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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
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15 Aug, 2024 by Mike dee
Got my 60 in a 45 speeding ticket dismissed. Attorneys commonly send letters to people seeing if they need representation. The letter says if there was an error or if a ticket was not received to disregard the letter. Call and speak with the team before you rely on reviews by people that have never used them or even spoken to them. I spoke with them, followed their instructions, and got excellent results. I asked for a "no contest" plea and try to minimize my punishment, but the ticket was dismissed!! Greg and his team delivered everything exactly as they specified.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Gil patrick
I recently received a traffic ticket for speeding in Virginia. Prior to my court date I received a letter from Attorney Gregory Waddell offering the availability of his services if I needed an attorney. His letter contained an offer for a free telephone consultation. I called Mr. Waddell and he was in court. His paralegal said she would have him return my call. Within two hours Mr. Waddell returned my call and asked how he could be of assistance. After reviewing my citation, and it's particular circumstances, he did not feel his services and associated fees were necessary since I planned on personally attending my court date. He went on to give me helpful advice on how to plead my case and suggested I take an online defensive driving course prior to the court date as the judges. have a tendency to look favorably on that type of pro active approach. WOW! What a true professional approach from Mr. Waddell. So many attorneys would have pitched their services to collect a fee. Mr. Waddell was more interested in doing the right thing and not taking advantage of a client. I can assure you that if I ever find myself in real need of an attorney I will be seeking out Mr. Waddell. I suggest you do the same. Gil Patrick
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01 Apr, 2024 by Doug
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21 Mar, 2024 by Denise dade
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19 Jan, 2024 by Shamara edmonds
Very rude, unprofessional and robot like.
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06 Jan, 2024 by Niki abel
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21 Mar, 2024 by Denise dade
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19 Jan, 2024 by Shamara edmonds
Very rude, unprofessional and robot like.
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06 Jan, 2024 by Niki abel
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10 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
If you care about you best chances avoid Ron Slaven! The rest of the staff are nice. Slaven is not worth the price and most likely won’t use any evidence in court that you’re paying for and will not use any evidence you give him or legal aid. Most important he will not update you how he will proceed to handle the case. John and Janet and Angel are much better. Avoid Ron Slaven he even forgot to bring up my only witness and did not use one single document or evidence that he printed out or document you pay for such as police, medical, or legal documents. He wings it the day before unprepared, forgetful, and used no evidence that I ended up paying $2,000 for he never brought it up in court. He only cares about money not you don’t make the same mistake.
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15 Feb, 2019 by Lisa
I hired Ronnie to do a custody case for me.He was well prepared at the hearing. Slaven didn't think a judge would go for my case. The case has gone into settlement. Slaven has done everything I have asked of him.I have been given copies of all the paperwork done for my case. I have been kept up to date on very aspect of the case. I have monthly statements. He is very nice and easy to get along with. He makes you feel very calm. He is very straight forward and easy to understand.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Lisa merrill
Convenient location considering 66 /495/ 7 corridor. Parking is validated and provides easy access to building. Meeting was timely, achieved and set future agenda, comfortable while professional and exceeded expectations as a legal resource. Excellent referral.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was discriminated against at my place of employment. I already completed an investigation with the EEOC. which resulted in a mediation. I called attorney Klenkar because I was told he is an employment lawyer. I wanted to pay for 30 minutes or a hour of advice he could give me on what questions i should ask of my employer during this mediation session. …… his assistant called me back and stated he would not be able to help me and did not have anyone he would recommend. They would not give me a reason why. I asked why, all I was given he would not help me. He didn’t even speak with me. For all I know his assistant could have mis heard me or written down the wrong info. About why was seeking advice. He seemed pretty cold.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Geremey engle
While the attorney's office returned my call promptly, the receptionist's behavior left me feeling disappointed. It felt as though they were glad to deliver the news that they could not help me and could not provide any recommendations, and the overall experience was characterized by snarkiness, unhelpfulness, and a lack of empathy. Moving forward, I would suggest that the law firm takes steps to ensure that all clients are treated with the respect and professionalism they deserve.
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08 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Bill was professional in his approach about stages of a trademark litigation and successfully filed a lawsuit and subpoena, but like many big firm lawyers his priority is billing (at a high hourly rate) and spent time on the case that was not necessary, as well as other suggestions about the case like giving document review to junior attorneys that was not the most cost-efficient for the client . He wrote a memorandum about the case and billed several hours for it even though the client did not ask for it. Ultimately while the case was still moving forward, the client could not afford his fees anymore and had to replace attorneys
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28 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
First, let me start by saying that the I hired this attorney to assist me with a speeding ticket in Dinwiddle, VA. John stated that he was confident that he could get the ticket dismissed, but after going to court told me that he could not get the ticket dismissed only reduced. I only spoke with John a few times, and I didn't feel I had been thoroughly informed of the status of my case. I was required to take an online driving school class, at which time I submitted my certificate of completion to John's office and never heard back from them again. I also had an awkward experience in calling his office and speaking with an extremely unprofessional staff member who swore she spoke with me before on some random issue, and was quite irate. Based on my experiences, I would pay more money and get better service.
