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15 Mar, 2024 by Equity enterprise management inc
I’ve been in real estate management for 25 years and Lori far exceeds the other attorneys that have assisted with Landlord/tenant issues. Hands down the Best eviction attorney I’ve worked with in 25 years. Thanks again Lori!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Fahad
I always appreciated Lori's communcation, calls and prompt email responses. Guided me through every step of the process, including talks before and after trials and what to expect next, always giving me options to file paperwork myself or sending my paperwork to outside servers for me.
She truly is a pleasure to work with
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05 Jan, 2023 by Chris
I live in another state, but had a family court matter in Illinois. I researched Attorneys and found Lori Quist. We hired her 10 years ago and the case came to an impasse, no fault of her. We reconvened a few years ago and were able to wrap up the case with a positive outcome and finally be done!!!
I highly recommend Lori Quist. I have professionally known Lori for 10 years.
She is very affordable, accommodating and helped me every step of the way.
She is professional, honest, knowledgeable and knows how to navigate the legal process.
My Wife and I are grateful to know such an extraordinary attorney.
Thank you Attorney Quist for all that you have done!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jean
Bill and his team not only have first-rate experience, they do whatever it takes to ensure that your estate planning experience is first-rate as well. The entire process was so well-managed in a most friendly, thoughtful and supportive way with every detail covered, every question answered - I now have the strongest confidence that I am well-protected with a complete estate plan.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Tinsley
This was such a pleasant experience. Working with Bill was fantastic as he made this process very easy and made my wife and I feel very comfortable.
I would highly recommend his company.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Bill and his staff were very friendly, punctual and made the process of setting up our trust and will painless. I highly recommend Bill and his team for personal legal needs.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Jhoie tayag-chin
Atty Mitch Peskin and team help me a lot to navigate my case. I could never ask for more! Thanks!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Cindy walker
I can truly say that Attorney PieRina Infelise works with integrity, accuracy, and most of all compassion. I was 30 days away from adopting a child I had for two and a half years to only be falsely accused of child abused. Attorney PieRina was very detailed about finding the truth and presenting it to the judge with all the facts. Thank God for her due diligence I won my case! Thank you Attorney PieRina Infelise for all the hard work you've done.
Truly grateful, Cindy Walker
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16 May, 2024 by D l
Rina is an exceptional and extremely knowledgeable lawyer. You will be in excellent hands by hiring Rina. She is a powerhouse of an attorney with an impressive legal mind. She will treat you with respect; compassion and kindness. I will be forever grateful to have found, met and hired Rina. She was a God sent to help me thru one of the most stressful periods of my life. Rina defended and won my case against DCFS, where I was wrongly accused of child neglect. Rina confidently and successfully fought the case all the way into the appeal process. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Rina for your invaluable expertise and tireless work. I could not be happier with the outcome and highly recommend Rina!
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09 Dec, 2024 by J malissa jm
Mr. Therman provided tailored and thorough answers to my questions. I now understand my options based on my situation, time and location. I appreciate his personalized approach and feel comfortable about what I need to do next.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Marilyn o'neill
Dennis McNicholas is a superb estate attorney- 50 years experience. He fully explained options and details of my Last Will and Testament. Highly recommend!
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17 Mar, 2023 by Jaroc179
My wife and I first retained Dennis 24 years ago for a real estate purchase and were incredibly impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and relaxing yet take-charge demeanor. He set everyone at ease at the closing while he handled the legal matters. We just sat back and watched the show, and the next thing we knew, we were owners of our new home. And we never forgot him.
Since then, we have used Dennis for reference on numerous occasions regarding real estate, estate planning, elder law and estate administration. He knows the law and gets things done efficiently, and he follows up matters on his own initiative.
He is also respectful, compassionate and principled, and has a sense of humor that makes dealing with him a pleasure rather than a chore.
When we have an issue that may require legal representation, Dennis J McNicholas is always the first person that comes to mind... always. He does not disappoint, and he has our absolute highest recommendation.
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25 Oct, 2019 by Michael
Very helpful actually cared about my concerns. I was given information and lawyers that can help in my situation, all over the phone. THANK YOU!>
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07 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Matt Caruso came highly recommended to us, and we in turn would recommend him, without reservation, to anyone dealing with inheritance issues. We were treated with unflagging courtesy. Our concerns were carefully noted, and we were given clear explanations that didn’t downplay negatives or exaggerate positives. Matt and his colleagues answered all our questions and concerns. We appreciated Matt's integrity, as well as his knowledge and experience, and are grateful for all the work Matt and company did resolving our case.
