Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP

I called 3 times over a 10 day period (specifically for Debra), and left messages each time. I wanted to secure them for Estate Planning, and a Will/​POA. No return phone call, zero follow up. Pretty disappointing…

Deb is one of the most passionate people I’ve worked with. She has taken care of our trusts and properties for many years. Completely trustworthy and honest.

First off, I know diddly squat about legal matters, but I knew my partner and I needed a trust so we would be protected in case anything should happen to us. At the time marriage wasn’t legal so we needed quite a detailed trust. DLK was wonderful. They explained everything to us in terms we could understand and helped us every step of the way. They explained what would change should we become domestic partners or get married should it become legal, which was really helpful. Also, when we had some issues with San Mateo County reassessing our home, DLK took care of it right away. When we needed medical directives for our mother DLK sent staff out to the rest home to have her sign them. That’s pretty amazing service.
Flash forward a couple of years and we are indeed married and want to make some changed to the trust. It was so wonderful to be able to call DLK and have them so happy to help us out. I do have to give Andrea a huge shout out because she has helped us through everything and is an amazing person to work with.
If you need to work out your trust, I would go with DLK. Regardless of who you work directly with there you are going to get really great service.

So far, very good. in our first meeting, Deb Kinney found several errors in our accountant’s taxes, and had some very good advice. I met Deb Kinney at one of her seminars last year, but she suggested we didn’t need to meet until after the supreme court ruling on DOMA. Great support staff too. Merged recently into JKZ, LLP at 180 sansome.
Added: 25 May 2014. Our attorney of 36 yrs, was unable to put together an updated trust needed after our recent marriage, so we are now in Deb’s hands for Trust work to own the house, minimize capital gains if we sell, and provide for a charitable trust to minimize problems in the future. Seems very solid. Communication is outstanding with support staff and Deb when necessary. If Deb has someone more important and gives me a couple days notice, I can live with that easily…

Deb Kinney was referred to me by my accountant and I made an appointment 6 weeks ahead of time to meet with her. The day before my meeting, by email I was informed that I would be meeting with someone else. When I asked why, I was told there was a scheduling conflict. Someone else, apparently more important, was coming in to sign forms. Either he made his appointment over 6 weeks ago, in which case I should have been given a different time, or he bumped me. Either way, not impressed with the offhand way it was all dealt with. I want to work with someone who views me as a valuable client. Also not helped by the fact that the next available time that would have worked for me was going to be another 6 weeks away.

This law firm rocks. I lost my life partner of 22 years and Yuli, and all the supportive staff, walked me through my plans for my estate. Efficient, compassionate, funny, approachable, competent. I never felt so cared for. Living Trust binder in hand, instructions as to my next steps. I left with peace of mind. That is a rare thing. And I know they will be there for me throughout my life, helping me keep my estate, wishes and assets fine tuned as my life changes. Yuli and all the staff helped me through the most difficult time of my life.