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13 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
My wife and I hired David Visser for our estate planning about six months ago. Being this was our first time doing this he was very helpful and knowledgable. We both were unsure of the process and had a lot of questions. Mr. Visser walked us step by step through the process explaining everything in detail to where my wife and I fully understood and could make sound decisions. We enjoyed working with David Visser and would recommend his services to anyone.
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29 Mar, 2013 by Jake
I had a house with an ex-wife that was not getting settled and it looked as though a short sale was our only option. I did not know much about this process and so I asked a friend to recommend someone as I had no idea what to look for. My friend gave two numbers to call and David was the one that called me back; it was literally one of the best calls I'd ever made.
David is a realistic professional with real world expectations, in that, he gave me all the tools to handle my massive situation while not treating me like I was ignorant of the processes (even though I was). He treated me with respect, corrected me when needed, and helped me feel at ease in a very difficult time.
Every chance I get, I will recommend David to those that need help or advice. He will be their biggest asset.
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18 Mar, 2013 by Heidi
David assisted us in preparing necessary documents for the inevitable, as well as estate planning, and was incredibly thorough in all of his documentation. He is not only knowledgable, but also personable and easy to work with. My husband is wary of lawyers, and was surprised he rather enjoyed the experience! David doesn't talk down to you, but instead, explains everything candidly, making for an interesting and productive time. We felt great about accomplishing necessary life tasks and with whom we had selected to complete them.
We can't recommend David enough, and have endorsed him to all our friends seeking legal support.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Christina
Moore law firm has again done a great job in helping me in with my legal issues. I would recommend them to all and be back for any needs i have in the future.
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09 Jan, 2015 by Amy
Byron was timely and efficient in helping me with my legal issue. He made the situation I was dealing with easy to understand and the work he did was thorough and timely.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Todd
I have used Byron for Business Law services, he has always helped me find the right attorney if he couldn't do the job, was honest and helpful and a good friend.
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30 Apr, 2020 by Ian
I reached out to Roberto on a cold call to ask about appraisal and the Wenatchee-area economic landscape as someone out of the region, and we hit it off and ended up chatting—in which he was friendly, patient, and offered helpful insight. There's just something rare and invaluable about professionals who—right out of the gate—seem happy to help, and don't give off the vibe that they're in a premature hurry to get paid.
I had such a good feeling about Roberto as a human being and an attorney that I hired him within 24 hours to advise on my principled departure with my then-employer. His legal help was thorough, clear, well presented, and helped me get the most out of my principled departure while staying true to my ethics of honesty, consideration, and self respect. Further, he helped me present myself in a way that helped things end amicably with my then-employer.
I'd be happy to work with Roberto again. He's the kind of guy I'd be honored to hire or just grab a beer with and chat. A class act.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Steven
I contacted Roberto regarding a traffic infraction that I had received while in Chelan and he was able to help me through the process of what to do next. Living in Lynnwood, I understood that I would have to seek council in the Chelan/Wenatchee area if need be and my search led me to Mr. Castro. We spoke on the phone shortly after I reached out to his firm and we began going through what my best options were. He was able to answer all of my questions perfectly and was also able to provide information that I did not have. After suggesting to defer the ticket I began that process shortly after and ended up being granted the deferral by the judge. I was fortunate enough, through his advice, to save money on lawyer costs and still get my infraction deferred.
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17 Dec, 2016 by Steve
I contacted Mr. Castro to help with the restoration of my firearm rights. I had worked with a different attorney and after four months it was mutually agreed he had over extended I needed to take the case elsewhere.
Mr. Castro handled everything in a timely and professional manner. Everything was completed in a few short weeks. I am very happy to have found him and would certainly recommend him to anyone needing similar representation.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Jasmin
As the first time filing bankruptcy I was really scared, overwhelmed and nervous, David and his staff do great on answering my questions in a timely matter. Even when I thought I would be annoying to them by asking questions over and over again and asking what different things meant they always answered me as detailed as possible on a level I understood. I would definitely recommend David and his staff.
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21 May, 2019 by Steve
I was referred to Mr. Kazemba through a friend and upon our first meeting he made me feel comfortable with the bankruptcy process. I retained him the following week and he immediately began the paperwork and assisted me with finding any information i needed to go forward. He kept me informed every step of the way and answered any questions I had without hesitation or making me feel foolish for having to ask.
I will be referring David Kazemba to anyone I know in the area that needs a bankruptcy attorney
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14 May, 2019 by Elizabeth
We got involved with an internet marketing company that proved to be a pyramid scheme scamming us out of our life savings and left us with a mountain of credit debt and no way to pay it. David advised us, helped us with our bankruptcy and continues to help us in our case with the FTC and the company they shut down. We are very happy with all he has done and continues to do.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Brian Walker is straight forward, honest and no nonsense. He is very smart, knows exactly what he is doing, follows through immediately on what he says he is going to do. He is also very respected by fellow lawyers in the community. I could not be more satisfied with what Brian accomplished for me.
