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Elena Rivkin

Litigation Attorney at San Mateo, CA

4.6   11 reviews

also known as Elena Rivkin Franz

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  • Licensed for 16 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Complex Property Issue with Title
Jennifer
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
If you're looking for the best, look no further.
Yan
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted Attorney
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About Elena

Learn Elena’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas

If you have a real estate issue, give me a call. I handle all things real estate, whether it's litigation, transactions, or planning on how to pass real estate to your loved ones through a trust or other estate planning mechanism. I handle real estate disputes ranging quiet title and partition actions, to easement and boundary disputes, to construction disputes relating to defects, non-disclosure, or financing concerns. 

Being a real estate litigator has prepared me to provide both practical and creative solutions for my clients who are primarily real estate owners, developers and investors. I understand the issues the children of my clients may face when they inherit real property, and can help provide for the disposition of assets and planning in both family businesses and real estate ownership.

Unlike many other attorneys, my background is in real estate.  As a former real estate appraiser, property manager and project manager for condominium conversion work, I understand the issues that those in the real estate industry face to achieve their goals.  

You are welcome to contact me at or  

 

Contact Elena

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Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
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Posted by Jennifer | December 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Complex Property Issue with Title
I hired Elena to work on a complicated situation for me involving a property dispute with my siblings-we inherited the property from our mom and had issues with the title and back money owed by one of my sisters because of issues with renting the property and not paying. She was helpful in telling us about the process, how much things would be likely to cost, and what we were to expect. The issue was resolved much faster than she thought it would be thanks to her hard work.
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Posted by Yan | January 11, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
If you're looking for the best, look no further.
The Rivkin Firm is my go-to legal counsel. Elena has the amazing ability to translate complicated legal concepts into actionable terms and effective strategies. Her dedication to her clients and deep knowledge makes me feel I'm always in good hands. If you're looking for the best, look no further.
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Legal Expertise
Elena advised me on how to set up and structure my business. She's very knowledgeable, direct, and helpful. Highly recommended!!
Posted by Michael | December 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Talented & Competent Litigator
Elena Rivkin is talented, competent and diligent litigator. She helped us greatly in several employment related cases.
Posted by Vladimir | May 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Super lawyer
Elena vigorously pursued my case which resulted in a very favorable settlement. Being a real estate developer her extensive knowledge of real estate contract law and builders liability was invaluable. Highly recommend and would use again should the circumstances dictate.
Posted by Joshua Spindel | September 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Easy to work with!
Elena was extremely knowledgable in our case working with the bankruptcy court and other lawyers. She did spend extra time with me to help me understand the process. I would seek her council and her firms again.
Posted by Sam T. | November 18, 2012
Knowledgeable and straight to the point
I used Elena Franz services in the field of real estate. Elena is friendly and very professional. She is very well versed in the field of real estate and after listening to my situation, quickly and clearly highlighted my legal options on the matter. Elena was also diligent in explaining possible impacts on some of my decisions and made sure to highlight them to me. Another strength for Elena is her availability to answer questions either by phone or email on a timely manner. I would definitely recommend Elena to anyone for legal counsel.
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Posted by Vladimir | October 29, 2012
Lender course of construction loan dispute
I had a construction loan with countrywide and after they failed it was taken over by another lender, whose name I will not mention other than they have initials B and A in their title. This lender cut off my funding and shortly thereafter considered my loan in default since I was not moving forward with construction, irrespective that stop in construction was caused entirely by this lender cutting off the construction funding. Mrs. Franz file a lawsuit and after almost a year and a half of discovery and many, many months of posturing by the lender the lawsuit was settled in mediation. Although I cannot disclose the particulars of the settlement, I was able to complete construction and the matter was resolved. If it wasn’t for the due diligence and remarkable ability of Mrs. Franz in educating the opponents attorneys of the problems with their case and the facts, I would still be in litigation and likely would have lost the property. I highly recommend Elena Franz.
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Posted by Loren | March 28, 2012
Real Estate Discussion
Called the office and stated my issue. The receptionist then passed me on to a lawyer who talked me through what they can do and the process. They were up front and told me that they probably would not be able to help me at this time, and took the time to explain why. I felt that they were honest and were not trying to upsell me to really get me to buy into their service. Rather, I felt like this was a group I could trust and would definitely reach to because they answered the questions I had during my call. I would certainly recommend contacting them, and I would use them in the future if I am able to utilize their services.
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Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2008
Excellent Lawyer
Elena is very good at what she does. She goes the extra mile for her clients, if she doesn't know the answer she will get it for you. She is very pleasant to work with and she puts her whole heart into what she does.
Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Poor Experience Around Consultation
I consulted with this attorney. The call was cut short with the request to send relevant paperwork, which I did., I was promised a follow-up the next day, which did not happen. I then received and email that indicated the facts of the matter were misunderstood - significant factual errors. I called the attorney back 4-5 times but each time the call was not taken and each time I was promised a call back. In the end, there was no call back, just an email stating incorrectly that a filing deadline has been exceeded, which it had not been. Overall, the failure to follow through and provide the consultation coupled with the failure to follow through on promises to call back left a very bad impression and I would therefore not recommend this attorney.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Rivkin Firm
  • 2007 - Present
  • Attorney
  • The Mlnarik Law Group
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Attorney
  • Pratt & Associates
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Public Defender's Office
  • 2006 - 2006
  • Judicial Extern to Judge James Ware
  • Northern District of California, San Jose Division
  • 2005 - 2005
  • Law Foundation Of Silicon Valley
  • 2003 - 2005
  • Trust in Managed Estates
  • 2002 - 2006
View all work experience

