I made the mistake of not choosing Bornstein Law from the start. My sister, who works in the Civil Section of the Sheriff's Office, spoke highly of Attorney Bornstein and his team's high volume of successful eviction cases. Unfortunately, I let the negative reviews in here influence my decision and hired another attorney instead and it cost us valuable time. What immediately stood out to us was Bornstein Law's transparency. Their terms and fees are clearly listed on their website. That was a big relief after the other attorney was trying to get us to sign with their firm and start an eviction over a small issue (Bornstein Law's fees are more affordable vs the other attorney we talked to). During our consultation, we didn't have to spend a long time explaining every detail of our situation and Attorney Bornstein had already identified the issue and presented several options to resolve our tenant issue. He was direct, practical, and didn't sugarcoat anything. I can see how some people might interpret that as feeling unheard, but in our case, we appreciated his efficiency. He was also considerate enough to recommend options that would cost us less because our matter was not an eviction case. [[HIGHLIGHT]]After the call, I realized why some reviews mention communication issues. At the end of our consultation, he accidentally placed us on hold, apparently thinking the call had already ended.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Should we be upset about it? Maybe. But compared to finally having a clear path forward for our tenant issue, it felt like a minor mistake. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We left the consultation relieved and confident about our next steps.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cannot get the administrative assistant to contact me and answer my question before making an appointment?[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I need to have my question answered before deciding if I'm going to make the appointment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Left phone message never had a reply?? After reading the reviews and especially negative comments about scrupulous activities by the lawyer?? I decided not to use them at all. Beware! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Daniel Bornstein is a true gentleman and genuinely caring person.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]His communication was excellent from start to finish.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]He was clear, timely, and thoughtful and he even made himself available when he was on vacation (and provided an alternate contact) - he was still responsive and present.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bornstein Law was also very fair with billing and returned more of my retainer than I expected, which honestly speaks volumes about this firm's integrity. Most importantly, Daniel never pressured me toward any decision or outcome. He explained my options, helped me think through a decision tree, and gave wise guidance while respecting that the final call was mine. He explained complex things in simple terms. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I felt supported, informed, and taken care of the entire time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend! read more

Bornstein Law was an incredible blessing. Their direct approach to Landlord Tenant issues made a huge difference. We were dealing with a very complicated situation that Daniel would always make easy and straight forward. [[HIGHLIGHT]]No matter the issue, the team was able to take our concerns and questions and let us know immediately the right approach to resolve any problems with a lawful and ethical solution.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend them for anyone going through similar issues or experiences. read more

I had a tenant engaging in illegal Airbnb activity. Daniel helped me determine a cause for eviction and I had him proceed with the eviction process. Fortunately the tenant stopped and moved out before going to court. In terms of price, it was money well-spent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In fact, he advised me not to keep in touch so much so I wouldn't use up my retainer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Keep in mind that no lawyer is going to solve your case during a consultation. At best they can help you determine if you have a valid case. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The best way to prepare for a paid consultation is do as much homework as you can so you can ask the right questions. I did a few free and low-cost consultations to practice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And there's always the SF legal self-help resource and the law library. You can't take any books out of the law library, but you can sit there and read them for as long as you like. https://www.sf.gov/self-help read more

Daniel and his team at Bornstein Law provided excellent service! They were professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. Highly recommend working with them. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Daniel Bornstein and his team are truly the best![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've used their services several times and have always been extremely satisfied with their professionalism and guidance. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They're knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely care about their clients.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great quality service at reasonable rates. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an excellent attorney. read more

