Filter by

star star star star star
01 Jun, 2012 by Dan
Mr. Murad has handled many cases for me and always given a 100% effort. He is very prompt at returning my calls and following through. I recommend him highly.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
20 May, 2012 by Vincent
Mr Murad helped me obtain guardianship and secure an inheritance while keeping me informed throughout the proceeding in terms that I could understand. He was prompt in returning my calls and was in court on the days scheduled without drawn out delays. I have the confidence that Mr. Murad together with his partners can handle any legal situation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 May, 2012 by Kathleen a.
I have used this attorney on several different legal matters. He is very protective of his clients, and fights to ensure that they receive all that they are entitled to. I am lucky to have worked with him.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 May, 2023 by David
Ricardo looked into our case without mentioning anything about fees. He investigated with the courthouse and determined it was a clerical error, and obtained proof of the same. He refused to accept compensation for his troubles. There are still some great people in the world, who believe in paying it forward!!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Aug, 2019 by Billy piperata jr
We have had Ricardo Mauro as a lawyer since we first closed on our house in 2008. Due to his friendly and knowledgeable demeanor and his office assistant Sarah we have worked with him several times since. He really cares about people and their situations and is not all about the dollar. He has given us valuable advice for free when we needed it on a few occasions as well. Thank you Rick and team! We appreciate you!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
09 Jan, 2019 by Ron
Where do I begin? My experience with Mr. Mauro began by dealing with Sara, his paralegal. What a peach she is!!! She made me feel right at ease in dealing with my speeding ticket I got while on a vacation to Old Forge. I am a commercial driver so I could not afford to have points on my record. I did a search and found him on line. Not knowing who you are calling when you live in Virginia and having to deal with the legal system in NY can be daunting to say the least but Sara was so easy and confident in who she was and how she handled everything. So professional but yet caring. One hopes they never need legal assistance again but if the need arises...well.... I will just get to talk to Sara again ;>) Oh yes and by the way....no points on my record and a mild fine was the settlement of my heavy foot. Thanks Ricardo.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
ann worked very hard in completeing everything that needed to be done. she was very knowledgeable and efficient...
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I recently had the great pleasure to work with this attorney while I was selling a property I owned in Kirkland, NY. My real estate agent introduced him to me and I hired him to be in charge of the closing. I can say with no hesitation that everything went extremely smoothly and he was very responsive and accurate in every step of the process. I live in NJ and he provided me with timely updates and took care of all the details without my intervention. He works with an exceptional staff that is as precise and trustworthy as him. The whole experience was a joy. He is also very courteous and principled. I highly recommend this lawyer.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
08 Jun, 2018 by Sheila
Mr. Kalil was compassionate and extremely helpful to my case. I also referred my daughter to him as I trust him and know he will give her the utmost attention to help her. He is a truly kind and intellagent individual.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2021 by Senad galijasevic
Excellent service. If you are purchasing a home this is great place to get reasonably priced representation. Even 3 years after the initial purchase of my home they were willing to help with my paperwork I needed to refinance. Thank you.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
28 Aug, 2024 by Ard puka
LeeAnn Joanis Attorney is great, I mean she is very great, Thank you for your help!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Jul, 2024 by Niko
Colin and Raina represented me for two different real estate sales (once as a buyer and once as a seller). Both times they went above and beyond to make sure my interests were protected. They were always timely and responsive. I highly recommend using their office.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Jun, 2024 by Paing soe
I applied for asylum with this law firm and would recommend to anyone who needs expertise with legal issues. And the paralegal is friendly and responsive to all the questions. Overall, it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
30 Aug, 2024 by David
From the start Mr. Kalil was upfront and honest about my case. During the custody process his knowledge and experience proved to be at the highest level. He obtained the results I was looking for. I truly believe he cares about my family and worked for our desired outcome. Contact him and you will not regret it. During this stressful time, it was comforting to have an honest, hard working, knowledgeable and experienced attorney fighting for my family.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Aug, 2024 by Fearless farmgirl
Mike was persistent, practical and up front about getting things done. He didn't even charge me for the extra time he worked on my divorce. I would highly recommend him to anybody looking for a divorce lawyer. Thank you Mike, I appreciate everything you've done. I'll be sure to pick a better spouse next time! 😊
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2024 by Jason grammo
Quality is his #1 focus. I attempted to retain Mr. Kalil in close proximity to a trial. He refused to accept my case and essentially my money, due to the fact that he wouldn’t be prepared. A business who turns down money to ensure quality is a top notch business. Will definitely recommend to others.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
28 Aug, 2024 by Ard puka
LeeAnn Joanis Attorney is great, I mean she is very great, Thank you for your help!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Jul, 2024 by Niko
Colin and Raina represented me for two different real estate sales (once as a buyer and once as a seller). Both times they went above and beyond to make sure my interests were protected. They were always timely and responsive. I highly recommend using their office.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Jun, 2024 by Paing soe
I applied for asylum with this law firm and would recommend to anyone who needs expertise with legal issues. And the paralegal is friendly and responsive to all the questions. Overall, it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2024 by Zsanette marielle
Michelle was the lawyer I needed from the beginning, I highly recommend her 5 stars in my book! She has a wonderful personality and her office was homey and professional making me feel safe and taken care of. I was able to sleep better at night knowing that I had her on my side.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
10 Aug, 2024 by Goose
Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Aug, 2024 by Tara abbott
Attorney Gu is one of the best Attorneys around. She is very responsive and wants to truly help you out with whatever legal action you are going through. Don't hesitate to call her she is truly the best.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Apr, 2024 by Adis begic
Great people to work with
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
03 Nov, 2023 by Tyler ammon
Excellent attorney, would highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
16 May, 2024 by Paul
Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Apr, 2024 by Kathleen jo
Cordial, efficient, polite
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Nov, 2023 by Eddi d.
