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02 Sep, 2024 by Dante mele
Why all the 5 star reviews? Because Jen, Sharon, and the team have taken a transaction based business and turned it upside down. They have made estate planning a people, process, and relationship business and combined it with a flat fee model. They follow-up periodically to ensure everything is still valid and in order. Client peace of mind is paramount with Peak Legal. They take the angst out of having to deal with the standard time and material billing model. Their proactive approach is just what clients require especially when it involves the arcane world of estate planning. Well done Jen, Sharon, and team!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Catherine hueston
My husband and I used Peak Legal to make sure our existing living trust from another state was legal in PA. Jen (and the whole team) were incredibly professional, clear and prepared for every meeting. I was very impressed by the way they respected our need to take time to make big decisions without ever making us feel either rushed or abandoned. Can’t recommend them highly enough!
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08 Jun, 2024 by Chris naughton
Our appointment with Jen Walker surpassed our expectations. Her knowledge and experience helped us to make the right decision for our family. She was patient and thorough as she made sure we understood the options available, taking the time to educate us so we would be confident in our estate choices. We had been to an attorney previously who had not offered any of the information Jen did. We highly recommend her to assist you with your estate planning needs. We feel so lucky to have found her and you will too.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Caroline coladonato
I know Michelle personally and on a business level and she goes above and beyond for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field, while also providing service with a smile! 11/10 would recommend!
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18 Feb, 2024 by John coladonato
I highly recommend Michelle and the team at Charleston Firm. Their knowledge and expertise with estate planning and wills are unmatched. They emphasize the utmost professionalism with a commitment to excellence with every client they serve
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28 Nov, 2023 by James goslee
April and her team are top notch lawyers. Highly recommend
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28 May, 2009 by Anonymous
William has represented me twice and continues to advise my husband and I. We seek his advice for all legal matters. He is loyal, professional, and the best in his business.
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Bill Shehwen to anyone in need of legal assistance. Bill did an outstanding job representing me. He was very thorough in regards to meetings and communication with me. I have dealt with a handful of lawyers in the past, and what makes Bill stand out from the rest is his vibrant personality partnered with his expertise in law. I have used Bill more than once and each time he did a remarkable job.
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20 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Shehwen was very informative and also treates on a very personal level as if I was family.I have dealt with numerous attorneys in the past and none of them come close to Attorney Shehwen. I would recomend him to anyone that is looking for intelligent legal advice.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Nuhad
I had a very difficult and complicated case related to real estate that could not be solved by other lawyers. Mr Louis took the case and worked on it patiently with determination and professionalism. He analyzed the problem and was able, given his experience, to get to the root of the issue that he addressed successfully and was able to win the case for me after some serious and meticulous efforts were invested. I recommend Mr Louis and his group with no reservation.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Our case with a giant company was quite unique and most lawyers did not have confidence to take our case. The added problem was because we were Canadians and we need US lawyer who should represent us in our absence in the US. Michael was courageous and undaunted to extend his professional help. The Company who disregarded our consumers' rights, and disrespected the law, was shrunk by the first letter of Michael who represented us. Our legal battle was smooth sailing with the professionalism of Michael and his staff. Michael knows his stuff, and were assured by his experiences and expertise in dealing with real estate legal matters. Our battle ended in just over a month long with positive result. He represented us and work for what we were fighting for in our absence. We did not have to be in the US to fight for our rights. We highly recommend Michael and MacElree Harvey, Ltd for your legal cases.
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17 Aug, 2015 by Craig
It is a pleasure to write a review on the services MacElree and Harvey provided, specifically Mr. Michael Louis and Mr. Patrick Gallo. While my situation would likely be considered a minor case, for me it was very concerning. After contacting Mr. Louis he immediately assisted with a time sensitive court document and addressed my concerns regarding financial liability. After the initial concern was addressed, Mr. Patrick Gallo worked diligently on negotiating a reasonable settlement and provided me with several options. Both Mr. Gallo and Mr. Louis were always available, provided detailed explanations, were extremely professional, and treated my case with the utmost importance. In addition, their rates were very fair as they went “above and beyond” to assist. Thank you both for all your help.
