I came to Meakin's Law after representing myself for divorce but experiencing a lot of on-going problems with custody. I'm leaving out much of the context needed to convey my appreciation for Meakins Law, and Brook in particular, but if you're reading this, you already have a sense of where I was in my life. Now that we are past all of that and my kids are happy and doing well in school, I cannot adequately express my appreciation for Brook's kindness, depth, wisdom and presence. Knowing that she had my back if I needed her help was a source of comfort and strength and patience that without doubt made my co-parenting (and even just my parenting) better. I've been able to maintain healthy boundaries with my-ex without fear of retaliation. I've had more patience owing to less stress & fear. My point is the value and benefit of having her at my side cannot be overstated, and it extended far beyond the filings and courtroom. read more

I cannot speak more highly of Brook and her team. First and foremost, Brook is an advocate. The depth of her empathy, professionalism, and determination shows in her work. I met with Brook at the beginning of my divorce case after a poor experience with a previous attorney. Brook was honest and open when we first met and stayed with me through a long and emotionally difficult case. If you are looking to ensure your voice is heard, your needs are met, and for an attorney to fight for you please set up a meeting. I cannot recommend a more highly ethical, determined, and skillful attorney. read more

I was clearly swindled, even expressing my limited economic resources, they did not hesitate to charge me for the visit appointment (how nice to know from the comments read that other clients of this firm obtained a discount). The worst thing was that I ended up doing the work of the lawyer negotiating directly with the father of my son, since the one who represented me only made me more afraid and pushed me to agree with all the requests of the petitioner. On top of doing nothing, the cost of her work went up $400 more (total of $7900 to the trash). What a shame that there are professionals who benefit from the moral and economic suffering of others. read more

Divorce can be messy and to say that's where mine was heading is an understatement. I had a previous attorney that seemed to make it even messier. However, while in court one day I saw Brook in action and she was sensational. I immediately looked up her firm online and hired her! She is a big picture attorney and does not push to make things complicated; she simplifies. She helped keep me on track and helped me focus on the important things and not get sidetracked by the unexpected. Looking back I sure wish I knew her from the beginning but I didn't and I am so grateful that I found her when I did. She is a very strong woman that gives you the space to process and deal with such difficult circumstances. I am forever grateful to her and her colleagues. Highly, highly, highly recommend her and everyone in her firm. read more

I got divorced a few years ago and came to Meakins Law after representing myself and after a disappointed experience with a prior lawyer. My case was complicated, I had everything to loose. I sourced the best divorce lawyer in the area and Meakins Law came up with flawless best reviews. Don't bother going anywhere else. A divorce is not about winning, it is about minimizing your losses. Their process is transparent, they are very sharp, and they know the law. Having a good lawyer is priceless. read more

When only the very best will do!! This firm is, The Best!! I cannot thank this firm and the team enough for the hard work they have put into my case. I trusted them and in the end we hit a home run!! I'm so happy with the turnout. I'm confident and comfortable moving forward in my life. I know that they have covered everything so that my future is protected. To the Owner and her Firm, From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for covering me. You are an incredible woman, mentor and friend!! I will always remember you and also what I've learned from you and your team.  My life is changed forever. Sky's the limit! Thank you, Janine Avanti Seaton read more

After my initial consultation (and many back and forth emails with Brooke and Triennille) I knew I could trust attorney David Worsham with my case. David gave excellent legal advice and is ready to stand by my side while I navigate my divorce. He provided comfort and support during this exhausting and stressful time. He really knows the law and is happy to take the lead. I recommend this office for anyone who needs legal help. Specifically divorce. read more

I was so happy with my experience with Brook at Meakins Law. I had anxiety in trying to figure out how I was going to resolve my situation and once I reached out to Brook, the anxiety went away. She took care of me from the start of my case, helped me with my concerns, made sure I understood the steps in the judicial process and brought my situation to a close! She is very responsive, very resourceful, and I highly recommend her services! You will be in good hands with Meakins Law. read more

