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02 Nov, 2020 by Roseann stenson
I highly recommend Joyce Riccio! She has extensive knowledge of divorce law, and fought for my kids and assets. She was always prepared, had a powerful presence in the courtroom, yet was compassionate and supportive when privately discussing my case. Attorney Riccio had comprehensive explanations of the law and proceedings, was accessible, and professional.
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02 Nov, 2020 by Roseann
I highly recommend Joyce Riccio! She has extensive knowledge of divorce law, and fought for my kids and assets. She was always prepared, had a powerful presence in the courtroom, yet was compassionate and supportive when privately discussing my case. Attorney Riccio had comprehensive explanations of the law and proceedings, was accessible, and professional.
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22 Dec, 2019 by Jj cole studeny
What a professional, was honest and upfront with me. I wish I had known about Joyce when my divorce process began
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06 May, 2021 by Daniel
A family member was severely in a car accident. I was referred to Anthony and received prompt professional advice. He advocated on behalf of our family and secured a tremendous result. I recommend him without reservation to anyone who has been injured, or for that matter, anyone who needs a fierce advocate in a court room.
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29 Jun, 2012 by Dr miller
I needed a lawyer who could help me with commercial and residential real estate questions and concerns. Anthony would answer my questions clearly and his response by email and phone was quick. My track record with Anthony over the past 7 years has been a success. I have used other lawyers in the past and I became anxious when the word lawyer was mentioned but not now.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Christina & joe
My husband and I contacted Patrizia to help us with a Tennant/Landlord issue. She responded to our first email within hours and gave a consultation call the same day. She responded with an explaination of services she could provide and what the fee would be within 24 hours of our initial consultation. She was amazing! She wrote a letter to our landlord/landlords lawyer and then mediated on our behalf. The strength, intelligence, and tone with which the letter was written gave us goose bumps and in the end we got exactly what we were hoping for. She kept us informed every step of the way and did exactly what she said that she would. I'm not sure it can get much better than that! We fully recommend Patrizia to anyone looking for legal counsel.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Wiwatsorn viwatthanasorn
We were introduced to Conlon & McGlynn by our friend/realtor. From the start, Louise and Karin were very helpful, very straightforward, and honest in their opinions and recommendations. We utilized their service as closing attorney on a short sale property we put an offer in for. The whole journey took over 6 months. Couldn’t have made it 6 1/2 months through this whole journey without their guidance and expertise in the matter. They helped two people buy a seemingly impossible house! We appreciate everything that the office had done to help push through the legal and red tape bureaucracy. All in all, their flexibility, patience, professionalism, and persistence was unmatched! Thanks for everything!
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08 May, 2019 by Jack macphail
Divorce is never easy and it wasn't for me, nor my family. I worked closely with Louise through the actual proceedings, and subsequently through a number of post-judgments. At all times, she and her associates displayed amazing patience, empathy, understanding and professionalism for all parties concerned. I whole-heartedly recommend Louise and her firm to anyone facing this life-changing circumstance. Should someone approaching this point in her/his life want to talk about my experience with Louise and her associates, am perfectly willing to connect with whomever.
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07 May, 2019 by Heather l
Conlon & McGlynn is an amazing practice. Louise McGlynn was everything I was looking for in an attorney. She was forceful yet extremely professional; knowledgeable, resourceful and at the same time, was very empathetic to me and my situation. This helped make a very difficult time more much more tolerable. I have already recommended her to others and will continue to do so. I could not have asked for a better firm to represent me.
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26 Jul, 2019 by James perry
If you’re entering into a real estate transaction in Connecticut, hire Jamie Gerard, partner at Nevas, Capasse & Gerard LLC, as your attorney (or run the risk of her being snapped up by the other side). Even the simplest transaction can become difficult or complicated (or both, as ours did) and if that happens, you will want the best legal advice and representation available. Jamie was able to navigate us through the contract and closing process of selling our home that was made problematic by demanding buyers and their unpleasant representatives. Her quick responsiveness, sound judgement, calm demeanor, and keen legal acumen resulted in the satisfactory closing of a transaction that at times seemed nearly impossible. We are very grateful to her, and we can’t recommend her highly enough.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Donald mcguire
Melissa, Kevin and Kelly showed the perfect combination of compassion and competence as they took me thru the most financially threatening, emotional disturbing and overall challenging time of my life. As a result I landed on my feet happy and in good shape for my future. I am now able to take care of my sons and look forward to happier days in every aspect of my life. The service approach of always being there to answer questions combined with their deep knowledge of divorce law and decades of experience combined to quickly build my trust in the Needle Cuda team. If you find yourself in a divorce situation I highly recommend your first call be to this team.