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20 Nov, 2013 by Joe
I had sold a house on a Deed of Trust. The owner was not quite capbable of being truthful or able to follow thru on his promises. Brian was recommended by a highly trusted attorney in my small town.
He was fast, efficient and followed thru on getting me the house back thru foreclosure
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15 Mar, 2020 by Brian
Tom O'Connell is a thorough no BS professional who gets to the point quickly and lays out options clearly, Answers questions and provides advice for a quick resolution to the problem. Highly recommended!
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17 Apr, 2022 by Ralph
I have relied on the sage, competent counsel of Phillip Johnson for many years and I find him to be a true professional.
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29 Jun, 2022 by April lane
Very competent and down to earth counsel. I feel proud to be represented by these good people. 🙏
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28 Nov, 2009 by Ken
Bill represented me in a Real Estate development appeal case. Even though we did not win the appeal,He was thorough, knowledgeable and Professional. I will definitely use Bill again in the future.
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25 Jun, 2016 by Duane
Mr. Lewis has not only been an excellent advocate for us in pursuing legal action against a residential home builder who grossly violated our contract, but he has been fiscally careful, not nickel-and-dining us during the protracted process due to the builder's purposeful stonewalling and delay tactics. This quarter of a million dollar failure by our builder left us in a terrible place financially, and Mr. Lewis has not at all added insult to injury by charging us for each minute, and in fact, has written off some justified charges such as his time during mediation due to the lack of good faith by the builder during those proceedings. Mr. Lewis has been conscientious and proactive. His briefs have been excellent in clearly and pointedly outlining the issues, and have fairly described the issues, yet accurately painted the picture of the gross negligence. Several times my wife and I have commented, "I would not want to be on the other side of receiving this brief!"
We have appreciated Mr
Lewis's maturity and past business experience, and with the mentorship that he has clearly had at Jeffers and Danielson, his more recent acceptance to the bar has not at all been a deficiency. The benefit for us has been lower attorney fees but with the expertise of a very fine attorney backed by an excellent firm. I highly recommend Mr. Lee Lewis to any business or individual that needs excellent legal representation within the land and construction fields.
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05 Jan, 2024 by Ricardo perez
I recently had the pleasure of working with Andy Kottkamp and his team at Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy for our estate planning needs, and the experience was nothing short of excellent.
From the outset, Andy and his team exhibited a level of professionalism and expertise that immediately put my wife and me at ease. They guided us through the entire process with clarity and patience, ensuring we understood each step along the way. What could have been a daunting task turned into a breeze. They were approachable, responsive, and took the time to address all our questions and concerns.
Not only did Andy Kottkamp and his team provide exceptional service, but the pricing for estate planning was also the best in the valley. They offer top-notch expertise without breaking the bank, making their services accessible to a wide range of clients.
I wholeheartedly recommend anyone in need of estate planning services to visit Andy at Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy. You won't be disappointed!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Devon kendall
Im a client right now with this firm and they have been very proffesional and helpful so far. They have been working with me every step a long the way so far. Easy to get a hold of and knowledgeable.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Mfgary24
05 Jan, 2024 by Ricardo perez
I recently had the pleasure of working with Andy Kottkamp and his team at Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy for our estate planning needs, and the experience was nothing short of excellent.
From the outset, Andy and his team exhibited a level of professionalism and expertise that immediately put my wife and me at ease. They guided us through the entire process with clarity and patience, ensuring we understood each step along the way. What could have been a daunting task turned into a breeze. They were approachable, responsive, and took the time to address all our questions and concerns.
Not only did Andy Kottkamp and his team provide exceptional service, but the pricing for estate planning was also the best in the valley. They offer top-notch expertise without breaking the bank, making their services accessible to a wide range of clients.
I wholeheartedly recommend anyone in need of estate planning services to visit Andy at Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy. You won't be disappointed!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Devon kendall
Im a client right now with this firm and they have been very proffesional and helpful so far. They have been working with me every step a long the way so far. Easy to get a hold of and knowledgeable.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Mfgary24
26 Feb, 2024 by Johanna perez
Best accounting services in town. I have been working with them since I started my business about 5 years ago. They help guide me and answer all of my questions, and trust me I had many. They also have the best staff.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Jose sanchez-acosta
Good service
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18 Jun, 2021 by Weston horton-prouty
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Sandy
This is the first time I've worked with Joe and I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a professional, personable and effective attorney. Joe handled a small issue I had with a local property management business and resolved the issue much to my satisfaction. He communicated very well with me throughout the process and negotiated a very fair settlement on my behalf. Joe's legal work will not disappoint you!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
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06 May, 2024 by Dennis smith
30 Oct, 2023 by Donald sebek
Good people. Helpful. Patient. Met with Allison Foreman.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Vebauscher
Lonny provided our family with peace of mind in the will writing process.
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06 May, 2024 by Dennis smith
30 Oct, 2023 by Donald sebek
Good people. Helpful. Patient. Met with Allison Foreman.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Vebauscher
Lonny provided our family with peace of mind in the will writing process.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Melanie hernandez
Sweetest people and helped out A LOT!!! Would go back if I ever needed to!
