What to look for in a quality attorney?

Question

I'd like to start by introducing myself from Nashville TN. I'm new to the REI world and to BP. I have been exploring the site for a few weeks and it has quickly become my new daily reading and mentor. So thank you all.

I am currently lining up my resources to work with on my first deal (fix-and-flip). I need to have a strong team in place for a quick transition following closing. One thing I have been stuck on is what to look for in a real estate attorney.  Many of them list real estate as part of their practice, but should I look for someone that is strictly specialized in real estate? I understand the importance of having a good attorney to work with, so I'm trying to avoid being stuck with whoever is available. 
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Ned Carey · Answer

I respect Ibrahim's opinion but my experience does not match his. My main attorney is a one man shop and answers his own phone.  I am an important client to him so I get very good attention.

Another attorney I work with  is also a one man shop who works out of his home. He is fast good and cheap.

Most good attorneys will give you an initial interview for free. I got an hour of legal advice about tax liens by taking a tax lien attorney to breakfast. I still work with him today.

Over time you may work with many attorneys and even withing real estate you will find specialties; Settlements, tax sale, foreclosure, transactional, landlord/tenant, zoning. etc.  Talk to other investors and ask who they use and why.

Account Closed · Answer

I called a few local attorneys to find out price ranges for contract writing/review and title search. After a few that just gave me the #'s I had one that took the time to explain the entire process, give me several key points of advice on things I didn't even know to look for, and answered several questions I did have. Then told me to just call him back if I had any more questions he could help me with. Guess who's getting my money when it comes time to hire. :)

Martin S. · Answer

Trey Cain, Attorney
www.tennesseetitle.com

Amanda Vaugh
Commerce Title /www.rudylaw.net

Andy Maloney
www.nashvilletitle.com

Stephanie Dupuis · Answer

What I've found best is to attend my local REI meeting and ask the best investor that does what I want to do (rehabs/resell for you) and get a referral from them. This will save you tons of interviewing time.

As you noticed, tons of attys. list "RE" as their (or one of many) areas they work. Doesn't mean squat. Find out which atty. does what you need to have done, and does it correctly. This will save you time and money. This will also probably be an atty. pre-screened to respond appropriately (which means his paralegal will answer questions when appropriate or FW to the atty when appropriate) and I've found good attys. don't nickel and dime you (but, I always respect their time).

If you choose to do your own screening (I don't recommend this - it is a time suck and, having done it myself - will cost a ton of money that you can use for investing), check out www.avvo.com . Many of the attys. are rated according to specialty. You can also ask questions on the site for free and this gives you an idea of the attys. level of knowledge and skill before "buying in". Avvo.com has info on what to look for in an atty. It's a pretty good site.

Again, I recommend getting referrals from experienced investors. Simply walk up to one after a REI meeting, compliment them (say you really liked "blah, blah, blah" about something about them) and then say, "I'm having a difficult time finding a good atty. in town for such and such, do you know one I should try?" They'll probably write the name down for you. Will take two seconds.

What to look for in an atty.?

-Do they work with the types of contracts you need
-Are they familiar with investment contracts
-Are they already working with top investors in your area (an indication right there - again, don't go to the atty for this info - go to the investors to get it)
-Do they nickel and dime you? You'll find this out after the fact unless you get a referral. If you ask an atty. if they'll nickel and dime you (my sister did this, actually, right in front of me once - I was embarrassed. The atty. that nickel and dimed us said "No, I won't. But I charge by the 1/10th of the minute....blah,blah,blah" about how he micro charges for things (paper, paperclips, etc). This atty. kept to his word and charged us a ton for little work. The second atty. that did not nickel and dime us laughed and said, "No, you can call or email if you have questions. I will not charge you. Of course, if you are excessive, I do need to make money at some point. If something takes a few minutes, I'm not going to waste my time charting that - better things to do." This atty. kept to his word. A classier way to ask this question is to ask how the billing works, then follow up by asking if you are charged for emails and calls "just to clarify", or something similar. Hope this helps a bit.
-Attys. may not always be able to get back to you right away. But, within a 1-3 days (3 days is pushing it), depending on the situation is fine. Some items req. an immediate response, some don't.
-Work with someone you feel good working with, someone you trust. Listen to yourself.

Cody Cooper · Answer

That's what I was looking for. Thank you.

Damien Shoemake · Answer

The one that comes to mind here in Nashville is Robert Notestine. He belongs to the local REIN here and has a wealth of experience in this field, and he replies to emails... Join the REIN here and you can get a discount on his services.

Robert J. Notestine III
Attorney at Law
http://bellemeadetitle.com/

Cody Cooper · Answer

Thank you again for the advice.

Pat L. · Answer

I can call, text & email mine anytime & he always responds very quickly.
But not just for RE...
My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly & my wife called our attorney on his cell phone the following Sunday as the family met.
He spent 2 hours on the phone with my wife & BIL resolving some Trust doc issues. He then had  another attorney who specializes in  'contested Trusts', call back within an hour.
It took a year but everything was resolved very professionally.

Joel Owens · Answer

Being a helpful giver comes with the territory of having a business and good karma.

You always get back more than you put out. Having said that you have to set limits on things as your time is valuable and it can't take away money from your highest income producing activities.

I try to help people when I can and most people understand that. I am not an attorney but a commercial real estate brokerage.

I also agree to the statement of find a specialist to get the best service. One triple net leasing deal I had close with my buyer client and the attorney for the seller wanted to redo the sale after words because he didn't set up the 1031 for his seller. We said no thanks to the request.

The attorney was nice but would be off and on in their performance and I found out they are a GP attorney and had real estate listed on the side. So they were competent to an extent but on some things were winging it. It's better to tell people you do not have the expertise to handle the business then to take things on and make a mistake that can really damage your new found client.

You get more value and less chance of making mistakes with a specialist then you do with a generalist. That is a true for an attorney, a real estate broker, title company, etc.

Brandon Turner · Answer

Hey Cody Cooper welcome to BiggerPockets!

What to look for in a quality attorney?

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