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26 Jan, 2025 by Natalina corn
22 Jan, 2025 by Agi algaa
I had an excellent experience with Garguile Law Firm. They were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and personable. They handled everything seamlessly and managed to have my ticket dismissed, all without me having to be present in court. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of legal assistance!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Max
Great communication, timely update, reasonable flat fee, and great outcome. Servered well all the way up to North Seattle.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Bobby vang
Alicia has been a delight to work with. She always communicated with us throughout the whole process which was really appreciated. Another lawfirm initially took our case and came to a dead end but Alicia was able to work her magic and see the whole thing through. Without Alicia we'd be stressed not knowing what to do but because of her, we can finally move forward with our lives knowing we were fairly compensated for our troubles. Thank you again Alicia!
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19 Oct, 2024 by Mckinney goes to:
19 Oct, 2024 by Noah mckinney
5.0
11 Reviews
5.0
18 Reviews
13 Dec, 2024 by Steven bourque
Great team, very personable, makes the complicated easy to understand.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Robert rhodes
Crystal Lewis came highly recommended. As promised, she was very helpful in crafting a Will that represents my intentions while avoiding some pitfalls I didn't realize were in my path. I highly recommend her for estate planning purposes
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08 Dec, 2024 by Tim nelson
Crystal and her staff did a great job!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Diana cruz
Dimitra Scott at Beresford Booth Law Office is truly exceptional. She made my adoption process so much less stressful, which is no small feat given how complex and emotional it can be. Dimitra is incredibly kind, compassionate, and hardworking. Thanks to her efficiency and attention to detail, even though my adoption happened so quickly. She made sure every aspect was taken care of, allowing me to focus on the most important part: meeting and getting to know my newborn son. From the first consultation to the finalization of the adoption, Dimitra consistently demonstrated deep expertise and genuine care for my case. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to guide me through such an important life event. If you’re looking for someone who is not only a skilled lawyer but also a caring advocate, I highly recommend Dimitra Scott.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Tim cook
13 May, 2024 by Anonymous
It took approximately seven months to finalize our case. Throughout this period, he consistently kept us well-informed and was prompt in his responses. His patience, honesty, and genuine concern for our needs were evident, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with his services.
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4.4
15 Reviews
4.9
41 Reviews
12 Nov, 2024 by Chen kong
I am incredibly grateful for my attorney’s assistance throughout this process. Due to a debt collection agency’s error in claiming I owed money, my credit was severely impacted, causing me significant distress. My attorney not only listened patiently to my situation but also took swift action to clear up the misunderstanding and successfully restore my credit. His professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care made me feel truly reassured. I highly recommend this attorney—if you need a reliable legal advisor, he is an outstanding choice. Thank you again!
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09 Nov, 2024 by Anil sebastian
We were recently hit with an unexpectedly large and unreasonable bill from our apartment management, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to tackle it. With very little time to act, we reached out to Maxim at the eleventh hour, hoping he could provide some guidance. From the moment we connected, Maxim was an absolute lifesaver. He listened intently, asked all the right questions, and immediately jumped into action, treating our case with an urgency and commitment that was truly impressive.
Despite the last-minute notice and complex details, Maxim approached our situation with expertise and precision, analyzing the issue from every angle and coordinating with the apartment management team on our behalf. In less than 24 hours, Maxim not only navigated the complexities of our case but had the issue fully resolved, securing a fair outcome for us. His level of dedication and thoroughness was beyond anything we could have expected.
Maxim kept us updated throughout, explaining each step clearly and ensuring we felt confident in the process. His professionalism, swift response, and genuine commitment to his clients’ well-being make him a truly exceptional attorney. We can’t thank him enough for going above and beyond when we needed it most. If you’re looking for a lawyer who combines deep knowledge with a true passion for helping his clients, Maxim is the one to call!!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Devan king
From start to finish Max was empathetic and pleasant to work with through a very sensitive legal matter. We got the situation done very quickly and as painless as possible. Very good lawyer and very good down to earth guy.