If you are going through a divorce, you really should look no further than Brook Meakins. I am (still) divorcing an unpleasant human who has really put all his resources and energy into hiring people that I think have implemented morally and ethically bankrupt approaches. In the course of this case, I have interacted with three different attorneys for my ex so I have some comparison points as to other supposedly reputable attorneys in the area. I couldn't have chosen a better attorney than Brook Meakins. In the years I have worked with her she has maintained a cool head, been strategic and thoughtful, empathetic and honest, and often times guided me through my anger and frustration to the right choice. She often chose options that would make her less money, that would limit my case, and openly (but respectfully) argued with me when I was taking a wasteful and costly path. Her calm and measured approach has served to protect my children and me while keeping a steady pace on moving things forward. The facts are divorce sucks. I am not going to sugar coat it. And divorcing someone that centers their experiences over your children's basic needs is painful and unjust. But having an attorney who will walk with you in some of your darkest times and keep a cool head while keeping you on a righteous path is truly priceless. I owe her everything and I couldn't recommend her more. read more

I was not able to work with this lawyer, but she was very upfront and did not try to charge me a dollar without getting the information she needed to know. She let me know she wouldn't have ample time for what I needed in the immediate. When she could have charged me, and just said things take time. I really appreciate the honesty and ethics they uphold here. read more

I wish there were more available stars to give... Brook and everyone who works with her at Meakins Law are fabulous! I interacted the most with Brook and her office manager, Trennille Brass, and I cannot say enough good things about them. My divorce should have been simple and quick, but my ex turned it into a long, protracted process. Brook stayed with me every step of the way and took a personal interest in helping me through it. She and her staff were responsive, clear in their explanations, and extremely helpful in their guidance. I appreciated the fact they they never proposed acting in an inequitable way toward my ex. If I had a question or concern and reached out, someone got back to me promptly every single time. Sometimes they even checked in if I did not. They did their best to keep things as affordable as possible for me. I have come to regard Brook as a friend and ally, and an invaluable resource for a variety of legal questions and referrals. She has always made me feel that she has a genuine, personal interest in me and my case and has gone beyond the call of duty in so many ways. In addition to her professional acumen, Brook is also a genuinely good and nice human being. I cannot imagine going through this difficult transition with anyone else at the helm and by my side. read more

Amazing experience from start to finish. I was involved in a drawn out divorce that had spanned a decade and much of my children's lives. I had a trial date to decide the fate of my home, which was the only thing still pending before actual divorce was final final. Although there was only one issue to decide it was still extremely complicated both from a legal point of view and the personal as my young adult children had been caught in the middle of the situation for several years. Additionally, more than five "reputable" Bay Area family law firms told me my case was way too complicated, way too entrenched, and too much to get involved with an unravel given all that had transpired before the schedule trial date. Crazy right? Lawyers literally refusing to take a case because it is too complicated for them? I had also engaged a lawyer to help me out a few years previously and he pretty much left me high and dry and did not advance my situation at all. That was really sad and I was pretty demoralized after paying someone a good amount of money who did not believe in accountability or fierce advocacy for his clients. I was highly doubtful anybody would take my case and I was actually quite desperate to get proper representation and either settle out of court or go into the trial with an airtight defense and case. I gave Meakins the chance to look at my case and politely tell me what every other lawyer had - this is nuts and we won't touch it. To my surprise, I received a detailed and compassionate response to my inquiry. From there I was only treated with more respect, professionalism, and most importantly fierce advocacy and more compassion. We were able to settle out of court in the 11th hour after a 10-year impasse. David and his team helped me negotiate a way to hold on to my house for several more years and get a higher percentage of net sales when that occurs. Negotiations are only wrapped up when both sides see a benefit both on a financial and personal level. More important was to end this situation for the sake of our children. David navigated an extremely thorny lawyer / client situation (on the opposing side) and reached a settlement that was agreeable to all of us and quite frankly optimal for all of us. I am indebted to these folks and what they helped me achieve is priceless. read more

what a group of boneheads. I did not need a lecture. I needed results and results I did not receive.

