Lawyers map
>2.2k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Sep, 2024 by Levi mueller
Definitely cannot recommend for any father in a family court case. Minimal effort at being proactive, multiple emails back and forth for nothing to get accomplished.
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Dorothy thurston
I had Tiffany Schramm. She was an amazing lawyer, she was always extremely up to date on what was going on. She genuinely cared about my case and her and her team always responded to me in a very professionally timely manner. I am very grateful, and would HIGHLY recommend them for all your legal needs.
Read more
23 Jan, 2024 by Randi kavanaugh
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Dorota szkotnicka
Christopher Strohbehn is a great attorney. He answered my questions in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. The staff was pleasant and courteous. They got me a great settlement and were attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Dangelo chambliss
My attorney Chris had show nothing but professionalism but at the same time the pitbull I needed with handling and tackling issues head on while keep a cool calm demeanor in the process since the day I met him over a year ago when he was with the last law firm.
Mallery and Chris go hand and hand ans they make a great team. I knew front the moment I met Chris a year ago he was definitely the attorney for me. Super glad I I followed him over to Mallery and one of the best choices that I've could have made. I got a great offer on the table and I couldn't have done it without my attorney's team being involved.
I look forward to keeping Chris as my attorney in the future with me and my wife's business affairs on the horizon and keep Mallery as our legal team. Thank you guys you are definitely appreciated. Great job! Keep up the great work!
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Janette hudson
Got the job done quickly. Listened to my concerns well. Great Job!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by A b
She only wants your money. She doesn't care about the children, family, their future. It is absolutely disgusting. You may feel she is helping you, remember, life isn't about money, it is about love and family. Shame on you for being an attorney. You are a person who clearly has no soul.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Mark multerer
08 Jul, 2024 by Andrea selbig
I have called him twice and left detailed messages each time. He prepared some documents for my parents years ago, but now those documents are a problem and I was hoping he could help resolve it. He did not return either of my calls.
Read more
05 Apr, 2024 by James paulley
28 Mar, 2024 by Tim house
Nate Cockerham was professional through the entire court process. He gave me plenty of good advice and was able to keep me calm during this turbulent time. He represented me extremely well in the court room, in front of the judge. He was able to get me the best possible outcome in my case. I am very grateful to have such an excellent lawyer on my side. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
17 Mar, 2024 by Raven rautio
05 Apr, 2024 by James paulley
28 Mar, 2024 by Tim house
Nate Cockerham was professional through the entire court process. He gave me plenty of good advice and was able to keep me calm during this turbulent time. He represented me extremely well in the court room, in front of the judge. He was able to get me the best possible outcome in my case. I am very grateful to have such an excellent lawyer on my side. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
17 Mar, 2024 by Raven rautio
17 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Karls did not seem skilled in estate/probate matters. She was our attorney for over two years on what should have been an open-and-shut probate case. She did a poor job advising on estate matters, often giving conflicting advice to the executor and beneficiaries. No one was clear on what approximate timelines were, what next steps were, and whether Ms. Karls was advising the executor. Her fees mounted and the probate deadlines got pushed back further and further until it was necessary to hire a different estate attorney.
I would not hire Ms. Karls for any future legal matters, specifically anything probate related.
Read more
11 Jan, 2017 by Rebecca s.
I met with a few other divorce lawyers around the Madison area but ended up choosing Nanette as my attorney. She was wonderful and treated me with care and compassion during a very difficult time in my life. Her knowledge and understanding of the ins and outs of divorce helped me feel confident in the outcome and I knew she was working hard for the best interests of me and my children. I would recommend Nanette and her office to anyone looking for an attorney and I would definitely hire her again for legal help in the future.
Read more
06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Nanette Karls to handle my divorce proceedings in 2016. She is pleasant to talk to, but I had multiple issues with attention to detail, lack of communication and privacy issues. Multiple times, Atty Karls selected the wrong person in her email contacts when exchanging very private and confidential documents about my divorce proceedings with my ex-husband and his attorney. The incorrect contact was a former client of hers, and he continued to receive information such as my social security number, name and address, financial information, etc. I brought these errors to her attention each time, but it continued to happen throughout the entire process. I would not return to Atty Karls for additional work.
Read more
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
03 Dec, 2023 by Ugly truths before beautiful lies
15 Mar, 2022 by Lóveoverhäte
30 Apr, 2021 by Paul bargren
28 Sep, 2023 by Caroline arndt
While I strongly dislike writing poor reviews, I feel an ethical obligation to warn the public about this law firm. Simply put, John Machulak has no communciation skills. The reason I am giving him 3 stars is ONLY because of his administrative assistant. She is his saving grace. She has fantastic communication skills and an amazing work ethic. However, there is only so much she can do.
