I recently had the good fortune of being represented by Jean Shrem in the purchase of the home that I had been renting for a number of years and I am exceedingly grateful to her for assisting me in this endeavor. Jean came highly recommended by both my mortgage company and a real estate agent and it quickly became clear why she was recommended so highly. Her expertise in navigating all aspects of the home purchase process and her calm demeanor even in the face of a couple of unexpected hiccups made the entire experience much less daunting and stressful. I am very grateful to Jean for representing me and can't recommend her highly enough! read more

Just reached out to her and she called back right away! i reached out to a few firms and some didn't even respond so I could schedule a consolation. She was upfront with her pricing and appreciated her candor and straight forwardness about my inquiry. I'm not a client but just wanted to give her kudos. Not sure why some lawyers just dont act like like straight up people. Just be genuine and straight forward it means a lot. read more

My family and I are deeply grateful for Jean Shrem and her good work on multiple occasions. Several years ago, with efficiency and strong expertise, and with no-nonsense wisdom, Jean advised us through our sale of our Berkeley home, which already had good renters, and which we wished to work through with a win-win-win for buyers, renters, and sellers alike. With her help, we navigated this with success. Before that, she helped advise us with renters who were not so good. Again, we felt we were in a position of much greater knowledge and strength with her excellent advice. Most recently, I wrote to Jean in hopes of solid networking referrals for a frightening situation experienced by my son, outside of property and tenancy law. Jean's generous referrals led to sound and reassuring advice. All-in-all, what I most appreciate has been Jean as a source of protection, strength, and goodness for my family and others I care about. This is something I can't take lightly, hence my gratitude! read more

I am a repeat customer of Shrem Law's, having received both estate planning and real estate-related legal services. I would highly recommend their services due to the quality of their work, exemplary professionalism, and singular focus on their client's best interest and getting the best possible outcome. read more

IMPECCABLE & COMPASSIONATE Highly informative 30" consultation with Attorney J. Shrem! Impressed with her approachable demeanor and the clear, concise manner in which she explained the laws pertaining to our matter. She spoke in easily comprehendible layman's terms--comforting for an elderly client. Attorney Shrem not only tackled questions and uncertainties; she brought light to other significant matters we overlooked. We are now more confident and better equipped for our small claims case. I can imagine her "a force to be reckoned with" in the courtroom! read more

It's difficult to reach any attorney under any practice type that will candidly offer their time to chat through a free and informed consultation. Enter Jean Shrem who is the most pleasant attorney to talk with. If I ever need real representation, I wouldn't think twice to engage her services. read more

We had a time-sensitive dispute regarding a home purchase and consulted with 4 different real estate attorneys. Far and away, Jean gave us the most helpful guidance, and was the only attorney who clearly comprehended our documentation and properly evaluated our case. We felt that some of the attorneys we spoke with were trying to push us toward legal escalation in an effort to secure their own fees. However, Jean gave us a very balanced and unbiased assessment and ultimately helped us to reach an amicable agreement quickly and without additional unnecessary legal expenses for either side. Not to be cliche, but Jean seems like a "straight shooter" and was absolutely worth her fees. She was also highly responsive during a critical time, even on short notice. read more

Jean helped me in 2009 during the mortgage crisis. Sound advice from a wonderful person. Now that I'm back on track to consider buying property, I can't think of a better person to help me plan. read more

I attempted to reach the firm multiple times to determine if the practice would be a fit for my real estate dispute, but did not receive so much as the favor of a reply. read more

This review is a few months overdue but I felt the need to share my experience with Attorney Shrem. Attorney Shrem made herself available to review our contracts and provided very valuable and informative information. She took the time to explain matters to us in easy to understand language. We are very appreciative of her extensive knowledge of the law. We felt very comfortable with the advise she provided. I will not hesitate to utilize her expertise if needed again in the future! Again, thank you Attorney Shrem!!! read more

Jean has been my trusted family attorney for many years, assisting me and many of my real estate clients with wills, trusts, and all sorts of real estate legal needs. She is responsive, friendly, expert, and professional...highly recommended! read more

A down to earth, straightforward, ethical, communicative, and experienced attorney. In general, attorney fees are not cheap, and it scares people, but that is why attorneys need to be more transparent and educate the client before they make a big decision. Jean was clear from the beginning about her fees. She is a person with good energy. read more