If there were a possibility of 6 stars, Meakins Law would certainly earn it. I can't say good enough things about Brook Meakins and ALL of her staff. The level of professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to make sure that my goals were their first and foremost goal really sets them apart. Meakins Law represented me during the divorce and with the other matters regarding spousal support and custody since then. I really liked that the focus was always on defining my goals and finding a way to achieve those goals. read more

As an attorney myself, I know what it looks like to see an attorney advocate effectively. Brook exemplifies what it means to be an advocate. Throughout my entire divorce process, Brook frequently checked in with me via email or phone. She worked diligently to write emails, submit letters, and file requests on my behalf. And perhaps most importantly, she expressed understanding, guidance, and encouragement along the way while also being honest and clear about potential risks and difficulties. Even after the divorce proceedings concluded, Brook took the time to check back in to make sure I was comfortable with how the case was resolved and to inquire if there was anything else she could do. I cannot recommend her more highly read more

Brook Meakins was a life saver for me during my divorce. Divorce is not only a financial and legal challenge, but also a huge emotional challenge. Brook gets that and was there for me in every way, walking me through the steps, making things happen efficiently, protecting my interests while being totally fair and professional to the other side. I can't imagine a better family lawyer! I highly recommend Brook to you! read more

I don't normally take the time to write reviews, but I am more than happy to give five stars to Brook Meakins and her staff. I don't know where to begin with the great things to say. First of all, Brook accepted my trial case while she was eight months pregnant and had less than a month to prepare (for both her baby and my case!!). I have been in and out of court with my ex-husband for going on 11 years and I was afraid that my children would be forced to move out of state with their father and step-mother. Pregnant and all, Brook prepared my case (herself) for trial with only a few weeks to get it done. I had an attorney, but I felt like she was not doing enough. I was afraid of losing my children and I had a big decision to make. I had to ask myself if I should keep my attorney because it was so close to the trial or take a chance and switch attorneys. I just wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I didn't try everything I could to keep my children home with me. Brook dealt with an extremely obnoxious attorney, as well as an irrational, uncompromising, and controlling couple (my ex and his wife). I watched her keep her composure and advocate for me and my sons while she stayed focused on our goals. Brook and her attentive staff did a number of complimentary services for me and I never had to wait long to get a response, Brook even responded to my emails on weekends and after hours. Of all my years of court and lawyers I have never experienced this type of 'lawyering.' The first thing she did after she decided to take my case was to have me write out three goals. Brook took those goals and based her case around them. She even kept me focused on them when I would lose focus and begin to go in a different direction. I appreciate her honesty, candor, and beautiful fighting spirit. I think Brook is well worth the money and I will definitely work with her in the future should I need family law services. I wish Brook, her husband and new baby, and her staff the best. I would recommend Brook to anyone going through a difficult family law situation. My children are at home with me where they belong and I don't know if that would have happened if it were not for Meakins Law. Shatiqua H. read more

Five stars for results!! My ex husband got such a spanking in court I almost felt sorry for him. Almost. With Brook, I got EVERYTHING I asked for. And more. She got my custody evaluation to "stick" with no changes, despite my ex husband's and his lawyer's best efforts. She also prevented my ex from getting his hands on the private mental health records that he had subpoenaed. She even negotiated so that I wouldn't have to pay any child support, which I wasn't even that concerned about. Brook was up against a lying narcissistic lawyer, and she stayed entirely professional while at the same time not taking any crap from him. He tried to intimidate her (probably because she looks young) but she wasn't even fazed. In court, she spoke up at exactly the right times, and said what needed to be said. You could tell the judge really liked her. (Which shouldn't make a difference, but I think on some level it helps if the judge likes your lawyer.) Brook's staff was awesome. Interestingly, they were all very attractive too, all of them. Even the hot young new lawyer. He seemed a little awkward but maybe he just wilted under my cougar stare. The best thing was that Brook always responded to my emails very quickly, even on the weekends, which was good because I panicked a lot about stuff that came up and needed some hand-holding. She's expensive, but it seems like all lawyers are. Truthfully I would have paid triple for the results I got. I will definitely be asking her to represent me when my ex-husband inevitably drags me back to court again in the future. read more

