Humor is the key
7
Practice Areas
33 years | 1,500 cases
33 years | 1,500 cases
33 years | 1,500 cases
33 years | 1,500 cases
Always
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
19244 Redwood Road, Suite B, Castro Valley, CA, 94546
1301 G Street, Suite A, Modesto, CA, 95354
I Sansome, Suite 3500, San Francisco, CA, 94104
23 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Efficient and Experienced
Bernie was recommended to me by a trusted friend during a very emotional and tumultuous time when I didn't trust anyone. I know I was not an easy client for Bernie, but he and his paralegal, Debbie, never gave up and did what they could to establish a trusting relationship so that we could move forw...
I think I know who this is! Thank you so much for your review. Yes I always have to balance handholding with cost efficiency. I’m glad we were able to resolve your case before it became untenable and ultimately you are in charge of your own settlement terms, so long as it’s knowledgeable and informed. Unlike many attorneys we strive to be able to respond the same day to a client query and are pleased that we were able to provide you with a level of client service that met your needs. Best wishes for your future and thank you again.
Posted by Tara | January 10, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Grateful mother
Bernie and his staff are A plus! They always answerd any questions I had if not that day then that week. I was so thankful when Bernie sat next to me at the mediation and helped me to reveal other important info that I was not thinking of at the time because I was so nerves from the situation. Bernie...
Glad we could help Tara!
Posted by anonymous | March 07, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Seasoned & Experienced
Some people say lawyer’s not your friend. You are a mere one-time client for them but their relationships with the court are permanent as long as they are in business. If that’s so, it’s better to have a seasoned, experienced and recognized lawyer. Mr. Kempen is very seasoned and conservative. He k...
Thank you for the review. It's important for my clients to know that I am fully committed to their case, not their cause. My job is to represent the facts of my client's case to the court in the best possible way. My client's should always be aware of the upside and the downside of potential litigation. That's why sugarcoating serves no-one. Every client deserves a thorough analysis of options, including the option of 'let it be".
Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Game Changer Attorney.
I had the pleasure of consulting with Atty Kempen about some certain grey areas about my case. While one attorney said he will research and get back to me on this, Atty Kempen has a straight answer for me right away. He is very knowledgeable and direct in his answer, very creative in attacking a ce...
Thank you for the review. Crucial to the analysis of options in a client's case is the ability to spot the issues and provide a range of potential remedies for discussion. I'm pleased that I was able to do that for you.
Posted by David | September 18, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Exceptional Consultation and Knowledge of the Law
I went to Bernie with a dilema regarding my ex wife which could have cost me $5,000 or more. She was trying to extort money from me before she complied with the judges order to sign over the house deed to me. I was in closing in my refinance and the timing was very important to get this done. I...
Thank you David. I am pleased you were able to resolve your issue in a cost effective manner without hiring an attorney to litigate the issue for you. Family issues should be resolved around the kitchen table or over coffee at a coffee shop. Court intervention should always be the last resort. When family are able able to come together and make an agreement, they are generally more satisfied because they are invested in the outcome, rather than having a robed individual make choices for them instead.
"I endorse Mr. Kempen because I know he can do the job for you correctly and swiftly, with the utmost in professionalism."
"I endorse this lawyer. Bernie is an experienced, certified family law specialist. He is also a Rotarian that lives by the motto "service above self"."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kempen provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Kempen provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had many cases with Bernie. He is professional, well versed in family law and has an excellent common sense approach to resolution of pending cases."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bernie is a very knowledgeable Certified Family Law Specialist. He has appeared on matters on my behalf. He has a true ability to evaluate a case in light of the applicable law and proceed accordingly. His clients are very well informed and advised. He is knowledgeable of not only the law but also the practice and customs of our legal community."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Business lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California
2006
Volunteer of the Year, CVUSD
1996 - Present
Sole Practitioner, Kempen&Company
1993 - 1996
Associate, Cunningham & Lansden
1990 - 1993
Clerk, Alameda County Public Defender's Office
1987 - 1990
Marketing Director, Biomed Canada
1984 - 1987
General Manager, Casterm Plastics Los Angeles
1981 - 1984
Partner, Linestar Productions
1978 - 1981
Account Director, J. Walter Thompson Ad Agency
1977 - 1978
Advertising Manager, FIAT SA
1974 - 1976
Articled Law Clerk, Balsillie Watermeyer and Bosman
2012 - Present
Friends of The Company (Young People's Teen Musical Theatre CompanyPresident
2007 - Present
Castro Valley Arts FoundationPresident
2004 - Present
Alameda County Bar Association
2003 - Present
Castro Valley Rotary ClubPast President
1993 - Present
Stanislaus County Bar Association
2014 - 2015
FoSOTA (Friends of the San Francisco School of the Arts)Trustee/Board member
2014 - 2015
Castro Valley MattersCaretaker Board Member
2010 - 2011
Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of The Arts Site CouncilChairperson
2008 - 2011
Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of The Arts PTSAVP
2006 - 2008
Creekside SchoolPTSA President
2006 - 2007
CVHSPTA President
2006 - 2007
CVHSBoosters Club
2002 - 2004
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
2002 - 2003
Proctor SchoolSite Council Member
2001 - 2002
Proctor SchoolPresident PTA
Presumed Gay Parent Status
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
B.A.
2007
South Africa
2006
South Africa
2010
English
Afrikaans
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
How can i "revoke" the "motion" i just submitted 2 days ago because i just found a form that better suits my needs?
01 Aug 2019
What role does a mediator play in mediation?
13 Jul 2019
Does the court have jurisdiction to award spousal support?
18 May 2019