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01 Feb, 2024 by Justin
John takes on each task with attention to detail, expertise, effort and a desire to win the case. He is someone who you want on your side.... not on the other.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
John helped us settle a lease issue with our previous landlord. He was responsive and prompt and we got the outcome we were looking for.
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19 Jan, 2023 by Elliot
John was recommended to me by another attorney to handle a very difficult and complicated case. We have a lending company ,our client passed away but prior to his passing he took a very large deposit on this property from one of his employees on a promise that their would be a credit for that amount and she could purchase the property ,
Upon her employers death she decided that the property was hers and she became a squatter unable to buy the property but decided she owned it. The woman then decided our company and myself were responsible for her loss. She sued us for fraud, conversion of the funds, unjust enrichment and anything else she and her attorney made up.
Fast forward John Harkevy to the rescue. He analyzed the case and on 5 seperate actions against us won summary judgement in our favor on all 5. He then started an action for possession and back rent which we settled on favorable terms. Thankyou John who I would highly revomend for his knowledge and how well he handled such a difficult and complicated case.
Thanks John
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14 Feb, 2018 by Damon
I highly recommend Maria Vijil Davis. She handled the legal work for both the sale of our existing home and the purchase of our new home. While she certainly handled the legal matters with aplomb, her unique value add comes from her communication and people skills which were likely honed by her extensive and diverse background in a range of fields. I have found these to be rare skills among professional service providers. Any attorney can do your legal work, few can do it in a manner that makes the process and documents approachable and easy to understand. I highly recommend Maria and would certainly work with her again.
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13 Feb, 2018 by Robert
Maria has assisted me with multiple real estate transactions and has always been incredibly diligent, accessible, thorough, and a pleasure to work with. Her professionalism and subject matter expertise in the areas in which she advised me was incredibly valuable and I highly recommend her.
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24 May, 2014 by Karen
Maria helped me set up my limited liability company and negotiated my operating agreement. She was incredibly easy to work with and extremely responsive to all my questions. Since she speaks spanish, she was able to help me with some of my spanish-speaking clients. I also used Maria to negotiate my commercial lease. I recommend her highly to anyone in need of a business or real estate attorney.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Michael
Our car broke down a few days before the closing and he drove out to us to get everything signed. Hard-working and knowledgeable attorney. Highly recommend.
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03 Mar, 2023 by Gail r.
We hired Attorney Tocci to help us purchase our first home in Boston. We were not very familiar with the process, so, admittedly, we probably called/emailed him more than any clients he's ever had. He was always extremely quick to respond and very helpful in guiding us through the process and calming us down at stressful times. Can't recommend him enough!
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18 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Trustworthy, professional, passionate; Mr. Brown worked with us a couple of times (buying and/or selling a property) and he was indeed the best we could find (compared to others we've worked with in the past).
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16 Aug, 2011 by John
I've used Bert on a number of occasions now for employment and contractual matters, and have always found him to be extremely reliable as well as insightful on the key issues. I like that he provides not just the official legal opinion on things, but the real world reality check as well. Guess that comes from experience. I have complete trust in him and make my recommendation without hesitation.
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10 Oct, 2013 by Brett
I have used Molly 3 times over the past 5 years for different matters for my business. She represented me for a deposition. She defended me in a separate litigation as well as filed counter claims. She skillfully out boxed opposing council in court and got the case dismissed. The third representation was her fighting a subpoena for emails and other documents and files against my company from a large publicly traded company. She was able to protect our rights and our sensitive documents and emails. We never had to give them a single thing! Priceless.
Molly is business minded attorney which I appreciate and derive value from in that I can just layout the situation once and she gets it. She also has a great team of attorneys in her firm to support her.
Her pricing is fair and reasonable and a true value when you look at the level of experience and execution you get for your money.
Brett
Woburn, Ma
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11 Jan, 2018 by George
We hired Mark Lichtenstein to help us with a difficult real estate related problem with a landlord. Mark provided the type of legal service you always hope for but rarely find. He was on top of the case throughout, kept us informed, and ended up getting a settlement more than double what we initially thought might be possible. He is also fun to work with!