Jean Shrem is a no nonsense, knowledgeable, experienced and all around impressive attorney. She knows the ins and outs of the communities she works in but beyond that she has first hand experience and uses that in her practice. She's responsive, respectful with her clients and most of all she knows how to get things done which is what one would want in their attorney. She's someone I have used and continue to recommend to clients, friends and family. read more

Excellent! Answered my questions efficiently with an eye toward my deadline. Gave me what I needed to take care of my legal issue quickly. The opposition knew the name and I think that helped resolve things -- they knew I was well-represented! read more

Even though she wasn't able to provide me legal services she still helped find someone who could. Very nice and professional. Will keep her in mind if I ever need her help. Thank you for responding to me quickly i appreciate it. read more

This office responded to my inquiry by informing me that they no longer handle the type of situation I'm in and provided names/numbers of other firms that would be able to help me. This was super helpful because I wasn't getting a lot of hits from Google or Yelp for the type of lawyer to address my situation. Thank you, Shrem Law! read more

Who says you can't get great legal advice when you need it? I am a Realtor. My business has all kinds of time-sensitive deadlines to adhere to. So, when a client springs something really big on you unexpectedly, and your time to gather information and respond is very limited, the greatest asset you can have in your corner is direct access to an incredibly knowledgeable real estate attorney. Jean Shrem is that person. I can depend on Jean to have answers to my inquiries and respond quickly, so I can protect my clients' interests. She is an integral part of my business, helping me provide the best service to my clients. She makes me look good by providing accurate timely advice and counseling, and protects my clients from legal mishaps. Whether I am referring clients directly to her for help, or she's helping me to decipher contract issues, Jean is the expert! Thank you Jean! read more

My partner and I hired Jean Shrem last year after our real estate agent highly recommended her. We consulted with her regarding the selling of our Berkeley duplex. She helped us with a tenant buyout agreement and with the legally required disclosure statements. This was my first time hiring a real estate attorney. I recommend her wholeheartedly. read more

Super smart and responsive! Jean replied to my short-notice inquiry promptly and thoroughly answered my questions about a tenant issue concerning a college student housing situation. In just a few minutes, I better understood what the tenant rights are, and specific next steps. Jean is clear, knowledgeable, and insightful. Jean's advice gave me and my student the confidence needed to resolve the situation. I highly recommend Jean. read more

We are in the midst of a shortsale and are in need of some legal advice so I decided to call. Me: Hello, may I speak with Jean? Jean: This is Jean. Me: This is (my name). I got your number from yelp and was wondering if you still do free phone consultation. Jean: No. (silence) Me: Oh. How much do you charge? Jean: $400 an hour. (silence) Me: Okay, thank you. Jean: ok (or bye, I forget) Can she be any more dismissive? Where is the compassionate, courteous Jean with effective communication skills I've read about in the reviews? I was so let down after our brief exchange (can't even consider it a conversation). Let me wallow in rejection for now... :( ------------------------------------------------------------- Update: I heard from Jean a few hours after I posted this review and all is well now. I appreciate her reaching out to me..... 4 stars for effort :) read more

We needed legal help with an unconventional real estate transaction. Jean came highly recommended to us and she was not only extremely experienced, but she was compassionate towards us as fellow human beings going through an unfortunate situation. We had consulted MANY other attorneys, but she was the only one who possessed both the expertise and guidance we needed in addition to the kindness we so desired. Jean was accessible and responsive, extremely knowledgeable and very realistic and up-front with our situation. Her confidence and expertise kept us grounded and calm during one of the most stressful situations we have encountered. Her recommendations and guidance showed that she always had our best interests in mind, and we never felt like we were "just another client." We will hands-down recommend her to anyone needing the legal services that she provides. Thank you, Jean!! read more

Jean helped us during a very stressful time with a difficult situation involving a tenant buyout agreement and the City of Berkeley, during the Covid pandemic. She was very knowledgable and experienced and honest. I have used two other real estate attorneys in the past during my 31 years as a very small time rental housing provider. While she is not inexpensive (and this is all relative . . . I make minimum wage working for a nonprofit), hiring her was well worth it and I would not hesitate to hire her again in the future or recommend her to my closest friend. Thank you Jean! read more