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28 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
I have known James Doyle for over six years now, and the more I got to know him, the more I realized how smart he is. He has helped me with countless legal advice ranging from disputes with former landlords, to under ages, to criminal mischief charges. with the rental agreement, my friends and I rented a house, and after our lease was up, the landlord wanted us to pay thousands in retribution to furniture and other mis. objects that were already broken when we got there. He advised us to sign an agreement outside of the courtroom to prevent a lawsuit of over $2,700 plus courtroom fees. Our backs were against a wall, we could justify somethings and perhaps get off on them, but the rest we could not prove. They were not our fault but since we did not take any pictures before entering the place, there was no proof it was not us. The agreement stated after we paid, the landlord could not come back and sue us for more, which saved us potentially thousands. With the underage, a friend of mine climbed a 20 foot Temple University flag pole, stole their flag and was arrested two blocks later. He was charged with criminal mischief and an underage. This could potentially mean a suspension of driving license, hundreds in fines, and a plentiful amount of hours for community service. When they went to court, James met with the DA, created a profile for his client stating how the is an upstanding Villanova student, first offense and is willing to pay retribution for the flag. He also said a few other things, and eventually all the charges were dropped. James is a great lawyer with plenty of experience and knowledge for such a young good-looking lawyer. He is not a typical lawyer, he has a wide range of knowledge of the law and could help with almost any kind of law.
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29 Aug, 2013 by Melissa
James Doyle recently helped us with the sale of our home. James was extremely professional, and thorough. He explained every step to my husband and I so we were completely informed and comfortable with the process. Since James was able to help us execute this contract and help us with the paperwork and setting up the settlement date and meeting, we were able to sell our home without the cost and hassle of a realtor. James was quick in expediting the sale and paperwork so we were able to complete the process in just about 30 days. Given that this was our first time selling a property without the use of a realtor, we had many questions which James was quick to answer and made us feel extremely comfortable. The sale went smoothly and all parties were happy (buyers did not have a realtor either so they relied on James' assistance as well). I will recommend James to any and all of my friends and family who are in need of an attorney in the future and we will be using James' services again in the future.
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23 Aug, 2013 by K
Mr Doyle is a very hard working and very persistent, young attorney. He shows all of the qualities you would want in your defense lawyer. As a lawyer just starting out, he is miles ahead of other lawyers with his experience and he is very hungry, all of which point directly towards the notion that each and every time he will work tirelessly and diligently to fight for you and your respective dilemma. Highly recommend. Thank you for your hard work, Jamie.
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18 Dec, 2020 by Debbie
I consulted with Mr. Lohr about a couple issues my fiancé and I were having , and not only did he give me his professional opinion, he referred us to an attorney that handled the type of situations that we were in. Other attorneys I spoke to just said “NO” or we can’t help you , but he took his own time and listened and helped us out, and we are very very grateful for that !! Thanks again
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01 Nov, 2020 by Ashley
After 10 minutes into our first conversation I knew that he was the Attorney for me. He is extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, professional and he totally put my mind at ease. Bob Lohr truly cares about his clients and treats you like a person and not just a case. Highly, Highly recommend!
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14 Dec, 2014 by Paul
Bob Lohr made quick sense of the box of material we brought him and ended saying the case was not so dire and suggested a few work out scenarios. We are extremely grateful .
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06 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Its been years, but out of all the attorneys I've had, nothing compares to Mike's representation in court. You get him, you win.
Thanks Mike, I am still grateful and I always talk about how you are the best attorney I know. Your represenation was epic.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Steve
For many years, Mike Imms has represented my company efficiently and effectively in multiple small business matters including customer and vendor contract reviews, personnel issues, real estate transactions and owner equity/partnership agreements. He understands business and business law.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Philip
First off Mike answers his phone or gets back to you without delay. We run a fast pace business and when we need answers we call Mike. Mike understands business so he is able to see the finish line and take the shortest (least expensive) route.
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06 Aug, 2020 by George
Tim was and continues to be a beacon of hope to myself & my family at a time when our options appeared limited. Not only was he able to defend me from an unjust & untrue accusation, his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. My children and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr. Lesinski without reservation.”
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13 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Tim did an excellent job with my case. He was knowledgeable and was able to help me with a settlement when I did not think I was going to get one due to limited tort. I would definitely recommend him !
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03 Jun, 2013 by Joe
Did a very excellant job handle the case Kept me infromed of what was going on.
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30 May, 2010 by Paula
Having worked with Denise on behalf of a mutual client and having served with her on the Board of a non-profit organization, I had the opportunity to get to know her before I hired her. I was impressed by how quickly she responds, her clear thinking, and her ability to cut to the core of an issue. When I needed to review various business documents and policies, I turned to her. I was very pleased with the way she helped me see all sides of the issues, which, in turn, made it easy to make the decisions. She is truly a pleasure to work with and a key member of my advisory team.
