Filter by

star star star star star
01 Oct, 2021 by Shlomo levi
In Matto Espresso we used Spadea Lignana as our franchise lawyer. They took us from day one and guided us to become great franchise company. We have today 13 stores and 9 stores are coming soon. Andrew Matson and Tom Speeda did and do all our legal work. It is a great law firm, responsible, and super professional. Bottom line, highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
31 Jan, 2020 by Ed teixeira
Experience.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
30 Sep, 2019 by Dino guglietta
Best Franchise Attorney In the States!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
02 Dec, 2020 by Gerry
David is a very knowledgeable and excellent attorney. He paid attention to every detail of our transaction. I hired David in 2017 in order to draft the sales agreement and closing documents for the sale of my business to one of my former employees. Together, we came up with a plan on how the deal should be structured in order to best protect my interests. He came up with many great ideas that I never would have foreseen. He took the time to listen and understand the parties involved. Not only did David oversee the initial transaction, but when the buyer defaulted, he helped me successfully navigate the situation with a 100% favorable outcome where both myself and the buyer walked away satisfied. David is detail oriented, knows the law, and is a caring and all around good guy in a sometimes challenging field. Well done David! I will always highly recommend him.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Oct, 2018 by James
David was instrumental in creating and negotiating a fair and reasonable operating agreement between myself and 2 other business partners. We went through dozens of possible scenarios, both good and bad, based on his past experiences and foresite. It was a seamless process and has been smooth sailing for our business since completion and execution.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
30 Jul, 2018 by Paul
A former employee illegally charged a large sum of money to my personal credit card. Two different attorneys took 18 months trying to correct this situation. Mr. Blansky was recommended to me so I decided to take a chance with him. All I can say is, "Wow, what a difference". We had a relatively brief conversation of the background of the case and he went right to work. Within a comparatively short time Blansky not only won the case but got me some money back. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the best legal representation out there.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Apr, 2020 by Dylan
I received a traffic ticket in a part of new york i was unfamiliar with. Amanda took care of everything for me, i didn't even have to sit around in court and waste my day. Amanda took care of it all and got my ticket reduced to almost nothing! Better then having points and paying large fees. Amanda Disken is super friendly and very well spoken.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
01 Apr, 2020 by Diane
I hired Ms. Disken to assist my elderly mother through a real estate process involving (1) having to "prove" that my father who was co-owner of the co-op when they purchased it 40+ years ago was deceased, (2) going through a Title Search, and (3) assisting her with the closing on the co-op in her name only. I was part of the entire process and at every step Ms. Disken was professional and compassionate (something very important to my 92 year old mother). She was able to move effortlessly between legal terminology lawyer to lawyer, to words my mother could easily understand. She made the process as anxiety free as possible for all involved. Ms. Disken was thorough, finding many errors in the documents provided by the co-ops real estate attorneys. I highly recommend Ms. Disken and will definitely be using her services again in the future.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Mar, 2020 by Camille
I cannot truly express how grateful I am to have found Ms. Disken, Her professionalism and attention to detail, coupled with her legal knowledge and expertise, resulted in a wonderful outcome for me. She answered all of my questions and emails promptly, & explained everything to me in a way that I could understand. I am so very impressed by her integrity and all the hard work she did on my behalf. I very highly recommend Ms. Disken and would not hesitate to use her again if needed.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Dec, 2013 by Bryant
Thomas tyrell has made the best out of the unfortunate situation of dealing with the law. He has a thorough knowledge of the law and anything that has been thrown at me by a district attorney. He is extremely knowledgable friendly and most importantly honorable. He also is extremely confidential. He has been essentially a crutch and has made me feel comfortable in any legal situation . I personally recommend this attorney in any legal situation . If I ever need representation in a court of law Thomas will be the first person I call.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
08 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Joe Maniscalco and his staff went way above and beyone the call of duty for me when they represented me in 2005. The staff was courteous and always treated me with respect and dignity. Joe really put for the extra effort for me and I will be forever greatful. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
17 Jul, 2020 by Beth
Jeff has been my lawyer in a drawn-out contentious divorce proceeding. Four years after meeting, he's still helping me handle details from the divorce. Through it all, he has been focused, calm, and a tremendous advocate for me. He's helped me understand the state law, as well as what makes for an appropriate negotiating position (and what doesn't!). I appreciate his sense of humor, fair rates, and responsiveness. He also has a great executive assistant who is professional and helpful. I strongly recommend Jeff as a divorce attorney.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
21 Jan, 2018 by Jason e. rappaport
I have used her on multiple occasions to both purchase and sell homes and have also recommended her to countless friends and colleagues. She is professional, ethical, and very smart. Whether it is a simple sale or a complex matter I would trust her to handle it for me.
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