I went to Michael Blacksburg because I was entangled in a capital improvement passthrough battle with Hill and Company.

I'd already lost a round at the Rent Board hearing but couldn't believe the ruling was somehow not mistaken. Michael sat down with me and my pile of papers and carefully listened - no fancy office or intimidating airs - then patiently explained how he didn't think there was much of a case on my side. He was also able to put the legal framework in a wider context, which helped make the situation more objectively true if not acceptably right.

Of course I didn't like his conclusion, but he was a great explainer and without a doubt compassionate - with some wisdom mixed in as well.

Thank you Michael!

Todd G., San Francisco, California

Whenever I have a landlord/tenant conflict, Michael is the one I call for clarity on the laws and sound advice. For example, when can a landlord legally withhold part of your security deposit? I wasn't sure -- until I called Michael.

Or, if a landlord verbally lets you out of a lease, but then changes his mind, is that legally enforceable? I wasn't sure -- until I called Michael.

I used to lose sleep over issues like these. Consulting with Michael gives me peace of mind, because I know exactly where I stand, and what to do next.

Trevor J., San Francisco, California

I am a tenant who contacted Michael for help dealing with my landlord. His advice was consistently focused on what was most important to me: avoiding unnecessary conflict.

His advice at our initial consultation was so good I didn't need to formally engage him as my lawyer.  Without his advice I would have found myself in a legal fight with my landlord and I would have been required to pay lawyers fees to defend myself.  

In following his advice I got everything I wanted.  But I was impressed by his commitment to ensure that I also got what I needed over generating fees or "proving" myself right at the expense of my sanctuary.  I recommend him every time I meet a fellow tenant who has issues with their landlord.

Satsarbat K., San Francisco, California

I contacted Michael and made an appointment with him to discuss the sale of the building in which I was a long-term tenant.  He was nothing short of fantastic. He was knowledgeable, had no attitude, and was extremely confident.  He didn't sugarcoat anything and he answered all of my questions.

It was one hour in a conference room face to face--not across a formal desk--and after an hour I was handed his card and told to give him a call if there were any problems.  

I came out of Michael's office knowing I selected the right attorney, and walked out a lot more confident knowing I will do what's right and if anything comes up, I have someone looking out for my back!  

He also has expertise in other areas of law and I would not hesitate to use him in whatever area of law I might need him!  He is that good!

Thank you, Michael!

Brian O., San Francisco, California

Michael Blacksburg is sharp as a tack. He has provided our company with invaluable legal support for years, from drafting solid partnership agreements to helping us with intellectual property rights and resolving legal disputes. Time and again, he has proven himself to be incredibly knowledgeable, prompt, dedicated and professional. We are always grateful for his council, and would recommend him to anyone. It feels good to have a lawyer you can count on.

Casey Jeppesen, Endornet, LLC

An attorney who is honest and has compassion and a sense of humor? Do they exist? I can tell he certainly does in Michael Blacksburg. Being a client with special needs Michael has been able to think of everything I would have not thought of and made sure my assets are protected for my family and friends. He brings to the table a sense of protecting you and your interests with efficiency and wit and honesty. A rare find and a lucky break for me.

Alan Pex, San Francisco, California

Count us as among Mr. Blacksburg's pleased and satisfied clients. We couldn't have been in better hands. On our first day as clients, Mr. Blacksburg gave us an easily understandable written guide spelling out our responsibilities in administering our specific trust. He took us through the list and answered all our questions in layman's language. This was instantly comforting. Not only could we follow what we were being told, but also we saw we were in empathetic and experienced hands.

Bernie Guild and Frank Swilling San Francisco

Michael's involvement as our attorney made an extraordinary difference in the trust preparation process; both simplifying the process for us and also by creating a highly customized trust in satisfaction of our many non-routine requirements. His follow-up and timely and exceptionally clear answers to our many detailed and varied questions convinced us that your efforts were perfectly aligned with and responsive to our personal objectives.

Dennis and Jan Boswell, Folsom, California

We had several business ideas, but lacked the knowledge or experience to best implement them. Michael Blacksburg helped us see through our confusion and hone the essence of what service we want to bring to our community. With his informed business guidance we were able to envision a basic workflow outline, and business models incorporating both non-profit and for for-profit corporate elements. Michael's assistance was superlative and essential in the process of creating our businesses.

Kirsten Finch, Davis, California

Thank you so much for your help. I received the check yesterday and it is so good to be finally done with this matter. What a year, and what a wild ride. As Rich and I returned to the city following our settlement conference, it felt as though we were returning home from a war.

I so appreciate your smarts, good counsel, kindness and humor. You are the man in our house for all matters legal, and we’ll be in touch.

Thanks again from Rich and me

Scott S. San Francisco, CA

Thank you so much for your help with the negotiations with the landlord.  You truly are a pro!  Everything worked out wonderfully well for Meghan and I, and I don't think we could have done it without you.  Bravo, Michael!

With much appreciation,

Shawn and Meghan, San Francisco, CA