On a friend's recommendation, I hired Deb Graceffa, Esq. from Gargalicana/Graceffa LLP as my lawyer for an Owner Move In eviction and lawsuit against a former landlord. Deb helped me navigate the original OMI notice, and a year later (when I found out the landlord did not move in) Deb represented me in the lawsuit. Lawsuits are scary- Whether you are a plaintiff or defendant. Deb took the time to walk me through the process and explain what would happen with each twist and turn. She was working on a contingency of the lawsuit earnings, and I had to pay for the admin costs. Before moving forward with a private investigator or paperwork, She checked in with me and got my approval of the estimated expenses. I really appreciated this! Deb is whip smart and really knows her stuff. As a landlord and tenant, she knows both sides equally well. In my deposition, I watched her alter her tone, behavior and emotions to get information from the defendant, witnesses and lawyer. Depending on the need, she can be friendly and understanding or forceful and aggressive. She cared about getting justice for me and my case. My lawsuit was settled during mediation with a payment in my favor. Even at the end, Deb was able to negotiate a little bit more- she definitely earned her contingency! Paperwork and payment was prompt as well! I highly recommend Deb Graceffa and Gargalicana/Graceffa LLP. They transformed a very stressful, victimized period of my past into a positive, empowering step toward my future. read more

Rowena and Deb helped me through one of the darkest and most challenging times in my life. I was connected to them through a colleague/friend, and I am beyond grateful that they were able to take on my civil/family law case. I had searched high and low for Bay Area family law attorneys with experience in domestic violence cases AND civil cases involving real estate between LGBTQ partners. They were the ONLY firm in which I felt I could place my complete trust, and they passionately advocated for the best results possible. Rowena was steps ahead every time throughout the process, reassuring, and compassionate. This review doesn't do them justice, but they helped me find that (justice!) in a system that too often rewards and empowers abusers. read more

Deb was amazing. She helped my family resolve a landlord/tenant dispute with tenants who happened to be attorneys. As you might imagine, negotiating with attorneys can be challenging for many reasons. While the feelings between the parties were not friendly, Deb kept negotiations peaceful. Even when promises were not being kept by the opposition, she managed to get us back on track toward an agreement that avoided litigation by inviting all parties back to the table. She worked tirelessly through nearly two days of negotiations until we were all able to shake hands and walk away without having to go to court. Deb has a sophisticated understanding of the law, mediation, and likely judicial outcomes. More importantly, she has a balanced approach to life, a clear vision of what's truly important, and an uncanny ability to move even the most stubborn of people toward compromise. I highly recommend working with Deb and while I hope that I'll never have to use her assistance again, I would not hesitate to engage her services in the future. read more

I really had high hopes based on the reviews for this attorney. I contacted through Yelp, provided extensive, detailed information as requested, waited a long time, didn't hear back & tried again. I then received an automated reply telling me to call in to make an appointment. I wondered why they asked for all the specific info if no one was going to read it and instead just send an autonated reply. BUT, I really needed to find an attorney & again the reviews.....So, I called. The person who answered had no idea who I was, had no record of my detailed explanation of my issue and stated that she wasn't even sure the attorney could or would help me. Wth? She took my information & said she would get back to me either way. I've never heard back and it's been 3 months. Way to treat a possible new client....I wouldn't recommend this person sin e he/she obviously has no integrity="Please provide a detailed explanation of your matter and we will get back to you", didn't happen. "I promise to get back to you whether or not we can help you, either to schedule or provide a referral to someone who can help you", never happened. read more

I contacted Deb about an issue with my condo association. She was very responsive and gave me advice that led to a quick resolution. Deb was super friendly and kind. I look forward to working with her again. Thanks!! read more

I called Gargalicana Graceffa LLC and spoke to Deb Graceffa, who answered my call without the standard gatekeeper's screening. Her wisdom and guidance regarding my real estate inquiry was invaluable. Instead of gaining a client, she actually talked me out of representation, cogently explained why and made several recommendations that were contrary to my limited legal logic. She provided a referral to an area broker, while providing a framework of the services necessary and what I could expect. Never have I had this candid and valuable interaction with a lawyer. Without question I will call Deb for legal representation in the future, should the need arise. For all of us with typical cynicism regarding the legal profession, Deb will restore your faith. Thanks !! read more

I spoke with Deb about a real estate issue and she was very helpful. Her advice was clear and straight forward.

