Best Real Estate Attorneys 2022
Katz & Matz P.C.
Katz & Matz P.C. is a real estate law firm that has been serving New York City since 1994. It represents property buyers and sellers in transactions and assists customers with deed and ownership transfers, leasing, new construction, and zoning and development. Its team also represents lenders and guides clients through the process of forming LLCs. The professionals work with real estate brokers, tax specialists, and home inspectors. Steven Matz, the firm's founding partner, frequently serves as a consultant for financial firms and brokerage houses.
Agarunov Law Firm
Agarunov Law Firm is a boutique legal practice that caters to clients in New York City and the surrounding areas. It assists with real estate negotiations and litigates disputes over commercial leases, real estate broker commissions, construction, and ownership conditions. The firm's principal attorney, Tatyana Agarunov, aggressively advocates for the rights of individuals and corporate entities in residential and commercial real estate transactions. She secures her clients' interests by creating legal strategies developed from a business perspective.
Robert Aronov & Associates, PC
Robert Aronov & Associates, PC, offers services for many kinds of legal needs in New York City. It assists in commercial and residential real estate transactions such as closings, contract preparation, and financial reviews. With over 40 years of combined experience, its team of lawyers represents clients during foreclosure proceedings, trespassing and nuisance claims, and real estate dispute litigation. The firm is affiliated with The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers. Its clients include Citi Mortgage Bank and Bridgeview Towers.
Aaron L. Goodman, Esq.
Aaron L. Goodman, Esq., represents New York City residents who have real estate law concerns. The office takes on complex real estate and business matters spanning a variety of transactions such as commercial lease agreements, acquisitions and dispositions of assets, and business property sales. The counsel is licensed to practice law in Australia and has experience with the processes behind the establishment of corporate entities such as joint ventures. He maintains open lines of communication through email and WhatsApp.
The Law Firm of Walsh & Gilad
The Law Firm of Walsh & Gilad offers legal services to clients in New York City. The firm's attorneys work with both property buyers and sellers in different facets of commercial and residential real estate. They draft contract agreements, mediate disputes, perform negotiations, revise legal documents, and provide leasing and lending services. They are also in charge of overseeing transactions from start to finish. Samuel Gilad, one of the firm's partners, has worked with the Access to Justice Program, representing low-income litigants in landlord-tenant disputes.
McAdams Law
McAdams Law is a multi-practice law firm that serves both residential and commercial clients from New York City and the surrounding areas. It provides legal counsel and representation for various real estate matters, including purchases and sales, real estate contracts and leases, buyouts, and private financing arrangements. It also handles disputes concerning landlord-tenant law. Principal attorney Jeffrey Chisholm McAdams has been practicing law for more than three decades. The firm can serve clients in Spanish.
Paul Kenney Law
Paul Kenney Law in New York City handles a variety of real estate law matters. Sole practitioner Paul Robert Kenney represents clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions, working on steps like drafting contracts of sale and clearing the subject property of attached liens. He also represents plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving issues like landlord/tenant disputes, breaches of contracts in real estate transactions, and property foreclosures. Kenney has over two decades of legal experience.
The Law Firm of Walsh Gilad
The Law Firm of Wash Gilad mainly provides representation to buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate in New York City. For sale, acquisition, and leasing transactions, the firm prepares and reviews real estate documents and resolves landlord-tenant disputes. They often deal with properties like residential homes, condominiums, retail outlets, shopping centers, and warehouses. Ryan Walsh, the firm's lead attorney, is a board member of the not-for-profit organization called Neighborhood Housing Services of Northern Queens.
NY Real Estate Lawyer - Law Offices of Michael W. Goldstein
The Law Offices of Michael W. Goldstein has been representing clients in New York City and the surrounding areas since 1985. The law firm helps individuals navigate the legal aspects of real estate transactions including commercial leases and home renovation contracts. The firm handles a variety of real estate litigation, including down payment litigation, mechanic's liens, specific performance actions, and partition actions. Founding attorney Michael W. Goldstein has been practicing law in the State of New York since 1979.
Allen Y Law
Allen Y Law represents individual and corporate clients in New York City. Its primary attorney, Allen Yusufov, handles matters involving leasing and real estate transactions. He assists individuals purchasing their first house and corporations looking to expand their properties. Yusufov brings years of experience in negotiation and develops legal strategies tailored to the clients' situations. He also offers guidance in commercial contracts, corporate formation, and venture capital financing. The attorney handles immigration law and personal injury cases.