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17 Aug, 2008 by Linda
Denise helped me with my LLC and in other areas of my business. She always got back to me almost immediately via phone or email. Denise knew what questions to ask and what to do. I was confident in her expertise and knew I was in good hands. Denise is an amazing lawyer and I'd highly recommend her.
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13 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Denise is knowledgable, understanding of needs and expidites things quickly. I'd be lost without her quidance and expertise. The entire office is very friendly and helpful. No matter what your legal needs are she will come up with a quick and creative solution for all parties.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Barbara
From the beginning of the initial contact with John, he has been more than understanding, caring, kind and thoughtful of the situation that we have endured now approaching two years to get our security deposit returned. John went above and beyond with us to ensure that we were treated with respect and closed our case with a positive outcome. If you need an attorney, I highly recommend to call John without a doubt. Thank you John for everything you did for Glenn and I to finally have a resolution!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Alexander
Regarding my representation in a nightmare tenant-landlord dispute, John Spadaro not only took on my case and listened closely to the important facts but also fought hard to find a proper resolution keeping my best interests in mind. From start to finish, John was knowledgeable and understanding and helped get my previous nightmare landlord-realtor to reach a fair and amicable agreement despite her best attempts at trying to damage my character in any way that she could.
A quick resolution was paramount for me to put a very largely detrimental problem behind me and ease the financial worry and complications I've had to endure due to the gross negligence and harassment of this prior landlord that I had known for less than two months. It took only a few days of John's representation for her to come to her senses and reach an outcome that would not have been agreed upon without his expertise in this matter.
I would recommend John to anyone in a similar situation, and am glad to have found legal representation I can trust to truly fight for the clients he serves.
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05 Oct, 2011 by James
A few years ago, I was in Massachusetts when I was involved in a severe car accident. This accident would require two extensive back surgeries and left me wearing a leg brace. A friend recomended I speak with John Sbarbaro. After a brief phone call, a meeting was promptly scheduled. John welcomed us into his office as if it were his home and spent several hours with us discussing my situation, never once looking at his watch. My intent was to visit two or three lawyers, but following our meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Throughout the entire process, John kept us informed of my status and consulted with me before making any decisions. If he wasn't availble to take my phone call, he would get back to me that very day.
In regards to my accident, my decision to trust John was the best decision I could have made. Considering the accident was over 250 miles away in another state, my case would become increasingly complicated. John could have taken the easy route and settled my case almost immediately. Instead, John stayed the course and would secure a settlement for me in excess of $500,000.00.
If you are in need of a lawyer that will have your back, John Sbarbaro is your man. Look no further.
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14 Oct, 2009 by Denise
i was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. a friend recommended john to me as he had been taken well care of in the past. the motorist was underinsured and john collected all available monies from the defendant and my insurance co. he kept me fully informed throughout my claim and i would recommend him to anyone involved in a car accident.
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09 Oct, 2009 by Charles
I wholeheartedly and without any reservation recommend Duie for a variety of legal matters. I have consulted with him on numerous subjects and have always found his advice to be thoughtful, reasonable, and honest. If he does not know the answers, he will research and consult with his peers to provide accurate advice.
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10 Jun, 2013 by Rick
Brian has been my attorney for the last seven years and has also become a great friend. He has completed everything that was asked of him on time, in an excellent manner, and below initial budgets. I have used him on land development, corporate issues, and seek (and trust) his counsel on a varity of subjects. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with his firm in the last few years and have always felt every dime was used wisely.
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23 Aug, 2012 by Marty
Nancy did an excellent job of helping my wife and I understand our options and a course of action to resolve an issue arising from the passing of a relative that had been in a nursing facilty. The issue was resolved because of her knowledge and experience.
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01 Jul, 2015 by Christine
Joseph Funaro represented me in a PFA case. He was thorough, knowledgable and also made me feel comfortable to share what I needed to in order for him to represent me to his best ability. Joe kept me informed the whole way through the process and I felt empowered for the first time in a long time. He is a professional and the outcome in my case was the best I could have hoped for. I would definitely seek out his services again.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Dante mele
Why all the 5 star reviews? Because Jen, Sharon, and the team have taken a transaction based business and turned it upside down. They have made estate planning a people, process, and relationship business and combined it with a flat fee model. They follow-up periodically to ensure everything is still valid and in order. Client peace of mind is paramount with Peak Legal. They take the angst out of having to deal with the standard time and material billing model. Their proactive approach is just what clients require especially when it involves the arcane world of estate planning. Well done Jen, Sharon, and team!