Cliff should be the go-to attorney for anyone honestly. Really knowledgeable, professional and honest. 5 stars from me!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Oct, 2023 by Nick jarmak
This office was responsible for my mortgage paperwork, and largely messed up the amount to be held back for school taxes and then emailed me a couple months later to just casually send them a check for over $1500, as if I didn’t just purchase a house and expect that they had already taken care of the tax amounts properly. Horrible experience and now I am not financially sound right before the holidays. Not sure how a law office that manages mortgage paperwork was not aware that STAR credit is no longer applied directly to tax amounts…
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2023 by Lily corathers
Had my mortgage paperwork through this firm. Very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and transparent. Easy to get a hold of with questions afterward, and kind!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Oct, 2023 by Nick jarmak
This office was responsible for my mortgage paperwork, and largely messed up the amount to be held back for school taxes and then emailed me a couple months later to just casually send them a check for over $1500, as if I didn’t just purchase a house and expect that they had already taken care of the tax amounts properly. Horrible experience and now I am not financially sound right before the holidays. Not sure how a law office that manages mortgage paperwork was not aware that STAR credit is no longer applied directly to tax amounts…
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2023 by Lily corathers
Had my mortgage paperwork through this firm. Very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and transparent. Easy to get a hold of with questions afterward, and kind!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
26 Apr, 2024 by Heidi werner
Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Apr, 2024 by Nikki nun yuh
Google Maps
star star star star star
30 Dec, 2023 by Jason simmons
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
26 Apr, 2024 by Heidi werner
Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Apr, 2024 by Nikki nun yuh
Google Maps
star star star star star
30 Dec, 2023 by Jason simmons
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
28 Aug, 2023 by Chris b
Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Aug, 2023 by Billie schadt
I hired them to represent me in a personal injury case, but instead of acting in my best interest, they only seemed to care about their own agenda. The lawyer assigned to my case was rude, incompetent, and lacked any sort of empathy for my situation. He failed to communicate with me in a timely manner, ignored my concerns, and repeatedly missed important deadlines. Despite my numerous attempts to get answers and receive proper representation, the firm failed to deliver. To make matters worse, their billing practices were outrageous and seemingly designed to fleece their clients of as much money as possible. They billed for every single phone call, email, and minute of work, even if it had no bearing on my case. The bills I received were inflated and did not seem to reflect the actual work being done. In addition, the firm was unprofessional in their communication with other parties involved in my case, often causing unnecessary delays and further frustration for me as a client. The firm was also unresponsive to my requests for documentation, such as itemized bills and court filings, making it impossible for me to understand the progress of my case. I would strongly advise anyone considering Finer & Fanelli to choose a different firm. They lack any sort of ethical standards, take advantage of their clients, and do not provide the level of representation that one would expect from a law firm. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the state bar association and hope to prevent others from having to endure the same experience that I did.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Sep, 2021 by Don mochrie jr
This law firm gives you 110% and more, and isn’t afraid of getting the truth and justice for you.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Aug, 2024 by Jodi carnright
Didn't help me at. Lost my home and kids because I was a stay at home mom and couldn't get a lawyer. He cheats and I lose because of no help.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2023 by Ward
Completely useless
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
12 Oct, 2023 by Atidjani kasser
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Jim Corl to anyone. He missed my first scheduled meeting and left me to meet with his paralegal. When we did finally meet he was more than 20 minutes late (of course I was charged for the full time!). He was horrible at returning calls or e-mails and let me often worried about what was happening. When we did speak I had to remind him repeatedly of the case details because he never remembered or took the time to review my file. He gave me repeated promises to contact me, but never did unless I initiated it multiple times. There was even a point where I was in his office and noticed a note from his secretary listing all of his call backs. It was noted that nearly every one on the list had called in several times with no response from him. It was clear that I was not a priority to him and neither were many of his other clients. In the end he did resolve my case, but it took far longer than it should have. If you are considering using him...think again!
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top