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Frank Wei-Hong Chen
This attorney is not accepting clients.
Reason: Not Practicing
About Frank
Not Accepting Clients. Not Practicing.
Frank W. Chen (陳威宏) was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and came to the United States in 1968 at the age of 4. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1985, and his law degree from UCLA School of Law in 1988. He practiced law in Southern California for thirty years before becoming a Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner.
He was formerly a partner of the law firm of Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Esensten, L.L.P. He has successfully tried dozens of cases to verdict, as well as obtained favorable results in arbitrations and mediations. In 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, he was selected for inclusion in Southern California Super Lawyers, a distinction given only to the top 5% of all lawyers in the state. In 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, he was named as one of Pasadena Magazine's Top Attorneys.
His practice focused on real estate litigation involving hotels, shopping centers, office buildings, residential complexes and single family residences. The broad spectrum of real estate matters he handled include breach of purchase agreements, breach of owner/contractor/architect contracts, broker liability, partition and sale, enforcement of mechanic's liens, construction defect, land subsidence, commercial landlord-tenant, homeowners association, specific performance, quiet title, easements, adverse possession, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, usury, and judicial foreclosures. To enable clients to control their litigation costs, he was able to handle most cases on a fixed fee basis.
Throughout his career as a lawyer, he volunteered to teach numerous seminars on real estate, business, ADA accessibility defense, and employment law for various bar associations, chambers of commerce, community groups, and non-profit and professional organizations which include the Chinatown Service Center, Asian Youth Center, Chinese American Dental Society of Southern California, Chinese American Construction Professionals, Pan Pacific Real Estate Institute, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Asian Professional Exchange (APEX), Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, San Gabriel Valley Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, and Alhambra Rotary Club. Since 2005, he volunteered as a Temporary Judge (Judge Pro Tem) for the Los Angeles Superior Court.
In recognition for his public service involvement, he was named a recipient of California Lawyer Magazine's Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award for 2003. He was also the recipient of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California's Pro Bono Service Award in 2003. Both of these awards were given for his volunteer work with state and local prosecutors, local elected officials, legislators, and the State Bar of California in coordinating a unique and sweeping defense to abusive litigation brought by the Trevor Law Group of Beverly Hills.
In 2006, he received the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association's Judge Delbert E. Wong Distinguished Service Award. Also in 2006, he received recognition from California Assemblymember Judy Chu at the 49th Assembly District's Third Annual Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month Celebration for making significant contributions as a Community Leader. In 2007, he received the Los Angeles New Horizons Lions Club Citizen of the Year award.
He is a former President of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (2000-2001), a former President of the Taiwanese American Lawyers Association (2004-2005), a former Trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (2001-2003), a former Board Member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (2001-2003), a Past President of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce (2013-2014, and board member from 2007-2017), a Past President of the San Marino City Club (2016), and a former board member of the Asian Pacific Islander Public Affairs Association's Southern California Region. In the community, he served three years as an elder for San Marino Community Church (2005-2008), and as a member of Session served as the Chair of the SMCC Personnel Committee (2007-2008). He was also a head coach for AYSO Soccer in Region 40.
Hobbies include ballroom/latin/salsa dancing (former dance instructor and choreographer), gardening and landscaping, and responding to Avvo.com questions.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
Mandarin, Taiwanese
Photos and videos
Contact
No contact information available
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Inactive | 1988 | 02/07/2022 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Southern California Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2019 |
| 2017-2018 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2018 |
| 2018 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2018 |
| 2017 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| 2016 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2016 |
| 2016 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Super Lawyers Business Edition | National Super Lawyers Business Edition | 2015 |
| 2015 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2015 |
| 2015 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2015 |
| 2014 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2014 |
| Super Lawyers Business Edition | National Super Lawyers Business Edition | 2014 |
| 2014 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| 2013 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2013 |
| Super Lawyers Business Edition | National Super Lawyers Business Edition | 2013 |
| 2013 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| 2012 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| 2011 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2011 |
| 2010 Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2010 |
| 2010 Super Lawyer | Southern California Super Lawyers | 2010 |
| Citizen of the Year | Los Angeles New Horizons Lions Club | 2007 |
