Matthew Tannenbaum | Garden City Real Estate Lawyer

• North Shore Business Alliance

I recently assisted an elderly woman whose only child, a son, passed away. She lived out of state and her son lived in NY and owned a home here. She was obviously upset and overwhelmed. I was able to assist her in a number of ways; First I able to file a probate petition in Surrogates Court so she could obtain letter testamentary. Once we obtain the letter she was empowered to sell the home. I assisted her in finding a local property manager to secure the home while we tried to locate a buyer. We ultimately sold the property to a real estate investor within 60 days of her retaining my office. I also represented the estate in the Real Estate transaction . I made big difference because I was able to navigate all these issues for her and she did not have to travel to NY to take care of the Estate paperwork, securing the property and the closing of house sale. My services provided her great relief at a time of personal distress.

I have built my practice by recognizing that what clients value most is being able to communicate with me, being comfortable using my services and using what I call ""plain speak"". I utilize all tech platforms so I can keep my clients updated with what is happening with their matters. My using text email and web technology I am also able to quickly respond to any questions or concerns that the client may have. ""Plain speak"" is simply using layman's terms and real world example to explain complicated legal theories or issues. I find that my clients appreciate this approach. Placing my client in the comfort zone is also very important. I find that educating the client about their matter and having them understand all the possible outcomes of a particular set of facts or decision increases their comfort level

As law has become more specialized I think most importantly is that the attorney a client chooses should have a concentration in the specific area that the client needs. For example just as you would not seek out an eye doctor for tour fractured wrist, it is very important that the attorney you choose concentrates in that area of law that the client needs. My practice concentrates in Real Estate Transactions, Landlord Tenant Law, Traffic matter, Wills, Estates and Probate and some limited (usually real estate or estate based) litigation. I would not take or seek out a Matrimonial or Family law case because it is not my field and I would be doing the client a disservice if I took on their matter. Obviously the client should be able to understand what the lawyer is saying (see ""plain speak"" above) and be comfortable interacting with the attorney. I always say not every cover will fit a particular pot and sometimes personalities just clash. It can happen to even the best attorneys and it has even happened to me. In those situations it is best for the client to see k out another opinion or new counsel. Sometimes price is also a concern for the client. I do counsel people who call my office that they should be wary of ""bargain basement"" legal fees. Often it is a sign that the attorney is either not as experienced in a particular practice area, that the legal work will be delegated to nonprofessionals or that there may ultimately be hidden fees the client is unaware of. I try and keep my fees as competitive as possible and in line with what other attorneys in my region charge for similar services.

Extremly important. Whenever possible I try and work with local counsel in areas where I am unfamiliar with local practice and custom. For example most of my matters and cases are located in the NY Metro areas (NYC 5 Bouroughs, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties). One of my local clients has purchased a property in Dutchess county and needs to evict a squatter. This is a perfect example of the need for local counsel. The case , with the local counsels assistance was initiated under by my office, however the local counsel has been making all court appearances on my behalf. This is not only economical for both myself and my client but it enable my office to use the local counsels network and knowledge of the particular court "customs' to my advantage.

Generally, I try to provide a framework to the client on how my office can assist them with their problem or matter. Most often this cannot be a comprehensive solution but usually serves as a basis for setting up an office consult where I can review documents and map out a plan of action. Sometimes with certain matters a fee quote can also be generated via a phone consultation as well.

The information a need from the potential client for a phone consultation varies by practice area. I usually will tell a potential client who call that it takes about 10-15 minutes of Q&A for me to get a basic understanding of their situation. After that I will then let them know what further information I would need to assist them and/or we would usually set up an office consult.

I find that helping people through complicated legal situations with as little or no acrimony bring great satisfaction. Often my clients are very nervous about their given matter and I alsways like to put their minds at ease after speaking with them.

My wife and I are avid beach goers. Our travel plans always center around going to the beach where we enjoy the ocean and local cuisine. I also surf both locally in LI and have travel for surf vacations with friends.. I have two children and two dogs.

I participate in the Nassau County Volunteer Lawyers Project which is a pro bono legal service for low income Tenants in the Landlord/Tenant Court. I am also active in my towns Lacrosse community