Georgaklis & Mallas PLLC Attorney at Law
Georgaklis & Mallas PLLC Attorney at Law represents clients in New York City. It handles real estate transactions, including acquisition, sales, and financing of real property. It helps businesses and individuals refinance mortgage loans, purchase foreclosed real property, and negotiate lease agreements. Its practice areas also include commercial litigation and personal injury. Partner attorney George Georgaklis has been approved to close the mortgage loans for lenders such as Wells Fargo Bank and Bank of America.
Avenue Law Firm
Avenue Law Firm has four locations that cater to clients in and around New York City. It advises buyers and sellers of real estate transactions for residential properties. These include leasings and purchases of apartments, condominiums, and newly constructed houses. The firm can compute the mortgage rate and compare it to the fee stated in the contract. It can then draft counter-offers or revisions for existing agreements. Managing partner Peter Zinkovetsky has been featured on multiple news sites, such as Forbes and the New York Real Estate Journal.
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Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP
Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph, LLP, is a law firm in New York City that practices real estate law. Its scope of work includes helping buyers and sellers review property acquisition documents, representing clients in post-closing disputes, and defending homeowners in mortgage foreclosure proceedings. It also represents tenants in eviction prevention and rent increase opposition cases. The New York Law Journal recognized Elizabeth Donoghue, one of the firm's attorneys, as one of New York's top tenant and real estate attorneys in 2019.
Dilendorf Law Firm
Dilendorf Law Firm serves individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate owners, and blockchain and fintech startups in New York City. The firm's services include real estate fund formation, commercial and residential transactions, leasing, foreclosures, financing, and commercial acquisitions. It also represents international clients in foreign investment transactions. Due to his experience as a transactional attorney and business consultant, partner Max Dilendorf has been frequently invited as a speaker by institutions such as IBM, HSBC, and the Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission.
Real Estate Lawyer NYC
Real Estate Lawyer NYC is a firm serving residents in the metro. It provides legal counsel to property owners and managers of commercial and residential properties and represents both landlords and tenants in disputes. Its team handles real estate joint ventures, distressed property purchases, and property and conveyance financing. The firm's practitioner, Boris Nikhman, conducts consultations to educate clients about their rights and options whether or not the case will be taken to court. He assists different kinds of clients such as banks, guarantors, and borrowers.
Outerbridge
Outerbridge Law P.C. operates in New York City and works with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate transactions. It examines contractual drafts to find any violations or errors in insurance, mortgage, and zoning terms. The firm can also educate first-time clients about existing laws like New York’s Property Condition Disclosure Act. If necessary, it can represent clients in courtroom trials about eviction or breaches of contract. The firm was founded by Altagracia Pierre-Outerbridge, who has litigated real estate cases since 2006.
Materna Law PLLC
Materna Law, PLLC is a New York City-based office that caters to buyers and sellers of real estate transactions in the city. It assists them in reviewing sales contracts to negotiate for better offers, from lower mortgages to more zoning space. It also represents clients in meetings with mortgage lenders and refinances agencies. The office's sole practitioner, Jodi Materna, is part of multiple professional organizations, such as the Staten Island Women's Bar Association. She is also a board member of the 9/11 Police Aid Foundation outside the office.
Zimmet Law Group, P.C.
Madison Avenue-based Zimmet Law Group PC is a firm of real estate attorneys serving clients throughout NYC, New York, and New Jersey. Attorney Brian J. Zimmet Esq. co-founded the firm in 2015 after 20 years of practicing law in the area. He is a member of the New York Bar Association. The firm's areas of practice include estate planning, family, and business law. The real estate division handles purchases and sales, commercial leasing, foreclosures, and landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions.
Reyngach Law, P.C.
Located in New York City, Reyngach Law, P.C., represents clients across the local metro. The law firm practices real estate law and advises individuals on various issues, from residential and commercial closings to lending and mortgage documents. The firm has experience guiding clients on matters related to tax abatements. It also drafts estate planning documents, including powers of attorney and irrevocable trusts. The firm's founder and managing attorney, Milan Reyngach, served as a Hofstra Trial Advocacy Association member.
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The Stein Law Firm
For over two decades, The Stein Law Firm has been serving clients throughout New York City. It primarily deals with real estate law and provides legal counsel to property buyers and sellers. The firm guides clients through the process of financing and refinancing. It also offers estate planning solutions and sets up documents, including revocable and irrevocable trusts. Irene Stein, the firm's primary lawyer, was named one of America's Most Honored Professionals in 2016 by The American Registry.
