers of an Executor. None of which was even remotely true. Mr. Hackney was suggested to me by another attorney who was handling the Probate case for our family and could not represent me in both instances. He had come up against Mr. Hackney in court and told me that Harry was "the best" and I came to find out that this is true. Both my attorneys were outstanding in what they did. Mr. Hackney was amazingly knowledgeable, compassionate, understanding and caring. He went after the others relentlessly with the law. I won't say that I enjoyed paying him every month for his services, but I will say that I certainly was billed fairly and got more than my monies worth. I have already recommended him to a co-worker and would highly recommend him to anyone. He is honest, knows his stuff, and works well with you and for you. I like to stay on top of things and so does Mr. Hackney, always keeping me informed as to what was going on with the lawsuits either via phone, email, or regular mail. He always let me know what his next steps were going to be, what to expect and an idea of what the cost would be, all of which I greatly appreciated. The outcome was exactly as Mr. Hackney had said it would be, favorable to me and our sons. I very much appreciate the work that Mr. Hackney did for me and the fact that he was recommended by my other attorney. I don't think that you could go wrong hiring Mr. Hackney. I hope never to need another attorney, but if I should you can rest assured that I will be giving Mr. Hackney a call. Mr. Hackney is knowlegeable, honest and seems to geniunely enjoy what he does for a living, and he is a good and a decent individual. I think that says it all.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Larry
I have used Harry for establishing a coorporation for a boat brokerage. His expertise helped in "doing it right the first time" and maximizing my tax benefits.
Harry also provides continuing legal advice for 46 apartments I own as well as a commercial strip center.
Harry has helped with legal advice on other multi-million dollar real estate transactions.
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27 Jun, 2018 by Michael
Morris is a former university law professor and a solid attorney. If you need estate or real estate work I recommend him. He is very honest and that was appreciated in the work he did for me.
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5.0
10 Reviews
4.7
16 Reviews
27 Apr, 2023 by Kristopher derocker
Paul W. Darby is one of the best attorneys I have ever had work for me. He was very professional and helped me through the long and daunting process of my divorce. He always took time to answer any and all of my plethora of questions. He was also very timely with the process. I would definitely recommend Mr. Darby to anyone that needed assistance with Family Law.
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26 Apr, 2023 by Kristopher
Paul W. Darby is one of the best attorneys I have ever had work for me. He was very professional and helped me through the long and daunting process of my divorce. He always took time to answer any and all of my plethora of questions. He was also very timely with the process. I would definitely recommend Mr. Darby to anyone that needed assistance with Family Law.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Shawn mccarthy
Very helpful and straight to the point...
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20 Apr, 2020 by Paul w. darby
I am a trial attorney who has been practicing for ten years. Attorneys only hire the best when they need representation outside of their field. That is why I hired Mark Brionez to assist me in a civil/commercial matter (an area clear outside of my field). He is uniquely brilliant, dedicated, and tenacious in his desire to accomplish the goals that his clients have set out. He is a sharp attorney and he runs a fantastic law firm. Suffice it to say that I highly recommend Brionez + Brionez, P.A.
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25 Mar, 2020 by Kissie brown
05 Aug, 2019 by Mary lynn
We are from out of state and my son got arrested in Orange and Lake County in Florida. I called several law firms and got all of my questions answered from Adams & Luka. We hired them and attorney Thomas Luka got the charges dismissed in one county and a short probation in the other. After probation, my son will be eligible to get his record sealed. I just want to say thank you to this law firm.
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28 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
David Cauthen staff miswrote my QDRO (401K) Settlement, it was suppose to be 50% (acquired during the marriage) and I was only award 18%. With no response to communication for over 18 months. QDRO communicated the direction to correct the error, again no response. It was sent to judge for signature without my signature. My divorce took over 3.5 years as we split acreage I needed to get access (easement) to the parcel I was keeping, today I am land locked with no access. I have a small herd of Black Angus Cows which need to be feed and attended to. I've lost my 1st calf (in 13 years), and the cows busted a water pipe on the barn and now I have paid over 500 in electric bills. And most likely my well is shot. I took a boat across lake to access the property. I have documentation that I came with all the money (from real estate) to purchase and develop land. This attorney got me no financial support (I was injured during marriage). David Cauthen is nothing but a quick settlement lawyer. He does not work for his clients needs. He also was my SSDI Attorney, and Lost that case too! Do not use this attorney if you want to win!
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30 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I use the word attorney loosely, do not use this man. He represented me in a case and made mistakes, not one but mistakes after mistakes. He was litigating a case for me for a year, collecting $15,000 and the case is no farther one year later from when he started. His office does not return emails and phone calls besides over billing and double billing.
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18 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Cauthen has represented me for many years in both corporate matters as well as personal matters.
He is very prompt, professional, and knowledgeable with the law.
I've recommended dozens of my personal clients who have used Mr. Cauthen for many different things and I will continue to refer him and use him for my legal matters.
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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.