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11 May, 2015 by James l. ryan jr.
Matt is very good at accurately portraying the litigation process both from probable outcome and time frame to accomplish; so that as a client I can make a sensible business decision on how to proceed.
Once we decide how to proceed Matt and his team are very thorough and and committed to achieving the anticipated result.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Jc
John helped me with a very difficult and legal situation in the most professional, personable, compassionate, and effective manner. John informed me of the full range of outcomes, communicated every step of the way, and ultimately obtained the very best possible outcome. I would highly recommend John Fioti and Fioti Law. You won't find better!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Mm
John gave me excellent advice and helped me while facing a difficult legal situation. I greatly appreciate his help and highly recommend
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12 Feb, 2024 by Marco
John helped me with a difficult legal issue I was facing. He gave me fantastic advice and helped me achieve a great end result. I highly recommend him to everyone.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Sergey k
I am happy to write recommendations for the company professional attitude to business, you will get a positive result! Thank you very much for your work!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Denis kendall
Awesome Lawyer.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Rosena c
I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Pat Nelson and staff for their exceptional legal representation. Throughout our case, Mr. Nelson has been incredibly patient, understanding, and professional. He and his paralegal have a remarkable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner, which has been invaluable in helping me understand the process and feel confident in the outcome.
I am particularly impressed with Mr. Nelson's honesty and dedication to his clients. They have always went the extra mile to ensure that my best interests were protected. I am truly grateful for their hard work and commitment.
I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Daniel okafor
The best way to describe her is Shakespeare's character of ''Shylock'' in The Merchant of Venice. In 2024, I hired her for a DCFS hearing before an administrative judge and after collecting my hard earned money, she changed completely! As an Attorney she was supposed to carry out interviews prior to the hearing to help give my case a chance, but she didn't. During the hearing I was the one that brought one person to support me. My advice to anyone, DO NOT HIRE her, she will do TERRIBLE JOB!!!!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Nick o'connor
Alex Rothenberg served as the court-appointed GAL (Guardian ad Litem) in my case, and my experience with her was deeply troubling. Despite initially appearing engaged by asking questions and taking notes, she failed to address any of my concerns, displayed a clear bias toward my ex-wife, and accepted her statements as truth without requiring any supporting evidence.
Alex prematurely removed herself from the case, leaving critical issues unresolved and contributing to an outcome where my daughter has been denied fair and equal time with both parents. Her actions violated several key statutes and guidelines that GALs are required to follow in Illinois, including:
750 ILCS 5/506(a)(2): GALs must conduct an independent investigation, including interviews and a review of relevant documents, and provide an objective recommendation to the court. Alex failed to conduct a thorough investigation or verify evidence, instead relying on unchecked statements from my ex-wife.
Best Interest of the Child Standard (750 ILCS 5/602.7): GALs are required to prioritize the child’s well-being and ensure meaningful relationships with both parents unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. Alex’s biased and incomplete recommendations directly harmed my daughter’s ability to have a fair and balanced relationship with both parents.
Ethical Obligations of Attorneys and GALs: GALs are required to avoid personal bias, remain neutral, and act in a professional manner that serves the child’s best interests. Alex’s personal bias against me was evident and unprofessional, resulting in recommendations that prioritized her own prejudice over the needs of a 5-year-old child.
To make matters worse, Alex’s conduct was part of a broader pattern within her firm. Other members of her firm displayed similarly unethical behavior, including inflated billing practices, misrepresentations to the court, and a general failure to uphold professional standards.
Alex’s unprofessional and unethical behavior, combined with her failure to follow required statutes, caused irreparable harm to my daughter’s well-being. Her actions were not only a disservice to the court but also a direct violation of the trust placed in her to act in the best interests of the child.
Avoid Alex Rothenberg and her entire firm. Their lack of professionalism, integrity, and accountability makes them unfit for any legal matter, particularly those involving children.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Piff piff
Rude people absolute no customer service at all. Run from this place. Luckily I didn’t spend money on them I almost did.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Scott
We worked with Dave to create a Final Will and Testament in order to secure our family's future security. Dave was extremely knowledgeable and helped us feel more at ease with such a set of important decisions. We were nervous about having to think through some difficult questions, but Dave's knowledge, compassion and wisdom helped us put our minds at ease.