Would not hesitate to reach out to him again for other legal matters.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Mike newsom
After encountering numerous obstacles with my long term disability insurance company, I reached out to Roy Law.
Angela, who handled my intake, was not only knowledgable and professional but also incredibly patient.
Holly facilitated the paperwork, answered all my questions and ensured that all deadlines were met. Holly did a great job with keeping me updated throughout the process.
Following a couple of phone conferences and submitting my information, Roy Law was able to move my case forward in a remarkably short time.
Thanks to their great expertise, this process greatly alleviated the stress and frustration I was experiencing during a particularly challenging time.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Mother yoga
Corrie was so quick and responsive throughout our case.
She fought for our rights and without her help we would still be struggling to seek justice. Her diligence, understanding and swift actions are unmatched and we are eternally grateful for her help in resolving our case.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jameison snyder
Mr. Roy is a great Lawyer and good man😊Excellent law firm. I recommend hiring Roy law group😇
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08 Jul, 2024 by Shawn sohayda
Other than wanting me to "go with the flow" instead if challenging CPS allegations which I fully regret, I can't blame the lawyer, only my own decision. Mr. Desmond is very professional and an outstanding attorney as well as his team of lawyers.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Tiffany
Autumn helped me through a high anxiety divorce from a narcissistic ex husband. She has a very personable approach; I felt heard and supported the entire process. She keeps it very real; fights like a bulldog but also let me know when I needed to reign it in; she was very down to earth on what the judge would and wouldn’t like for the best outcome. I had consulted with 3 other seasoned attorneys, and felt pretty defeated by the lack of connection; When I found autumn, I was honestly hesitant, as she was newer to the firm but instantly connected and she blew my expectations away with her meticulous depositions, financial facts down to the cents, and the heart she pours into her work. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Ashley marie rangel (smash)
26 Sep, 2024 by Miss kay
Absolutely impeccable service. A real human being who does great work.
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08 May, 2024 by Speedydebt419
I have hired him twice and would hire him again.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Sergiu ursuleac
Outstanding lawfirm, Rick have helped me for more than 8 years with my traffic tickets, strongly recommend him.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Zack
Kelby Derenick is the go-to personal injury attorney in Snohomish County. His office in Marysville is easy to get to and he is the best lawyer for personal injuries, like car accidents. His value is in the final settlement!
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15 Dec, 2023 by Elizabeth
Kelby J Derenick is a premier Personal Injury Attorney in Southern California. He handles Personal Injury Law practices. The team is a service-oriented group that will handle all your needs. Kelby can get you the outcome you deserve.
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09 Nov, 2023 by R f
solid lawyer! Went above and beyond with solving any of my issues. I will always hire him when I need something.
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06 Mar, 2022 by Male rn
30 May, 2020 by Suzette capo
05 May, 2017 by Donald
Back in the early or mid-1980’s, I was one of eight apartment owners who sued the local County for requiring that all property owners in the entire local area connect their property to the new sewer system and stop using the existing, approved and functioning on-site septic systems.
Attorney Steve Crane sued on behalf of Eight Apartment Complex owners and won! I was one of Steve's clients with my apartment complex of 28 units in that lawsuit against the County to not hook-up to the County sewer system. Steve’s argument was that the Local Improvement District that the County adopted stated that everyone in that area of the County must hook-up to the new sewer system and by doing so each property would have an increase in value thereby supporting the County’s argument requiring all property owners to hook-up to the sewer system. However, Steve, along with testimony and documentation from the eight apartment owner’s, Steve proved that tenants don’t care where their sewage goes once they flush; they will never pay more for the sewage going down to a County Sewer System rather than it going to an on-site septic system. As long as it flushes and the sewage goes down the drain, no one would pay any increased rents based on those facts. Additionally, since sewers would likely bring new apartments with more competition to the existing owners who would likely have to reduce rents to stay competitive with the new construction; thereby actually lowering the value of our apartment buildings.