I want to write this review as a token of my gratitude to the Meakins Law team and also to help all of you. I found Brook via Yelp so I feel a responsibility to write this review and help others. I want to first say I wish you well. Chances are you're seeking representation during a very tough time in your life, which was the case with me. That said, like all professionals, there are good and bad attorneys out there so until they are able to clone Brook, best be careful and keep reading. Background: I went through a tough breakup where Mother and I disagreed on parenting time. I talked to family members, friends, friends who were attorneys and finally just researched via Yelp for the right representation. For me, it was hard to articulate what I was looking for but what was equally important to me was the right fit and competency. But what is so so critical are the basic things like responsiveness with urgency, being respectful, listening, caring... Brook has all of those attributes and you'd be surprised how not one of the other attorneys I interviewed possessed those basic traits. I either spoke or met with 8 different attorneys before I found Meakins Law. I recall continuing my search as the attorneys I initially met seemed insincere, combative, callas, in-personable, vague etc. I will be putting my hard earned dollars on the line and I wanted representation with my best interest in mind. Admittedly, I was skeptical that every attorney had an ulterior motive to drag things out. ********************** should you want to skip ahead to the review ****************** Then I I found Meakins Law via Yelp. The first thing that struck me was how glowing the reviews were. I did not find a single critical review. By the way, I like to read critical reviews as I learn more. I can tell if the reviewer is bitter, negative or if their review has merit. Brook was the only attorney that did not have a critical review and over a year later, I see why. I spoke with Brook over the phone and she was clear and friendly. During our first live meeting, Brook listened understood what I wanted accomplished and represented me for the next year in my quest to achieve equal parenting time with my daughter. Brook, Peter and team were tireless in their quest to help me fulfill my goals. In all candor, had i followed Brook's advice, I would have been writing this review months after meeting with her versus a year later. But that was my fault! Emails, phone calls, rearranging schedules, Brook and her team were just so responsive, accommodating, respectful and most of all understanding. There were times where I was not filling my responsibility as a client to help her help me! But her team never gave up on me and for that I will always be grateful. More grateful than they will ever know. The bottom line: Brook, Peter and team accomplished what I came to them for... in a warm, advocative manner. I also just feel compelled to say much I admire Brook and how grateful I am to her for representing me. It was an honor to be her client. She is a pure soul and no matter how dark things got, Brook was always a shinning beacon. So thank you Brook and I wish you all well. To everyone else, I hope you do not need representation but if you do, you'll be quite lucky to have Brook and her phenomenal team in your corner. -Greg read more

I'm very disappointed that my first attempt to enter a review for Brook Meakins, Attorney at Law, was lost somehow. Once lost, something like that can never really be recreated the same. I had a terrible medical malpractice experience. The short story is that my doctor gave me a prescription for a medication that landed me in the emergency room, near death, followed by three days in the ICU in a medically-induced coma, with four more days in a regular medical unit. Because I didn't die, lose a limb, or end up slobbering in a corner, I had difficulties finding an attorney who would take my case and run with it. A couple of attorneys took my case, feeling sympathy for what happened, but later reconsidered. It's clear that they were looking at the case solely from a money perspective. That has NOT been my experience with Brook. Like several other attorneys, she felt sympathy for me when I explained what had happened, but she did not take an adding machine to my situation and determine that she could make more money elsewhere. Brook has maintained a very human attitude and approach to handling my claim and I have never felt like I was just a paycheck to her. I always appreciate those rare individuals who can balance the need to be a professional with the desire to be a friend human being, Brook is one of those people. She couldn't be more professional, at the same time I am always happy to see her or hear from her because she is such a lovely person. Brook's filings and correspondence look just like what you would see coming from a large firm with a dozen partners and she has been extremely diligent in representing my best interests. Yet, she developed a personal bond with me that she has maintained throughout this long and unpleasant process. In fact, if you have to go through something as unpleasant as a lawsuit, you might as well be accompanied and guided by someone as pleasant as Brook Meakins. I cannot imagine what more I could ask of an attorney, and I suspect if I did, Brook would know it before I did. I wish I had the moving words of a poet to articulate how strongly I feel about writing this review for Brook, maybe then I couldexpress how certain I am that a person looking for an attorney should select Brook. I hope you understand that I am not just writing a review, I am writing arecommendation. read more

I'm in the throes of a bumpy divorce and reached out to Brook for assistance with my case. I received a response from Brook shortly thereafter, with options for meeting with me...even though she was on vacation. It turned out that I ended up finding a mediator to assist with my divorce and did not need Brook's legal counsel. Of course, I was completely impressed by Brook's incredible level of communication and willingness to work with my case. I was even more blown away when I recently received a follow-up on the status of my mediation...even though it's been several weeks since I told Brook I did not need to retain her for counsel. While I cannot vouch for her legal prowess, I can certainly vouch for Brook being communicative and sincerely interested in helping me...even when it's not going to result in her getting work from me at such time. I work with legal counsel constantly, I mean constantly....and I have not encountered such genuineness from an attorney. It's rare. While legal knowledge is important, it's equally important to feel like you have an attorney in your corner who communicates with you. read more