Don McGuire
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08 Aug, 2024 by Sheetal kantawala
Kevin and Heather were the perfect team for my divorce. They made one of the toughest experiences of my life bearable. They showed that they cared and were there every step of the way. They always had my best interest in mind.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Bellamy bo
Needle | Cuda is the best choice for child custody cases. Their commitment to children's well-being is unwavering. They fought tirelessly for my child's best interests, and I couldn't have asked for better representation.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Wendy skratt
Very patient, answering all our questions and great attention to details. Strongly recommend!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Ian o'brien
It's my pleasure to submit a positive review for attorney Dan Murphy.
Dan brings integrity to his profession, something I suspect he demonstrates in his personal life as well. During my 13 month divorce, he continually coached me on the value of restraint, always concerned with how any action might be perceived should we head to trial. His patience, coupled with his relentless attention to detail, resulted in a positive outcome when my divorce turned from amicable to litigious.
Dan successfully reduced my now ex-wife's settlement demand by 85%. Her lawyer tried an aggressive approach that Dan's experience and coolheadedness was able to navigate and resolve using the facts of our case.
While I am grateful to settling only weeks before our trial, part of me wishes I could have seen Dan litigate -- his tenacity and willingness to fight on my behalf was a preview I got to glimpse during deposition.
Thank you, Dan.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Wesley howden
Professional and courteous-- working with Lauren was productive and to the point.
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24 May, 2017 by Kathy
I have worked with Frank on my Estate Planning. He is knowledgeable, responsive and generous with his time. He is very professional and kind. I highly recommend him.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Stanley
Frank has been my confidential legal advisor on business, estate planning and real estate. He is deligent, attentive, trustworthy and honest. I have worked with many kawyees but he's a keeper. A Harvard man..
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10 Jul, 2016 by John
We used Attorney Gelderman for two closings - one a purchase and one a sale. He was very professional and always prepared, and his staff made both transactions very convenient with "above and beyond" customer service. I would highly recommend Peter for any real estate transaction.
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11 Feb, 2017 by Anya
I have worked with Candice on several real estate transactions over the years, and she does a thorough and wonderful job each time. She is warm and pleasant to work with, very personable and ethical, and charges some of the most fair and reasonable rates in Fairfield county and around. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Jen diamond
We were hit with a situation that we had no idea how to handle. Justin was recommended to us and he was phenomenal. He called us back quickly, was a great listener and gave us very thoughtful responses. Justin proceeded to do a lot of research, and concluded that another attorney, with experience in our case, was better suited to help us. He was right – the attorney he found for us was exactly who we needed. Justin was professional, compassionate, thorough and beyond helpful. We are so impressed with Justin and highly recommend him.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Lee seslar
Best in the business
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16 Feb, 2023 by Emily anne scalise
If I could offer 10 stars, I would.
Trustworthy, responsive, ethical, considerate, fair, real, honest, reassuring, committed, gritty, and a perfectionist to the very degree you need him to be is how to describe Eric Bernheim at FLB. But most of all.. overwhelming dedicated and intelligent. We were able to win a highly complicated, intense, and non-favoring case (involving residential property rights x easement x utility company x conservation) because of his unwavering focus and exquisite strategy. Eric came highly recommended to me from the Brody Wilkerson group and I’m grateful for their referral as I know we could not have won the case if anyone else but Eric represented my family and I. I’m grateful to every last end for his help and recommendations along the way which ended in a win.
Google Eric Bernheim and you will find him to be one of the best. Here’s a quote of his I found online of his that I can verify first-hand to be true as one his clients…. “My primary motivation is to ease the burdens of my clients and help them to be successful in whatever they are pursuing. It’s my job to minimize their risk so they can maximize their potential. By providing sound legal counsel in an atmosphere that promotes collaboration, I put them at ease so they can address the other priorities in their businesses and lives. My goal is to always try to provide them peace of mind when it comes to their legal challenges.”
Highly recommend.
