Lawyers map
>131
experienced lawyers
Filter by
4.5
15 Reviews
20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I should have checked the reviews before contacting this attorney. My trust in this website has rapidly faded in the last year based on other attorneys that are recommended here. I made the assumption that if Avvo shows a profile with a 10-star rating by Avvo and "Pro" next to it that it would be credible but I was wrong. This attorney was incredibly rude, impatient and ultimately hung up. I have dealt with many attorneys throughout my life and often leave nice reviews for the ones who operate in a professional and especially compassionate manner. This is not one and I would be very hesitant in hiring her based on the other one star review in addition to this one.
Read more
26 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
For 2+ years, Carolyn Phillip's kept us from being sued for massive damages by her expertise in easement/ sewer matters and wording documents in such a way that kept us out of the Ventura courts against TWO lawyer groups. With her help, we were able to settle in an equitable manner without cost to us. We are so appreciative and thankful to her and would use her again in an instant. Carolyn was efficient, knowledgeable, and always protected our interests in this complicated dispute over a sewer line and connection that was never on either of our titles.
Read more
07 Mar, 2019 by Marilee
Carolyn was our best choice and start to our case. She notified parties involved (who were not initiating any activity) and brought our attention to initial issues important to the pending schedule/actions.
Ultimately, she identified, contacted and forwarded us to corporate attorneys who were primarily responsible for the case.
Read more
09 Jan, 2020 by Migdalia alvarez-morales
Nadel & Associates is the best firm, hands down. If you want an exceptional Lawyer or legal team to assist you with legal matters, DO NOT look further!
They represented me years ago in 1990, and I will never look for other representation, although I no longer reside in Cali.
Give them your case, and leave it up to them. You will NOT be dissapointed, ever.
I sincerely love Mr. Russell Nadel, and how he will do everything to help you always. Thanks for your professional advice and assistance, Mr. Nadel!
The world needs more law firms like yours!
An old and satisfied customer,
Migdalia Alvarez-Morales
Read more
14 Oct, 2019 by Lady 805
Mr. Nadel is an exceptional lawyer! His professionalism and active listening can make any divorce less stressful than it already is. He is responsive, caring and, diligent. He handles it quickly and looks out for your best interest! I highly recommend Mr. Nadel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read more
25 Jul, 2019 by Douglas kopf
My wife was divorced from her first husband. There was some clean up that needed to happen with each of their retirement plans. These people were very helpful in helping us not make a mistake that could have cost us more money than it should have.
Read more
13 Feb, 2022 by Pamela
Gerard Dougherty was extremely unprofessional towards me. I have alerted and warned many friends, especially female, from using his mediocre attorney skills.
Read more
17 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Dougherty helped me through a car accident. I had to get surgery because of the crash. Gerry took care of everything! everyone at the firm is helpful and kind. I have referred Gerry numerous times to friends colleagues and family. He won every case which ranged from breach of contract to criminal law keeping a friend from wrongfully getting arrested. I give the Dougherty Law firm 5 stars and more. Truly Gerry thank you for all you have done.
Read more
10 Aug, 2015 by Tim
I have hired Gerard twice for personal legal purposes. He is a good listener, is highly responsive and thorough, and takes time to walk clients through legal process, estimated time required to perform services and estimated costs. I would recommend him to family and friends.
Read more
08 May, 2024 by Hn naimi
Very disappointing firm and lawyers. Don Lanson disappeared for weeks after being retained then decided to take a three week vacation and referred the matter to his colleage who missed a key deadline.
Read more
04 May, 2024 by Jason born
Great legal advice and they handle real estate matters well.
Read more
26 Feb, 2024 by Shannon george
08 May, 2024 by Hn naimi
Very disappointing firm and lawyers. Don Lanson disappeared for weeks after being retained then decided to take a three week vacation and referred the matter to his colleage who missed a key deadline.
Read more
04 May, 2024 by Jason born
Great legal advice and they handle real estate matters well.
Read more
26 Feb, 2024 by Shannon george
28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
22 Jul, 2024 by Monique garcia
Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help
Read more
27 Apr, 2024 by Bill e brock
Sara Fazio was an excellent choice for my business contract dispute. She grasped the issues promptly, explained the options thoroughly, demonstrated integrity with billing and worked diligently to reduce unnecessary costs. There were never any communication concerns. I highly recommend Ms. Fazio.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
22 Jul, 2024 by Monique garcia
Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help
Read more
27 Apr, 2024 by Bill e brock
Sara Fazio was an excellent choice for my business contract dispute. She grasped the issues promptly, explained the options thoroughly, demonstrated integrity with billing and worked diligently to reduce unnecessary costs. There were never any communication concerns. I highly recommend Ms. Fazio.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
22 Jul, 2024 by Monique garcia
Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help
Read more
27 Apr, 2024 by Bill e brock
Sara Fazio was an excellent choice for my business contract dispute. She grasped the issues promptly, explained the options thoroughly, demonstrated integrity with billing and worked diligently to reduce unnecessary costs. There were never any communication concerns. I highly recommend Ms. Fazio.