We also worked with Dave during the sale of our home. He guided us through the various complicated legal documents and explained everything in an extremely clear manner. His ability to translate "legalese" to a layman was quite impressive and reassuring.
I would strongly recommend Dave Martin's services to anyone. He is a professional in every sense of the word.
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05 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
David was very helpful in obtaining court documents along with submitting them to the proper officials. Even though this was a smaller matter he still treated the work as a priority and everything was accomplished very quick. He is a real pleasure to work with and I will be hiring him for future legal matters.
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26 Jun, 2016 by Carmel
I used David as the attorney for the closing on my house and also for estate planning. He was very friendly, helpful, conscientious and knowledgeable. His fee was also very reasonable. Would definitely recommend, and plan on using in the future as needed.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Ryan
I was recently looking for a personal injury attorney. After scouring the web I began to lose hope that I would find an attorney for personal injury that I felt was trustworthy and hardworking enough to take my case. I finally stumbled upon Jason Cook and I took a chance and decided to reach out to him. I was thoroughly impressed with his qualifications, background, and his ability to effectively communicate his suggestions in a way that was easy for me to understand. He made me feel like I was taken care of and gave me peace of mind that I could trust his legal advice. I highly recommend Jason Cook to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney. Jason’s passion to succeed and help others is so obvious in his work ethic and the way that he interacts with people. Jason Cook is an incredible attorney and I was very pleased with his hard work ethic. If you are looking for an attorney who is experienced, hardworking, trustworthy, and knowledgeable than look no further than Jason Cook.
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27 Jan, 2022 by Kimberly
Mr. Cook has been our go to Attorney for over 20 years for my office and my family. I refer him to anyone I can and I also get rave reviews back from them about him. Jason is professional, timely, reasonable fees and a truly likable individual!
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27 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Jason has been our lawyer for many years. He took care of our case with professionalism and expertise. Jason's knowledge and self-confidence assured us that he would take care of any concerns. His determination and diligence brought our case to a successful conclusion.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Wonderful Professional man. Joel was there for me after my car accident. He was 100% responsive to all of my communications, easy to talk to and walked me through exactly what to do right after I was hit...knew I was taken care of and didn't have to worry. Very honest and very knowledgeable. I knew he was not afraid to try my case if it came down to it (which it almost did)...which was incredibly relieving to me after a super stressful accident. Joel kept in contact until I got my settlement check sent in the mail. Great great service...and I will continue to use him for all legal needs in the future. Highly recommend to friends/family.
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15 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Awesome! Incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating! Was very prompt in all correspondence and kept me informed every step of the way. Made me feel very valued, respected and represented at his fullest capability!
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15 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Making a decision to file bankruptcy is nerve wrecking, a different kind of stress. Mr. Stephen is knowledge coupled with immeasurable customer service that helped to ease the stress. He is very thorough in explaining the options. He is not forceful. He wants to make sure your are comfortable with the decision that will best fit your financial situation. His patience and follow through helped make filing bankruptcy more accepting. Once it was all said and final, I reflect back on his services and realize that he helped to change my life. I highly recommend his services to anyone needing bankrupcy or any legal advice!
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21 Oct, 2019 by Cody
Ted represented me in a real estate lawsuit I brought up against a seller. Ted could not have been more attentive, knowledgeable, informative and easy to get in touch with. I have since hired ted to represent me on other business transactions and could not be happier.
He and his wife Melissa are just all around great, down to earth people and I have yet to meet anyone more knowledgeable of the law.
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28 Aug, 2011 by Nanci
Ted has been my husband's business lawyer for six years. As the wife of a contractor, I have been the target of many substantial business disputes, the latest with my husband's bank foreclosing on his loans, therefore bringing an abrupt halt to a business that took 25 years to build. Once again, I was named in the case because the real estate assets were held in my name.
My home is my most prized asset, as I have lived in it for 25 years. Ted Donner worked with his assistant, Melissa, for many hours on this case, resulting in me being released from the suit the bank had brought against me.
I will be forever grateful as Ted in short, "saved" my life. This is one attorney you want on your side, because God help you if he were your opposing counsel!
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26 May, 2019 by Deb
We were so blessed to have found Peggy a during a family emergency. We interviewed a few attorneys and knew they were not the right fit. After talking to Peg we felt confident we were in good hands right from the start. She knew exactly what we needed and didn't hesitate to come to our rescue. Peg guided us and provided us with all the documents we needed to avoid a crisis. She never failed to show up in court at a moments notice and was totally prepared. As our case progressed, we never hesitated to contact Peg and always felt like we had her undivided attention. We had to rely on Peg for more than 5 years and she never tired of our questions. I have worked in the legal field for about 30 years I can say that and Peg is certainly one of the good ones!