| Community Leader Award | 49th Assembly District | 2006 |
| Judge Delbert E. Wong Distinguished Service Award | Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association | 2006 |
| 2006 Super Lawyer | Law & Politics and Los Angeles Magazines | 2006 |
| Strathmore's Who's Who | Strathmore's Who's Who | 2005 |
| 2005 Super Lawyer | Law & Politics and Los Angeles Magazines | 2005 |
| 2003 Attorney of the Year (CLAY) | California Lawyer Magazine | 2003 |
| Pro Bono Service Award | Asian Pacific American Legal Center | 2003 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court Commissioner | Los Angeles Superior Court | 2019 - Present |
| Founder | Law Offices of Frank W. Chen | 2010 - 2018 |
| Partner | Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Esensten, LLP | 2003 - 2010 |
| Partner | Ku, Fong, Larsen & Chen, LLP | 1994 - 2003 |
| Associate | Voss, Cook & Thel | 1993 - 1994 |
| Associate | Ku & Fong | 1990 - 1993 |
| Associate | Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack | 1988 - 1990 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| San Marino City Club | Member since 2004 and Board Member (2010-2017) | 2004 - Present |
| San Marino City Club | President | 2016 - 2016 |
| San Marino City Club | 1st Vice President | 2015 - 2015 |
| Platt College Paralegal Studies Advisory Board | Board Member | 2014 - 2016 |
| San Marino City Club | Second Vice President | 2014 - 2014 |
| Alhambra Chamber of Commerce | President | 2013 - 2014 |
| San Marino City Club | Secretary | 2013 - 2014 |
| Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association - Southern California Region | Board Member | 2010 - 2016 |
| Stanford Professionals In Real Estate (SPIRE) | Member | 2009 - 2013 |
| Foothills Lincoln Club | Member | 2009 - 2015 |
| Alhambra Chamber of Commerce | Member and Board Member (2007-2018) | 2007 - 2018 |
| Taiwanese American Lawyers Association | President | 2004 - 2005 |
| San Fernando Valley Bar Association | Member | 2003 - 2010 |
| San Gabriel Valley Bar Association | Member | 2003 - 2018 |
| Los Angeles County Bar Association | At-Large Trustee | 2001 - 2003 |
| Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County | Board Member | 2001 - 2003 |
| Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association | President | 2000 - 2001 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| San Gabriel Valley Bar Association | Advising Clients Regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Lawsuits | 2017 |
| Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association News | Americans With Disabilities Act Lawsuit Advisory | 2003 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1988 |
| Stanford University | A.B. | 1985 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| San Gabriel Valley Bar Association | Maximizing Your Law Firm’s Online Presence (For Absolutely Free) | 2015 |
| Alhambra Chamber of Commerce | "Maximizing Your Business's Online Presence (For Absolutely Free)" | 2015 |
| First General Bank Community Service Seminar for Small Business Owners | "Practical Considerations and Tips Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits" | 2014 |
| Alhambra Rotary Club | "Practical Considerations and Tips Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits" | 2014 |
| Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Business Speakers series | "Practical Considerations and Tips Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits" | 2014 |
| Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association | Recent Developments in ADA Accessibility Litigation | 2013 |
| La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce | "ADA Accessibility Litigation: How to Prevent Lawsuits from Disabling Your Business" | 2013 |
| First Choice Bank | "ADA Accessibility Litigation: How to Prevent Lawsuits from Disabling Your Business" | 2013 |
| Chinese American Construction Professionals | Recent Developments in ADA Accessibility Law in California | 2013 |
| Pasadena Bar Association - Real Estate Section | "ADA Accessibility Litigation and Issues - A Primer for Real Estate Attorneys" | 2012 |
| Taiwanese American Lawyers Association Annual Law Day | "Understanding the California Legal System" (Keynote Speech) | 2011 |
| Seal Beach Chamber and OC Service Center | "ADA Compliance: Managing Your Liabilities & Your Risks | 2011 |
| Chinese American Construction Professionals | ADA Litigation & Accessibility Compliance: Managing Your Liabilities with a CASp" | 2011 |
| APEX and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles | "More Than A Dream: Financing and Legal Considerations For Start-Ups and Small Businesses" (Panelist on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Seminar) | 2011 |
| Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Seminar | How To Accommodate Your Fastest Growing Customer Base: Accessibility Considerations | 2010 |
| Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association & Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County | Advising Clients Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits | 2009 |
| San Gabriel Valley Bar Association MCLE | Advising Clients Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits | 2009 |
| Culver City Chamber of Commerce | Advising Businesses Regarding ADA Accessibility Lawsuits | 2009 |
| Chinese American Dental Society of Southern California Annual Conference | Minimizing Litigation Liability for Dental Professionals | 2008 |
| Chinatown Service Center | Entrepreneurial Training Program | 2003 |
| Chinese American Dental Society of Southern California Annual Conference | Employment Law For the Dental Office | 2002 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Trevor Law Group Business & Professions Code 17200 cases | Dismissal |
Solid and wise counsel
5.0 stars
Posted by Michael
July 16, 2018
Thank you!
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
June 9, 2018
Thank you Mr. Chen
5.0 stars
Posted by Leslie
May 17, 2018
Thank you
5.0 stars
Posted by S
February 7, 2018
A Lawyer's Lawyer
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
January 24, 2017
Frank gives the honest advice
5.0 stars
Posted by Alice
September 19, 2016
Professional, Knowledgeable, Responsive & Kind
5.0 stars
Posted by Betty
June 19, 2015
FINALLY AN ATTORNEY YOU CAN TRUST!!!!!
