Lawyers map
>18
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Aug, 2016 by Angie
I just worked with Nick LaFountain on a very complicated custody jurisdiction case and Nick was beyond words amazing! From the first conversation I had with Nick, I knew I was in remarkably good hands. Nick did a great job for me. He is so smart!!! He thought of absolutely everything...I won my case and feel like I ended up with a friend in Nick! He is a great attorney and a genuinely nice person.
Read more
07 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney LaFountain combines a very human touch with a client who has been injured in an accident with a very staunch approach with the insurance companies that he has to deal with on his client's behalf. You always know that there is a person there helping you and will communicate with you to keep you up to date. The result is a satisfactory outcome and a good feeling about having chosen Attorney LaFountain to be your representative. What more can you ask for?
Read more
03 Jun, 2015 by Kristin
During one of the worst periods of my life (my mother died and I found myself being sued by my estranged siblings in land court) I was in desperate need of real, honest and meaningful expert legal help. I got just that and so much more with attorney Nicholas J. LaFountain of LaFountain & Wollman, PC. Nick is not only an outstanding attorney who tirelessly worked to get me the best possible outcome but also an incredibly honorable human being who took my case when others likely wouldn’t have. The fact is I was a broke emotional wreck at the start of this ordeal and the case was a contentious ugly battle against highly credentialed attorneys with impressive Boston addresses and clients with seemingly unlimited resources. Nick was of course undaunted by this and NEVER wavered in his commitment to seek justice on my behalf. He provided me with superb legal representation and consistently went above and beyond what good attorneys do! He even drove me to court once when I was too nervous to get there myself. Nick was extremely responsive and always prompt in returning my calls and emails and answering my questions. He was wonderfully patient with me and explained my options every step of the way. Throughout my entire legal journey I always knew that Nick had my best interest at heart. Nick is also a really smart attorney with the innate ability to think quickly on his feet. He displayed this talent over and over again when dealing with opposing council and most notably by skillfully cross examining witnesses at trial. Finally and most importantly, Nick is highly EFFECTIVE! He secured an extremely favorable judgment for me under very difficult circumstances and I owe him and his team a great big thank you for that.
I whole-heartedly and without reservation would and have recommended Nick LaFountain and LaFountain & Wollman, PC to anyone in need of expert legal help. Nick is an amazing attorney and I feel truly blessed to have had him in my legal corner.
Read more
29 Jun, 2010 by Jules
Over the course of more than thirty years he's done a good job for as well as with various family problems.
He's older of course, but if you want experience and wisdom, if that's what your case requires, Joe is the best choice you can make.
Read more
16 May, 2024 by Bernard sidze
Great Lawyer, he made our legal process seemless.
Read more
24 Apr, 2024 by The council
I was provided with great legal representation. And I was indeed satisfied with my case outcome. 10/10 will be coming back here again.
Read more
24 Apr, 2024 by Lynn kennard
Having Stuart Alford working for me was a complete pleasure. He was extremely professional and made the whole process easier for me to deal with. I recommend Stuart Alford to anyone seeking representation.
Read more
22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This lawyer doesn’t call you back, doesn’t return emails, and when he decides to do his job, he only does it halfway and blames it on others. Do not use him.
Read more
08 Aug, 2020 by Ofra
A fantastic attorney. Very honest, very knowledgeable, and a kind person. I worked with Mr. Leitner for years on different issues. Always resolved the issues fast, always answered my phones and e-mails. Hr Leitner is the best of the best. Highly recommend.
Read more
23 Jan, 2020 by Elizabeth
I was more than satisfied with Ken. I had a very difficult tenant who was very troublesome to all. Evicting this person on my own was not working out very well. I hired Ken and he resolved this problem without additional aggravation to me within 2 weeks!! Should have contacted Ken earlier and could have avoided the aggravation I endured Subsequently I was contacted by the next landlord of this troublesome tenant and I referred them to Ken. He also handled that eviction professionally and quickly, I have no reservations about referring him to others
Read more
02 Mar, 2015 by Kevin
I hired David to represent me with a dispute with my landlord. There was several points prior to going into court that David either gave me questionable advice, or was flat out wrong with regards to Massachusetts law. I ended up settling during arbitration. During the settlement proceedings I felt rushed by David to come to an agreement with the other party. Within the allotted time the other party did not hold up their end of the agreement, and I was mislead by David with regards to my recourse in the event the other party didn't perform. After performing more research, I learned that David had not been upfront with me towards the beginning regarding possible outcomes, his plan all along was to settle the matter as quickly as possible and keep everything under the $500 limit for fee disclosure required in Mass. This cost me significant funds in the long run, and I had been very upfront with David that I did not mind paying him much more than i was charged. I would not recommend David for anything that required specific knowledge of current Mass landlord/tenant law, nor would I recommend him with regards to anything that required strong negotiation skills.
Read 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:
-
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.