Steve’s arguments won. I avoided paying the approximately $28,000 in sewer hookup fees to the County sewer assessment, plus I avoided the costs of tearing up my lawns and existing septic system to put new pipes to the sewer system in the street; estimated savings at about another $28,000. With the time value of money, the approximately $56,000 at an inflation rate of just 3% would be equal to approximately $165,000 today! However, the biggest factor is the right to continue use of the on-site septic system thereby avoiding us from paying the on-going, monthly sewer fees of $19.00 per month per apartment unit or $532 per month for my 28 unit complex. In Today’s dollars, Steve Crane’s lawsuit saved us approximately another $405,000 in monthly sewer service fees! So Steve Crane saved me about $600,000 over these past years.
Thanks Steve Crane for being such a strong Attorney.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Babak soleimani
I was involved in an accident with a tow truck. I hired Bellevue Accident Lawyers to handle my case. Everything went smooth and I was very happy with the results. 5 stars without any hesitation. Thank you guys.
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25 Nov, 2024 by F.e inter32
I’m so grateful I found Bellevue Accident Lawyers to help me with my accident case. From the moment I reached out, i felt supported and prioritized. They took the time to thoroughly explain the process, answer all my questions, and provide a clear roadmap of what to expect. Their attention to detail and commitment to my case gave me confidence. Their expertise was evident every step of the way, and I truly felt like they were advocating for my best interests. Their professionalism, expertise, and compassion made a challenging situation so much easier to handle. Thank you for everything!
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24 Nov, 2024 by X l
When my daughter and I were in a car accident, we hired Parham as our attorney. He was always very professional, helpful and informative. The process went very smooth for us. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Deborah netland
I could not be more pleased with Jake and the whole team at NW Legacy. The amount of care and understanding of my particular needs and wishes for estate planning and settlement after I'm gone has been a wonderful experience. They made me feel so comfortable that a significant burden and worry has been lifted!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Jk
Jake and team were amazing! Helpful, responsive, and truly lovely to work with. Wonderful service!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Lee nichols
Choosing NW Legacy Law was best decision I could have made having responsible professionals in a complex estate case was reassuring to the completion the estate!!
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01 May, 2024 by Tim hapke
19 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Jim Johanson Law Group I have nothing but good things to say about this law group! My case went on for two plus years, few court hearings and few continuances. Jim worked hard throughout the time between the initial consultation to the disposition and final hearing. His team communicated well with me and respected that I wanted to have my dad involved just as much as myself in the whole legal process. Jim Johanson heavily negotiated on my behalf and the results were great and I am very satisfied with the results. Thank you Jim Johanson Law group, I recommend Jim Johanson for all your legal needs he did not disappoint.
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14 Jul, 2023 by Ann
I had a great experience getting help from the Johanson Law group. Thank you Jim Johanson for your professional advice and caring. I have been to this office in the past too and always feel comfortable there and I know I will be taken care of. Nick also did a great job communicating with me.
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26 Jul, 2024 by George minehart
The best attorneys, you can ask for, they are all so very professional and knowledgeable and amazing people. If you need any help call them you won’t regret it.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Aaron schwartz
18 Sep, 2023 by Diana roireau
Very professional team. Very knowledgeable in many areas of civil litigation. Highly recommend.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Chris watkins
08 Oct, 2024 by Luke o'bannan
Ken and Katie are excellent attorneys.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Kent doll
They are the best divorce lawyers in town. They are compassionate and do excellent work for their clients.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Meg k.