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02 Nov, 2020 by Roseann stenson
I highly recommend Joyce Riccio! She has extensive knowledge of divorce law, and fought for my kids and assets. She was always prepared, had a powerful presence in the courtroom, yet was compassionate and supportive when privately discussing my case. Attorney Riccio had comprehensive explanations of the law and proceedings, was accessible, and professional.
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22 Dec, 2019 by Jj cole studeny
What a professional, was honest and upfront with me. I wish I had known about Joyce when my divorce process began
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11 Jun, 2019 by Gloria rosa
She's my lawyer an as far as I can see she's the best. Her secretary Debbie is the best. I had spoken to her on the phone so it was great meeting her.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Jeremiah johns
I have known and worked with Mr. Shlansky for many years. I have seen first hand the knowledge and skill that he possess in the fields of maritime law, personal injury, and insurance. I definitely recommend reaching out to him if you have a legal problem.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Steven guagliano
Excellent firm, very professional associates, highly recommended
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15 Mar, 2024 by Matthew torchia
i am very grateful for the team at Freed Marcroft for everything they did for myself and my family. They are all extremely professional and I was treated fairly and respectfully during the entire process which was a year.
During that time my attorney Michael Jack Paris was fantastic and knowledgeable. He really handled my case concern and I felt lucky to have such good legal advise.
I would recommend anyone going thru child custody or similar matters to use there services as they specialize in family law.
Matthew Torchia
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10 Mar, 2024 by Doug phaiah
FREED MARCROFT and associates were so helpful throughout our family dilemma. they were so caring and helpful throughout the whole process. I couldn’t have asked for better support during this very emotional time for my son and I and I know I can always fall back on them in the future I want to personally think everybody involved signed Xander and Douglas Phaiah 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻👍👍👍👍
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16 Aug, 2024 by Donald mcguire
Melissa, Kevin and Kelly showed the perfect combination of compassion and competence as they took me thru the most financially threatening, emotional disturbing and overall challenging time of my life. As a result I landed on my feet happy and in good shape for my future. I am now able to take care of my sons and look forward to happier days in every aspect of my life. The service approach of always being there to answer questions combined with their deep knowledge of divorce law and decades of experience combined to quickly build my trust in the Needle Cuda team. If you find yourself in a divorce situation I highly recommend your first call be to this team.
Don McGuire
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08 Aug, 2024 by Sheetal kantawala
Kevin and Heather were the perfect team for my divorce. They made one of the toughest experiences of my life bearable. They showed that they cared and were there every step of the way. They always had my best interest in mind.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Bellamy bo
Needle | Cuda is the best choice for child custody cases. Their commitment to children's well-being is unwavering. They fought tirelessly for my child's best interests, and I couldn't have asked for better representation.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Leola crawford
I was involved in a hit and run, the insurance company tried to say it didn't really happen but I got you the full policy limits available.All thanks to attorney Hoffkins 🥰 I was in and out of doctors and therapy for two years straight! We fought and we won
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10 Apr, 2024 by Joy webber
I highly recommend Kevin Hoffkins to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. I contacted Kevin over the weekend after I was involved in a collision on a Friday afternoon. Kevin drove out to my house, which is in the middle of nowhere, to discuss my case. Despite the fact that it was during the Covid pandemic, I never felt disconnected or uninformed about the case. Kevin was always available to talk on the phone and answered all emails promptly. We were offered a settlement which after researching similar cases seemed fair. Although Kevin said the decision was completely up to me, he did say that he thought we would be able to do much better. I took his advice and ended up with a settlement that more than doubled the original offer. Kevin is down to earth, and a pleasure to work with. He is an extremally experienced and competent lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Roxanne peterkin
Best auto accident lawyer in Bridgeport.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Leola crawford
I was involved in a hit and run, the insurance company tried to say it didn't really happen but I got you the full policy limits available.All thanks to attorney Hoffkins 🥰 I was in and out of doctors and therapy for two years straight! We fought and we won
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10 Apr, 2024 by Joy webber
I highly recommend Kevin Hoffkins to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. I contacted Kevin over the weekend after I was involved in a collision on a Friday afternoon. Kevin drove out to my house, which is in the middle of nowhere, to discuss my case. Despite the fact that it was during the Covid pandemic, I never felt disconnected or uninformed about the case. Kevin was always available to talk on the phone and answered all emails promptly. We were offered a settlement which after researching similar cases seemed fair. Although Kevin said the decision was completely up to me, he did say that he thought we would be able to do much better. I took his advice and ended up with a settlement that more than doubled the original offer. Kevin is down to earth, and a pleasure to work with. He is an extremally experienced and competent lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Roxanne peterkin