Jean Shrem has been very helpful every time I've called her. She has done presentations in my real estate office and has helped several of my clients with real estate issues. She is very knowledgeable and has a lot of resources and referrals she can give as well. I would highly recommend her if you have real estate questions or concerns. read more

Jean Shrem has been a fantastic lawyer, and I would highly recommend her when it comes to tenancy/property issues. We are in the process of purchasing property, and Jean has proven herself to be very knowedgeable and eager to help. We previously consulted a different lawyer, but we reached out to Jean after realizing we needed a second opinion. However, she was able to point out the issues with the other lawyer's approach and offered sound advice of her own. This gave us a much higher degree of confidence, and we ended up working with her as our primary lawyer instead. Very happy with her help on this. She is incredibly responsive and exactly what we needed while making this purchase. read more

I was referred to Jean by a respected real estate professional. I was very concerned about a new law and what action I should take. Jean answered every question with knowledge, professionalism and kindness. She put my mind at ease and was generous with her time. In any matter within her field of expertise, I wouldn't think of going to anyone else. read more

I called Jean Shrem needing help with a complex residential real estate issue. She called me back within a few hours (incredibly responsive for a busy attorney), and provided me with counseling based solely on our brief conversation (which takes an absolutely enormous amount of experience and knowledge). Jean is a keen listener, she is humble, and, most importantly, she is a great attorney. Highest recommendation! read more

Jean responded immediately to my phone call regarding a tenant issue, and after a brief conversation, answered all of my questions. She also advised me on other matters directly related to my issue that could arise, of which I was unaware. I've known and worked with Jean for many years and have found her to be incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, responsive, honest and personable. In my book, you can't do much better than that. Jean has my highest recommendation. read more

Jean Shrem is as good as a lawyer as you can get. I'd heard her lecture on Real Estate law before I ever sought her advice which is why I choose to ask for more of it. She knows her stuff! She is smart, yet warm and direct and able to help you evaluate what your options are without making you feel anxious. I mean there you are waist deep in a transaction that's beginning to feel a bit murky and you don't know whether to stay in or get out. Of course in the end it's always your decision but after spending time talking with Jean you leave feeling ready to make a decision knowing that she'll be there for you whatever decision you make. And I'd like to add that she's quick, she doesn't dwell where she doesn't need to like some lawyers do just to spend more time and more of your money. If I ever need more Real Estate advice I'll call Jean again and I'll certainly tell everyone I know about her. By the way, I am a Real Estate professional and I could have chosen to speak with any one of a number of lawyers, but I chose Jean ! read more

Jean Shrem recently helped me to better understand an irrevocable trust. I highly recommend working with her. She responses to your need very quickly, she is very knowledgeable and patient with your question. read more

A couple months back, I bought our first home in California - direct from owner - it was an 'as is' contract. I was way over my head with legal issues related to this sale. I sought out Jean and I am very grateful for her services and expertise. It was a long process and there were many events along the way where it was hard to see how to navigate to closing - Jean showed the way and came through at several particular pain points. She boiled down legalese and made it understandable, then gave great insights on how to proceed. Jean not only was a clutch player, but she also worked with me on a payment framework that helped all of this come together for both of us. She put in a lot of hours and even stayed late to meet when I could not get out of work early. This review is the least I can do. I strongly recommend Jean and will be hiring her again soon. read more

After reading all the other reviews I was shocked to find that she would not even speak to me without paying her a couple hundred dollars. This add states that she will give you a free 1/2 consultation and she does not honor this. She said that was back in 2009. Okay then remove it. She is the first person I have spoken too that will not talk about anything but her fee's. Many including lawyers have run my scenario over the phone at least. I am not looking for services for free but I am not going to pay the high fee she asks for what she says will take up to an hours time @ 400.00 an hour. I have never spoken to a lawyer that was SO unhelpful ! Again I am happy to pay for service but would at least like to know that the service I'm about to pay for is necessary. Ms Shrem is the only person who would not give me 5 minutes of phone time to see if the situation required legal services. And NO Ms. Shrem I am not not going through any extreme financial difficulties or a divorce. I would PAY a councilor for that ! I have since found someone in Walnut Creek who gave me enough info and I will definitely hire him if and when the need arises. He took 5 minutes to explain the difference between a recourse and non recourse loan. You might try being as kind the next time read more