We just won a case against a lying tenant, with Bornstein Law as my legal team! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beyond thankful! Five star service all around![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Mr. Bornstein & staff were very profession, very knowledgeable, and quick to respond to my needs and inquires.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I recommend them highly and will us them again if the need arises. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I had a horrific experience with Bornstein.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He overbills and I caught him red handed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I always felt dismissed by him on the phone, like I was an annoyance to him.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]He didn't keep me abreast of what was going on in the case, or court filings, until I explicitly asked him to - and then it was spotty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] His strategy was terrible, costing me many 10s of 1000$. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I learned he was going away for a 4 week break over xmas at the start of December during a critical and time sensitive part of my case when I got an autoresponder email from him saying he was already gone.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When I communicated with him by email he would normally only answer 1 question, even if I had asked several - and the answer was almost always a one liner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He would of course bill me his email minimum faithfully. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If I re-asked questions often I'd get no answer at all leaving me not knowing what to do.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I attended a mandatory settlement conference at the court with him he spent most of the time on his phone or wandering around the courthouse helping his other cases - but he billed me for double the complete time that he was actually present there (as well as also separately billing me for the prep time, and after hearing time). He pressured me to quickly accept a settlement without taking any time to help me through options and other possibilities. I had hired an attorney to feel supported handling something risky, difficult and unfamiliar, and Bornstein failed me badly. He left me pressured, rushed and unsupported in my time of need, all while double billing me. His poor advice cost me many thousands. He did correct the over billing that I caught him red handed doing, but who knows where else he over billed - I wasn't physically there to see most of what he billed me (a lot) for. As soon as I dismissed Bornstein from the case it was quickly resolved by another attorney with a very different strategy, at much lower cost. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Bornstein Law was very helpful in assisting me with coming to an agreement with a tenant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Tried to get an appointment; admin staff refused to help me navigate the payment link (lots of folks have internet access and mobility issues) -- which expires in 48 hours.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was informed they moved on to serving other clients.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Daniel Bornstein gave us false information regarding tenants rights and cost our company which has since cost us thousands of dollars and countless hours of unnecessary paperwork. Stay away if you know what's good for you. read more

This firm will make a clerical mistake, blames it on you, then drop you as a client. This is the old-school, stuck-in-the-mud law firm trying to protect themselves instead of the client you do not want to represent you. read more

Like others, I paid $300 for a 30 minute consult with Mr. Bornstein. It was, overall, not helpful. He never had detailed answers for my questions. The call lasted 10 minutes so he said to email him with any other questions and cite the "20 minute" credit. After a few days, I emailed him 5 questions that he answered right away. But the answers were very general and not helpful. He confirmed everything I Googled. Despite his lack of forthcoming knowledge, I wanted to hire him because we wanted to get the eviction process started right away. But he never responded to my inquiries to start the process. Don't get scammed by this law firm. Find someone else. All the negative reviews are REAL. They will take your money for the consult and not help. read more

I am a lawyer. I am also a small-time housing provider. I rented a single family home in using a month to month rental agreement. The tenant brought in a roommate and they had a dispute. The tenant gave proper notice and moved out. The roommate stayed, failed to pay rent and made a mess. I'm glad that Daniel handled the matter instead of dealing with it myself. She who represents herself has a fool for a client. I was too emotionally involved to manage the eviction. He saved my sanity. He responded promptly to my questions via email. In addition to solving the problem, I am now on his email list for his workshops that can help prevent problems before they arise, and if you still end up with a problem, contact him first before you try to fix it yourself. read more

Not really helpful, I paid $300 for 20 mins consultation, didn't get much information from Daniel Bornstein other than being told to pay $600 per hour for any further service. Not recommended read more

I known Daniel Bornstein more than 25 years and used his service 4 or 5 times. To me, he's very professional and well worth it. I had on full eviction he did before and it was great, from beginning to end (sheriff came to escort the tenants out). Other times I needed some clarity on my legal right as a landlord. But the most recent advice from Daniel was the best. I had a tenant who was 5 months behind on rent and I didn't know what to do. I had a 20 minute consultation with Daniel and I contacted tenant right away. I told the tenant that if he didn't pay the full remaining rent by the due date, I will have my lawyer serve him notice for eviction. Few days later, he contacted me to pay all his rent in full. I said WOW. Thanks Daniel. You are the best. read more

Jonathan Bornstein @ Bornstein Law is a 5-star real estate attorney servicing SF / Oakland and resolved our tenant issues with a minimum of grief. Should we need legal representation again, we will go to no one else. Jonathan Bornstein is the best!!! read more