Best auto accident lawyer in Bridgeport.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Leola crawford
I was involved in a hit and run, the insurance company tried to say it didn't really happen but I got you the full policy limits available.All thanks to attorney Hoffkins 🥰 I was in and out of doctors and therapy for two years straight! We fought and we won
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10 Apr, 2024 by Joy webber
I highly recommend Kevin Hoffkins to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. I contacted Kevin over the weekend after I was involved in a collision on a Friday afternoon. Kevin drove out to my house, which is in the middle of nowhere, to discuss my case. Despite the fact that it was during the Covid pandemic, I never felt disconnected or uninformed about the case. Kevin was always available to talk on the phone and answered all emails promptly. We were offered a settlement which after researching similar cases seemed fair. Although Kevin said the decision was completely up to me, he did say that he thought we would be able to do much better. I took his advice and ended up with a settlement that more than doubled the original offer. Kevin is down to earth, and a pleasure to work with. He is an extremally experienced and competent lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Roxanne peterkin
Best auto accident lawyer in Bridgeport.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Leola crawford
I was involved in a hit and run, the insurance company tried to say it didn't really happen but I got you the full policy limits available.All thanks to attorney Hoffkins 🥰 I was in and out of doctors and therapy for two years straight! We fought and we won
Read more
10 Apr, 2024 by Joy webber
I highly recommend Kevin Hoffkins to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. I contacted Kevin over the weekend after I was involved in a collision on a Friday afternoon. Kevin drove out to my house, which is in the middle of nowhere, to discuss my case. Despite the fact that it was during the Covid pandemic, I never felt disconnected or uninformed about the case. Kevin was always available to talk on the phone and answered all emails promptly. We were offered a settlement which after researching similar cases seemed fair. Although Kevin said the decision was completely up to me, he did say that he thought we would be able to do much better. I took his advice and ended up with a settlement that more than doubled the original offer. Kevin is down to earth, and a pleasure to work with. He is an extremally experienced and competent lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Roxanne peterkin
Best auto accident lawyer in Bridgeport.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Jen diamond
We were hit with a situation that we had no idea how to handle. Justin was recommended to us and he was phenomenal. He called us back quickly, was a great listener and gave us very thoughtful responses. Justin proceeded to do a lot of research, and concluded that another attorney, with experience in our case, was better suited to help us. He was right – the attorney he found for us was exactly who we needed. Justin was professional, compassionate, thorough and beyond helpful. We are so impressed with Justin and highly recommend him.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Lee seslar
Best in the business
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16 Feb, 2023 by Emily anne scalise
If I could offer 10 stars, I would.
Trustworthy, responsive, ethical, considerate, fair, real, honest, reassuring, committed, gritty, and a perfectionist to the very degree you need him to be is how to describe Eric Bernheim at FLB. But most of all.. overwhelming dedicated and intelligent. We were able to win a highly complicated, intense, and non-favoring case (involving residential property rights x easement x utility company x conservation) because of his unwavering focus and exquisite strategy. Eric came highly recommended to me from the Brody Wilkerson group and I’m grateful for their referral as I know we could not have won the case if anyone else but Eric represented my family and I. I’m grateful to every last end for his help and recommendations along the way which ended in a win.
Google Eric Bernheim and you will find him to be one of the best. Here’s a quote of his I found online of his that I can verify first-hand to be true as one his clients…. “My primary motivation is to ease the burdens of my clients and help them to be successful in whatever they are pursuing. It’s my job to minimize their risk so they can maximize their potential. By providing sound legal counsel in an atmosphere that promotes collaboration, I put them at ease so they can address the other priorities in their businesses and lives. My goal is to always try to provide them peace of mind when it comes to their legal challenges.”
Highly recommend.
Read more
16 Mar, 2023 by Jen diamond
We were hit with a situation that we had no idea how to handle. Justin was recommended to us and he was phenomenal. He called us back quickly, was a great listener and gave us very thoughtful responses. Justin proceeded to do a lot of research, and concluded that another attorney, with experience in our case, was better suited to help us. He was right – the attorney he found for us was exactly who we needed. Justin was professional, compassionate, thorough and beyond helpful. We are so impressed with Justin and highly recommend him.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Lee seslar
Best in the business
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16 Feb, 2023 by Emily anne scalise
If I could offer 10 stars, I would.