Education

  • Lincoln Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A
  • San Jose State Univ
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • N/A
  • Bath Spa University England
  • N/A

Associations

  • Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Executive Committee Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Santa Clara County Bar Association - Solo & Small Firm Section
  • Co-Chair
  • 2013 - Present
  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Barrister's Committee, Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Santa Clara County Bar Association, Solo & Small Firm Section
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • California Women Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Solo & Small Firm Section, Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Co-chair
  • 2009 - 2009
  • Solo and Small Firm Section, Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Chair
  • 2008 - 2008
  • BNI
  • Leadership Team
  • 2007 - 2009
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Russian

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2023
  • AV-Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2022
  • Real Estate
  • California Elite Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Top Rated Lawyers in Northern California
  • The Recorder
  • 2021
  • AV Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2021
  • Top Lawyers of Northern California
  • San Francisco Magazine
  • 2021
  • AV Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Woman Leader in The Law
  • The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel
  • 2020
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Women Leader in Law
  • The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel
  • 2019
  • Top Rated Lawyers in Northern California
  • The Recorder
  • 2019
  • Woman Leader in The Law
  • Top 5% - The American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel
  • 2018
  • Top Rated Lawyer in Northern California.
  • The Recorder
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
View all awards

Publications

  • USA Today
  • Job Cuts Adding to Growing Number of Foreclosures
  • 2008
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Bed Bug Training
  • Bed Bugs: Limiting Liability
  • 2011
  • eWomen Young Professionals
  • Legal Issues for Business Owners
  • 2009
  • Strategies for Real Estate
  • Mortgage Modifications and Foreclosures
  • 2008
  • Strategies for Real Estate
  • Mortgage Modifications and Foreclosures
  • 2008
  • Strategies for Real Estate
  • Hiring a Contractor: Do's and Don'ts
  • 2008
  • Strategies for Real Estate
  • Real Estate Investment Properties: Do's and Don'ts
  • 2008
  • Developments in HOA Law
  • Board Meeting Basics for Board Members
  • 2008
  • Bay Area Networking Group
  • Federal and California Lending Law Requirements
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)
Given (9)
Endorse Elena
Nicholas Donovan Heimlich headshot
Nicholas Heimlich
Litigation Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've had the opportunity to work with Elena on multiple litigation matters. Elena is a committed advocate who works smart and hard for her clients. I endorse Elena."
Alison Yew headshot
Alison Yew
Real estate Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. She is conscientious and knowledgeable, and is an excellent advocate for her clients."
James Justin Steinle headshot
James Steinle
Real estate Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Arthur Chih-Yu Lin headshot
Arthur Lin
Real estate Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Kevin Samuel Sullivan headshot
Kevin Sullivan
Business Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Elena is a top notch and highly respected attorney who is a creative problem solver. A great lawyer such as Elena is truely a rare thing."
Caroline Mary Reebs headshot
Caroline Reebs
Litigation Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Co-worker