I was very fortunate to meet Brook last Spring in 2010. She represented me in a personal injury/product liability case with a big time company based in San Francisco. I was very pleased to see how friendly and easygoing she was when we first met and felt very comfortable with her right away. That, to me, was very important when it came to hiring her as my attorney. She made me feel very comfortable and not haggled or pressured at all. Throughout my case, Brook was excellent with communicating with me and keeping me updated with how things were going. I loved the fact that she was always available and was very quick to respond to any questions that I had via email. I was so impressed with the results of my case, that I decided to hire Brook again this year as my attorney for a family law matter. I made the mistake of using a different family law attorney at first, and was completely disappointed. I ended up paying way too much and got minimal results. I turned to Brook with questions about family law, and felt so pleased with her input that I immediately knew she was the one I wanted to represent me in this case. She is a true professional and very reliable! She doesn't fit the social stigma of a "lawyer", and is absolutely someone that I trust. And when it comes to hiring an attorney, trust is everything! read more

Brook is a fantastic attorney. From day 1, she showed genuine care for us and our situation. Brook helped us focus on the most important outcome: the welfare of our children. She works efficiently, is approachable, responsive, and super sharp, while at the same time she took time to make sure we were ok throughout the whole process. She is amazing to watch in court! If only I had her help when I went through my divorce four years ago. Some background: my wife and I have been dealing with an extremely difficult custody timeshare and co-parenting situation with my ex for years. We've been patient through all the drama and kept a paper trail. My ex was not willing to go to mediation and flaunted the MSA with disregard for any consequence. Brook helped us understand what we should and shouldn't tolerate and engaged calmly with the other side despite diatribes, lies, avoidance, and a general lack of cooperation. Brook kept us prepared for court and ultimately won us a better custody arrangement than what we'd hoped for. The children are extremely happy and we don't have to waste all of our time dealing with the drama. Thanks, Brook! read more

Brook and her team did an incredible job of helping me navigate the divorce process quickly, efficiently, and with the results that I wanted. I was impressed from start to finish on how my case was handled. At every step of the way, I felt that Brook, David and the rest of the staff were knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive in one of the hardest periods of my life. I was recommended to Brook by my sister (also an attorney) who knew her work first hand from environmental law cases they'd collaborated on and from law school. I had been trying to manage the divorce process myself and was frustrated and overwhelmed. My sister spoke so highly of Brook as both an attorney and a person. I am so grateful I took her advice and went in for a consultation. Divorce is a highly unpleasant, stressful experience. But, if you find yourself in this position, you want someone like Brook right behind you. I felt like I had the perfect advocate for my situation. I can't recommend Brook and Meakins Law enough. read more

Divorce is never easy but Brook, Adam and team made it as painless as possible. The firm is compassionate, skilled, and offers wise and realistic counsel. They are also very collaborative, which I deeply appreciated. I strongly recommend Meakins Law - they walked me through this difficult process and helped me get to a resolution that was fair, read more

Brook Meakins is a rare lawyer in that she really has the client's best interests at heart and works hard to solve problems inexpensively. Brook cares about her clients, listens to them and addresses their needs and concerns. She isnt one of those big ego type lawyers that seem so common in the profession. She makes things easy for her clients and agreed to meet at a downtown SF location which was convenient. She only billed for 1.5 hours total time and did a great job carefully reviewing a contract and counseling regarding its terms. She is smart, punctual, careful and unlike so many of her colleagues, REASONABLY PRICED. Brook is all about providing value for her client instead of maximizing billing. She doesnt make every engagement a huge project like some lawyers try to do. Her hourly fees are under market and she gets the job done fast. You will be in good hands with Brooke Meakins. I recommend her highly. read more

I had an initial consultation with the firm and it was a great experience. I walked in with a very little knowledge about California Family law and ended up gaining important knowledge that was very helpful for my situation. Overall, my attorney was very professional and dedicated to my needs. I definitely recommend this firm if you are searching for one in Berkeley area. read more