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01 May, 2019 by Jill
After a glowing recommendation from her prior client, I contacted Peggy regarding my probate/will situation. Her warm and friendly manner put me at ease from the start. And even after learning that my case is in an area she no longer practices, Peggy continued talking with me for almost an hour, offering incredibly valuable advice that helped me make some key decisions. By the time we ended our conversation, I had a stronger understanding of my case, a realistic outlook on my options and two contacts for local attorneys. All this and a reassurance that if they couldn't assist, I could call her back for new leads.
Even though I haven’t had the privilege to work with Peggy yet, she was such a crucial and significant part of my process. I will be forever grateful for the time she took to help me -- an otherwise total stranger. Thank you again, Peggy!
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Fezzey for a bankruptcy filing, and he was great every step of the way. Easy to communicate with, and always looked professional.
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01 Aug, 2020 by Tracy
Kevin,
I can't thank you enough for helping me with my relocation case. I appreciate all of the work you've done & all of the questions that I have had. Even though it took longer than anticipated, I'm so glad that we got the desired result. Just seeing how excited the kids were throughout this whole process of moving, helped me to be calm, strong & listen to your advice over these last 2.5 months & even the last 7 months when this whole process started. I would definitely recommend Kevin to anyone needing help with relocation or anything really. I'm truly grateful that my kids & i can start our new beginning in Florida because of your help & diligence!
Thanks again, Kevin!!
Tracy
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23 May, 2013 by Pierre dunn
i had called countless chicago abusive ,laxed,greedy attn:whhhhohhhw!!!i called mr gutzke off the whelm and asked questions back to back.he never scamed me with the :you gotta give me $200.00 bucks manuever.he answered all my questions and even gave indepth insight to avenues i didnt even research prior to the conversation and hes a great guy.i recommend him to everyone!!thanks John!
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23 Jun, 2014 by Kevin
My wife and I recently hired Jim to represent us on our real estate transaction. Jim was very helpful throughout the entire process and always kept us informed. There were a few unexpected bumps in the road relating to inspection issues and financing questions, but at all times Jim explained our options and helped us find the optimal solution. The day before our closing he carefully explained what would happen and went over all the closing documents with us. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone looking for quality representation.
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27 Mar, 2016 by Paul
I reached out to Mr. Pfeiffer concerning some matters and his office quickly got back to me and set up a convenient appointment. During the consultation Mr. Pfeiffer was very knowledgeable and concerned about my situation and provided several options to me. Although I did not retain his services, I kept his card for any other matters that may come up.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Cynthia pietrucha
This firm is excellent especially if you are married to a bad person. They actually care, communicate clearly and get things done swiftly. They are not just trying to take your money, they help you improve your life and they don't drag things out. I highly recommend this firm and Jessica if you are in DuPage County and want a lawyer who actually cares more than just billable hours.
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04 May, 2023 by Ramsey pokryfke
Pat Keeley and team are amazing to work with! Highly recommend them!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Rachelle beardsley
This is a very good office. The lawyers are very knowledgeable, dependable and very professional. I would highly recommend them. They are experts and if you want to know you’re doing the right things, they are the ones to guide you through it.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Cynthia pietrucha
This firm is excellent especially if you are married to a bad person. They actually care, communicate clearly and get things done swiftly. They are not just trying to take your money, they help you improve your life and they don't drag things out. I highly recommend this firm and Jessica if you are in DuPage County and want a lawyer who actually cares more than just billable hours.
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04 May, 2023 by Ramsey pokryfke
Pat Keeley and team are amazing to work with! Highly recommend them!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Rachelle beardsley
This is a very good office. The lawyers are very knowledgeable, dependable and very professional. I would highly recommend them. They are experts and if you want to know you’re doing the right things, they are the ones to guide you through it.
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07 Nov, 2017 by Denise
Gary is an excellent resource to your legal needs, he is knowledgable, trustworthy and provided suggestions that steered me in the right direction.
I'm so relieved to finally have my affairs in order and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. Thank you Gary!