C.T.Lee & Associates Attorneys at Law
C.T.Lee & Associates Attorneys at Law is a legal practice that serves the people of New York City. Its lawyers and legal support assist clients in various legal matters, including real estate affairs. They help clients in both residential and commercial aspects of real estate, including purchasing, selling, mortgaging and refinancing, and leasing. The attorneys also litigate complex disputes, including conflicts among partners or shareholders. Serving an international clientele, the legal team also communicates in Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
Law Office of Yang, P.C.
The Law Office of Yang, P.C., represents individuals and corporations in New York City. It helps sellers, purchasers, and lenders navigate the legal aspects of real estate transactions, including IRC 1031 exchange transfers and the financing of private homes, condominiums, and apartment buildings. The firm also handles business, corporate, immigration, and family law cases. Founding attorney Yuan-Ting "Marisa" Yang started her legal career in 2008 at a general practice firm, where she handled banking transactions for Citibank, HSBC, and Wells Fargo.
Schaffer Law PLLC
Schaffer Law PLLC handles real estate cases throughout New York City. It was founded by David B. Schaffer, a former construction litigation attorney who uses his experience to negotiate and draft real estate contracts for his clients. The law firm handles real estate matters involving buy and sell transactions for family homes, condominiums, apartments, and condominiums. It also represents tenants and landlords in residential and commercial lease reviews. Condo board representation services are also available.
The Law Office of Jeanne M. Reardon
The Law Office of Jeanne M. Reardon is a boutique law firm dedicated to residential and commercial real estate law. The firm’s attorneys advise and assist clients in commercial, residential, condominium, and co-op sales and purchases. Other services include deed transfers, loan modifications, short sales, refinancing, and closings. Attorney Jeanne M. Reardon has over 20 years of experience representing clients in all real estate matters and offers personal service to tenants, landlords, investors, lenders banks, and individuals.
Aksel Law
Located in New York City, Aksel Law provides legal guidance and counsel for residential real estate matters. It has experience with a wide range of properties, from condominiums and cooperatives to single and multi-family homes. It performs due diligence on behalf of its clients, which includes an investigation of the building and unit condition. The firm also assists with contract negotiations and all closing processes. Principal Gregory Akselband has been working with property buyers and sellers for more than a decade.
Merlino & Gonzalez
Merlino & Gonzalez is a law firm helping clients in New York City with real estate transactions, such as buying and selling. Its assistance includes in-person and over-the-phone consultations, simple progress report presentations, and during- and after-sale counseling. The firm also handles estate planning and trust settlements. Its co-founder, John R. Merlino Jr., served as a director of the Richmond County Bar Association. He is a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C.
Adam Leitman Bailey PC is a law firm in New York that exclusively practices real estate law. Founded in 2000, its team of attorneys has won over a thousand cases in court in matters including landlord and tenant representation, purchase and sale of homes, commercial leasing, and housing discrimination. The firm has prevailed in some of the most important real estate cases of the millennium, winning landmark decisions and producing new real estate laws.
Korsinsky & Klein LLP Attorneys at Law
Korsinsky & Klein LLP, Attorneys at Law, serves New York City. It provides legal assistance in different areas of real estate law, including buy-sell agreements, drafting documents, foreclosure representation, lease documents negotiation, and property transactions. Its team litigates cases and helps clients save their time and energy through negotiation. One of the firm's practitioners, Samuel Diamantstein, provides pro bono services as a member of the Kew Gardens Hills Community. He handles cases involving real estate, elder law, and construction litigation.
The Law Offices of Craig Delsack, LLC
The Law Offices of Craig Delsack, LLC, strives to provide business-savvy legal advice in New York City. It handles different real estate matters, helping clients in processing the needed documents for development projects and condominium or apartment building conversions. The practice also deals with cases involving real estate broker agreements, construction contracts, real estate partnerships and joint ventures, and title insurance reviews. Additionally, it takes on business and entertainment law disputes. The legal office has been in operation for nearly two decades.
Levin Law Group
Levin Law Group is a firm serving New York City. It represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of commercial and residential real estate transactions, including deed transfers, 1031 exchanges, and easement creation and termination. Its legal team litigates cases and assists clients in closing contracts, whether they are buying or selling a property. The firm also handles cases involving construction law, civil litigation, and probate and estate administration. Its lawyers respond to emergency calls while the client's online portal allows 24/7 access to case files.