I was seeking a landlord attorney over the last few weeks, and left multiple calls and email for Daniel Bornstein and several of his associates over a period of more than a week. I never received the courtesy of a single response. I did immediately beginning receiving email promotions. If you may have the need for a responsive attorney, I'd go elsewhere. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]two words... horrible "team"[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . very overpriced in my opinion and would NEVER hire again but boy they know how to charge and charge and charge read more

Daniel is efficient,effective and quick response. I have been using Daniel throughout Covid and he was always very responsive and very knowledgeable. When I had tenant issue he responded to me on the 4th of July. A tenant passed away on a Friday evening and Daniel set up a call at 8:30 am Saturday. He is clear and concise with his instructions and will always guide you in the right direction Thank you Daniel read more

not a tenant lawyer at all he did the rent control boot camp on how to evict rent control grandmothers from their home. He is a snake who is very well versed in evicting tenants. But his methods are not nice, he sends a nice lawyer the original hearing and pretends to want to keep the tenant in their apartment by working out the problems. Truth is the only thing he wants to work out is when you are going to pay. He is rigid and will discuss nothing else but money, even when habitable problems exist. He works for slum lords and ruthless landlords. if you are one of those this is the perfect law firm for you read more

I had a phone appointment, but never received a call. I left a message with their answering service and emailed them (email and answering service are the only way to contact them- they never answer their phone according to answering service). A couple of days later I received an email response that the office lost power and that is why they never contacted me. They couldn't pick up a cell and call me? So I made a second appointment, and same thing. Unprofessional? Incompetent? Does it really matter which? Perhaps they overbook appointments like airlines do- if the first person doesn't pick up, go to the next. Just ignore the people who were waiting after the first to answer. Do you really want to trust your important business affairs to this firm? read more

Daniel and his team assisted us with a difficult tenant situation. His team was efficient in billing, turned things around quickly, and he made sure we understood each step of the process. We would certainly use Bornstein law again. read more

As a new home owner, I needed a lawyer to help with an owner occupy move in case. Daniel and his team were very professional and on point. I spoke with other law firms about this case and they told me it was near impossible because of the rent control laws in place, and the possibly for the tenant to claim a certain status. The difference was night and day when discussing my case with Daniel Bornstein. He was confident and had the success rate to back it up. The case was settled right on time and I am now able to move into my unit! I highly recommend Daniel Bornstein and team! Thank you so much Daniel! read more

I only used this law for minimum wage. I thought they were very reasonably apprised as far as lawyers go.

Daniel Bornstein and his firm are highly recommended for their hard work and expertise. We were referred to Daniel by a trusted family friend. He and his staff worked diligently to see our case through to completion. There was great relief for our family as Daniel achieved our desired result. We found that working with Daniel and his staff provided calm and ease. Daniel was in quick communication if needed. He developed an effective strategy and reviewed his plan and goals. We will always recommend Daniel Borstein and his staff. Thank you Daniel! read more

Daniel Bornstein is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I know. He gives his time repeatedly to property management groups and helps warn of the dangers of a misstep in the terrifying waters of California and specifically San Francisco. You shouldn't manage properties without having him on your speed dial. I follow him on Linkedin and Facebook and feel like I'm covered. read more

I'm a lawyer in Los Angeles. My daughter, who lives in San Francisco, was being sued (actually, a motion for joinder) by her former roommates who were suing their former landlord after the rent controlled apartment they were all living in burned down.... 4 years ago! In essence they were pointing the finger at my daughter for causing the fire which resulted in several millions of dollars of damages. (By the way, she didn't do it - it is all part of a trail strategy by one or more of the lawyers now involved in the case. There are many lawyers!) All my daughter and I wanted was to be left alone. The landlord's insurance company was paying his lawyer's fees and the former roommates had a lawyer, who if they win, will get paid by the landlord's insurance company. However, all my daughter, who is a student, has to pay her legal bills is mommy and daddy (me!). After doing some research I contacted Daniel, who I thought would have some special insight on the case given his specialty in representing clients with cases involving rent controlled property in San Francisco. He asked me to send him the "papers" my daughter had received and the very next day we had a long telephone conversation about what was going on (the case only made sense if you knew SF's crazy rent control rules) and what we can do. Although, I've been a lawyer for over 40 years (I do immigration law) I never have been a party to a law suit (or the father of one!). After talking to Daniel I had a feeling, revelation if you will, that this wasn't a cataclysmic event, there was a definite course of action my daughter should take and Daniel would assists us in a very cost-effective manner. A weight lifted off my shoulders, I had the first good night sleep since my daughter emailed me the "papers" a week earlier. I only hope that i can make my clients feel as comfortable and secure in their "time of need" as Daniel had made me feel. There's a lot more good stuff I could say about him, but when a lawyer hires a lawyer and says good things about him.... we'll that's the lawyer i would hire. read more