Deb and Rowena have been my family's lawyers for years. They are friendly and knowledgeable with their clients and sharks with their opponents, which is exactly what you need from your lawyer. I highly recommend their services; if they've got room to take your caseload, you're lucky! read more

I would give 10 stars if I could! Deb is a top notch attorney. She helped us on a real estate dispute and got us the best possible result in a very short amount of time. I would highly recommend Deb! read more

Deb assisted with our first time condo purchase and couldn't be happier with her assistance. Her expertise reduced the stress and eased any concerns we had with the complex contracts from a developer. She was able to engage directly with seller team when needed as well and pointed out some COVID changes that worked to our advantage. Will definitely engage her again in any future real estate transactions we have. read more

Deb is amazing. She is very professional, friendly, and knowledgable. She has a great approach as an attorney and she educates her clients as well. She definitely handles any and all challenges. read more

In our experience, the best attorneys are the ones who keep you OUT of court. You want smart, fair, honest, responsible, and-especially when it comes to real estate law in the Bay Area--informed. Landlord/tenant law seems to change by the minute in the Bay Area. Thank goodness for Deb Graceffa, our pick for all time great real estate attorney (and we've used a few). Deb knows what she knows, and how to find out anything she doesn't know. She's an excellent judge and predictor of behavior (even though sometimes I don't want to hear it). She's so good at telling you what a nutty tenant will do that I could swear she has a crystal ball stashed under her desk. She can handle crazy people of all sorts. She can manage people who want to walk away from a purchase even after they've signed off on nearly everything. Whatever it is, she can handle it--with excellent humor, and a view to keeping you OUT of court. (Unless you WANT to go to court. In which case I'm pretty sure she's a pit bull.) Deb is so easy to deal with that I wish I'd met her BEFORE I needed her. read more

I hired Deb Graceffa when I was having trouble with my downstairs neighbor harassing me. She helped me navigate court procedures and write a rebuttal to false claims about me by my neighbors. She is very attentive and responded to all of my questions in a timely fashion. I would definitely hire her again if the need ever arises. read more

Deb has handled several real estate matters for me over the years. She is very professional, competent and always keeps her clients informed. Deb will fight hard to protect your rights while seeking to resolve a situation fairly. I greatly appreciate Deb and Rowena's work efficiency and effective results. I give Gargalicana/Graceffa my highest recommendation, without reservation. read more

Deb is great to work with on almost any real estate matter! She is knowledgeable, organized and has a lot of extensive experience. She helped me purchase my first home over four years ago and recently helped me navigate through some treacherous home loan issues. If you want to work with someone who will do what she says she will do, then you should definitely work with Deb graceffa! read more

Rowena is absolutely phenomenal -- so incredibly capable, in addition to being one of the most competent, intelligent and caring attorneys, ever. Rowena helped to end a 14+ year truly heinous, extremely complex family law case. Her legal talents are exceptional. read more

Deb is great. She's been focused in our case and efficient, guided us through our situation professionally and in super dedicated way. I know where to go if I'll ever have a need in these kind of services. read more

I have used Gargalicana/Graceffa LLP multiple times. I originally met them when I was purchasing an income property. The seller wanted to accept a higher offer, after ours was already accepted, and we were required to jump through many hoops to make the deal happen. Both Deb and Rowena were there for us, racing against the clock to make sure everything was in order. They were knowlegable, even-tempered in the midst of chaos, and the deal was completed to our satisfaction. We recently had some potentially damaging financial issues with our property and Deb offered a potentially quick and easy solution, and she saved us thousands of dollars, because of the advice she gave us. Everything worked out well, and we are indebted to her. We have sought their advice and referred them to others on numerous occasions. I wholeheartedly recommend them. read more

The Firm, provided great advise and helped me avoid potential issues. I would recommend Deb to folks who are interested in a balance, and fair solution through transparent communication and amicable approaches/recommendations to reconcile issues. read more