Trustworthy, responsive, ethical, considerate, fair, real, honest, reassuring, committed, gritty, and a perfectionist to the very degree you need him to be is how to describe Eric Bernheim at FLB. But most of all.. overwhelming dedicated and intelligent. We were able to win a highly complicated, intense, and non-favoring case (involving residential property rights x easement x utility company x conservation) because of his unwavering focus and exquisite strategy. Eric came highly recommended to me from the Brody Wilkerson group and I’m grateful for their referral as I know we could not have won the case if anyone else but Eric represented my family and I. I’m grateful to every last end for his help and recommendations along the way which ended in a win.
Google Eric Bernheim and you will find him to be one of the best. Here’s a quote of his I found online of his that I can verify first-hand to be true as one his clients…. “My primary motivation is to ease the burdens of my clients and help them to be successful in whatever they are pursuing. It’s my job to minimize their risk so they can maximize their potential. By providing sound legal counsel in an atmosphere that promotes collaboration, I put them at ease so they can address the other priorities in their businesses and lives. My goal is to always try to provide them peace of mind when it comes to their legal challenges.”
Highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney..he should be disbarred..took my money and never answered my calls or showed up to represent me..I lost case..hes a scam arist
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18 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired joe after some consultation to aid in a landlord dispute. Joe's advice was helpful in guiding my thinking and understanding the viability of various options. He ultimately helped me achieve a great outcome based on his local and legal knowledge.
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08 Sep, 2014 by Mara
My husband and I were separated and he is self employed. I was having a terrible time getting support for myself and the children. Mr. Hubicki was able to show what the real income was at our hearing, and got us a fair support order. I had a lot of questions going in but he explained it all and I felt confident. I highly recommend him for divorce situations.
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28 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Paul handled a sensitive matter with compassion. He did not bill excessively and took the time to explain all aspects of the case with me. Recommend his services.
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18 Dec, 2024 by William
My family and I can’t say enough great things about Attorney Bamonte. We have had multiple interactions with him working through a few land use, zoning and land appraisal issues. In addition to having a deep understanding of town regulations and process, he has a keen ability to quickly understandthe facts that are most relevant to your circumstance. It was a stressful time dealing with these land use matters, but we took comfort knowing that Nick’s attention to detail and dedication to our case would ultimately result in a positive legal outcome, which it did! Nick is a great listener and was thoughtful, diligent and pragmatic on how to approach the legal issues and town interactions. My family and I highly recommend Attorney Bamonte for any of your land use or zoning needs!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Pat bartram
I had my will and other documents prepared through this company. They were very helpful and efficient. The advice we received was very much appreciated. They are professional and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.
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26 May, 2023 by Andrea coughlin
I entered the office to sign paperwork and forgot the lawyers name I was working with. Upon asking for a minute to look it up, the receptionist said "how do you come to a lawyers office and not know who you're seeing". I'm a highly educated professional but given the emotional situation had difficulty with name recall. A lawyer's office should be a place to help people in difficult positions. This receptionist is condescending, rude and it's embarrassing to have this type of staff in the front of the house. I would recommend they reconsider who is greeting and directing their clients.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Neil grayson
Allan Cramer is an A-list attorney whom I’ve know more than 40 years
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23 Feb, 2023 by Rian herrmann
13 Dec, 2022 by Lynn fraund
27 Jan, 2024 by Pat bartram
I had my will and other documents prepared through this company. They were very helpful and efficient. The advice we received was very much appreciated. They are professional and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.
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26 May, 2023 by Andrea coughlin
I entered the office to sign paperwork and forgot the lawyers name I was working with. Upon asking for a minute to look it up, the receptionist said "how do you come to a lawyers office and not know who you're seeing". I'm a highly educated professional but given the emotional situation had difficulty with name recall. A lawyer's office should be a place to help people in difficult positions. This receptionist is condescending, rude and it's embarrassing to have this type of staff in the front of the house. I would recommend they reconsider who is greeting and directing their clients.
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21 Jan, 2021 by Timothy mcguire
Great attorneys that can handle almost any matter.
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20 Sep, 2014 by Robert
Over billing and being completely dishonest is Attorney Needle's business. He took on my matrimonial case and billed over $70,000. Never filed a motion or took a deposition. Then when it was time to go to court recommend another attorney.
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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.