Daniel and his team are great to work with! Exceptionally well organized during Covid to meet the clients demands but more importantly Daniel is the "go to" lawyer for a clear, concise and actionable approach to our concern. Daniel guidance while selling a multi-unit building has been invaluable. We highly Recommend! read more

I was having difficulties with a tenant that was renting our Sunset District home. (We are not "career landlords" and were anticipating that the current rental was going to be short term.) We were planning on moving back into our home, and were even willing to proceed with an owner move-in eviction. Our communications with the tenant became more strained until the tenant's behavior became hostile. Having never been in this position, I sought an attorney to help. A different attorney referred me to Daniel Bornstein. We are so happy to have found Daniel. Our initial consultation was done by phone (we had the option of an in-person visit). We did have to pay in advance for the initial consultation. During the first phone visit, he allowed us to explain the long, shaggy dog story in detail. Then, he provided us with options on how to proceed, with the pro's and con's of each. He very clearly listed his fees for each option and provided his opinion. He advised us to reach a formal buy-out agreement with the tenant, rather than filing an owner move-in eviction. Legal fees would be much less and there would be fewer ramifications with the city of San Francisco. He drafted the agreement. There was significant back-and-forth negotiations with the tenant's attorney, and Daniel was our faithful intermediary. Finally, the agreement was signed and formalized. As might be expected, the tenant came back to us several times over the next few months, wishing to change the terms of the buy-out agreement (namely, a later move out date). Daniel held our ground. No further adjustments were made to the agreement and the tenant finally moved out as stipulated. While this may sound like a normal, "day in the life" event for seasoned landlords, it was quite anxiety provoking for us. We haven't experienced such difficulties and saw our situation spinning out of control. (We were currently renting an apartment while waiting to move back in based on what the tenant had originally told us.) Without Daniel's help, I'm certain that our ordeal would still not be over with the tenant. In fact, it probably would have gotten even uglier. My wife and I are very grateful for his work and guidance through this. If you are a landlord and need legal help, I would strongly recommend Daniel. I see a review marking Daniel down for "lack of communication." I will say that I had very good communication with Daniel. He was extremely quick to respond to my emails. I had no problem scheduling follow up phone conversations. While some of his emails to me were indeed short (such as "See below", with an attachment), he ALWAYS was on top of the situation and there was never a delay. Again, I felt very secure in my representation by Daniel. And, considering the back and forth he had to endure with the tenant's attorneys, I think my bill was very reasonable. read more

This review is based on communication. I never got to talk to the attorney. I participated in a couple of the zoom seminars that the attorney gave, as i was in a group of landlord who suffered from a tenant who was a squatter who never paid for 4 years. We were on the very extreme side. I wanted to hire him to have him draw up a lease and to start some legal paperwork. We filled out the questionnaires and submitted docs over as requested. She was very very disorganized. Despite having had the paperwork she wasn't responsive. I was then given an appt and immediately asked to prepay for a consult, not even knowing if he could help us in our case. I reponded to ensure she has the paperwork (which i have previously sent) she never responded and she cancelled my appt right away, citing that i didn't prepay yet, although the appt was still a ways away. i simply was awaiting for her reply. WOW. I guess they just want a quick generation of revenue and really don't care about getting business or not. With pandemic and COVID creating more business than any of them can handle, but wow, being treated like that was completely unacceptable. We used to own a business ourselves and this type of nonexistent customer service is left me speechless. Too bad. read more

