Dana M. Douglas
Dana M. Douglas, Attorney at Law
11024 Balboa Boulevard
Suite 431
Granada Hills, CA 91344
Map
Phone: (818) 360-8295 | Fax: (818) 360-9852
Advice Based on Your Personal Needs
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I do Chapters 7 and 11 for individuals and small businesses, and I also represent and advise small business owners on a variety of operations issues.
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 11
Chapter 7
Collections & Repossessions
Credit Disputes
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 2002
Bar Number: 220053
Other Court Admissions
Superior Court, State of California; and Central District of the U.S. District Court.
Association Memberships
Board of Governors - Lawyers' Club of Los Angeles County; and Board of Trustees - Los Angeles County Bar Association, American Bar Association.
Continuing Education
As a member of the Board of Governors of the Lawyers' Club of Los Angeles County, I arrange and attend, and even occasionally conduct Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars on a variety of subjects that are attended by our members and other attorneys. I also belong to the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys' Association where we have monthly continuing legal education seminars exclusively related to bankruptcy practice.
Example Cases
A single-mom came to me because a creditor had sued her and, without her realizing it, gotten a judgment against her for a debt that wasn't even hers. I was able to get the judgment removed and the creditor paid all of her fees and court costs, so it cost her nothing.
Another single mom came to me because she was being evicted by her landlord. She had only been living in the apartment a short while, was not violating any rules and was current on her rent. She was willing to move but couldn't afford to. I was able to get the landlord to give her additional time rent-free to find a new place, pay her moving expenses and my fee also.
Education
University of LaVerne
Juris Doctorate
Woodland Hills
CA
2001
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We really listen to clients and craft reasonable solutions based upon their needs.
The firm was established in 2008 when I went out on my own after working over 20 years in legal services, both as an attorney and as a paralegal.
Previous Employment Summary
From 1988 to 2008, I was a founding member of a corporate legal department where I was responsible for managing litigation, advising field personnel and settling claims in 38 states. In the years before 1988, between kids, I was a consultant and venture plan writer in the entertainment industry. The net result of all this experience is that in addition to having studied the legal issues in a given situation, I know the business perspective as well as the consumer perspective.
Activities and Awards
I volunteer twice a month in the Domestic Violence Project of the Los Angeles County Bar Association where we work with low income women and men who are victims of domestic violence to obtain restraining orders against their abusers.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I welcome clients who have researched the area of law that pertains to their issue. We can discuss what they want to do and how they feel that will work for them. I also understand that not everyone has time to do their own research and I enjoy working with clients who do not have the time to research their claim and just want to know the bottom line on the possible outcomes that might occur.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Often, clients bring their documents to me for editing. I am happy to work with them in that way.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Limited representations, reviewing a client's documents or appearing on behalf of a client on issues they have documented by themselves, are a great way to save money and still have assistance at the point where you need it. I am always willing to assist a client in the manner that works for them.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
One of the reasons I became a lawyer is that people always seem to want to talk to me and ask advice about problems they encounter, and the only way to legally advise someone about their various options is to be a licensed attorney. Going to law school and passing the bar made it possible to properly help people with their legal issues.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Because I went to law school after I had been out in the working world for many years, I understand how situations develop and the perspectives of the parties on different sides of an issue. This makes it possible for me to look for practical and realistic solutions in addition to what may be possible from a legal perspective.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have worked around bankruptcy for a number of years both on the side of the consumer who is trying to save their home or get a fresh start and on the side of the creditor who wants to be paid. When I left the corporate environment to go out on my own it was only logical that this would be my first area of expertise.
What do you like best about your career?
I have had enjoyed great jobs in different industries, and now I get to meet and work with great people in a variety of situations. It's always interesting and I really enjoy helping others find solutions to their issues.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner so, at least for the present, all of my clients deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
I think the thing my clients most appreciate is that I am approachable and I really listen to their concerns. Because I learn what matters to them, I can look for solutions that will work and the client gets a sense of comfort and relief when I am on their side.
Personal Interests:
One of the things I really enjoy is walking -- whether I am in my home town or on vacation. There are so many more things that can be seen when I am walking than if I am in a car. I also enjoy working in my garden and then sitting back and enjoying how things look when I am finished.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Fax
(818) 360-9852
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Port Hueneme, CA
225 E. Surfside Dr.
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
(805) 986-0271
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
My standard fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1,500 -- this includes all areas of representation in regard to the bankruptcy -- no surprises! And I am willing to consider special issues.
Hourly Rates
$200.
Free Initial Consultation?
My initial consultation for Nolo customers is free.
Typical Retainer
My retainer is usually based upon the complexity of the issue and the minimum amount that it will cost to bring an issue to the first milestone.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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