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30 Nov, 2017 by Kevin willett
Michael Barrows has been a great addition to my networking group. He has been a great resource to the members of my group to assist them with their real estate law needs. He has been able to work well with the realtors and mortgage officers in the group. I highly recommend him to all of my friends.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Colby wessling
Sonja and her team were incredible to work with; quick to respond, friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!
Read more
16 Mar, 2024 by Beautylaser studio
Great experience always! Thank you!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Will
I have worked with Amy Weil and her team on three real estate transactions. Amy has gone above and beyond to advocate for us and support us at every step of the process. She has always been so kind, professional, and patient. It is a privilege to work with her and I will absolutely lean on her expertise again should we have the opportunity.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Sean
I am incredibly grateful to have had Marc represent me in a highly contentious custody case that resulted in a life-changing outcome. What began as a custody case quickly evolved into a complex, multi-day trial with my ex-wife filing for permanent removal from Massachusetts and multiple states being involved.
With Marc’s representation, I was awarded full physical custody and final decision-making authority in legal matters concerning my Child. Prior to Marc taking my case, I had no custodial rights over my daughter and no guaranteed visitation schedule. My case was far from an easy one as I felt like my rights as a father had been completely given up.
Marc demonstrated unparalleled expertise in probate law throughout the entire process. He meticulously prepared my case, reviewed the history, and presented it compellingly in court. His knowledge of family law and probate procedures was evident in every strategy and argument presented. Marc’s intimate knowledge of the probate courts in Massachusetts and his focus on the legal facts were key to the outcome of my case.
Marc’s dedication and personal investment in my case were clearly evident from the beginning. He took the time to understand the nuances of my situation, showing genuine empathy and support. Marc was readily available throughout the process and always kept me informed and answered the multitude of questions I had throughout the case.
Marc’s communication was always clear and realistic throughout the process. Marc provides honest assessments of what can be hoped for in a case and appreciates the entirety of a situation. I never felt like Marc was exaggerating the prospects of a potential outcome; his immediate honesty surrounding the difficulty of my case was reassuring to hear as I understood what I was seeking for an outcome. His ability to break down the complex legal terminology into relevant ideas and the core components allowed me to better understand what was happening throughout the process. His communication was clear and reassuring, keeping me informed and involved at every stage of the proceedings.
Thanks to Marc’s representation and commitment, I now have the opportunity to provide a stable and loving environment for my daughter. I cannot recommend Marc highly enough to anyone facing similar challenges in probate court. He is not just a lawyer but a true advocate for his clients who displays a genuine care about you and your family.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Stan jones
Marc Schmelkin is an exceptional attorney. If your looking to be represented by a highly skilled and competent law office; I would recommend Karpenski & Schmelkin, LLC
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20 Sep, 2021 by Jeffrey tomaneng
11 Jul, 2024 by Sean
I am incredibly grateful to have had Marc represent me in a highly contentious custody case that resulted in a life-changing outcome. What began as a custody case quickly evolved into a complex, multi-day trial with my ex-wife filing for permanent removal from Massachusetts and multiple states being involved.
With Marc’s representation, I was awarded full physical custody and final decision-making authority in legal matters concerning my Child. Prior to Marc taking my case, I had no custodial rights over my daughter and no guaranteed visitation schedule. My case was far from an easy one as I felt like my rights as a father had been completely given up.
Marc demonstrated unparalleled expertise in probate law throughout the entire process. He meticulously prepared my case, reviewed the history, and presented it compellingly in court. His knowledge of family law and probate procedures was evident in every strategy and argument presented. Marc’s intimate knowledge of the probate courts in Massachusetts and his focus on the legal facts were key to the outcome of my case.
Marc’s dedication and personal investment in my case were clearly evident from the beginning. He took the time to understand the nuances of my situation, showing genuine empathy and support. Marc was readily available throughout the process and always kept me informed and answered the multitude of questions I had throughout the case.
Marc’s communication was always clear and realistic throughout the process. Marc provides honest assessments of what can be hoped for in a case and appreciates the entirety of a situation. I never felt like Marc was exaggerating the prospects of a potential outcome; his immediate honesty surrounding the difficulty of my case was reassuring to hear as I understood what I was seeking for an outcome. His ability to break down the complex legal terminology into relevant ideas and the core components allowed me to better understand what was happening throughout the process. His communication was clear and reassuring, keeping me informed and involved at every stage of the proceedings.
Thanks to Marc’s representation and commitment, I now have the opportunity to provide a stable and loving environment for my daughter. I cannot recommend Marc highly enough to anyone facing similar challenges in probate court. He is not just a lawyer but a true advocate for his clients who displays a genuine care about you and your family.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Stan jones
Marc Schmelkin is an exceptional attorney. If your looking to be represented by a highly skilled and competent law office; I would recommend Karpenski & Schmelkin, LLC
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20 Sep, 2021 by Jeffrey tomaneng
11 Jul, 2024 by Sean
I am incredibly grateful to have had Marc represent me in a highly contentious custody case that resulted in a life-changing outcome. What began as a custody case quickly evolved into a complex, multi-day trial with my ex-wife filing for permanent removal from Massachusetts and multiple states being involved.
With Marc’s representation, I was awarded full physical custody and final decision-making authority in legal matters concerning my Child. Prior to Marc taking my case, I had no custodial rights over my daughter and no guaranteed visitation schedule. My case was far from an easy one as I felt like my rights as a father had been completely given up.
Marc demonstrated unparalleled expertise in probate law throughout the entire process. He meticulously prepared my case, reviewed the history, and presented it compellingly in court. His knowledge of family law and probate procedures was evident in every strategy and argument presented. Marc’s intimate knowledge of the probate courts in Massachusetts and his focus on the legal facts were key to the outcome of my case.
Marc’s dedication and personal investment in my case were clearly evident from the beginning. He took the time to understand the nuances of my situation, showing genuine empathy and support. Marc was readily available throughout the process and always kept me informed and answered the multitude of questions I had throughout the case.
Marc’s communication was always clear and realistic throughout the process. Marc provides honest assessments of what can be hoped for in a case and appreciates the entirety of a situation. I never felt like Marc was exaggerating the prospects of a potential outcome; his immediate honesty surrounding the difficulty of my case was reassuring to hear as I understood what I was seeking for an outcome. His ability to break down the complex legal terminology into relevant ideas and the core components allowed me to better understand what was happening throughout the process. His communication was clear and reassuring, keeping me informed and involved at every stage of the proceedings.
Thanks to Marc’s representation and commitment, I now have the opportunity to provide a stable and loving environment for my daughter. I cannot recommend Marc highly enough to anyone facing similar challenges in probate court. He is not just a lawyer but a true advocate for his clients who displays a genuine care about you and your family.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Stan jones
Marc Schmelkin is an exceptional attorney. If your looking to be represented by a highly skilled and competent law office; I would recommend Karpenski & Schmelkin, LLC
Read more
20 Sep, 2021 by Jeffrey tomaneng
21 May, 2024 by Maureen dargon
A friend went through two incompetent attorneys before she met Deborah Katz. I needed someone powerful, smart and calm. Deborah is all that and so much more. She got me through a highly contentious divorce with endless contempt. She has gone above and beyond every step of the way. She is highly respected because of her honesty & integrity. If you want someone you can trust 100% and available 24/7. Call Deborah Katz. If she is able to take you on, you're lucky. In no time, you'll be steps ahead in navigating this extremely difficult course.
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20 May, 2024 by Marcie lombard
Deborah Katz provided exceptional legal counseling for the past two years with an outcome of sole legal and sole physical in a high conflict custody case! I highly recommend her and her whole team!! Her patience, attention to detail, advice, professionalism, most excellent representation and knowledge of the legal system is unmatched! I couldn’t have gotten through this battle without her! She got back to me at all hours when i was in the mist of a panic attacks from the other sides consistent harassment. She could always calm me down! She was amazing inside the courtroom as well! I really can’t recommend her more! She really got me through the most stressful period of my life and continues to do so with the other sides post judgment motions.
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20 May, 2024 by N p
Deborah was amazing! I am so happy I chose to work with her!
My ex was extremely difficult to deal with and very hostile.
Deborah is very knowledgeable, and she is respected by all. She is also very tough when she needs to be.
She made me feel like more than just her client. She truly had my, and most importantly, my son's best interest in mind!
When asked why is she a divorce attorney, Deborah said "because I love helping people", and that was exactly my experience with her!
