About Steven D. Penrose

Steven D. Penrose is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, focusing his practice primarily in estate planning, estate and trust litigation, probate and trust administration, and business succession planning. Mr. Penrose has extensive experience assisting clients with the initiation and review of estate plans, including simple wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and complex estate tax planning. He has substantial experience representing executors, trustees, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries in a range of matters before the Superior Courts of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Counties. He is a skilled litigator with significant expertise in probate court matters, including estate, trust, financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, health care agent, and conservatorship disputes. Mr. Penrose also routinely handles the probate of estates as well as the non-probate post-mortem administration of living trusts. In the business succession planning arena, he has successfully assisted generations of families in planning for the successful transition of their closely held businesses and assets from older to younger generations. He has the knowledge and experience needed to provide business succession planning assistance to businesses and families in a range of industries.

Mr. Penrose has been practicing law for over forty years. Prior to co-founding Penrose Chun & Gorman LLP, he co-founded predecessor firm Atack & Penrose, LLP with Charlene Atack. Previously, he practiced with Bosso Williams in Santa Cruz, and with Lombardo & Gilles in the Monterey area for over 16 years. Mr. Penrose earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Santa Clara University.

Mr. Penrose is a member of the Monterey County Bar Association, the Santa Cruz County Bar Association, and the Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar of California. Mr. Penrose is also a member of the Dominican Hospital Foundation’s Professional Advisors Council. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Long Marine Lab, and former Chairman of the Planned Giving Committee for the National Steinbeck Center. Mr. Penrose is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Central Coast Continuing Professional Education Forum.

Certified Legal Specialist

• Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law

Attorney Experience

• Bosso Williams, APC

• Lombardo & Gilles, LLP

Memberships

• Trusts and Estates Section, State Bar of California

• Monterey County Bar Association

• Santa Cruz County Bar Association

• Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association

 

Awards

Reviews for Steven D. Penrose

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Overall Rating
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5 stars
88%
4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
13%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.5
Quality of Service
4.5
Responsiveness
4.5
Value for Money
4.5
Trusts and Estates
Posted by Gary
March 10, 2022
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

There should be a provision for a 6th star because that's what Mr. Steven Penrose deserves. The word that I think is most appropriate is stellar. I found that everyone at his law firm conducted themselves with the upmost knowledge, concern, professionalism and diligence concerning my case. I would never hesitate in recommending the Penrose Law Firm to anyone needing any legal work.

 
Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
April 08, 2021
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Hiring Steven Penrose has been an outstanding experience! Mr. Penrose is extremely professional and exceptional in accomplishing challenging issues that were asked of him. My sibling and I needed support that involved a very complicated trust and business that we inherited with no understanding of how to move forward. He is very patient in taking time to answer all our questions in detail and helped us fully understand what was needed to be completed in our behalf. We feel so grateful for his knowledge and support through these difficult times, and would highly recommend Steven and his incredible team to anyone in need of his expertise!

 
Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
April 07, 2021
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Frankly put, Steven Penrose is nothing less than a miracle worker! My sibling and I retained him nearly 3 years ago to rid us of the many Gordian knots that we had to contend with due to our father's highly complicated trust and estate. He's brilliant (always a step or two ahead of any possible concerns), a fierce advocate, unquestionably dedicated, thorough, patient and treats us with the utmost respect. His knowledgeable colleagues, paralegals and staff further add to the firm's overall standard of excellence. If you're looking for the best ... you've just found it.

 
Wills and Probate
Posted by anonymous
December 15, 2020
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Mr. Penrose and his team assisted my sister and I since 2017 until now (2020) as we fought to ensure that our Father's trust was handled honorably. He made sure that all "loose ends were tied" in order to enforce fiduciary responsibility by the executor. I appreciate his experience, hard work and dedication.

Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
July 08, 2013
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Steven Penrose orchestrated and executed a strategy to settle a difficult situation involving 5 lawyers, a trustee, a judge, a commercial broker and several owners. He maintained a singular focus to accomplish my goals as fast as possible. His billing hours were fair and justified. Steven was thorough, communicative and efficient throughout the one year period which could have been much longer. I highly recommend Steven and Atack & Penrose for legal help.

 
Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
May 08, 2009
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Steven was exceptional and complete in his research, professional representation and timely execution of his professional duties. We especially welcomed his open attitude about taking as much of the emotional burden off of us as possible. We firmly believe that because of his thoroughness and professional competence the lawsuit in which he represented us was brought to a speedy and successful conclusion. In addition, his revision of our family trust was thorough and timely. We are grateful!

 
Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
March 31, 2021
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

We retained Steven Penrose for a simple trust matter, but he proved himself to be incompetent, without the necessary skills to accomplish directives, and lacking in thoroughness. He attempted to represent two separate parties in a legal case, creating a conflict of interest that ultimately lead to him recusing himself from the case, but not before costing his clients an exorbitant amount of money. His clients were forced to pay new attorneys additional funds because of his ethical issues. A formal complaint has been filed with the CA State Bar against this attorney. We advise you to stay away from Steven Penrose. He is not to be trusted due to his unethical conduct.

 
Litigation
Posted by anonymous
April 06, 2012
Hired Attorney Steven D. Penrose

Services

Areas of Law

  • Trusts and Estates 2
    • Estate Planning
    • Powers of Attorney
  • Litigation 1
    • Civil Litigation
  • Other 9
    • Estate and Trust Litigation
    • Business Succession Planning
    • Probate Litigation
    • Estate and Gift Tax Planning
    • Estates and Trusts
    • Fiduciary Law
    • Advance Health Care Directives
    • Real Estate Law
    • Entity Formation

Practice Details

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1979, California
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Santa Clara University
    B.A.
    Legal Certifications
    Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1954
    California, 1954

Contact Steven D. Penrose

Partner at Penrose Chun & Gorman LLP
4.6
33 reviews

1200 Pacific Avenue, Suite 260Santa Cruz, CA 95060U.S.A.

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Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Steven D. Penrose was admitted in 1979 to the State of California.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, Steven D. Penrose has a professional profile on LinkedIn, facebook and Twitter.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Steven D. Penrose has a 4.5 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, Steven D. Penrose will accept American Express, MasterCard, Discover and Visa.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Steven D. Penrose attended University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.