Oved & Oved LLP
Oved & Oved LLP is a full-service law firm serving New York City. It provides legal representation to domestic and foreign property owners, operators, lenders, and developers in real estate transactions and disputes. Its team handles retail leasing, construction contracts, tax-free exchanges, loan restructuring and workouts, and partnerships and joint ventures. One of the firm's practitioners, Darren Oved, dedicates his practice to litigation, mediation, and arbitration. His cases have been featured in various publications, including The Washington Post, New York Law Journal, and Fox Business News.
Law Offices of Fred L. Seeman
The Law Offices of Fred L. Seeman serves buyers and sellers in New York City. Its team takes on matters involving residential and commercial real estate. The practice provides solutions for zoning and building permits, eviction, foreclosure, and landlord-tenant issues. It also handles cases related to mortgages, homeowners' associations, real property contracts, titles, and liens. Principal partner Fred Seeman has been litigating real estate disputes for over 28 years. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Real Estate Practice section.
Mekhtiyev Law Firm
Mekhtiyev Law Firm is a New York City-based practice that assists clients with real estate transactions. Since 2014, its team of attorneys has been representing clients in real estate cases that involve various property sales and purchases. The legal professionals also utilize a personalized approach and seek the help of experts who can be a part of their clients' case management team. Principal attorney Sergey Mekhiteyev served as a member of Forbes New York Business Council.
Price Law Firm
The Price Law Firm represents clients in New York City in real estate transactions and litigations. Its list of residential services includes rent stabilization and control, apartment deregulation and rehabilitation, and property closings. The firm deals with condo and co-op disputes, security deposit issues, evictions, and administrative hearings. Its team of attorneys counsels commercial; clients on landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosure litigation, and adverse possession. Founder Joshua C. Price, whose focus is complex civil litigation, has been in the real estate legal practice since 1997.
Fisher Stone P.C.
Fisher Stone P.C. is a law firm representing real estate clients in New York City. It deals with corporate and small business law, residential real estate law, business, personal accounting, and taxes. Since 2014, friends Lowrance Fisher and Gregory Stone have been representing individuals in securing properties such as homes and condos. The partners started LegalEye, which is an on-demand legal service and dealio, a program with real estate law in mind to help lawyers and brokers.
Cohen & Cohen, LLP
Located in New York City, Cohen & Cohen, LLP is a private firm that provides legal assistance for matters involving real estate, business, and entertainment law. With extensive experience in purchases and sales, its team handles properties ranging from single-family and multi-family homes to apartment buildings. It also assists with triple net leases, commercial leases, and 1031 exchanges. Additionally, the firm provides legal representation to cooperative boards. Partner Richard N. Cohen has worked with national chains such as CVS, Mcdonald's, Starbucks, and Wendy’s.
Oved & Oved
Oved & Oved is a law firm in New York City that handles real estate litigation. Its attorneys represent investors, managers, developers, brokers, owners, and operators. They take on real estate matters both in court and arbitration, including landlord-tenant disputes, lien litigations, sales and acquisitions, and foreclosures. They also perform employment, intellectual property, class action, and complex commercial litigation. Terrence Oved, a partner in the firm, is in charge of handling high-profile litigations and complex transactional matters.
Wexler & Kaufman PLLC
Wexler & Kaufman PLLC lends a hand to individuals and business entities in New York City and its surrounding areas. The full-service law firm provides legal representation and assistance to clients with real estate, estate planning, litigation, and banking concerns. Its team handles real estate matters such as construction contracts, purchase and sales agreements, closings, tax issues, titles and insurance, 1031 exchanges, and zoning compliance. The firm has experience in handling cases involving co-op, condominium, multi-million, and multi-family homes and properties.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- What does a real estate attorney do?
- Can I purchase property without a real estate attorney?
- What does a real estate attorney do for a buyer/seller?
- What’s the difference between real estate and property?
- What happens when a real estate lawyer puts a lien on you?
- What does a real estate lawyer do at closing?
- Do I need a lawyer to sell my house privately?
- Can a real estate lawyer represent the buyer and seller?
- How much does a closing attorney cost?
- Do you need a lawyer to sell land?
- What role does a real estate lawyer play in mortgages?
- Q: What does a real estate attorney do?
- A: Real estate attorneys are responsible for preparing and reviewing transactional documents and helping clients with the closing process. They draft purchase agreements, perform title searches, write title insurance policies, disburse funds, and prepare federally mandated HUD-1 settlement statements. They can also help clients understand the tax implications of selling a home. In the case of a dispute between the buyer, seller, or a third party, real estate attorneys also defend clients in court. Even if there is no identifiable dispute over the transaction, an attorney will make sure everyone “plays by the rules” during the purchase or sale.
- Q: Can I purchase property without a real estate attorney?