(1) There was significant overbilling and very poor legal work composed by this firm (2) most of work from this firm had to be completely redone by other attorneys (3) when filing with the Court, their own bank checks bounced, resulting in embarrassing notes from the Court, delays, etc. (4) They gave document research help to the opposing counsel memorialized by emails (5) They billed for any email, even when they wrote back "I can't help with this." (6) They did not keep us updated on our case, requiring us to ask them in email what's going on, constituting more billable hours. (7) We had to obtain a substitution of counsel, and will have two litigation firms representing us to make up for the poor work. I do not recommend this firm at this time. read more

It should be 2.5 stars, but I do not feel like rounding up. We went to her with a landlord problem. Talked to her for an hour, at which point we find out she has been in contact with our landlord, who tried to seek some free legal advice from her. Despite this, she writes a letter on our behalf. Two hours total time she charges us. After the first meeting, we hear from Jean, who tells us she can no longer represent us, because of this prior contact. That and she sent the letter to both our landlord and her attorney. Not only that, our letter goes ignored. She did refer us to another lawyer, though. Who was more than happy to charge us more per hour than Ms. Shrem did, while he twiddled his thumbs. I ended up relieving him of his duties and resolving the issue on my own. Long story longer, $800 for an ignored letter and a referral. That would have led to another $1000 before anything got accomplished. Ms. Shrem gets half a rating for doing half the job. November 30, 2012 - Ms. Shrem has kindly offered a partial refund of her fees. She is a consummate professional, and genuinely cares about the well being of her clients. The circumstances of our situation were unfortunate, and that has a large impact on my rating. But I'd still recommend her for legal advice, just not necessarily renters' issues. read more

Jean recently advised us on some interesting landlord issues and we couldn't be happier with her and the results. She quickly understood the situation, clearly explained our options, coached us through some key decisions and then executed against a plan we all agreed upon. And -- because we had a little bit of a "hot issue" on our hands, Jean adapted her schedule to meet with us and wrote up our documents on the spot. She's an attorney with 10+ years of experience in complicated matters-- so you know she's going to be smart and capable. But we were surprised with her ability communicate very clearly to us (with our limited real estate knowledge), calm us down with her confidence and mix in just a touch of humor at the same time. When you meet with Jean, make sure you have had your coffee first. She thinks fast, talks fast and gets results fast. read more

I am a real estate professional who has worked with Jean directly and referred clients to her many times over the past decade. Jean knows her stuff and has helped me navigate contract disputes, tenant negotiations, disclosure issues and many other nuanced situations I have come across over the years. She is always responsive and goes out of her way to be helpful in deciding a plan of action. She is also just an enjoyable person to work with and be around. I wholeheartedly recommend contacting Jean for all of your real estate law matters. read more

Jean is a consummate professional. I have utilized her services for several matters over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, honest, competent, and kind. Jean is a straight-shooter who gets things done right. I highly recommend her. read more

I have had the pleasure of working with Jean Shrem for several years after she joined the real estate office I work for as a Broker Associate in 2002. Working closely with her during her real estate transactions, Jean has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism, knowledge of real estate-related matters (and the legal intricacies of such transactions), effective communication skills, and a strong dedication to her clients. I have a genuine high regard for Jean as an attorney and would not hesitate to refer people to Jean as I have used her legal advice successfully for my own purposes. Also, after a recent office meeting where transaction reviews were discussed, it was well noted that her rates are among the most competitive out there. read more

I found Jean on Yelp and thought I'd give her a call. I had an issue that was really stressing me out, and she helped me out tremendously over the phone! She was very courteous and listened as I explained my situation, and promptly gave me advice that helped put my mind at ease. If I ever need more help, she's the one I'm going to go to! read more

As a real estate professional I have consulted Jean many times on complex matters of real estate law. She has always been very knowledgeable, clear and thorough. I plan to continue to consult her as legal questions arise. I've sent several of my clients to her as well and they have been equally pleased. read more

As a real estate professional, it's super important to have great representation to refer your clients. Jean Shrem is the person to call for real estate lawyer representation. On several occasions, Jean has stepped in to help my clients ranging from non-realtor transactions, neighbor disputes, negotiations, and beyond. Every client I've referred to only raves about how responsive and how skilled she is with their situation. I couldn't recommend her enough. read more