Brook is not only a wonderful attorney but a genuine person as well. She goes the extra mile to ensure you understand what is going on throughout the legal process and offers innovative and new ways to tackle whatever issue is presented. Brook makes sure that you are her number one priority and is very quick to action your requests, questions and needs. She doesn't "waste" your time or money and works hard to ensure her clients are always satisfied. She will weed through the non-issues that opposing counsel might bring up and make sure that everyone stays on point. I highly recommend Brook to anyone needing an attorney. She has a wide array of expertise areas and will exceed all of your expectations. read more

Just hire her immediately! You won't regret it...In fact you will be very glad you did! She's passionate about the work she does and the people she does it for; this is not just a job for her. Ok, the longer version is.. (Winter 2010/Spring 2011). I met Brook through a consultant who recommended her to me. The consultant didn't know her personally but thought she was the best option for me at the time. So we both took a chance on Brook! I worked for a very large Real Estate Investment company that was in breach of contract. Mind you, I did not understand this until Brook came aboard! Before that I didn't know how to explain what they'd done. If I had called Brook first I wouldn't have needed a hearing. I could have filled out my paperwork and done the interview with the correct information from the beginning. But alas,.... I had to leave my company because I had tried everything I could do to work with them but they refused to honor their employment contract with me and furthermore were being abusive. I quit and filed for unemployment but they denied my claim. I didn't want to take a chance on going it alone so I hired a professional, Brook. I had never hired an attorney before. Thank goodness there are lawyers out there like Brook. From the moment I contacted her I had a great experience. She got back to me right away. She established a connection with me that made me feel comfortable working with her. She was professional, polite and empathetic; she let me know she understood the problem professionally and yet had compassion for me and the situation I was in. She was patient, grounded and present. She took my case and she charged me a reasonable fee for her services. Other attorneys wanted a very large retainer before they even looked at my case. Brook's fees are professional and reasonable for the excellent service you get. I wasn't looking for the cheapest option. When we went to court, she very deliberately and smoothly unraveled the company's case in front of the judge. We got a notice not long afterwards that we had won! Note: Brook has a quiet demeanor. She is quite friendly. And she's pretty too. This was not the image of what I thought an attorney who's going to "fight hard" for me would look like. lol. Well, it just wasn't. Probably too much TV and movies! Well, she holds her own and well! You should have seen her in that court. I was nervous when I arrived for my hearing but was able to calm myself down somewhat after Brook arrived; she was calm and assertive and took the lead. I appreciated her confidence level in the heat of the moment. When my hearing ended, it was apparent to me that Brook had nailed the case! The judge seemed to appreciate Brook's temperament and professionalism as well. This was exemplified by the responses Brook would elicit after her presentation and/or motions to the court. I enjoyed working with Brook! You just don't hear people saying that type of thing about an attorney. If I need an attorney again, and I'm sure I will for one reason or another, I will definitely hire Brook. I suggest you do the same. read more

Brook is AMAZING!! She is so easy to work with & made me feel like my case was very important:). She was so fast & efficient! I felt like I was never overcharged, because from the beginning she was so clear about what my expectations should be & a helpful "rough outline" of how my type of case should have gone. I was trying to settle with an employer that was with holding commission. I had been trying to get paid for months on my own & was unsuccessful. Upon hiring Brook, I received all of my commission in full within 4 weeks! It was great to work with her:). I would recommend her to friends & family! Brook is friendly, professional, knowledgeable, direct, & caring. She is a well-rounded lawyer & she went above and beyond my expectations to represent me in the best way! read more

I only went in for a consultation about my recent, and overdue, decision to divorce. From the yelp reviews, I had to check it out. And they really do live up to their reputation. Brook was very helpful, informative and honest with me for the whole consultation. No matter how much research you do beforehand, there's always something that you're not aware of. I was reasonably aware of the process and some of the gotchas that can happen with divorce, but Brook filled in the gaps of my knowledge and I feel a lot more informed about the process. And knowing is half the battle. read more

review for: Felipe Parker. I highly recommend Mr. Parker for custody cases. Due to the private sensitive nature of the case, I am not able to go into the details, but I can assure you that he is highly professional and extremely efficient. His gentle professional guidance helped me get the custody without any bloodbath or thousands spend. Thank you. review for: Amber. Top notch on billing and clients relation/communications. Immediate responses to emails and incredible attention to details. Thank you. read more

