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01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
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01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Britt herman
24 Apr, 2024 by Brie sesso
24 Apr, 2024 by Kenna orgill
We used Kirton McConkie to finalize two adoptions, and they were excellent! Larry Jenkins and Kelly Land are kind, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Both experiences went quickly and smoothly, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice!
Read more
08 May, 2023 by Autumn
During a custody case, I needed him to help me file paperwork and get things going. He was terrible at communication, I had to call every day multiple times a day just to get a response. I had to call the court on numerous occasions to figure out what was going on in my case. After one phone call with the court, I found out that he made a mistake on the paperwork and had to refile but he never did. This was back in February it is now May and still hasn't been filed. I was told that they would be closing the case shortly if there was no action done by the attorney. I am severely disappointed as I had to pay the fees upfront and now I am essentially ghosted. I am a struggling single mom and I am not happy with him at all. He should just stick to estates and not do family law at all.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired him in November 2018 To get some clarity on some divorce decree issues. He bid the case at under $2500 and estimated it would take 2 or 3 months. 15 months later and after nearly $10K I fired him. Thru this process he was was unable or unwilling to have things happen that he promised. His billing was random in timing. I handled the case pro se and had it settled in 6-7 months. I would never hire him again. Complete waste of money and would not recommend him to anyone. Completely dissatisfied client
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11 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Used his firm for an adoption case and it was a nightmare. From the beginning he was horrible at sticking to timetables and keeping us updated. With it being a family law case and one that was highly sensitive anyway, there was not a lot of understanding on his part for that. He never bothered to even remember the children's names, or my last name for that matter. There was always misspellings, mistakes, etc. My biggest problem with was him keeping his word, filing correct documents and keeping us informed. We had better luck getting updates from the court house and eventually went with another firm that did the job he swore wasn't possible.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Rob davis
This firm is awful! I had an issue with the previous landlord where they were not communicating with me effectively. Which then caused me to be evicted, To make a long story short. I contacted this fern in hopes of getting everything resolved and spoke with Amanda, We eventually how to conversation a consultation, if you will, Which afterwards she dropped off the face of the planet and hasn't responded and basically ghosted me. Not effective communication just like my previous landlord that has landed me in the spot of trying to find an attorney. At the very least, Amanda And or the company need to reach out to their suppose it clientele, and let them know what the f Is going on. Negative 2 stars.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Megan
27 Jan, 2023 by Alicia johnson
Clean
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08 Sep, 2022 by Ruben
Sara represented us in a boundary dispute with a neighboring HOA. She was thorough, sensitive to the stress a lawsuit caused us, was incredibly up to date on the latest applicable laws and zealously represented our interests. We were very happy with the outcome and could not have done it without here. Highly recommend her.
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21 Jan, 2019 by Danielle
She represented us for over seven months. She intentionally keep legal information from us such as when the opposite party failed to file the reply counter claim. Instead of to act on her clients request and clients' best interest to end the disputes, she lied to the court, filed the proceeding extension requested motion without our knowledge and approval to prolong the case to benefit herself finically, and on behalf of opposite party. She is an unethical and unprofessional lawyer!
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03 Oct, 2017 by Golden
Russell and his team were on the ball and always responded right away. I was given his name as a referral from a friend and he fought for my rights the way you'd expect when you hire an attorney. I had a great experience and would use them again.
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05 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I negotiated a settlement and when I went to his office to pay they refused payment and wouldn't allow me to talk to Russell.
I told his staff member that I keep feeling like Russell is doing something really shady and I asked if he was an honest guy. I was told "yes he is very honest but he is an attorney." You will never be able to reach the guy and you will be left in the dark.
