Frequently Asked Questions

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Not only is it one's right to be able to educate and represent themselves, I believe that it is one's duty to educate themselves about the legal process they are involved in so as to assist themselves, the court and their attorneys, (should they retain one). If you don't understand the process, the required standard of proof, and the procedures that are going to be applied to you, then you are not going to be able to properly present your case. Through a variety of professional and non-profit groups, I continue to donate time to assist the public and in-pro-per clients in filling out court pleadings and forms, and to conduct training seminars on various legal issues. I am also regularly contacted by professionals servicing these self-represented clients seeking my advice and/or assistance.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

As a general rule, I have no problem with people retaining me as a consultant to review, edit, and critique documents that they have prepared. In today's world of the Internet containing almost unlimited information, forms and examples, I find it common for people to try and save money by self-drafting pleadings and documents. The issue then becomes one of trying to make sure the information and terminology that the person used is appropriate under California Law, and fits their specific needs and goals.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Depending on the circumstances and the knowledge, sophistication, and ability of the client, I am very willing to coach clients who want or need to represent themselves.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

The "short" answer is because my father used to tease me that I liked to argue so much that it was the only profession fit for me. In reality, I have always been an advocate. From early childhood, I was taught by my parents that it is one's duty to help others, and to fight against injustice. During college, I also learned that I seemed to have a natural affinity for the law, as legal principles and theories seemed both logical and easy for me to learn. This combination naturally led me to law school.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Until I graduated from college, I was always able to make more money with my physical labor in blue collar jobs. From the age of 16 on, I continuously worked physically demanding jobs such as ditch digger, bucking hay, construction, firewood cutter, handyman, etc. Then having to support my family, and still wanting to complete college and law school, I started hiring others to work for me. This led me to opening and operating both firewood and handyman businesses. These experiences have taught me both the value of hard work, and to value people for who they are, not by how educated or by what kind of work they do. I have repeatedly seen and experienced the old adage, "There but for the Grace of God go I." So no matter your circumstances, you will find that I and my staff are going to be supportive and compassionate, and truly focused on trying to help you through whatever legal issues you may be facing.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Statistics say that the majority of couples seeking divorces cite financial difficulties as one of the primary motivating factors. Through my Family Law practice, it quickly became apparent that divorcing couples having difficulty affording their single home lifestyle were almost guaranteed to face bankruptcy upon divorce, given the additional costs of two residences, two utility bills, etc. So many couples, primarily frustrated and angry at each other for financial issues, went through a divorce only to find that their financial circumstances worsened. So in order to better service my clients, and in an attempt to give couples a possible alternative to divorce, I started my bankruptcy practice. It then grew over the years to encompass all individuals, businesses and couples seeking Bankruptcy protection.

What do you like best about your career?

The smile and look of my clients at the end of a case when they tell me that they "Hope to never need my services again."

Tell us about your law firm:

For bankruptcy clients, they will primarily work with me and my legal assistant Dee. Dee's father was a local attorney here in Butte County and she brings a wealth of knowledge, customer service and dedication to all our bankruptcy clients. Both Dee and I will have ongoing personal contact with all bankruptcy clients through the final discharge of the bankruptcy proceedings.

What are your strengths and style?

For Bankruptcy clients, my main focus is making sure that they cause themselves no harm. Bankruptcy is a Federal proceeding where the FBI investigates any alleged fraud and the U.S. Attorney General prosecutes such crimes. These Federal authorities have made Bankruptcy Fraud a priority, and it is simply imperative that my clients are completely open and honest with me concerning both their finances and property interests so that I can adequately protect them. While many people are afraid of "losing property" and assets if they file bankruptcy, it is perfectly legal for me to work with such clients to do pre-Bankruptcy planning in order to protect the value of the property they own. I pride myself on doing excellent pre-bankruptcy planning, such that it is a very rare occurence when I am not able to come up with a legal plan to protect the value of ALL of my clients' property.

Personal Interests:

I was raised here in Northern California and am involved in a number of different local community groups and non-profit charities. I am an avid fisherman and hunter and am enjoying remodeling my 98-year-old home.