Looking for Referral for HOA Lawyer in South Bay SoCal

Started by HoaP2 • 8 replies • 294 views

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HoaP2 (California)
Posts: 9

Posted:

Hello HOA Talk Forum. This is a helpful community. Great Posts.
Was hoping there is someone in the South Bay area in SoCal who would know a HOA Lawyer we can speak with who offers Free Consultation.
Thank you in advance.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Sorry, please read the Rules. If your Board is seeking to hire on HOA attorney on retainer, check with the Property magmas. of properties similar to yours to see who they recommend.

If you & a couple of owners want to speak with an HOA attorney, I just don't know how that is possible. I'd start with Google search.

If you have a few questions about HOA, you can try to ask us although we're not attorneys. Many of us have a lot of experiences on HOA board or as HOA community managers.

AugustinD
Posts: 1,027

Posted:

HoaP2, I suggest just googling on something like

"HOA" "lawyer" "[your city's name]"

and start calling around, checking to see who wants what for a consultation.

Just finding an attorney willing to meet these days is hard.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Would suggest more details. A "HOA" lawyer may not be what you need. That is a "specialty". Not all legal issues a HOA deals with is "HOA" or even "Real estate". It is a corporation. May be wasting money to look for a specialist when a generalist will do. Like you don't need a HOA lawyer to file a lien or foreclosure. You may need one for assistance in establishing the rules of your HOA or incorporation matters.

So don't just say "We need a lawyer". Each one is different and best to get one that suits your needs/wants.

Former HOA President

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

In addition to Google, the Bar Association for your area may have resources to help point you in the right direction.

From my experience, an HOA attorney (one whose clientele is limited to community associations) won't talk to homeowners at all because of the potential for a conflict of interest. They especially won't provide a free consultation. If the homeowners in question are on the board of their association, an attorney may provide some brief, very general guidance - but my sense is that this is pretty unusual since random homeowners are not their clients and they can't provide legal advice..

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Also, the lawyers I know are always careful to trot out the "You Are Not My Client, What I'm About to Say Does Not Constitute Legal Advice" whenever discussions drift onto legal topics.

If you want actual advice, you have to pay them something and sign something else so that you're a client and they can talk to you. They're not being greedy or mean, it would be a violation of their professional ethics and could create liability issues to do otherwise.

AugustinD
Posts: 1,027

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 10/08/2022 9:34 AM
From my experience, an HOA attorney (one whose clientele is limited to community associations) won't talk to homeowners at all because of the potential for a conflict of interest.

My experience as well in recent years is that finding a HOA attorney who does not have a conflict of interest, due to even the remotest work with someone who lived at the HOA and/or is a director at the HOA is difficult.

I think several years ago the bar began a crackdown on conflicts of interest. Attorneys seem to be walking on eggshells on the issue. Or I guess it is possible many HOA/COA attorneys do not want to deal with cases where they do not stand to make a lot of money and tell a white lie about a conflict of interest.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

If HoaP2 Would tell us the nature of the group seeking legal advice--the board? Some Owners?--we might be able to help. Or, is it that your'e on the board and you'e looking for legal counsel for your HOA?

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

PREAID LEGAL IS $30 A MONTH. They give really generic advice, but depending on your issue might help you.

vis ta vie

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