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18 Mar, 2021 by Deneen
I’m so Amazed with mr Braddock. He seems to have everything together as a lawyer. I know it’s Tough for him at the End of the Day to Reflect on his cases Especially the ones that Haunt his soul you can take that ole mighty Dollar over knowing the Truth and still that ole Dollar wins every time. My father Always said when you lay your head Down at night what you Do in the Day you will sleep with at night . Our Lord sees all and Rather you think you have got Bye think again there’s nothing that gets Bye our lord I hope in your prayers mr Braddock that you ask for forgiveness . All the individuals that you have shattered I pray for you every night .
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07 Dec, 2014 by Harold
Handled my uncles estate and did not keep heirs informed. Wasted money and time IMHO. Represented my uncle, the estate and one of the heirs.
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05 May, 2021 by Ms. b
I find this attorney, Shirley A. Norman-Taylor extremely unethical. She was appointed to me, I contacted her, shared details about my case that if used against me could be detrimental to the outcome of my situation. She stated she had no time to take on new cases, I told her I would wait until she could, instead she took my-out-of-state estranged brother as a client who is opposing me on a family matter. My entire family will not speak to my brother and his girlfriend who are out to financially gain out of a pandemic crises I found myself in. This attorney took them on as new clients completely throwing me under the bus. Family lawyers are already shady characters, why choose this dishonest one? She holds no loyalty and is lacking with integrity and is far from trust-worthy. I’ve asked her to remove herself in form of email, attorneys have asked her to remove herself and she refuses. Save yourself the future horror I’m about to face in court. I filed a bar complaint on her this morning. She won’t be able to erase that. If you need further details or would like to share your experience please contact me...
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05 May, 2021 by B. a.m
This attorney was appointed to me. I spoke to her about my case, later she comes to me saying she has no time to take on new cases, but decides to take on my opposing party who happens to be my estranged brother and his money seeking girlfriend.. These are people no one in my family associates with for obvious reasons. They are around to financially gain from our pandemic crises. I told Shirley Norman-Taylor things that she could use against me. I find her highly unethical, an opportunist who will throw her own clients under the bus. Most family attorneys are already shady characters to begin with why hire one you already know has a track record of disloyalty. I filed a complaint on her this morning with the Virgina bar.
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10 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I retained David Fiske to protect my interests and enforce a settlement agreement, requiring a special master to maximize the redevelopment value of property prior to marketing it. Mr. Fiske refused to ask for a hearing to address violations of the agreement, he refused to withdraw and I was prohibited by the magistrate judge from replacing him. Mr. Fiske was attributed with making a false report that the zoning was going to expire to hasten the sale of the property below value. Mr. Fiske false told the special master I was in favor of selling the property without attempting to maximize value. I lost millions and still have not received what the property sold for because the court ordered me to release Mr. Fiske prior to disbursing my money, Mr. Fikse violated Rule of Professional Responsibility 1.8 accepting the protection of its orders.
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained David Fiske after settlement of a lawsuit brought to dissolve a partnership. I gave Fiske specific instructions his only task was to represent me when a Special Master made his recommendations to the court about what to do with the Partnership property. The Mediation judge promised to release the attorneys twice but the person appointed the Special Master decided to force me to retain Fiske to work for him at my expense. He told Fiske as long as he and the opposing counsel agreed, he would allow them to manage the business. This meant Fiske was on a cash cow with more incentive to listen to the opposing counsel than to me. The agreement allowed the Master to "hire professions, TO BE PAID BY THE PARTNERSHIP". Fiske ignored my requests to ask for a hearing with the judge in charge of overseeing the agreement to address this as well as other violations of the agreement. As NONE of the attorneys were paid for by the partnership, none of them had a duty of loyalty or care to the partnership. One of the opposing counsel represents a limited partner who was the previous tenant of the property. He was ruled economically antagonistic to the partnership by the Supreme Court of VA because of his lawsuits and repeatedly expressed intent to get control of the partnership property. Since settlement he has made three offers to buy the property and his business partners interested in developing the property also make offers. The property is in the revitalization district in Springfield, and the supervisor of planning for Fairfax said he would allow re-zoning and plan amendments to double or even triple the FAR, which would greatly increase the value. The Master was supposed to pursue this but he and his crew of attorneys never did and Fiske would not "remind them". I gave Fiske keys to the buildings as well as photographs of damages the tenant was responsible for and emails concerning EPA remediation. Fiske did not deliver these to the Master. The Plaintiff's attorney was put in charge of getting the appraisal and failed to get the contract signed for several weeks. Then he went on vacation and no one provided keys to the appraiser so the report was delayed for months. The Plaintiff's attorney also ordered the appraisal for it's lowest value and refused to get leasing values as required by the agreement. I was not permitted to pay to get the additional information required by the agreement. Ignoring my instructions not to apply for bank loans without the appraisal, Fiske was turned down by the banks. Now the partnership is bankrupt and unable to pay bills and taxes. They finally got a loan but the amount they secured would only cover their fees (if they abided by the agreement) for two weeks. The partnership property will never realize it's full potential value. I fired Fiske after I got his first bill for ten thousand dollars for a little over two weeks. I refused to communicate with him but he continues to "work for me". The Plaintiff sent an email to the Master congratulating him on the progress being made and reminding everyone they would be first in line to be paid when the property is sold. The Master decided to have a "mini trial" in April, eight months after settlement, to decide if the Limited partner, who was also the previous tenant of the property, is responsible for damages to the property. There is a provision in the agreement that the parties release claims and counter claims they have brought or could have brought against each other. When the Limited partner made his last offer, which was 3.7 million dollars below the appraised value and the other defendant and I rejected it, his attorney decided he was going to depose us. I was served a subpoena for a lawsuit the limited party was not a party in, a lawsuit that was supposed to have been settled. I am being denied representation of my choice, which is a violation of my constitutional rights.