Excellent communication and support throughout a complex divorce. Highly recommend Amy Franklin-Bihary.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Emily louden
09 Mar, 2020 by Adel abushaev
16 Jan, 2025 by Ling xu
I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Thorley, and I cannot speak highly enough of her. Not only is she an expert in immigration law, but she also offers criminal defense services, making her a well-rounded and highly knowledgeable attorney. She charged a very reasonable price for her services, which was greatly appreciated. Throughout the entire process, Rebecca was kind, caring, and truly took the time to understand my concerns. Her expertise and dedication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate. If you're looking for a lawyer who combines skill with compassion, I highly recommend Rebecca Thorley!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Saffa alwazan
Melissa was great! Made it a very easy process on us. I highly recommend going through her!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Abenezer
Good service thank you guys
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16 Jan, 2025 by Ling xu
I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Thorley, and I cannot speak highly enough of her. Not only is she an expert in immigration law, but she also offers criminal defense services, making her a well-rounded and highly knowledgeable attorney. She charged a very reasonable price for her services, which was greatly appreciated. Throughout the entire process, Rebecca was kind, caring, and truly took the time to understand my concerns. Her expertise and dedication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate. If you're looking for a lawyer who combines skill with compassion, I highly recommend Rebecca Thorley!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Saffa alwazan
Melissa was great! Made it a very easy process on us. I highly recommend going through her!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Abenezer
Good service thank you guys
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31 Oct, 2024 by Brittney sullivan
Marisa Nelson (and team) are absolutely amazing at everything they do! Not only did Marisa help me through some of the hardest years, she also went above and beyond to give our case 110%! She knew everything about our case inside and out. She was always very responsive. She'd help answer any questions I had. Gave great advice when needed, and fought just as hard as me for what's best for my kids! If you're looking for a caring, professional attorney that will give your case the best chance, hire her!
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27 Dec, 2023 by Judy brunskill
Anne was the perfect choice for me! I love her style, professional yet with an easygoing way about her. She made me feel comfortable while drawing up my estate planing/will. I enjoyed having a lawyer that has a sense of humor and not all stuffy and uptight!!! I would highly recommend her and I am thankful to have her as my lawyer.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Sylvia register
Anne and her team was fantastic. Thank you Anne for your help with my Will, POA and everything else. Everything was so efficient.
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26 Mar, 2023 by Lynn mcgraw
02 Feb, 2023 by Tammy berry
Loren came highly recommended by our accountant and a financial planner. He is a very knowledgeable, personable down to earth attorney. He explained everything very thoroughly, which made it easy to get our trust and wills set up. He charges by the job, not hour, yet we never felt rushed to get out.
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03 May, 2022 by Dave baker
I recently worked with Loren and Reagan getting my Will and affairs in order due to my health. I was very impressed with Lorens experience and professionalism but most of all they are both such great human beings. I would highly recommend Joner Law and really appreciate all they did for me.
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13 Feb, 2025 by B f
I am incredibly grateful to NW Liberty for their outstanding legal representation. They were professional, efficient, and prompt with updates, keeping me informed. Living out of state, I was concerned about the logistics of handling my case, but they made the entire process smooth. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, my case was dismissed without me having to travel back for court. They truly go above and beyond for their clients!
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12 Feb, 2025 by Colin heider
Very communicative when working with the folks here. Positive outcome where they kept me updated. Very friendly.
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07 Feb, 2025 by Anirudh kaul
Great experience working with them. Very punctual, professional and thorough!
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30 Sep, 2019 by Tim march
Nice and helpful attorneys.
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20 Jul, 2016 by Sherri cobb
Peg Callaway is a caring and efficient attorney. She gets the job done in a timely manner and let's you know when there are things you can do yourself, to save money, rather than have her do them and pay the hourly legal fee. I definitely appreciate when someone is trying to help me save money, because you know, that doesn't happen very often! Anyway, she's knowledgeable and efficient and personable and I would definitely recommend her.
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14 May, 2013 by Christine
After my fiancé and I moved our families into Washington State for a solid job offer, it went south and we had no doubt that an attorney had to be brought into the situation to help us. I searched hard for a firm that looked to be authentic, established and all-in on our behalf. An upscale Seattle based lawyer took our case, extremely positive that we could prevail in this employee related case. The attorney knew we were already broke and hiring her required us to take out a personal loan. Regardless, she assured us that at the most she would only require $5,000.00 to complete and settle our case. That was the top end of her estimate.
After $7,000.00 paid out and many long frustrating, stressful months going nowhere, we were out of money again. She had also mentioned continuing on a contingency if need be, stringing us along with that carrot. When we just could not come up with more money, she quickly changed her tune and said they could no longer represent us (unless we suddenly came up with another $30,000.00 or more).