"Elena is a particularly skilled attorney-- not only is she an experienced and adept litigator, she also has a great attitude! Her positive demeanor affects both her clients and her coworkers, making it a delight to work with her in any capacity."
Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich headshot
Thomas Cvietkovich
Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Daniel Velton headshot
Daniel Velton
Real estate Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Elena has deep expertise in real estate and civil litigation, and I would refer clients with legal needs in these areas to her without hesitation."
Christopher Walter Dull headshot
Christopher Dull
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent lawyer and great communicator."
John Louis Mlnarik headshot
John Mlnarik
Real estate Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Working with Elena is a pleasure because she is very professional. In my experience her advice to clients is practical, cost effective and produces excellent results."
Rosalia Burgueno-Tapia headshot
Rosalia Burgueno-Tapia
Real estate Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Co-worker
"Elena is an aggressive advocate for her clients. She is resourceful and organized, which makes her a highly efficient lawyer!"
Susan Elizabeth Bishop headshot
Susan Bishop
Business Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Elena works hard for her clients and will always do what is in the best interest of her clients."
Sharon Glenn Pratt headshot
Sharon Pratt
Real estate Attorney | Apr 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
D. Todd Smith headshot
D. Smith
Business Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Elena through an online legal community, and she has impressed me with her dedication to quality representation and client service. Her business and real estate clients in he Silicon Valley are lucky to have her."
Majdel Sami Musa headshot
Majdel Musa
Business Attorney | Jul 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know where to turn to when I need to refer someone to a business or real estate attorney in California."
Panteha Ebrahimi Saban headshot
Panteha Saban
Business Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is professional, hardworking, and a great attorney. She will fight hard for her clients."
Sheila Louise Rambeck headshot
Sheila Rambeck
Business Attorney | Jul 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Jessica Ann Foley headshot
Jessica Foley
Business Attorney | Jul 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Elena through a lawyer discussion group. She works hard at doing right by her clients and leading them through complicated situations."
Lesley Abigail Hoenig headshot
Lesley Hoenig
Business Attorney | Jul 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Elena through a group for solo and small firm attorneys. I recommend her as a business attorney."
Joshua Daley Paulin headshot
Joshua Paulin
Business Attorney | Jul 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Elena through a discussion group of some of the most aware, client-centered lawyers practicing today. If you're looking for good, experienced counsel, I highly recommend Elena!"
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Daniel Velton headshot
Daniel Velton
Employment and labor
Susan Elizabeth Bishop headshot
Susan Bishop
Employment and labor
Sharon Glenn Pratt headshot
Sharon Pratt
Real estate
Lesley Abigail Hoenig headshot
Lesley Hoenig
Bankruptcy and debt
Sheila Louise Rambeck headshot
Sheila Rambeck
Family
D. Todd Smith headshot
D. Smith
Business
Jessica Ann Foley headshot
Jessica Foley
Criminal defense
E. Alexandra Golden headshot
E. Golden
Elder law
Joshua Daley Paulin headshot
Joshua Paulin
Immigration
San Mateo Litigation Lawyer Elena Rivkin
Elena Rivkin
Litigation Attorney
San Mateo, CA
Licensed for 16 years
Free Consultation
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