- A: In some cases, it’s possible to purchase residential or commercial real estate without consulting a real estate lawyer. However, legal representation is required in approximately 20 states, and some jurisdictions require a lawyer to be present at the closing. Usually, real estate attorneys take over once real estate agents have an offer in hand. Buyers are encouraged to consult an attorney when purchasing damaged or bank-owned property or real estate located in high-risk areas. Attorneys can also assist out-of-town buyers and negotiate favorable solutions if liens, structural issues, or legal challenges crop up during the procurement.
- Q: What does a real estate attorney do for a buyer/seller?
- A: Real estate transactions may seem cut and dried, but it’s common for unforeseen difficulties to arise. Attorneys who represent buyers or sellers can facilitate a successful transaction while protecting their clients’ interests and preventing costly mistakes. On the buyer’s side, attorneys can provide advice related to financing, estate planning, tax law, and first-time home buyer credits. Real estate attorneys can also help sellers who are dealing with challenges due to liens, structural damage, probate disputes, or uncooperative partners.
- Q: What’s the difference between real estate and property?
- A: Real estate includes land, permanent structures, and natural resources, such as water, minerals, and trees. Property typically describes personal items and belongings that aren’t permanently attached to land. The transfer of real property includes the bundle of legal rights, which give landowners the freedom to possess or occupy the property, enjoy their land without interference, restrict others’ access to the property, and dispose of their ownership rights as they see fit.
- Q: What happens when a real estate lawyer puts a lien on you?
- A: In most cases, liens stay attached to the property until the debt is satisfied or the debtor files for bankruptcy. The creditor’s rights vary depending on whether the lien is voluntary or involuntary. Additionally, if a lien has been perfected, that lienholder has priority over other creditors. Voluntary liens are most common when homeowners use their property as collateral against a secured loan. Involuntary liens are typically related to back taxes, court judgments, and child support. Properties are also subject to involuntary mechanic’s or materialman’s liens in case a customer or contractor fails to pay for materials or labor. Liens don’t necessarily prevent someone from transferring property, but most buyers want a title that’s free and clear.
- Q: What does a real estate lawyer do at closing?
- A: Lawyers perform critical functions during every stage of the closing process. They draft and review documents, negotiate contracts, and finalize all of the details needed to close the sale. Attorneys who represent buyers can negotiate the terms of sales contracts, including contingencies, perform title searches to ensure that the seller can legally transfer ownership, and resolve issues related to third-party claims, liens, and easements. They can also assist with loan paperwork, title insurance, and other financial matters, such as taxes and transfer fees. Real estate attorneys who represent sellers are responsible for handling deeds, insurance declarations, and payoff letters.
- Q: Do I need a lawyer to sell my house privately?
- A:
Not necessarily. Some states require a real estate attorney to be present at the closing, but there are some situations when you might consider hiring one even if it's optional where you live. Examples might include:
- You're selling the house with an uncooperative partner
- You've inherited a property from an owner who is now deceased
- You anticipate tax consequences
- Q: Can a real estate lawyer represent the buyer and seller?
- A: Generally speaking, no, because the seller and buyer have different priorities when it comes to a home sale, and some of those interests conflict. States have specific laws governing whether or not a real estate lawyer can represent the buyer and seller, and if this does happen, there's often a waiver that has to be signed by both parties acknowledging a conflict exists. States may have different names for a document like this, but it's usually called a Conflict Waiver. Acceptable exceptions for using the same real estate lawyer might include a property being transferred from one family member to another, such as a father to his son.
- Q: How much does a closing attorney cost?
- A: Some states require a closing attorney, while others deem it optional. The cost of hiring a closing attorney varies widely by the state and law firm you choose. You can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 for a simple buy/sell transaction, but keep in mind that this cost is likely to vary depending on your location and the complexities of the closing.
- Q: Do you need a lawyer to sell land?
- A: Technically, no, you don't need a lawyer to sell land, but there are some situations when it might be a good idea. You might consider hiring an attorney if you are faced with existing boundary disputes, involved in a sale of land that's partially wetland, or in circumstances concerning tax issues. Specific laws related to land vary by state, but one potential issue is the tax rate, which can differ depending on whether the land can have structures built on it.
- Q: What role does a real estate lawyer play in mortgages?
- A: Lawyers can assist buyers and sellers in transactions involving bank financing. They can review the fine print, any title insurance declarations, and the mortgage terms. A real estate attorney also will ensure that funds are distributed to the correct parties, especially if there are any outstanding mortgages or liens that need to be paid before the title transfer.