Several years ago, when I first start the process of looking for a family lawyer, I had no idea where to start or who to trust. The process of figuring out this unhappy need was unfamiliar, unwanted and exhausting. Ultimately, I decided to take a consultation with Brook, partly because of the positive reviews and testimonials, but mostly because of the clear empathy and compassion conveyed through her website. It was one of the greatest decisions I've made. Brook is one of those unique individuals who can combine a comprehensive knowledge of the law, with an excellent bedside manner and a counter punchers instinct. She listens, consoles and then councils with focused and clear vision. Each leg of journey is scripted with purpose and augmented with contingency plans for every probable scenario along the way. Merging her intangibles with a seasoned presence in the Bay area, Brook uses her knowledge and familiarity of the various local courts, judges and opposing council to craft a winning strategy. Every case follows a general path, but the intricacy of each person's life creates distinct challenges. In my case, my divorce took many twists and turns over several years, as my ex-spouse was uncooperative, unresponsive, combative and manipulative. She ignored court deadlines, lied about her health and employment, and rejected compromises she initially proposed; she manipulated our son to create leverage in our negotiations and was generally all around difficult. Without Brook's calm and sage advice, I would have made several poor decisions that would have relieved the immediate pain, but decisions I would have sincerely regretted later on. Through Brook's guidance, I was able to stay several steps ahead in each aspect of the case and eventually put myself into an optimal situation. Most importantly, I have full access to my son and air-tight agreement that lets me sleep at night. On those merits alone, I would recommend Brook to anybody who needs a good family lawyer. However, what I think differentiates Brook from her peers, is that she builds a relationship for the long term. Many family lawyers view their clients as singular interactions. What this approach ignores, is that circumstances evolve. People's lives change and the arrangements that worked for one period of your life may need to be revisited. Brook is passionate about helping her clients through every situation, not just the initial divorce. She works with people to obtain revised custody and support arrangements, councils them on new relationships and genuinely tries to make people's lives happier and healthier. Brook was one of few bright spots in a dark period of my life and I am eternally grateful for having met her. read more

When I first found Brook, I was on a shoe string budget. Therefore, I wasn't expecting much. I think the anomaly of "you get what you pay for" has been thrown out the window with Brook. She is not only affordable, but extremely honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate. While there might be other attorneys that charge triple the price, I would still put my bet on Brook. My biggest mistake is that I didn't know about her earlier. She will be our family attorney as long as she practices and every person with a civil litigation issue, I refer them to her with the utmost confidence. I can probably count all the "Wow's" I've given on one hand, and Brook is one of them. read more

I can highly recommend Brook to anyone looking for a great business attorney. Brook not only did a great job for us in the short time frame needed, she was a pleasure to work with at the same time. Even though we never met in person, Brook was easy to work with and very fair in her fees. She assessed our needs and delivered as promised. I believe her to be a kind and caring person and we are grateful to have found her. We will definitely be using Brook in the future as our business grows. Thank you Brook for a great job! read more

Brook was very goal oriented, from before I hired her she wanted to know what my goals and priorities were. When those priorities and goals changed she was quick to adjust. Brook always showed concern and showed emotional support when there were altercations with the other side, keeping focus on the welfare of the child. I really like that her firm is paperless and so organized, everyone in her firm was always on board with the details of my complicated case. Overall, Brook and her team fought hard to meet my needs and I'm VERY thankful. read more

Asked if they had a free consultation for low income people. Receptionist passed me on to someone she said could help. After describing my situation, she said they could do a half hour for $250. or an hour for $500. and that was the fee to have them help me get my X to pay for their services. Initially I was upset, but Brooke called me back and after hearing my situation she invited me in to their office for a free consultation. I had given a less than stellar review, but Brooke took time out of her day to call me back, hear my story and take time to consult with me. Much appreciated!!! read more

This review is long overdue as I have wanted to share my wonderful experience since the day I chose the Meakins firm. Now that my divorce is coming to a close, I am so grateful I found a firm that handled my case with such integrity and professionalism. I felt comfortable from the initial consultation with my lawyer David and he truly listens to the client. In my case he was able to negotiate with the opposing party amicably while getting me the best settlement possible. David was very accommodating of my work schedule by arranging phone calls or handling things electronically when allowed. This saved me much time and hassle, but he was always happy to meet if I ever needed any face time. The staff has been great as well, patient and quick to respond. The firm is up front and very transparent about everything. Also fair and flexible with the fees. They made life a lot easier by allowing customers to handle things electronically, from paying invoices online to providing a link to access all your case files. Aside from their expertise in family law, I felt like more than just a client. Brook has personally made me feel like family during a very difficult time, always checking in to not only see how my case was going but how I was doing. I respect Brook and David both personally and professionally. I feel lucky that I had the Meakins firm as my advocate and could not recommend them more! read more