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16 Mar, 2017 by Paul and esther
Gary's depth of knowledge and extensive experience is impressive. The amazing thing is, he really listens to what you have to say and comes up with a strategy on how best to resolve your problem. He helped us recover funds from a rehab fiasco where the builder was refusing to refund our investment money even after breaking the contract agreement. We were even able to avoid going to court! Not only did we get ALL our money back, but Gary also helped us close on a new house several months later. Our real estate agent was so impressed with him, that she said he was the best lawyer she has ever worked with and now recommends him to everyone. Gary graciously listened to our complicated predicament and actually did something to help. He cared for our family and went above and beyond our expectations. We highly recommend him!
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14 Mar, 2017 by Alicia
Gary is an excellent resource to your legal needs, he is extremely thorough and can easily explain and advise the terms during his consults. His professionalism and character is exactly who I want to advice you on any legal matters.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alexis romero
I got the pleasure of working with Nierman and Najera they are outstanding, professionals, and amazing people to work with.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Jose herrera
26 Nov, 2024 by Front door ministry wbc
wonderful experience with this firm. They were swift, helpful, and thorough with dealing with my issue. They helped reduce my violation and attended my trial in my place.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Mahmoud faisal elkhatib
We had a good experience working with Carlo G D'Agostino Law Offices on a transaction. Their professionalism and cooperation were invaluable in completing the deal, and we’re eager to work with them on future projects
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mike barrett
Heled us through a somewhat tricky closing. Good advisor. Highly recommend!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Pellyn
Carlo enabled the most streamlined closing across 2 states. In addition, he skillfully managed a difficult co-seller who kept changing the terms thru the real estate agent team, and a shifty buyer and attorney who kept adding expanded requirements on what should have been a simple "as is" purchase after my mother's untimely passing. Carlo was straight about everything, timely in his actions and responses, plus (BIG PLUS) he still acted like a compassionate human being. A decent human-being lawyer in 2024 - there still is good in the world. I recommend him highly!
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10 May, 2021 by Anonymous
They were friendly efficient had good communication and we could not be happier with their service and professionalism. I’ve already recommended them to a few people.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
***Robert Lake has represented our family in five separate private residential real estate transactions and one commercial transaction in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. He has always provided absolutely outstanding service, helping in all stages of the transactions - from signing the contract all the way through to closing. Regardless of the numerous questions we had along the way, Robert always provided very prompt, thorough answers. He has helped us with some very difficult situations, always protecting our interests and ensuring that any issues were quickly resolved. We have recommended Robert Lake to at least 5 or 6 friends and colleagues (some of whom with much more complex transactions than we have) who retained him. as well. Every single one of them has spoken very highly of him. He has always had our best interests in mind, and it was very reassuring to have an advocate in our corner that was looking out for us. Robert’s experience is very broad. He is clearly an expert in his field, not to mention a consummate professional. We would highly recommend Robert Lake to anyone navigating the home buying process.
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25 Apr, 2021 by Erik holman
Had great experience dealing with Robert Lake. He was through and investigated all items within my sales agreement. Communication was excellent. All the members of his staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend using them!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie graves
Ms Anderson handled a very difficult and emotional situation with professionalism and skill. She kept us well-informed and updated throughout the case, and was a tour-de-force in the court hearing. We are well satisfied with her services and would not hesitate in recommending her to others who may be in need of legal support.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Amy stahl
Ms Anderson was a real trooper. My sister hired the firm for my juvenile son who was charged with 2 felonies. He had court cases that spanned 2 years ending when he was released from probation earlier than expected. She appeared in court with us each and every time. Very professional, timely, and gave my son respect. All fine qualities to me. She helped my son to get on a good footing. Thanks
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15 Nov, 2024 by Renee w
I worked with Michael Biggott on a traffic citation issue and he was so easy to work with and responsive. So happy and grateful for the time he saved me and for getting the best results possible!!
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20 May, 2019 by Valerie
I found Douglas through Hyatt Legal Services which is a benefit through my employer. Initially, I was told to steer away from attorneys that participate in services like these but from the very beginning I knew I had hit the jackpot with Doug. Doug was so very knowledgeable, approachable and most importantly available. He told me from the beginning he would protect my interests and he FAR exceeded my expectations. Doug is by far the best Real Estate attorney that I have worked with and I had another excellent attorney on two other prior closings. You will not be disappointed with Doug whether you are paying him out of your pocket or your employer pays him.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Andy
Doug was very knowledgable and trustworthy. He kept us informed of what was going on during our home purchase and he took the time to explain how certain procedures work to make us nervous newbies more comfortable. We would highly recommend Doug for anyone looking for a real estate lawyer. Thanks again Doug!
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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.