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01 May, 2017 by Sk
On April 13, 2015, I retained Russell A. Cline of Crippen & Cline to handle a case in US Federal District Court. Sometime later, Mr. Cline prepared a Representation Contract in which he promised to represent me in both the US District Court and 10th Circuit Court and then again in US District Court. On September 29, 2015, Mr. Cline attended a hearing and argued the July 2005 statute of limitations clock reset date. The judge ordered additional briefings by both parties. Mr. Cline was to argue the July 2005 date and the October 2005 reset date per the order of the court. Mr. Cline failed to argue the July 2005 reset date which was the crux of my case. Due to his failure to argue the proper statute of limitations date in the District Court, I lost the case. I filed an appeal in the 10th Circuit Court. Mr. Cline then immediately commenced arguing the correct date of July 2005 which caused that appeal to fail since no "new evidence" could be presented on appeal. Mr. Cline then turned tail and ran after the 10th Circuit instead of doing as the Representation Contract stated that he would handle the case back in District Court after the 10th Circuit. Mr. Cline would file documents in both courts without proof reading them and would get dates and other items wrong. I would review the filed documents and he would have to file an amended pleading. Very sloppy work plus he failed to honor his end of our contract and is in breach of contract. To date, I have paid Russell A. Cline, Esq. of Crippen & Cline, $10,000.00. I cannot recommend Mr. Cline or Crippen and Cline to anyone.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Nancy
Mr. Cline has felt more like a friend than an attorney, but in a very professional way. I grew up with a lot of respect for the Study of Law, because my father and grandfathers were attorneys, of the highest order. They truly loved to help people through the law, and Mr. Cline has proved his is of the highest caliber over a long case we hired him for. Mr. Cline was patient, persistent, and responsive after we could finally get a Trial set. After 1 1/2 years of the Defendants trying to avoid or drag out the case, hoping we would give up, we finally saw Mr. Cline in a court situation. The best part, is that we WON everything we had asked for, even though there was the loss of the use of our property in that time. We are happy to give him the highest marks!
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27 Aug, 2016 by Leslie
Our homeowners association hired Curtis as general counsel to help us (the board) with several issues, including rewriting our old, outdated CC&Rs and bylaws. He knows every bit of the laws that apply to our HOA and the new documents are excellent. We couldn't have asked for better work. After using attorneys for years that don't specialize in HOA law (because we didn't know any better), we can't believe the difference. It's so much more efficient, helpful and valuable using an attorney that knows this area of the law so well. Thanks!
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21 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired Curtis to represent me in court. He was unable to express himself, allowed many obvious lies told be the opposing party to go unquestioned and assured me that there was no legal liability in the contract under dispute. Did very little preparation, likely none, for the court appearance, and thus lost the case. Lacks eloquence and persuasiveness, both of which can be verified on your first meeting with him. Find someone else.
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10 Nov, 2020 by Bobbie tyler
10 Aug, 2020 by Ian thompson
18 Sep, 2023 by Kevin
I have had the pleasure and misfortune of interacting with John on multiple occasions over the past 18 months. The pleasure of his understanding and caring demeanor delivered a comforting message during an stressful unfortunate time. John is intelligent, strategic and articulate. He has complete command of his areas of expertise and is confident in the court room and through negotiations of settlement.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Dennis
I paid them a retainer up-front to get started. And without ever having a conversation with them, they burned through most of it.
I don't mind paying something for document review and a discussion, but all Keiter did was glance at some documents. Didn't provide any legal advice.
We gave them a chance to make it right, but they insisted on keeping the money. So that's why I'm letting everyone know in this review. If you care about reputation, take care of your customers. Even negative reviews can be turned around.
We all make mistakes-- but sometimes, like here, it's intentional and they prefer money or morals. I never even got to talk to this lawyer about the case once. So I'd say the value was pretty low.
Not looking for a free consultation, but if you don't actually start and we don't even get to discuss the case, why pocket the money?
Even if the client was completely wrong and a jerk, is it really worth ruining your reputation from having the client tell everyone what you did to them?
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20 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas heaton
18 Jun, 2024 by Isaac pratte
06 May, 2024 by Danny
Trevor Fugate took over my divorce case after my previous lawyer, whom I'd only worked with for a couple weeks, left the practice for another firm. He caught up quickly with the particulars of my case, was great at responding to my emails, and explained everything going on clearly. He was also quite personable and easy to chat with for the five to six hours we were together in mediation. And last but not least, when my soon-to-be-ex-husband's lawyer kept (repeatedly) dropping the ball and stalling progress on the case, Trevor took it upon himself to do the other lawyer's job for him, pro bono, and push my divorce through the court. Great guy all around.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Irene kramer
16 Oct, 2023 by Gail christensen
I have called his office six times in a week and left three messages that were very lengthy. So he has all the information needed. Ihave given him my phone number several times and has not called me back. This message says he will get back with you shortly but I don't think he understands what shortly means.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Fran caughlan
I have been using Jim for 15 years! I recommend him.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas heaton
18 Jun, 2024 by Isaac pratte
24 Jul, 2023 by Kati
I am grateful for those who faithfuly manage the lord's assets. Grateful to be a part of a church that does so much for the world and they do it all without major fame or publicity. I pray for those who have lost their faith due to the materialistic and vain things of this world.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas heaton
18 Jun, 2024 by Isaac pratte
24 Jul, 2023 by Kati
I am grateful for those who faithfuly manage the lord's assets. Grateful to be a part of a church that does so much for the world and they do it all without major fame or publicity. I pray for those who have lost their faith due to the materialistic and vain things of this world.