There was no strategy meeting, no set goals/deadlines, emails/phone calls were constantly ignored and I was never coached for arbitration. The day before arbitration (while I was trying to board an airplane to attend the arbitration) attorney Machulak expected me to be able to review and go through evidence for the following day. How am I supposed to do this 33,000 feet up in the air? Everything with him is extremely last minute and then he expects you to drop whatever you are doing and respond to him immediately after ignoring you for days. He clearly demonstrated a lack of respect for my time repeatedly.
Billing is extremely confusing. Invoices are very difficult to read, not itemized by hour and not provided in a timely manner. I asked for a current balance the morning of arbitration and he was unable to provide me with one. I asked for paid receipts for bookkeeping and still have not received any. I finally received a huge invoice that I was unprepared for (because it was never communicated with me what he was working on) weeks after arbitration was over.
This past 1 1/2 years have been the most stressful of my entire life and working with attorney Machulak made it twice as stressful as it needed to be. It was a favorable outcome, however, a lot of last minute stress could have been avoided, many billable hours could have been saved, and the arbitration could have been MUCH shorter had he simply held an hour strategy meeting with me well in advance to go over evidence and properly prepare for the day.
Read more
21 Dec, 2022 by Nora hitchcock
30 Dec, 2020 by Kurt kaufmann
John and team are some of the best in the business. Their attention to detail particularly as it relates to contracts and agreements are second to none. I recommend 10/10
Read more
28 Sep, 2023 by Caroline arndt
While I strongly dislike writing poor reviews, I feel an ethical obligation to warn the public about this law firm. Simply put, John Machulak has no communciation skills. The reason I am giving him 3 stars is ONLY because of his administrative assistant. She is his saving grace. She has fantastic communication skills and an amazing work ethic. However, there is only so much she can do.
There was no strategy meeting, no set goals/deadlines, emails/phone calls were constantly ignored and I was never coached for arbitration. The day before arbitration (while I was trying to board an airplane to attend the arbitration) attorney Machulak expected me to be able to review and go through evidence for the following day. How am I supposed to do this 33,000 feet up in the air? Everything with him is extremely last minute and then he expects you to drop whatever you are doing and respond to him immediately after ignoring you for days. He clearly demonstrated a lack of respect for my time repeatedly.
Billing is extremely confusing. Invoices are very difficult to read, not itemized by hour and not provided in a timely manner. I asked for a current balance the morning of arbitration and he was unable to provide me with one. I asked for paid receipts for bookkeeping and still have not received any. I finally received a huge invoice that I was unprepared for (because it was never communicated with me what he was working on) weeks after arbitration was over.
This past 1 1/2 years have been the most stressful of my entire life and working with attorney Machulak made it twice as stressful as it needed to be. It was a favorable outcome, however, a lot of last minute stress could have been avoided, many billable hours could have been saved, and the arbitration could have been MUCH shorter had he simply held an hour strategy meeting with me well in advance to go over evidence and properly prepare for the day.
Read more
21 Dec, 2022 by Nora hitchcock
30 Dec, 2020 by Kurt kaufmann
John and team are some of the best in the business. Their attention to detail particularly as it relates to contracts and agreements are second to none. I recommend 10/10
Read more
19 Aug, 2022 by Gail ramsden
18 Dec, 2017 by Joni white
13 Nov, 2017 by Jt beatty
Very helpful; expertise in real estate.
Read more
03 Jan, 2023 by Clayton p
Called 9 months ago to get set up with a lawyer through LaRowe Gerlach. Just for standard business paperwork and whatnot. I was directed to Max and had a phone call with him, where he said he’d work with us. I sent over the documents he requested and then proceeded to wait for a reply.
Over the next few months I called in several times, figuring he had simply been busy, but always spoke to a secretary who said he would call me. He never did. I eventually asked if he was not interested in having us as a client and was assured he was.
Finally I called asking to get linked up with a different partner and the secretary refused to direct me to another partner. Saying Max would call me.
It has been over 9 months and I have still only heard from max the one time. I wish I could speak on behalf of any other partner, but apparently the firm as a whole won’t let you switch once someone has dibs on you, even if they don’t actually intend on doing any work with you.
Mostly frustrated that they wouldn’t just say “we are not interested” and instead proceeded to waste my time. Very unprofessional.
Read more
02 Nov, 2022 by Andrew stefan
I contacted LaRowe Gerlach LLP regarding a legal matter that I wanted to ask them to represent me on. The operator transferred me to Mr. Joseph Hesler’s voicemail , as he would be the most qualified attorney at the firm in that matter. After I left him a detailed message, a few minutes later he calls me back and started treating me like I am some sort of a spam caller. He was very rude and asked me how did I get his number and why did I call him. After I briefly explained that I left him a voicemail and I had called the office to seek representation in a legal matter, he said that he no longer accepts new clients and hung up on me. Of course this surprised and shocked me at the same time to why an attorney would do that to a potential client. I called the office again to talk to the operator. After I told her what happened, her answer was: “Well, you might as well keep looking around.”