Read more
26 Jun, 2024 by Catherine hueston
My husband and I used Peak Legal to make sure our existing living trust from another state was legal in PA. Jen (and the whole team) were incredibly professional, clear and prepared for every meeting. I was very impressed by the way they respected our need to take time to make big decisions without ever making us feel either rushed or abandoned. Can’t recommend them highly enough!
Read more
08 Jun, 2024 by Chris naughton
Our appointment with Jen Walker surpassed our expectations. Her knowledge and experience helped us to make the right decision for our family. She was patient and thorough as she made sure we understood the options available, taking the time to educate us so we would be confident in our estate choices. We had been to an attorney previously who had not offered any of the information Jen did. We highly recommend her to assist you with your estate planning needs. We feel so lucky to have found her and you will too.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Caroline coladonato
I know Michelle personally and on a business level and she goes above and beyond for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field, while also providing service with a smile! 11/10 would recommend!
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18 Feb, 2024 by John coladonato
I highly recommend Michelle and the team at Charleston Firm. Their knowledge and expertise with estate planning and wills are unmatched. They emphasize the utmost professionalism with a commitment to excellence with every client they serve
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28 Nov, 2023 by James goslee
April and her team are top notch lawyers. Highly recommend
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30 May, 2019 by Vicki hoxter
20 Apr, 2019 by Katie head
30 May, 2019 by Vicki hoxter
20 Apr, 2019 by Katie head
16 Jul, 2023 by Lewis esposito
Laura was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, organized, and her communication was top-notch. I highly recommend working with Dean Street Law - Law Firm.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Rose ferrainola-hurst
01 Jul, 2024 by Andrew h
Best lawyer you can get without a question. I was charged with a 2nd offense DUI tier 3 and was facing a lot of jail time. Evan got it down to a tier 1 and just some house arrest. I am beyond thankful and blessed. He is worth every penny he asked for and more. Do not hesitate to hire him.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Allison lewis
I was referred by another lawyer. I called 4 times over the last week about a time sensitive matter and nobody bothered to contact me back. I found another lawyer who was able to give me the time of day.
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4.9
15 Reviews
4.7
50 Reviews
25 Oct, 2024 by Luis mata
Very professional, will take the time to go step by step with you, I highly recommend!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Angel alvarez
Lovely staff very friendly receptionist highly recommend Lupton law
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24 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie morales
Thank you Lupton Law Firm for helping me with my case. I really appreciate all the hard work and dedication you do for your clients!
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04 Apr, 2024 by Stephen sullivan
20 Mar, 2024 by Daniel k.
22 Feb, 2024 by Robert wert
04 Apr, 2024 by Stephen sullivan
20 Mar, 2024 by Daniel k.
22 Feb, 2024 by Robert wert
04 Apr, 2024 by Stephen sullivan
20 Mar, 2024 by Daniel k.
22 Feb, 2024 by Robert wert
30 Aug, 2024 by Keianaalysee
Curt Norcini is amazing, he was efficient in meeting with me and going over the court process. His communication was phenomenal, he replied to my emails and questions in a timely manner. I was able to get my charges dropped and left feeling relieved and happy that this is behind me.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Michael raytik
I have used Alexander Silow on multiple occasions and each time I receive the best possible outcome. Alex is one of the most knowledgeable and respected lawyers I have ever met. His commitment to his clients is unmatched and presence in the courtroom is second to none. Would absolutely recommend and have on multiple occasions to any person seeking representation.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Daniel murphy
When I initially consulted Alex Silow to explain the details of my case, he seemed like a good fit as we had a similar take on both the situation and the plan of action. Unfortunately, our relationship soured quickly.
I found him to be arrogant, rude, and self-serving. I learned to despise him even more than the lying cops and the low-life DA who cared nothing of my innocence, but only for the chance to bolster his record at my expense. They can all rot in hell and I hope they do.
Silow interrupted me, and yelled at me repeatedly in the course of phone calls that should have been a calm back and forth discourse. There was no reason for such abhorrent behavior. I have never met anyone in any profession that talks to their clients like that. This is unacceptable in any setting. And he refused to believe me even though every word I said is true, which only complicated the case.
Furthermore, it is my belief that he purposely failed to get the case dismissed in a pre-trial hearing, so that I would have to pay him another $2,500 to go to trial. If his pre-trial failure was not on purpose, then his defense was grossly incompetent.
I was charged with theft. Fortunately, there was surveillance video of the entire incident, in which I picked a single piece of scrap wood out of a trash pile and put it back exactly where I found it in under 60 seconds. In order for that to be theft, by definition, there has to be "economic loss". So, after watching the video, the judge says "what's the difference between stealing a car and returning it the next day and stealing this piece of wood and returning it?