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05 Jul, 2024 by G
They handled a complex estate planning situation incredibly well. Without their expertise it would've been impossible to resolve. They were professional and caring, highly recommend
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11 Jan, 2024 by Anne saunders
My experience with
Margolis Bloom & D’Agostino was excellent from start to finish. I felt very comfortable. Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to postpone several appointments. They were most patient and helpful.
I would definitely recommend this firm( Patricia D’Agostino and team)
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26 Oct, 2023 by Ed gray
Several years ago I worked with Tricia D'Agostino on my mother's trust and estate matters and found her to be deeply knowledgeable, extremely well versed on changing regulations, and a caring, thoughtful person to work with. More recently I worked with Laura Goodman on trust and estate matters for my brother and I was equally happy working with her. My brother's situation presented a lot of unusual twists and turns. He was the kind of person who had a hard time doing paperwork or keeping his affairs in order. But no matter what new surprise I sprung on her, Laura was never fazed and always came up with good solutions to whatever problem came our way. Like Tricia, Laura is a caring, empathic person, and that makes such a difference when one is dealing with illness and disability, or grieving the loss of a loved one. I'm delighted to give them both my highest recommendation.
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05 Jul, 2024 by G
They handled a complex estate planning situation incredibly well. Without their expertise it would've been impossible to resolve. They were professional and caring, highly recommend
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11 Jan, 2024 by Anne saunders
My experience with
Margolis Bloom & D’Agostino was excellent from start to finish. I felt very comfortable. Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to postpone several appointments. They were most patient and helpful.
I would definitely recommend this firm( Patricia D’Agostino and team)
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26 Oct, 2023 by Ed gray
Several years ago I worked with Tricia D'Agostino on my mother's trust and estate matters and found her to be deeply knowledgeable, extremely well versed on changing regulations, and a caring, thoughtful person to work with. More recently I worked with Laura Goodman on trust and estate matters for my brother and I was equally happy working with her. My brother's situation presented a lot of unusual twists and turns. He was the kind of person who had a hard time doing paperwork or keeping his affairs in order. But no matter what new surprise I sprung on her, Laura was never fazed and always came up with good solutions to whatever problem came our way. Like Tricia, Laura is a caring, empathic person, and that makes such a difference when one is dealing with illness and disability, or grieving the loss of a loved one. I'm delighted to give them both my highest recommendation.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Rosanna
Matt worked with me for the purchase of my home and sale of my condo. Matt was quick to respond and always looked out for my best interest as we went through probate. Everyone in the office was helpful and pleasant. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Matt again.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Matt Killeen for our home purchase. He charges the highest fee of all attorneys we contacted, and it was a colossal mistake to hire him. If we asked him detailed questions to, heaven forbid, actually understand our P&S contract, he fell apart and argued with us. Many of his answers benefitted the seller and not us, and didn't even try to work with the sellers to resolve our concerns. He essentially worked for the seller and failed to understand that it was our home purchase, not his, and that we had hired him. Instead of patiently answering questions, he pointed to "standard ways of doing things" that were not mentioned in the contract. He cites his "20 years of experience" to claim that he is right about everything and the client is dumb for asking a question he has never heard of. He didn't even seem to know that in some states, keys are handed to the buyer at closing and the deed might be recorded days later. Or that some buyers might have no experience in MA, and just maybe, he must explain some things to them. News flash, Matt - there other experiences and sets of knowledge other than your own. To top if off, he took vacation during the week of closing and never notified us. He just handed our case to an associate, and we found out from his auto reply. This, even though he said he would PERSONALLY deliver our deed to be recorded on the closing day. When I pointed this out to him, neither he nor his associate apologized or offered an explanation. Just go with someone else. No one deserves to pay top dollar to hire a total jerk.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Susan
Matthew Killeen handled a real estate refinance closing for me in 2012. After discovering a mortgage discharge registered incorrectly with the Registry of Deeds upon selling my home in 2020, I followed up with Mr. Killeen to find out what was done during the refinance as the improper discharge should have been discovered and fixed. He was going to get back to me with information and did not despite follow up. I had to incur additional cost to resolve. Very disappointed to have emails go unanswered.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
His billing practices are obscene and he is a condescending beady-eyed nutcase who thrives on attention, deception, and drama. I’d avoid the whole firm TBH. It takes them 9 hours to write a POA. .at least I can say the documents he created were pretty good.
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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:
-
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.
