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Whether you are a buyer or a seller, having a good real estate lawyer is essential. Sellers need to ensure they are abiding by disclosure and other requirements while buyers need their interests protected at all stages, from the initial inspection to the closing. There are many things that could go wrong to either derail the transaction or cause one or both parties to accept a bad deal. But what qualities should you look for in a real estate lawyer? The real estate team at LaFountain & Wollman P.C. is here to advise you.
Basic Qualifications and Experience
To begin with, make sure your attorney is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar. For instance, the lawyer should not be giving legal advice if he or she is suspended. Beyond this essential requirement, however, you need to ensure that your lawyer is actually experienced with real estate law. If the attorney you want to hire only handles traffic and criminal matters, you are probably not going to receive exceptional legal representation.
Reputation
You can gain a better understanding of your lawyer’s skill by doing some basic internet research about his or her reputation (or that of the lawyer’s firm). Start with the Better Business Bureau and Google reviews. Read the reviews thoughtfully and objectively to determine if there is a consistent pattern that speaks well or poorly of the lawyer.
Referrals
Another great way to find a qualified real estate lawyer is to ask other attorneys (including those who do not practice real estate law) to provide a referral. Call two or three lawyers or their firms and ask who they would recommend for the specific legal matter you have. You might want to ask what the basis of the referral is, for instance whether that attorney has personally worked with the real estate lawyer on a past case.
Find Out What the Lawyer Does
Not all real estate attorneys provide the same services. Some dedicate their practices to real estate litigation while others are devoted to the transactional side (e.g. closings). Make sure you have a good idea of the legal issue that you are dealing with and then ask your prospective attorney if he or she practices in that specific area. If not, you can request a referral.
Ask Questions
Before deciding to retain a real estate lawyer or law firm, ask questions such as:
- How much of the lawyer’s practice is dedicated to real estate (and your specific legal issue)?
- Does the lawyer have time, considering his or her caseload, to take on your case?
- How communicative is the lawyer with clients?
- What are the lawyer’s fees and what do they pay for?
These are not the only questions, but they will get you started on the right path to finding a good lawyer for your case.
Get an Idea of the Lawyer’s Personality
By scheduling a consultation with the lawyer, you can find out whether his or her personality will be a service to you and your legal case. Find out whether the attorney:
- Is confident in his or her legal experience and ability
- Answers questions clearly and informs you whether he or she does not know something
- Communicates strongly and has the ability to offer potential strategies for your matter
- Is ethical, professional, responsible, and responsive to your needs and concerns
Find Out Why Clients Trust LaFountain & Wollman
At LaFountain & Wollman P.C., we invite prospective real estate clients to have a conversation with us about their legal needs and expectations. We can discuss your specific issue, help you devise a personalized solution to resolving it, and then get to work representing your best interests. Get started today by giving our legal team a call.