Read more
24 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I reached out to David to consult a real estate case and he was quite rude. I called him at the morning and he told me i can call back 6:30pm. I finally connected him at 6:50pm. He isn’t my 1st attorney to consult this case, however, the questions he asked aren’t really similar to other attorneys. so while I described the case in a nutshell, he constantly asked if there was an escrow etc. I thought I disclosed that when I started, since that’s the beginning of contract and also this dispute. I told him i found him since he answered a similar question on avo.com that he can do fixed to contingency plan. He said he wouldn’t believe that he said that. He was basically saying i’m lying. So I said, your review isn’t solid 5 star, i wouldn’t have reached out to you if you didn’t answer that. He immediately counter back and said . he isn’t interested. Overall, I think his attitude is really problematic. And if you think i’m one of those uneasy to work with, just check my reviews left for attorney. His style is very rude and “you listen” or we don’t talk.
Read more
30 Dec, 2017 by Kelly lhotak
I am a victim in a very serious, complicated case involving monetary fraud. I found Attorney David Seal in a random search on Avvo and landed myself the absolute best attorney that I could have possibly found. David is not only extremely knowledgeable in various aspects of law but is also efficient, clever and effective in handling my case. David is readily available when I have questions about items I do not understand along with offering emotional support when things seem overwhelming. I highly recommend David Seal for any legal issues one may have and know that, if needed, I would not think of hiring anyone else. Kelly Lhotak
Read more
30 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I've worked with many lawyers through the years for work and can say Mr. Seal was one of the best I've worked with. We had two traffic collisions with company vehicles and the other parties refused to respond to us. Once Mr. Seal filed the suits the first party offered a fair and reasonable settlement within weeks. The second case took a little more effort and he was able to get a fair and reasonable settlement without going to trial. I would not hesitate to work with Mr. Seal again in the future.
Read more
02 Aug, 2024 by Daniel gonzalez
They have file for bankruptcy after converting (stealing) money from clients and ruining their legal cases. Strongly recommend not using them for legal services.
Read more
13 Jun, 2024 by B. aura de angelo
I was told they are filing for bankruptcy, and advised to find another attorney. I scheduled a follow-up call (that was at least two months later!) And no one ever called. Talk about adding insult to injury.
Read more
21 Feb, 2024 by Tom mcglashen
Never answered my phone calls?
Read more
15 Oct, 2016 by Johnny
Heather is an amazing attorney. She gives an extremely high level of care and is an excellent communicator. Answers calls and emails fast and has always made me feel that she cares a great deal for her clients. She is a true warrior when you need one. Thank you heather!
Read more
17 Mar, 2016 by Mark lester
My ex's attorney is known in the area as a jerk, unprepared, highly combative, and an expert at running up fees. Heather never took the bait, kept the proceedings moving forward at every occasion that opposing counsel tried to delay to run up his fees, and correctly anticipated at ever turn how opposing counsel's tactics would be received by the judge. She kept me totally informed about where we were in the process, realistic expectations and advice as to the range of exposure for spousal support and property division, and ultimately successfully negotiated a very reasonable settlement totally within the original range of my potential exposure at the start of the proceedings. Couldn't be impressed more! And I continue to recommend her to everyone I encounter needing family law advice. She's awesome.
Read more
06 Jan, 2016 by Anthony
I have had multiple great experiences with Heather. I am currently a single father with virtually complete physical and full legal custody over my three year and a half year old daughter.... this does not come easy in the state of California. At the time of the split with my ex I was referred to Heather by a coworker. Heather quickly jumped on my case and had filed paperwork with the courts almost immediately. I did have a lot going for me in my particular case, although Heather did a great job and made sure to include all important details supporting my case. Heather has been great... anytime my daughter will have a visitation with her mom(who lives out of state), Heather is always a phone call away just to make sure everything goes as planned and accordingly. That type of assurance and security makes you sleep better at night when your daughter is not at home with you. Heather also at the same time will be the "level head" in the situation and explain what you should and shouldn't ask for, or what is/isn't reasonable.
Having Heather as my attorney has made mine and my daughters transition very easy on the both of us. I now have had my daughter living under my roof for multiple years since the split of myself and my daughters mom. That is what you call a great feeling.
Read more
17 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
When you have to explain to an attorney that two party consent doesn’t apply to public places because there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy and that the First Amendment, freedom of press, does apply—you suspect you aren’t dealing with the sharpest crayon in the box. But when the lawyer proceeds to be condescending about it, when you’re the one who has a chamber loaded with one star reviews, you realize that the dullest tool in the shed attempted to sharpen the dullest crayon in the box that’s been dressed by its mommy and is rolling around under the seats of the short bus. Lawyers should realize if they pick up the phone to consult that they’re running a business.
Read more
17 Nov, 2012 by Vicky
Donn Taketa successfully represented us in a fire case against Southern California Edison and Time Warner Cable. The case was tried before a jury for 8 weeks in Ventura County, California. On July 26, 2012, we obtained a judgment in excess of $2 million because of the tenacity of Donn Taketa and his firm's extensive knowledge of the utility industry.
Mr. Taketa’s honesty and integrity were a beacon of light in this highly contested case. Each of the attorneys on the Sullivan Taketa team has impressive skills, talents and credentials.
We prevailed in every aspect of our case because of Mr. Taketa's commitment to us and to our case. Not only did he fight for our rights, but his genuine concern for public safety motivated him to be deeply committed to seeking justice.
I highly recommend Mr. Taketa.
Read more
12 May, 2022 by Rocio
Kevin will hear your case, take your money, and then bail. I am hoping to hear from him and get a refund so that I can do what he wants me to do, stop asking for his advice and "find new representation." Kevin, If you read this, please just refund my money and I'll be happy to find a new attorney as you advised 2 days ago.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