Now broke twice over; once by the ‘bad guys’ and a second time by the very firm we trusted and hired to help us, we were worse off than ever before.
After licking our deep wounds again, I decided to not give up just yet. Out there somewhere there had to be an honest person who wasn’t just out for the money. Interviewing numerous attorneys only brought a long line of disappointments. I was about to give up on the world of attorneys when Robert Colbert’s email popped up. He inquired about the basics of our case and soon was asking for more details. He never created any false hopes and gave simple advice on some options we could look into.
Over time, he became more genuinely interested. This is what our case needed – someone willing to take the time to fully understand and to believe in it.
When we decided to take a leap of faith and a second crack at this already emotionally draining case, we indeed hired Robert Colbert.
I had obviously lost all faith in attorneys… and Mr. Colbert brought that faith back. He is straightforward, detailed and diligent. He did not waste any time on anything. His every move is precise, productive and genuine. His attention to detail and how the law applies to every intricacy is impeccable. He is by far the most professional and productive attorney I have ever known. No contest. If you want it done right with honesty and integrity, Robert Colbert is the attorney for the case! It’s a relief to know that there are still all around awesome attorneys out there. Mr. Colbert is living proof of that!
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14 Jun, 2022 by Mark glancey
Extraordinary legal services. If you are looking for expert and friendly legal advice you cannot do better than Dorsey.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Bryn waibel
10 Oct, 2009 by Dave h.
In addition to our formation, John has handled all of our contract review since day one. As a sub-contractor it is imperative that we are squarely and safely positioned. John sees to it with tight documentation and timely answers to our questions at any time.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Melissa perkins
Incredible family law, and representation for vehicular court case, Attorneys. I'd give them a 10/10 if I could.
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17 Oct, 2024 by John anderson
Great service and super convenient website automation. They did exactly what they said they would do when they said they would do it. Value and ease of use are exceptional!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Leland hampton
03 Jan, 2025 by Michael clacher
Wheat Legal offers a service I can only commend.
Timely responses, detailed explanations and overall just a pleasure to deal with. I'm grateful to have found this entity.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Gary dewitt
Jeff at Wheat Legal helped me during a tough time with my business. He provided me insights and advice that helped me immensely. He is thorough and professional, and I cannot recommend his services enough.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Kelsie alford
Have loved working with Jeffrey! He’s the best when it comes to business disputes and contracts! Never a doubt that he’ll do what’s right for us!
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06 Oct, 2023 by Chance
Perfect
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14 Sep, 2023 by Elizabeth j
Kim has been an absolute blessing when it comes to navigating complex probate issues. Her legal acumen and dedication to her clients are truly outstanding. Kim's ability to break down intricate matters into understandable terms, her meticulous attention to detail, and her unwavering support have been invaluable. If you're facing complex probate challenges, I highly recommend Kim as your attorney of choice. She's a true professional who genuinely cares about her clients' well-being.
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14 Aug, 2023 by H1 heavenly acres 1
23 Aug, 2024 by Kate cissna
Prompt, to the point legal consult, and supportive of our nonprofit work in the community. Wonderful!
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19 Feb, 2024 by Shawn roberts
These guys are the go to guys for any of your legal needs I highly recommend them
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27 Apr, 2023 by Michael taylor
17 Jan, 2025 by Andrey yakimchuk
Natasha at Lotus Law is exceptional! She is incredibly knowledgeable and always punctual. Highly recommend!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Stewart millager
Excellent service, very knowledgeable with contract management. Got to the bottom of the agreement we were drafting and helped get it done efficiently.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Nelya pavlenko
Natasha provides prompt and applicable legal advice. Great to work with!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Chris watkins
08 Oct, 2024 by Luke o'bannan
Ken and Katie are excellent attorneys.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Kent doll
They are the best divorce lawyers in town. They are compassionate and do excellent work for their clients.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Meg k.
Excellent communication and support throughout a complex divorce. Highly recommend Amy Franklin-Bihary.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Emily louden
09 Mar, 2020 by Adel abushaev
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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.