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16 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Rowan was late in his appointment for 15 minutes, and he did not apologize. In the consultation, he was not able to give me accurate information, and called in his assistant, who quickly turned on her cell phone and started to find information online to read to me which did not go well and I was given contradicting information. In the end I was charged $300 for the "consultation". Rowan was extremely slow in speaking or any action, and was only clear when he told me that the fee will have to be charged.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I've worked with Mr. Rowan on one occasion, however, he co-runs a legal firm with his wife, whom I have worked with multiple times. I am very disappointed by the firm's service--both Mrs. and Mr. Rowan have failed to inform me about important legal procedures on a timely basis, once resulting in the failure of a crucial case. In addition, I was told inaccurate information by Rowan's secretary about my case multiple times-- whether the miscommunications were accidental is not to my knowledge. After terminating our contract, I was informed by a credible source that the couple has been battling severe mental and physical illnesses. My heart goes out to the couple and I wish them the best on a personal level. At the same time, I believe that someone in such a delicate condition is perhaps not apt to practice law.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Her communication was very poor and I had to correct her on several occasions about key details about my case. Very arrogant and demeaning at timesI regret not firing her and getting another attorney. I had a good case with the co-parrenting counselor agreeing to testify about our sessions and the actions by my then wife and Mary said she spoke to the counselor about testifying. Instead I found out after court that, per the counselor, Mary never spoke to the counselor about her testifying. Mary only tried to scare me our of going to court because it would be appealed by my wife if I did indeed win custody. I fell for it only to regret ever having her. I should have reported her behavior to the bar when it happened but was to beat down by everything that had just happened and was worried that she would cause me problems if I was back in court in the future.
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03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had her in a criminal defense case and she was terrible. It started with a lack of communication leading up to the date. Once in court, she did not ask anything or stand up for me in any way. I fired her and sought council elsewhere.
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07 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I think this lawyer is a lowlife. He doesn't do what's in the best interest of children in custody cases he only cares about winning his cases not whats good for the child. He is a piss poor lawyer and should not be one.
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24 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
so I could be wrong but, what I learned about the alleged "super lawyer" designation is that it has nothing to do with many positive reviews, or win/loss record. rather it seems only pertain to certain academic criteria which any lawyer can choose to fulfill and then claim to be a super lawyer. my experience with this man was he was strong academically but was a total loss on execution. he had about 6 months once the trial date was set to prepare and never even got around to deposing the opposition. but he never missed sending an invoice. then as we were within a week of trial he informs me its too late to prepare for the trial and was almost abusive in insisting I settle at zero sum when I was the moving party and had concrete evidence of the fraud which had been perpetrated upon me. lastly, it wasn't possible for him to care any less about the case with the seeming exception of churning billable hours. 20k on a man who was unwilling to make eye contact and seemed bored but was happy to offer repeatedly to try to take it to the supreme court. baffling and massively disappointing.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer will eat up your retainer fees so fast and charge enormous fees,some you'll question the validity of cost and the lack of court preparation and neglecting your case. My advice is to investigate this attorney further and don't hire her!
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31 Dec, 2023 by Robert
We had previously retained another lawyer in the firm who has since retired. Obtained Jeanette Ojeda's email address from her receptionist and received an automated reply that she would be out of the office for one more day. Waited one more week for a reply. Nothing. Called the office again to verify that she was practicing and was seeing clients. Receptionist sent her a note with my contact information. Sent a second email detailing my need for a contract review and even offered a retainer if that were a concern. No response. How difficult would it have been to say "I'm busy and can't help"?
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10 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I met with Elizabeth twice to finalize some personal documents. Our first two meetings were great and she was very helpful and professional. One last meeting was required with Elizabeth to finalize my documents. Not only has Elizabeth been unresponsive to my multiple attempts to schedule my last meeting but she will not send my file so I can pick up where we left off with a new attorney. To top it off, I was a referral from one of her colleagues. Not only has she been extremely unprofessional to me, but she doesn't seem to mind losing the respect of someone who went out of their way to send her business.
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12 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
We were very disappointed with Suzanne Harness during our arbitration. During the arbitration hearing she openly questioned "why we were there" and "what we wanted", and ignored specific testimony and evidence in making her decision. We highly encourage any home owners to avoid Ms. Harness if they need an arbitrator.
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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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