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19 Jun, 2022 by Ann kruse
16 Jun, 2022 by Eddie rubio
Read the newspapers about this lowlife
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23 Dec, 2021 by Cheyenne rawlings
12 Feb, 2024 by C “rei inthegame” o
Left a message requesting a call back on a file and still have not received a call. Unprofessional at best
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01 Oct, 2023 by K j
Not sure who the heck these people are but they issued something on my property. Called and left 3 messages and no return. Dont have anything past due. Very shady if you ask me. Still trying to figure out what's going on.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Winston davenport
This firm has filed what I believe is an illegal foreclosure against my house. I reached out to them twice to ask clarifying questions and my efforts were ignored.
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27 Apr, 2022 by Hilaree
We contacted her to possibly represent a divorce case with domestic abuse and who had left with the children. Without even hearing all the details she told a domestic abuse victim that she would lose her home and her children if she didn't go home. She was so aggressive and basically sided with the abuser. It took two days of reassuring a severely traumatized mother that she wasn't going to lose her children and she did not have to go back to the abuser. If I could give her negative stars, I would.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Stacy
She does not listen. She is not timely in responses. She falsely represented her degree of what she would do. She takes your money and does not deliver. When given feedback of expectation of what she said she would do for me she quit. I trusted her words and paid her money which she took gladly and then never delivered. And then had the nerve to charge me more money for her not following through and her quitting. She bad mouthed other attorney to get my business and then did the exact same thing she said the other attorney did wrong. Very untrustworthy. She is a terrible attorney. Stay away she is not worth the money.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Bianca
Lorraine has been my attorney for many years and fought diligently, empathetically, and professionally for myself and my children. She was personally invested in the outcome that was best for my children and always insured every attention to detail was intact. I had an attorney prior to Lorraine and went to court several times to protect my children with that attorney to no avail. The first time and every time there after that I went to court with Lorraine we prevailed and my children were protected. Lorraine will always be in my heart as she saved my children's lives. How many people play that part in your life? She's my hero and an incredible source of comfort knowing if anything comes up again, she's on my side. Thank you Lorraine always and forever for everything you've done for me and my children!
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07 Oct, 2016 by Steven
I hired Mr.Bray to represent me in my divorce, based on statements and suggestions he made at our initial interview/consultation. However, once he got my retainer he filed no temporary motions he talked about, drafted no countersuit as indicated he would, and completely vanished with no responses for 2 weeks before labor day when I needed advice going into mediation. When finally managed to locate him through Overson & Sheen to verify he still worked there, he offered no explanation and scheduled a meeting the following week. He did not address any of my concerns at that meeting, in fact he was still unprepared for mediation issues the day before it was scheduled. I was lucky enough to retain competent representation for my divorce proceeding and release Mr. Bray as my attorney. I have asked repeatedly for an itemized accounting of his services against my retainer and have yet to get one. My mistake, this man did nothing for me, just took my money. Later found out he was disciplined by the state licensing authority for similar poor performance!
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15 Sep, 2014 by Mark
Terrible attorney, failed to attend 7of8 detention hearings for my son, was a no show at my sons first hearing in adult court, failed terribly in juvenile court hearing, be super careful with this guy, DO NOT PAY UPFRONT
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
You only know how good your divorce papers are after you are divorced and the papers are directing parents to work together.
I hired Mike and we drew up papers and went to mediaton. My divorce decree has been back to court three times in 2 years, all the while my X has moved from Vegas to California and then back to Utah. While my X has broken our decree many times it costs thousands to accuse and prove it. Once proven nothing changes because the kids are not in danger or being harmed. Mean while items that Mike consulted me to agree to put me at a huge disadvantaged position as a parent. While I have 50/50 physical and legal custody specific words that her more experienced attorney used makes it more like 90/10.