So there is my experience with this firm. I’ve had contact with some other law firms and attorneys in the past, but nobody had treated me and talked to me like these guys did. So do yourself a favor and “keep looking around”. They are not worth your time or your money.
Read more
31 Oct, 2022 by Janet montgomery
19 Aug, 2024 by Cheyenne weeden
18 Aug, 2024 by Ria
The bottom line is if you want an honest, very knowledgeable, and professional attorney look no further than George C Wilbur. He really cares about his client.
Read more
16 Dec, 2023 by Joe
Worth every penny and fantastic to deal with. We have dealt with a lot of lawyers and George really stands out. Excellent and prompt communication. He really went above and beyond and saved our bacon. Can't say enough good things.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Lydia fernandez
I definitely recommend Attorney Matt E. Yde!! He has been extremely helpful with not only our business, but with a number of our clients. Attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and all in a timely manner!! Thanks so much Attorney Matt, we are ever so grateful!!
Read more
08 Nov, 2022 by Mike hughes
Greasy attorney…… After making an appointment for a consult in a business matter.I was advised of the 275.00 per hour rate. Apon arrival, the fee is an up front fee before any consult . Which may or may not yield any results or information in regards to their ability , or willingness to help me in my matter . It looks as though this firm is all about the money , not the matter . Up front fees usually result in scams . I would NOT recommend setting yourself up to be scammed .
Read more
11 Sep, 2022 by K murphy
19 Jul, 2024 by Brandon brunson
26 Jul, 2023 by S m
Not there for you
Read more
19 May, 2023 by David stavis
19 Jul, 2024 by Brandon brunson
26 Jul, 2023 by S m
Not there for you
Read more
19 May, 2023 by David stavis
19 Jul, 2024 by Brandon brunson
26 Jul, 2023 by S m
Not there for you
Read more
19 May, 2023 by David stavis
Browse lawyers
Cities in Wisconsin - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Milwaukee
-
Madison
-
Waukesha
-
Brookfield
-
Green Bay
-
Appleton
-
Wauwatosa
-
Wausau
-
Eau Claire
-
Racine
-
La Crosse
-
Middleton
-
Kenosha
-
Janesville
-
Oshkosh
-
Mequon
-
Neenah
-
Hudson
-
Sheboygan
-
West Bend
-
Stevens Point
-
Manitowoc
-
Baraboo
-
New Berlin
-
Fond Du Lac
-
Elkhorn
-
Menomonee Falls
-
Elm Grove
-
Fitchburg
-
Oconomowoc
-
Monona
-
Sun Prairie
-
Pewaukee
-
Superior
-
Wisconsin Rapids
-
Verona
-
Glendale
-
WEST ALLIS
-
De Pere
-
Monroe
-
River Falls
-
Cedarburg
-
Chippewa Falls
-
Rhinelander
-
Sturgeon Bay
-
Grafton
-
Portage
-
Hartland
-
Whitefish Bay
-
Menasha
-
Sparta
-
Beloit
-
Shorewood
-
Delafield
-
Lake Geneva
-
Jefferson
-
Merrill
-
New Richmond
-
Port Washington
-
Thiensville
-
Waunakee
-
Greenfield
-
Waupaca
-
Black River Falls
-
Beaver Dam
-
Hartford
-
Marinette
-
Oak Creek
-
Onalaska
-
Menomonie
-
Shawano
-
Juneau
-
Burlington
-
Franklin
-
Germantown
-
Marshfield
-
Watertown
-
Eagle River
-
Cudahy
-
Dodgeville
-
Hayward
-
Ashland
-
Lancaster
-
Mount Pleasant
-
Muskego
-
Platteville
-
Greendale
-
Plymouth
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Wisconsin
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Probate
-
Government
-
Insurance
-
Intellectual Property
-
Appeals
-
Tax
-
Civil Rights
-
Workers Compensation
-
Consumer Protection
-
Elder Law
-
Car Accident
-
Mediation
-
Child Custody
-
Trusts
-
Bankruptcy
-
Immigration
-
Child Support
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Juvenile Law
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Debt Collection
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Wrongful Death
-
Discrimination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Domestic Violence
-
Class Action
-
Adoption
-
Foreclosure
-
Divorce
-
Federal Crime
-
DUI / DWI
-
Sex Crime
-
Entertainment
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Copyright Application
-
Employment / Labor
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Environmental Law
-
Drug Crime
-
Construction
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Contracts
-
Education Law
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.