5.0 stars
Posted by Robet
August 13, 2014
Honest & knowledgeable
5.0 stars
Posted by Mold remediation
September 11, 2013
commercial property mortgage default
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
May 20, 2013
Advertising
Attorney endorsements
(230)
Anthony Dispoto, Real estate Attorney on Aug 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen is very experienced and has a great deal of knowledge in the area of landlord/tenant and real estate law. I endorse this lawyer.
John Karas, Litigation Attorney on Jun 26, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Frank Chen is one of the best civil litigation lawyers on Avvo. His knowledge of the rules of civil procedure and the law is top notch bar none. I not only endorse but highly recommend Mr. Chen to anyone needing a superb quality civil litigator on their side.
Anthony Dispoto, Real estate Attorney on Aug 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen is very experienced and has a great deal of knowledge in the area of landlord/tenant and real estate law. I endorse this lawyer.
John Karas, Litigation Attorney on Jun 26, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Frank Chen is one of the best civil litigation lawyers on Avvo. His knowledge of the rules of civil procedure and the law is top notch bar none. I not only endorse but highly recommend Mr. Chen to anyone needing a superb quality civil litigator on their side.
Gerald Dorfman, Unknown Attorney on May 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I often find myself agreeing with his responses given to questions posted in the Avvo forum. Those who post there can expect nothing more than direct, thoughtful, accurate responses, and Mr. Chen delivers. Potential clients would do well to give him serious consideration.
Patricia Rodriguez, Real estate Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen is a really nice person. He takes time out of his day to encourage young lawyers. He cares about people. He is someone you want on your side. Thanks for being a great person!
Jethro Busch, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Apr 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Raymond Areshenko, Debt collection Attorney on Mar 20, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kris Crawford, Litigation Attorney on Jan 18, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Frank provides great insight with his responses to legal questions on Avvo.
G. Brelje, Real estate Attorney on Oct 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen is a very thoughtful and articulate attorney, who is very gracious with his time to both clients and counsel. His responses to a wide variety of legal issues demonstrate his knowledge, experience, wisdom and acumen. It is my privilege to endorse him.
Daniel Near, Unknown Attorney on Sep 23, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen demonstrates extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of legal matters. His responses on Avvo are remarkably thoughtful, articulate and accurate. I have tremendous respect for his sound legal knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge. He is a true asset to our legal community. It is my pleasure to endorse him.
David Piotrowski, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Sep 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen's answers in the landlord/tenant category are always thought out and well-prepared.
Benjamin Soffer, Litigation Attorney on Aug 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Chen's depth of legal knowledge is evident from the answers he posts on Avvo. Mr. Chen's answers display great understanding on a wide variety of issues in a wide range of practice area. In truth, I am amazed by the amount of valuable information he provides in his answers. Mr. Chen often cites legal authorities to support his responses -- you don't see that very often on Avvo.
Layla Khamoushian, Litigation Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kevin Neiman, Unknown Attorney on Jan 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Chen is respected by colleagues and is dedicated to the field and his clients. He is a relentless attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. He is dedicated, strategic, and compassionate. His experience makes him uniquely qualified to provide the practical advice that matters most to clients. I endorse this attorney because, in addition to those qualities, I know that he can be trusted to handle the case to the best of his ability.
William Bernard, Employment and labor Attorney on May 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have found Mr. Chen's responses both informative and directly on point, with the detail a questioner would require to move forward.
Anthony Roach, Unknown Attorney on Oct 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not like other attorneys and lawyers very much. But I am very impressed with the work that Mr. Chen has shown here on AVVO. I find myself consistently agreeing with his responses, to the point of not having to write anything further. It is obvious to me that he knows what he is doing, and practices law with an ethical and focused concern for his clients.
Eric Ching, Real estate Attorney on Sep 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Good to know another asian attorney practicing real estate law. Mr. Chen has in-depth knowledge of real estate law and is more than willing to share this knowledge in the avvo legal community.
Adam Studnicki, Unknown Attorney on Aug 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Chen provides consistently accurate and helpful answers to Avvo Askers. These are qualities a client should consider when looking for a lawyer.
Roger Moss, Real estate Attorney on Jul 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Frank Chen contributes generously and thoroughly to the pages of Avvo, offering significant service to the community. Frank's answers reflect the special clarity of an economist-attorney. He offers solutions that display deeply integrated legal and business thinking. I am grateful for his work and service to our profession.
Anthony Perez, Litigation Attorney on Jul 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Richard Price, Litigation Attorney on Jun 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.