Any decent attorney would have answered that taking a piece of wood from a demolished deck out of a scrap pile and putting it back within 60 seconds does not constitute "economic loss". Silow failed to do so. The judge held the charge over for trial and Silow put another $2,500 in his pocket, after which the DA, knowing he did not stand a chance at trail, promtly dropped the charges.
This experience was a real eye opener about just how corrupt the criminal justice system is. Cops, judges and DAs need criminals (real or fabricated) to justify their cushy salaries from the county. And the defense lawyers are all too happy to extract every dollar they can from the defendant. It's a scam, and they're all in on it.
Silow puts on a good act as if he cares, but he's about the $$$, not the client.
Disclaimer. The above statements of opinion are just that, my opinion, not facts or accusations.
Note: I did not just walk up radomly to a woodpile. I had worked on this property many times for the former owner, who is a building contractor, and believed that this wood belonged to him
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25 Oct, 2024 by Andrew motyka
I can't recommend Carosella & Associates highly enough! Vince and his team went above and beyond to help me with my LLC startup, Onward Upward Digital Innovations LLC. Vince knows his law inside and out, and it shows in every detail of his work. Not only is he extremely thorough, but he also stays true to his word—especially when it comes to pricing. With just a one-time fee, Vince has been there every step of the way, ensuring the entire process was seamless and stress-free. If you’re looking for a dedicated legal team to support your business journey with transparency, expertise, and unmatched knowledge, Carosella & Associates is the one to trust!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Erica stengel
Thank you so much for the wonderful service! Vincent is wonderful to work with, very helpful and very thorough when explaining things to you. Everyone in this office is so friendly as well!
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29 Sep, 2024 by Alisha cole
Gary is a bit condescending that’s the one reason I chose not to use them after the consult on the way home I just kept feeling off- and summed it up with he was a bit judgmental as well.
Very professional but if he is already making me feel unheard … and questioning me like he didn’t believe things I said…. What’s next ?
If I recall he said “ don’t try to get cute with me..”
Really too much ..
Drove two hours to feel small
However
The firm is very professional
Was greeted well and treated well by everyone I met there !
Vince was very kind
Gary started nice…..
Just the vibe was not sitting well in the end
Maybe personality thing
So I can’t really rate
They did put a lot of time into the consultation
That I appreciate
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15 Feb, 2024 by Lou mincarelli
15 Feb, 2024 by Tom
I retained Lance Nelson as my divorce attorney a little over a year ago. Throughout the year he provided me with complete feedback on a regular basis and represented me very well. His staff went above and beyond! My divorce was final in November of this past year and everything turned out successfully With a reasonable settlement, I can’t recommend Lance highly highly enough. He’s outstanding in every way and beyond reproach .I would recommend them to anyone who is in the unfortunate situation of going through a divorce.
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09 Jan, 2024 by A j
I highly suspect the 5 star reviews are fake. They keep you in the dark, hold internal meetings without your awareness and make decisions without your input or knowledge (only to learn about it at the next billing cycle) and are very, very difficult to get hold of. Almost all emails are met with out of office replies and no voicemails ever responded to. When a status hearing I did not know existed was extended by my attorney without my knowledge (only to learn this in the next billing cycle) and saw my attorney had answers to interrogatories for nearly a month without telling me only to discover this from OJS = you're fired. OJS literally laughed and smiled... like yeah good luck with that, seemed par for the course. Not to mention a strong, positive person for my case was not contacted three separate times my lawyer told me he would, only for him to say when I finally called him out that he didn't think he was important, is more than messed up, it's unethical = you're fired. Didn't trust me, and didn't even contact the person... so how would you know? That's just a small piece. I highly do not recommend this "law" firm.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I met Martin Manco aka Marty. He has no integrity. Low character. Not trustworthy. He is very comfortable being a liar and manipulative even when he doesn't have to. It's just his character; tacky, disheveled appearance as well.
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30 May, 2024 by Dirty lenses
Highly recommended, excel in clear communication & are there every step of the way. I had the pleasure to work with Basil Joy who is an outstanding representative. Clear expectations were set prior to starting this journey, and those expectations were met. Thank you GG&M!
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17 Mar, 2024 by A. w.
I am currently being represented by the group and I have been impressed since first contact. Thank you so much for working for so many.
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4.5
16 Reviews
4.2
31 Reviews
25 Aug, 2024 by Crystal welsh
14 Aug, 2024 by Barry roberts
13 Aug, 2024 by Patrick wright
Great lawyer did more then you can ever hope for .. Great man very caring and dedicated.
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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.
