Business Formation or Asset Protection Lawyer Recommendations In Bay Area? (And CPA!)

[Eric Yu]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have a good recommendation for a real estate attorney (specializing in business formation and/or asset protection) and CPA in the Bay Area? Preferably in the Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek area? I've searched this forum but couldn't find much information on this. A Google search also didn't prove particularily promising.

I am taking over managing a group of student rental properties that my parents own and (very, very informally) operate in the Bay Area, California. All are personally owned with insurance, but no LLCs or other legal structure. I suppose this is a good problem to have, but the liability potential has me convinced I need to speak with a proper lawyer and CPA professional.

I have read through Garret Sutton's first book (Start Your Own Corporation). I understand the basics of legal entities and that his company, Corporate Direct, provides these business formation services and has their own CPA recommendations. I could go this route, but since this is California, I'm wondering if it's better to get more personalized help closer to home.

I'm also happy to consider non-Bay Area alternatives (with meetings done over Zoom) if anyone has a lawyer they particularly like.

Thank you for any advice and recommendations!