I contacted Mr. Bornstein regarding issues I have been having with our neighbor in Novato. Mr. Bornstein gave me some good advices but he didn't have time to present me at the court in Marin County and he recommended his colleague Gavin Mercedes. Gavin jumped on my case right away and was able to have other party's attorney withdraw all motions he had filed against me. She helped resolve the issues and we settle prior the hearing date. Highly recommend both attorneys! read more

This is the 2nd time in 20 years that we have used Daniel Bornstein for a tenant eviction. Very professional and efficient service. They know all the "ins and outs" of handling a SF eviction so you're in compliance every step of the way. Daniel responds to emails promptly although very succinctly. Do not expect flowery language. If you need to talk to Daniel, I found it easy to schedule. Bornstein Law is not high touch nor "warm and friendly" but the firm provides accurate and thorough guidance so you'll feel safe in their hands. I definitely would use them again. read more

Really really good. I can not recommend him enough. Smart, organized, dependable and has a YouTube channel and sends educational emails. I would say don't waste a second on Steven Adair MacDonald. We tried that and it was a total waste. Bornstein is the office that will keep you educated as a Landlord. They even are releasing help to keep your tenants and family safe during Covid 19. Informational sheets that are easy to print to give to tenants and to hang in buildings to educate all regarding the virus. He also sends emails with practical everyday to do items to keep all at your property as safe as possible. He is very helpful and gives the information you need to comply with the law and be a diligent and ethical landlord. read more

What can I say if you are a landlord in San Francisco and you think there is no hope! Daniel is the Man!!! I am so grateful for finding him and I would give him a hundred STAR review. I would recommend using Bornstein Law. If I have any other problems guess who i'm calling! you guessed it Daniel Bornstein read more

You will not find a better person on THE PLANET. If you need help with your living situation..Daniel is your Man. I have been assisted with difficult situations successfully for more than 2 decades.. Times are tough during this pandemic..yet he offers FREE webinars to help us understand rights as landlord or tenant. You would be silly not to have him on your side. Thank you Daniel and staff. read more

When selling our mixed use commercial property in San Francisco we encountered several unforeseen obstacles which necessitated some quick legal advice. We could always rely on Daniel's availability and guidance through the process. He would condense the issues down to the essential point and then offer a practical, workable solution, often within a matter of minutes in a phone discussion. It is a refreshing and effective way for a knowledgeable attorney to conduct business - educate the client, minimize conflict and find an effective solution for resolution. read more

Quick overview - Lack of communication: For a law firm, I expected clear communication. I received many 'one word' or 'one sentence' responses (and get charged for them to read my emails) after asking important questions. - Lack of explanation: This goes along with the bad communication, though there were more than several occasions where I had to reach back out to ask for clarity, only to be charged for communicating with them to understand what they previously stated. - Even the accounting/billing department didn't provide accurate charges: I had to reach out to request why I received an incorrect bill, only to receive a response that they forgot to include the last bill with the most recent charges. Background I hired Borenstein Law to aid in an owner-occupied buyout process. The best experience I had with Borenstein Law is their knowledge of local county tenant/landlord laws. Everything else was a VERY frustrating experience for the amount of money they charge. I figured that they would keep our best interest in mind, provide follow-ups, and basic client service like any company should. Instead, I was told they did not follow up after important tasks because it was previously agreed upon. Just because you expect something to be done doesn't mean you should assume it is. In short, Borenstein does not have social skills when interacting with his clients to recognize people's emotions with a frustrating process (such as tenant issues) and cannot empathize. The other issue is when I received money back from a retainer it was dramatically less than I was told I would receive. I had to email the billing department after calculating all of their fees myself to break down the total and there was an amount that was not included. I received a response back stating they "forgot" to include the last bill to bring the balance to what they sent me. Another bad client service experience. Hopefully I won't need another lawyer, but if I ever do, I'll have to go with another law firm. P.S. I heard bad experiences from a few previous clients with this law firm, but only towards the end of resolving the tenant issue I had. read more