Mark B. Chernev

Mark is a seasoned real estate attorney with over twenty years’ experience practicing law with over sixty jury trials under his belt. His love for the Bay Area has influenced his professional growth and success.

Mark’s extensive expertise focuses on San Francisco real estate litigation including property disputes, landlord-tenant law, purchase-sales transactions and planning and land use.

He obtained his law degree from Delaware Law School and began practicing as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware. His highlights included prosecuting homicides for over six years, working in the sex crimes unit for over three years and managing the Juvenile Trial Unit where he mentored freshly hired prosecutors.

After leaving the Attorney General’s office in 2009, Mark relocated to the West Coast and eventually joined the San Francisco law firm of Zacks & Freedman where he is now a partner and shareholder. While honing his skills in real estate law, Mark has represented a diverse range of clients including commercial and residential property owners, developers, agents, landlords and investors.

As a litigator, Mark has handled complex real estate disputes involving evictions, breaches of contract, fraud, property damage and construction defects. He has also provided guidance to commercial and residential landlords in landlord tenant law, lease negotiations and rent disputes. Additionally, Mark has assisted clients in buying and selling residential and commercial properties ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Mark is proud to call the Bay Area home. With his wife Nicole, he enjoys exploring the area's diverse neighborhoods, trying out new restaurants, shopping for records and attending cultural and sporting events. He is known to frequent Lake Tahoe when time and weather permit. Mark volunteers with property owner groups that focus on protecting and advancing owner and landlord interests including the Small Property Owner Association of San Francisco Institute and the San Francisco Apartment Association. He has made numerous presentations to real estate agencies including Compass and Coldwell Banker, advising agents and brokers on how to best represent their client’s interests in consideration of San Francisco and California’s complex real estate and landlord tenant laws.

In addition, Mark operates the website www.OwnerMoveIn.com where he apprises readers of the current rules and latest changes affecting owner move-in and relative move-in evictions in San Francisco.