If you are reading this review - Congratz, you are half way saved from whatever miserable/difficult situations you are trapped in right now. And you are so close to get yourself fully saved by contacting Meakins Law and praying that they will have the bandwidth to take your case. I was very unlucky to suffer from multiple bad attorneys before I found Meakins Law. As soon as I had my initial consultation with Brook, I knew immediately that this was a genuine and extreme knowledgeable law firm based on how patiently and carefully Brook listened to me and how strategically she was able to quickly spot the problems and provide me few directions for the next step. Then I was lucky enough to have Meakins Law take my case, hold my hand and walk me through the dark, difficult and nasty process ("thanks to" the horrible, idiotic, dishonest, unprofessional opposite counsel & opposite party who exits by making endless troubles and delaying the court) step by step towards the reasonable and fair end which was the ultimate goal I was looking for. David was my day-to-day attorney who worked on every detail of my case from handling every form, email to attending every hearing and eventually settled the case in a reasonable and victorious way. David is a super knowledgeable, ethical, strategic, persuasive, analytical to be able to read people and the case, dedicated and fearless attorney who will never give up on fighting for your best interest no matter how difficult the situation is. Brook was copied on every email of our conversation so both of them were fully aware of every detail of my case. This model is very unique, totally worked and financially efficient to the client. Unlike other law firms who may have a full house of staffs "work" on your case and show on your bills, in fact, nobody really knows what's going on with your case as all the works have been diced and layered to multiple people who don't even know you and your story. That's why David and Brook's good reputations are out there for so many reasons. Anyway, I can keep this review ongoing as I truly appreciate David and Brook for their professionalism and expertise in Family Law to save me from a difficult case. I also admire David and Brook as integrity, ethical and intelligent human beings who could always win people's hearts in the case because they ARE the good people & attorneys who have golden hearts and souls to help read more

Look no further if seeking a Family Law/Divorce Attorney! Meakins Law is absolutely outstanding in every measure. This team is trustworthy (no shenanigans--everything upfront and realistic); hard working (I've received email responses to sudden concerns within minutes, at 1:30 am on a weekend!); patient and supportive (Meakins Law worked with me when situations changed and I needed to make adjustments); and they are oh, so successful in Court. Being on a fixed income, I balked at the fees at first, yet when I interviewed other "cheaper" law firms, none of them gave any sign that my case was important enough to interest them. None of them felt "right" to me. When I finally interviewed Brook Meakins, it was an entirely different story. Brook encouraged me to talk, and she demonstrated her attention through her questions. Brook was able to anticipate and alleviate my fears before I ever enumerated them. All the staff at Meakins Law, from receptionist on up, showed the same concern and support. I was especially impressed with the hourly fee structure used at Meakins Law; it is manifestly designed for fairness. It was clear from the start that this firm is not out to "extract" money from their clients. I knew by the end of the interview that I was in the right place; I have never regretted that decision, ever. David is the lawyer from Meakins Law who worked with me. It was always a pleasure to see him, and he kept me abreast of how the case was unfolding. David stayed in touch with me throughout the entire process: he emailed papers that I could sign and return by email. He kept me on course by reminding me of things I needed to do in order to keep things moving along. David's positive attitude and plain old human decency were always a balm to my anxieties. In the end, David was able to get exactly what I wanted without my ever having to set foot in a courtroom. David also, during the course of our conversations, gave me "free" advice: "Don't do that," and "NO!" He saved me from creating unnecessary trouble for myself. In addition to all this, Meakins Law did not use up all the retainer (Woohoo!!). Brook Meakins is a great lawyer and she has a fantastic team at Meakins Law to work with her and her clients. Just go interview with her--you'll see just what I mean. When you walking into the offices, you can tell th at everyone is working for you. What great people! They feel like the kind of friends you can trust to tell you the truth yet spare no effort to create your best outcome. Some things are worth more than money; some things money can't buy. Do yourself a great favor and check out Meakins Law for a Family Law/Divorce attorney. read more