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08 Apr, 2024 by Amy albright
03 Mar, 2024 by Axios409
What a joke!
Car accident claim started at 100,000 then ended up being $16,000 after two years.
See those billboard ads claiming you get 2/3 of a claim?
Read the small print.
They charge you for “expenses” coming out of your 2/3.
Lol, what could possibly be their expenses?
Staring at a computer screen?
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26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
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26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
Read more
26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
Read more
27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
Read more
26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
Read more
27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
Read more
26 Jun, 2019 by Raj parekh
Evan McCauley represented us during a home sale closing process that took a bad turn , with threats of lawsuits etc. Evan was extremely responsive, timely, flexible, knowledgeable and made our case forcefully based on facts and law. After a few back and forth with the opposition attorney things took turn for the better for us.The house was sold and closed, with attorney fees reimbursed also without going to the courts. Thanks Evan
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Steven inscore
Person taking initial jnformation was extremely rude, glad I found a much more qualified firm
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11 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Im posting this review because I feel that Jordan deserves more than a thankyou for all the time and effort he invested in helping us. He was kind and caring, listening to all the concerns and helping with all our questions. His service was way beyond our expectations. If you have no idea about how to go through with a divorce he will assist with the whole process. Giving you peace of mind and less stress .Our family will forever be greatfull for his effort and amazing service.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Alley swiss
I worked with attorney Kyle Mott on a small business transaction that I needed his services for. He came into our meeting extremely well prepared having already read all the documents I had sent to him. He listens carefully which was evident in his responses and his legal work that addressed all of my concerns and needs. His responsiveness to my timeline was much appreciated. A great attorney to work with and a great guy.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Contacted Rani by email and phone. Gave detailed information about my case. She indicated she was writing down the details, would put it in my file. I then set up consultation. Just before the appt, my father died. I told the office manager I would reschedule. I emailed Rani and told her I was ready to start the lawsuit. She obviously didn't remember me, or the info I had already given her. Made a big deal about how much she makes per hour and she was losing this by taking down my info. She then wanted a $10,000 retainer said and it would be $35,000 before anything would get done. She recommended I just sell the property. Regarding the lawsuit I had done nothing wrong, and the case was about neighbors violating easements and not following standard construction procedures. It was really straight forward, they were in violation of the law. Period. I had documentation, photos, videos, notes, and texts, easements, and proof. I had money too.
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07 Jun, 2013 by Trang
Rani is incredibly sensitive to her client's needs and communicates in a way that is very effective, efficient, and considerate. To someone who has never dealt with attorneys, Rani made the process of the lawsuit as pain free as possible- explaining every detail without hesitation or frustration. She is very good at negotiating and making sure that the wants and needs of her clients are addressed carefully and made well known by the opposing party. We were very lucky to have her work alongside us, as we went through a challenging time. I am impressed by her hard work, resilience, and dependability. She worked tirelessly to ensure that our family was taken care of and continued to advocate for us when we didn't know what to do anymore. Rani is a gem of an attorney and I am very lucky to know someone as dedicated to her work as she is. It is clear that she is very client centered and works to ensure that the relationship is based on trust and honesty.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
We hired Rani after another lawyer mishandled our case. We felt we were in good hands from our inital conversation with Rani due to her confediant personality which put us at easy. She handled every question in a very professional and knowledgable manner. If there were outstanding issues she was prompt to get answers back to us quickly and what I really loved is she would clearly explain both sides of our issue so that we could make an imformed decision on how to proceed that we were comfortable with. I would highly recommend Rani.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Paula delgado
David Kazemba and Dusty helped me with my bankruptcy after I found myself in a financial hardship. Not only were they extremely helpful, they were patient and understanding while navigating me through the process. If I had questions or concerns, they were answered quickly. I highly recommend their services.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Josh rishel
Not to impressed with billing yet. I paid my bill. The other side paid legal a portion of my legal fees as well and yet we are getting billed more with interest but being told to hold off paying it until the billing lady gets a hold of us, and we've been calling for her and getting the run around for 3 months now... will give full review of services and change stars if billing issue resolves
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30 Jan, 2024 by Sam hilliard
Kera did an awesome job!
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08 May, 2024 by Lisa joe (lovely lisa)
They take criminal cases from the courts for prosecuting you, don't use them if you have a criminal case pending they probably have it.
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22 Mar, 2024 by James kiehn
Very nice highly qualified people there Tom and Kate are the best
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20 Mar, 2024 by T t
08 May, 2024 by Lisa joe (lovely lisa)
They take criminal cases from the courts for prosecuting you, don't use them if you have a criminal case pending they probably have it.
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22 Mar, 2024 by James kiehn
Very nice highly qualified people there Tom and Kate are the best
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20 Mar, 2024 by T t
08 May, 2024 by Lisa joe (lovely lisa)
They take criminal cases from the courts for prosecuting you, don't use them if you have a criminal case pending they probably have it.
Read more
22 Mar, 2024 by James kiehn
Very nice highly qualified people there Tom and Kate are the best
Read more
20 Mar, 2024 by T t
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.