Just a few of the major issues that specific words put us at a huge disadvantage are;
1: I’ve been responsible for all transportation of he children. (Be careful, at one place in my decree it says all travel should be shared other places in the decree says I am responsible. Ultimately I have been the one responsible)
2. I can never take the kids out of school early or keep them home on any circumstances, while my X takes them out when ever she wants.
3. First right of refusal to get your kids instead of daycare has requirements that are excessive, costly and inconvenient.
4. The custodial parent clause is a very small sentence that gets in the way of everything being equal. “When the parties cannot agree the custodial parent will have the final say”
Guess what that means, the custodial parent makes the decisions on everything with out consulting you ever. This little sentence invalidates 23 pages of the decree that we spent thousands to come up with.
I liked Mike as a person but severely regret hiring him as my attorney.
Be careful, the legal system around divorce in Utah is twisted. The only people who win are lawyers, mediators, commissioners and judges that keep their jobs. If your lawyer is not great and leaves holes in your divorce decree plan on going back to court. Getting a decree inforced or changed is as hard and costly as the decree itself.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I hate to leave a negative review for anyone, but my experience with Mike Bringhurst was so awful that I feel inclined to warn people before they go through what I did. When I first reached out to Mike for my divorce, he was on top of his game. Quick to respond, persistent, and seemed eager to help. Even agreed over the phone on a lower retainer as I was financially strapped with my divorce. After my consult, he changed the retainer amount to a higher dollar than agreed upon. I ended up paying anyway to get my divorce going. Once I gave him the check - crickets. He had all my paperwork, money, info, etc in February and told me he could get my wife served within 24-48 hours. SHE WASN'T SERVED UNTIL MAY 30TH!!! When her lawyer responded to the petition for divorce, it was a proposal for my wife to have Sole Legal Custody of my daughter. Mike didn't explain to me what that meant (FYI - DO NOT AGREE TO THAT CUSTODY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE). I clearly explained to Mike that I wanted joint custody (now I know this is called Joint Legal) yet he was completely fine in knowing I was getting screwed over and would ultimately be sacrificing time and legal rights to my daughter. It took him days to respond to my calls or emails, and when he did they were short and uninformative. When I notified him I would be changing lawyers, I asked him for a printed receipt of what work had been done against my retainer (which wasn't much) and he threatened me saying "there was so much work done" it would result in me owing him more money. NOT POSSIBLE. I now am happily divorced after moving to a different attorney. My new attorney got everything re-filed, mediated, finalized, signed sealed delivered (with EVERYTHING I asked for, including Joint Legal Custody of my daughter) for over $600 less than what I put on retainer with Bringhurst - and in less than 3 months time. Mike didn't even serve my (now) ex with papers in that amount of time...Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere before meeting with him.
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07 Feb, 2021 by Tammy
I signed a retainer for $1000 and was told, if work needed to be done over that amount that I would be informed and I would have to sign a new retainer. I was NEVER kept informed of hours being charged. They billed my credit card for $6031. They will not return my calls or emails. Will not do anything now that they have my money. I have contacted BBB & filed a complain with the Utah State Bar.
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07 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He was the leading attorney over my case. When I asked for my money back because of the lack of work that his junior attorney had not done; he wouldn't give me my money back. He claimed he did work for me that was not done. This firm, as well as this attorney, is not to be trusted.
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14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Didn't react nor respond timely. Didn't seem to even know what he was doing. Constantly cried about his former partner kicking him to the curb and how poor he was.
Let my case slide and missed critical responses, deadlines, actions, and refused to hold the other side accountable but called and had a tantrum if his sizable bills weren't paid 10 minutes after he sent over an invoice.
Just fall over and surrender before you give him your money. Results will be the same but you'll save a lot of time and expense.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Tilt will represent you to get your money, but when he realizes that his case can't be won, will send a subordinate to represent him!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Booth was slow to respond and missed important deadlines. Seems only worried about his payments, even when the work performed were less than quality. When you have to start almost every sentence with "Sorry" something is wrong. Could have cost me $100 of thousands of dollars. I have had many attorneys over the years (30+) of successful business. I hired him on a referral as an "expert" in a RE foreclosure situation. This has been my poorest experience thus far. FYI: I paid the bills and moved on
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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.
