We understand. We're investors too.

Forty years of estate planning, real estate, and litigation work for California investors, owners, and the families who count on them. Bay Area attorneys who hold active broker licenses and own property themselves.

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01 — Practice

Three integrated practices under one roof: estate planning, real estate, and litigation. Engagements stay with a partner from intake through resolution.

P—01

Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate

Estate planning at Lerman Law is structured around the full arc of ownership and legacy. The firm prepares revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives, then remains counsel through trust administration and probate when the time comes. The approach is methodical and non-judgmental, informed by Michelle Lerman's forty-plus years guiding Bay Area clients through transitions.

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P—02

Real Estate Transactions

Lerman Law approaches real estate transactions as active investors and licensed brokers, not outside observers. The firm handles residential and commercial acquisitions and sales, including 1031 exchanges and structured closings, with diligence oriented toward how each property fits a broader portfolio. Investor fluency shortens the advisory distance between attorney and client from letter of intent through closing.

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P—03

Litigation

The litigation practice reinforces the firm's transactional and estate work, representing investors and beneficiaries in real estate contract disputes, title claims, and contested trust matters. Recognized on America's Top 100 Bet-The-Company Litigators list in 2019, the firm brings an assertive posture to high-stakes cases, with the same standard of diligence that informs every transactional engagement.

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02 — Attorneys

A founding partner with four decades of practice, supported by a sector-focused team.

Founding Partner

Michelle C. Lerman

Of Counsel, CunninghamLegal; Co-Founder, Lerman Law Partners LLP

Co-founder of Lerman Law Partners LLP with her husband Jeffrey H. Lerman. Graduated magna cum laude from UCLA and received her J.D. from USC (AmJur Award). California Bar member since 1983. Named Top Women Attorney in Northern California by San Francisco Magazine (2013, 2017-2021). Selected for California Super Lawyers 2009, 2010, and 2017-2023. Past president, Estate Planning Section, Marin County Bar Association. Co-founder, Estate Planning Section Mentor Group. Author of 'Create Your Best Legacy,' Third Edition (2018). Focuses on estate planning, living trusts, probate, and trust administration for individuals, families, and real estate investors throughout California.

The Team

Philip Diamond

Attorney

Sarah Kern

Attorney

Dylan Recht

Attorney

03 — Credentials

On the wall.

Bar admissions

Past President, Estate Planning Section, Marin County Bar Association, Michelle C. Lerman

Memberships and roles

America's Top 100 Bet-The-Company Litigators, 2019
Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
Top Women Attorneys, Northern California, San Francisco Magazine (2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Michelle C. Lerman
Number 1 Favorite Lawyer, Marin and Sonoma Counties, J. Weekly News Readers Poll, 2007, Michelle C. Lerman
Licensed Real Estate Broker, attorneys are investors and brokers

Honors

AV Preeminent 5.0/5.0, Martindale-Hubbell
Super Lawyers, California (2009, 2010, 2017-2023), Michelle C. Lerman
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Dylan Recht
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Sarah E. Kern

Contact Lerman Law Partners to schedule a confidential consultation.

We accept new matters by referral and direct introduction. The first conversation is brief and at no cost.

(415) 448-7778 Send a message