Penrose Chun & Gorman LLP

Count me extremely satisfied with these talented and experienced attorneys. I have employed Steven Penrose, Ed Chun and former partner Charlene Atack in my work as a professional fiduciary. Mr. Penrose represented me as a trustee several years ago in a weeklong trial that vindicated my efforts and even increased my authority in the case. Mr. Penrose helped again in 2015 after I sold trust-​owned real estate used by an income beneficiary as her residence, leaving her unable to afford rent in senior housing. He drafted an agreement to modify the income-​only QTIP trust into a 5% unitrust and convinced reluctant remaindermen to agree. This firm has always done excellent work for me.

I had the same experience as the other reviewer. There is no way to get past the
secretary/​legal aid/​assistant? to get even the simplest question answered. I even put down 1000.00 in the fee trust and I still wasn’t allowed to talk to the lawyer Penrose.
I felt manipulated from the first phone call. That office wants to make sure they’re going to make big bucks off you before you even meet the attorney. Watch out!

I can’t say anything good about this firm. They were unable to perform a fairly simple task. Perhaps it was too simple for them and didn’t garner their attention, however they did manage to bill me for services. Since they appear competent but also inattentive to the details necessary in the performance of a legal procedure I suspect they are over subscribed. I would not recommend them and I no longer use them. I was very dissatisfied.

As background, called to collect some informational background for a relative that is seeking estate planning guidance. I was immediately impressed with their professionalism in getting right to quoting their hourly rates and a desire to perform a «client conflict» to remove any possible issues before speaking with my relative. Professional I am sure, but not customer friendly in my opinion.
When I responded with what I felt was constructive feedback of the interaction, the legal assistant stated that I had raised the issue of rates and felt she was addressing my interest. In fact I had stated that a prior interaction with another legal firm had immediately gone to rates and that was not my intent in trying to a supportive resource for my relative. The legal assistant then reiterated how she felt she was right and that I was incorrect. In my opinion, not the way to build a relationship. From my 40 years of business, it is my opinion she was more interested in «culling» the prospect file than to build a supportive client relationship.
Based on this personal interaction with the legal assistant, in my opinion I am only able to provide 3 stars relative to that initial customer experience. Since we could not get further in the conversation, I am not able to provide any feedback on their legal qualifications, etc., but I would hope they would be better than this initial interaction.

Honest, fair and experienced — that’s what comes to mind after my dealings with this firm. I was treated with respect during an extremely difficult ordeal. I was never over-​billed, most of my meetings were at MY convenience and the recommendation of this firm from my friend that these attorneys are the best in the Monterey Bay area really was accurate. Not very often that you find extremely intelligent, competent professionals that are also considerate, kind and thoughtful. Can’t recommend them highly enough — need more stars.