Elena Rivkin

Elena Rivkin

also known as Elena Rivkin Franz

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Government Lawyer Practice Areas: Government
This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Government Attorney

About Elena

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Government 100%

Administrative Law Judge

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 19 years

State: California

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Elena Rivkin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2020

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 t...he 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.

Posted by Yan | January 10, 2018

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 Vladimir | May 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate

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 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

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.

See All Client Reviews

Elena Rivkin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Elena
Nicholas Donovan Heimlich headshot
Nicholas Heimlich

Litigation lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Arthur Chih-Yu Lin headshot
Arthur Lin

Real estate lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Samuel Sullivan headshot
Kevin Sullivan

Business lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Velton headshot
Daniel Velton

Real estate lawyer | 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 lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent lawyer and great communicator."

John Louis Mlnarik headshot
John Mlnarik

Real estate lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

D. Todd Smith headshot
D. Smith

Business lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Jessica Ann Foley headshot
Jessica Foley

Business lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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!"

View All Endorsements
Daniel Velton headshot
Daniel Velton

Employment and labor lawyer

Susan Elizabeth Bishop headshot
Susan Bishop

Employment and labor lawyer

Sharon Glenn Pratt headshot
Sharon Pratt

Real estate lawyer

Lesley Abigail Hoenig headshot
Lesley Hoenig

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Sheila Louise Rambeck headshot
Sheila Rambeck

Family lawyer

D. Todd Smith headshot
D. Smith

Business lawyer

Jessica Ann Foley headshot
Jessica Foley

Criminal defense lawyer

E. Alexandra Golden headshot
E. Golden

Elder law lawyer

Joshua Daley Paulin headshot
Joshua Paulin

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyers of Northern California, Super Lawyers

2022

AV-Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

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

2020

AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

Super Lawyers of Northern California, Super Lawyers

2020

Woman Leader in The Law, The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel

2019

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

2018

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

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Administrative Law Judge, State of California, CUIAB

2011 - 2012

Attorney, The Mlnarik Law Group

2008 - 2011

Attorney, Pratt & Associates

2007 - 2023

Attorney, Rivkin Firm

2006 - 2006

, Public Defender's Office

2005 - 2005

Judicial Extern to Judge James Ware, Northern District of California, San Jose Division

2003 - 2005

, Law Foundation Of Silicon Valley

2002 - 2006

, Trust in Managed Estates

Associations

2014 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Executive Committee Member

2013 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association - Solo & Small Firm Section

Co-Chair

2007 - Present

Silicon Valley Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Barrister's Committee, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2006 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Solo & Small Firm Section

Member

California Women Lawyers

Member

2009 - 2009

Solo & Small Firm Section, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Co-chair

2008 - 2008

Solo and Small Firm Section, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Chair

2007 - 2009

BNI

Leadership Team

Education

N/A

Lincoln Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Bath Spa University England

N/A

San Jose State Univ

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Bed Bug Training

Bed Bugs: Limiting Liability

2009

eWomen Young Professionals

Legal Issues for Business Owners

2008

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

Publications

2010

Tenant Verification Service, Inc. Will Your Lease Protect You When It Counts?

2010

Credit Union Times Fannie Mae to Target Walk Aways

2008

USA Today Job Cuts Adding to Growing Number of Foreclosures

Languages

Russian

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution